According to SEACOM, increased pirate activity off the east coast of Africa has caused it to shift back the planned launch date of the cable.

Brian Herlihy, SEACOM CEO, says: \"Due to sensitivities around piracy issues, their impact on the project timeline was only fully established recently and whilst I am personally truly disappointed by the delay, it was imperative that strong measures be put in place to guarantee the successful completion of the cable system and the safety of the ship and its crews.”

Originally scheduled for launch on 27 June 2009, SEACOM has rescheduled the launch of the cable for 23 July 2009.