The availability of high-speed internet service throughout parts of rural Africa seems to be scarce.  Satellite Internet is not as readily available in countries throughout Africa as it is in other places throughout the world.  This is largely due to the fact that Africa is fragmented into many small national markets and has a minimal economy of scale.  Low income levels also factor in to the harsh market conditions.  Since there is not an expansive market in Africa, and the market that is there is so spread out that the satellite solutions that are available are often several times more expensive than even the services throughout Europe in North America.  This obviously does not sit well with the extremely low-income population.  However, it seems that relief may be on the way through the utilization of new satellite technology. 

According to the IDRC Pan-Africa Satellite Survey systems using the new high-power satellite over Africa are enabling Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) to be utilized for under $2,000 with monthly charges as low as $150.  By using satellites that are capable of broadcasting signal to the entire country and not just certain segments VSAT prices could reduce to $750 and monthly service charges under $100.  These rates are much closer to that offered in North America and throughout Europe.  With a little help from government subsidizing, countries throughout Africa could enable their rural citizens to have access to high-speed internet that would have been next to impossible before.  Given that so many families throughout Africa are low income; until these government subsidies are in place the most likely target for these new advances will be small to large businesses, educational institutions, and public access points such as cyber cafes.  As a matter of fact, a company called MenaNet has launched the first chain of internet cafes in Egypt.  The cafes are stocked with 10 computers that are ready to surf the web at a charge of the equivalent of $2.38 per hour.  The company also offers other pre-paid packages that allow for a cheaper rate.

Related posts will be displayed when relevant.

Tags: Rural Broadband Internet, rural satellite interent service, satellite broadband service

This entry was posted on Monday, August 23rd, 2010 at 4:00 am and is filed under satellite internet. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.