Nextrabit Technology Solutions’ Post

Over the last couple of weeks, we have witnessed the emergence of Starlink in our Botswana market. We have seen local companies collaborate such as Sefalana & Paratus with the brand as distributors and this had me thinking of the impact of Starlink in our market. Expanding Internet Access to Underserved Areas Africa faces significant internet connectivity challenges, with many rural and remote areas lacking access to reliable internet due to the high costs of infrastructure like fiber optics or mobile networks. Starlink aims to address this gap by providing satellite-based internet, potentially bringing high-speed connections to regions that traditional ISPs struggle to serve. Competition for Local ISPs Local internet service providers (ISPs) that traditionally rely on mobile broadband, fiber optics, or wireless infrastructure may face stiff competition from Starlink. Starlink's low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites offer faster speeds and lower latency than traditional geostationary satellite internet providers, making it a more attractive option for customers, especially in areas where internet service is slow or unreliable. Impact on Pricing As Starlink becomes available, its pricing model may push existing ISPs to either improve their services or lower prices to remain competitive. However, Starlink's initial costs, including equipment fees, might be prohibitive for many users in some African countries, where affordability is a significant concern. Regulatory Challenges The introduction of Starlink also brings regulatory hurdles. Countries across Africa have varying internet regulations, and some governments may delay or restrict the service due to concerns over control, competition, or national security. This could affect how quickly Starlink becomes a viable option for consumers. Infrastructure Considerations Starlink's need for clear skies for satellite communication could limit its effectiveness in dense urban areas with interference from tall buildings, favoring rural or semi-urban settings. Traditional ISPs, which already have infrastructure in place, might retain an advantage in cities. 6. Potential for Partnerships Some African ISPs may look to collaborate with Starlink to expand their reach. This could lead to hybrid service models where ISPs use satellite internet to serve regions where extending physical infrastructure would be costly or impossible. Digital Economy and Connectivity Growth Starlink’s entry could also boost Africa’s digital economy, providing businesses and entrepreneurs in remote areas with the internet access needed to participate in global markets, access education, and improve healthcare through telemedicine. Starlink’s arrival in Africa will likely transform the region’s internet landscape by expanding access to underserved areas, pushing existing ISPs to innovate, and potentially lowering prices. However, regulatory challenges, pricing models, and infrastructure limitations will shape how this plays out.

Google, Starlink: Africa’s Internet Infrastructure Continues to Improve Google has announced a new fibre-optic cable project linking Africa and Australia, set to enhance connectivity and data transfer speeds between the continents. This cable project connects Google Cloud’s region in Johannesburg to Australia. This initiative is part of Google's stated effort to add connectivity routes and improve resilience. The cable, named Umoja, is expected to enable faster internet speeds, support economic growth, and facilitate digital inclusion. The project aligns with efforts by Starlink to provide high-speed internet across the continent, highlighting ongoing improvements in Africa's internet infrastructure. In 2021, Google Cloud partnered with SpaceX's Starlink to leverage their respective strengths in data and satellite technology to improve global internet coverage. This collaboration combines Google's expansive cloud infrastructure with Starlink's satellite network, aiming to deliver fast and reliable internet services, especially in remote and underserved areas like many regions in Africa. Starlink will install ground stations near existing Google Cloud regions to improve connectivity. Google's fibre-optic projects lay the groundwork by enhancing the terrestrial internet infrastructure, while Starlink's satellites provide coverage where traditional cables do not reach or are unreliable. This synergistic approach significantly improves Africa's internet infrastructure by providing a more comprehensive and resilient network. This ensures that even the most remote areas can access high-speed internet, bridging the digital divide that has long hampered development in these regions. Combining terrestrial and satellite technologies, Google and Starlink offer a robust solution to connectivity challenges, promoting digital inclusion and economic growth across Africa. More info: 👇 https://lnkd.in/d_6yAU_k

What are the government initiatives to improve internet infrastructure? The Government of Pakistan has launched several initiatives to improve internet infrastructure in the country. Some of these initiatives include: 1. Digital Pakistan Initiative: A comprehensive program aimed at digitizing various sectors, including education, healthcare, and governance, to improve internet infrastructure and increase digital literacy. 2. Universal Service Fund (USF): A fund established to promote the development of telecommunication services in rural and underserved areas, including internet infrastructure. 3. National Fiber Optic Backbone: A project aimed at establishing a high-speed fiber optic network across the country to improve internet speeds and connectivity. 4. Technology Parks: The government has established technology parks in various cities to promote the growth of technology and IT industries, which will also improve internet infrastructure. 5. Subsidies for Internet Service Providers: The government provides subsidies to internet service providers to encourage them to expand their services to rural and underserved areas. 6. Public-Private Partnerships: The government is collaborating with private sector companies to improve internet infrastructure through public-private partnerships. 7. Broadband for Sustainable Development: A policy aimed at promoting the use of broadband services to achieve sustainable development goals. 8. National Broadband Plan: A plan aimed at increasing broadband penetration and improving internet speeds across the country. 9. Rural Broadband Initiative: An initiative aimed at providing broadband services to rural areas, focusing on underserved communities. 10. Digital Literacy Programs: The government has launched various digital literacy programs to educate people about the benefits and usage of the internet. These initiatives aim to improve internet infrastructure, increase digital literacy, and promote the use of technology to drive economic growth and development in Pakistan.

Advancing Internet Connectivity in Liberia: Insights by Smithsonian Group Inc Introduction: Delving into alternative internet connectivity solutions for Liberia, based on Smithsonian Group Inc research. Offers valuable insights on historical context and costs for stakeholders invested in enhancing internet access. Main Case: Examining the Cable Consortium of Liberia (CCL), a pivotal telecommunications infrastructure case study established in 2010. The CCL facilitated the ACE cable system's landing, a significant milestone in Liberia's connectivity efforts, emphasizing collaboration's importance. Highlights: - Submarine cables like ACE crucially connect countries to the global internet. - Terrestrial fiber optic cables extend connectivity, addressing the digital divide and fostering economic growth. Conclusions: Proposes exploring terrestrial fiber optic cable solutions from neighboring countries as a sustainable alternative for Liberia's internet connectivity. Emphasizes leveraging existing infrastructure and partnerships for cost reduction and enhanced connectivity, promoting economic development and digital inclusion. Lessons Learned: 1. Public-private partnerships drive large-scale infrastructure projects, distributing costs and expertise. 2. Flexibility and contingency planning mitigate project delays and challenges. 3. Diversifying connectivity options enhances resilience and accessibility, laying groundwork for sustainable development. Advice on Next Steps: Recommends a thorough feasibility assessment of terrestrial fiber optic connections from neighboring countries, engaging regional partners, and prioritizing strategic investments to unlock Liberia's potential. Pros and Cons: Pros: - Terrestrial fiber optic cables offer cost-effective connectivity. - Enhances economic development and resilience. - Diversifies internet infrastructure for improved accessibility. Cons: - Requires coordination and regulatory compliance. - Challenges in funding and regulatory navigation. - Limited capacity compared to submarine cables. Disclaimer: Based on Smithsonian Group Inc research, provided for informational purposes. While efforts ensure accuracy, readers advised to conduct due diligence and seek professional consultation before decisions.

Google's New Undersea Cable Project Linking South Africa & Australia Google is undertaking a bold initiative to create a terrestrial fibre path from Kenya, which has excellent subsea connectivity, through a swathe of central African countries suffering from poor telecom infrastructure. These countries include Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. From South Africa a high fibre count subsea cable will be laid directly to Perth, Australia. This is an arduous undertaking because many of these countries are frankly chaotic and in poor condition. Zimbabwe underwent a period of hyperinflation from which it has not recovered, there is civil strife in the Congo, and wars between many countries in the region related to the Tutu/Hutu conflict. The terrestrial build requires a huge number of permits and the fibre could be severed by any government sufficiently incensed at its neighbors. The new project offers the global telecom ecosystem a lot of benefits. If Red Sea cables are down like the Mighty AAE1 or SWM5 or the upcoming SWM6, traffic could be rerouted from Singapore to Perth and from there via the Subco cable to Oman or via the Google cable directly to South Africa and then up the coast to the Old World (Europe). My guess is that this will be another spatial division multiplexing cable with 16 fibre pairs sounding like the right number. Like most Google press releases, the project gives the big picture, but is remarkably slim on details. Now a project of this scope and size requires a lot of work and coordination. It was clearly in motion prior to the Ivory Coast cable outages and the more recent ones near South Africa. Do these ubiquitous Google initiatives simply reflect organic traffic growth? I don't think so. Google has fallen behind in cloud computing. Amazon has 33% of the global market with Microsoft Azure at 23%, and Google Cloud 10% as of 3Q2023. So what Google is doing is marking its territory. It sees Asia and Africa as major markets where it can be the leader unlike North America and Europe where Amazon and Microsoft dominate and are the incumbents. Taking market share from established players is hard and customer acquisition costs are high. It is much easier to simply capture an entire market by being the first supplier and enjoying a temporary monopoly. Google is building vastly superior wide area infrastructure that will give it a huge performance edge as well as data center deployment lead over Amazon and Microsoft. These large investments have been complemented by large scale cooperation with African governments, particularly in Kenya and South Africa. Plus almost billion USD in grants for training and joint projects. And joint ventures with a number of Kenyan institutions. #google #telecominfrastructure #africa #digital #subseacables #cloud #competition.

Philippines Enhances ICT Index Ranking Yet Remains Behind Globally #Globe Telecom acknowledges the Philippines’ progress in the recent ICT Development Index by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and advocates for increased cooperation to eliminate connectivity obstacles. Despite this progress, the Philippines still falls short of the global average, trailing its Southeast Asian counterparts.   The 2024 ITU index, published by the UN’s specialized agency, gave the Philippines a score of 74.4, marking a 14% improvement from the previous year. However, this score is still below the global average of 74.8 and significantly lower than Southeast Asian nations such as Singapore (97.8), Malaysia (95.0), and Thailand (91.0). The Philippines’ score ranks it among the bottom five in the region, only surpassing Cambodia (72.6), Laos (65.3), Myanmar (63.8), and Timor-Leste (39.2). Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO, expressed optimism about the potential for further improvement in the global ICT Development Index. He emphasized the need for all stakeholders, including industry players and the government, to collaborate more closely to address the persistent gaps in the country’s connectivity infrastructure. Cu stressed that the private sector has invested billions in ICT development, but it cannot achieve the desired results alone. Overcoming the barriers requires strong collaboration among the industry, government, and other stakeholders. Investing More in ICT Cu reiterated the need for more significant investments in digital infrastructure. The private sector has invested a combined PHP 640 billion over three years (2021-2023) to enhance the country’s connectivity infrastructure quality. Globe alone has invested Php 265 billion in capital expenditure and Php 236 billion in operational expenses over the past three years to improve its network capabilities. In contrast, the Department of Information and Communications Technology has only invested Php 7.6 billion in internet infrastructure from 2018 to 2024. The Private Sector Advisory Council, initiated by Malacañang, has urged the government to allocate at least Php 240 billion to enhance internet infrastructure and collaborate with the private sector to construct 35,000 new cell sites nationwide. The Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF), led by Cu under the PSAC, is also collaborating with the DICT to deploy connectivity infrastructure in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). Globe’s network currently extends to over 500 GIDAs. Policy Reform Globe has also reiterated its call for policy reform to enable connectivity to thrive. These reforms include providing space for telco infrastructure in housing developments and eliminating lease fees for telco infrastructure in buildings and developments through amendments to the outdated National Building Code (1977). Bills seeking this reform are still pending in Congress. Cu stated that telc...

In agreement, the stakeholders identified power shortages, high energy costs, and limited access to renewable energy sources as major obstacles for data centers and other telecom operations. They also believe that the lack of a robust middle-mile infrastructure was preventing the efficient distribution of data traffic across the continent. Yele Okeremi, DBA, the conference Chairperson, echoed these sentiments when he said: “Africa’s vast population and immense potential are overshadowed by its digital infrastructure deficit. Despite our efforts, we still lag far behind other regions regarding data center capacity and fiber connectivity.” https://lnkd.in/dng9f5Pk If you find our news and analysis valuable, please take a moment to follow Africa Hyperscalers Media now and stay ahead with the latest updates on Africa's digital infrastructure! #DataCenter #Hyperscalers #DigitalInfrastructure #Infrastructure #AfricaHyperscalers

Ministry strives to open doors through connectivity: Progress on Namibia’s broadband infrastructure is not just about technology, but also boosts socio-economic development. Minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus says broadband connectivity opens doors in various areas, such as the education, healthcare, e-commerce and governance sectors. She said this at a high-level engagement on Namibia’s digital transformation journey in Windhoek on Tuesday. The aim of the meeting was to coordinate the government’s digital transformation efforts. “Namibia has set itself the ambitious goal to provide broadband speeds of at least two megabytes per second (2Mbps) to 95% of the population by 2024 to enhance its digital infrastructure and to empower marginalised citizens in a rapidly evolving digital world. “Therefore it is necessary that we are committed to better coordinate and pool our resources for joint projects, to ensure no community is left behind in the digital era,” Theofelus said. Namibias’ digital inclusion objective is spearheaded by the national broadband policy and its implementation action plan, which was launched in February 2020 to bridge the digital divide, particularly for marginalised communities. The national broadband policy is the cornerstone of the government’s strategy. About 66% of Namibians and about 72% of the African continent do not have access to mobile internet. Priority projects for the ministry range from connecting schools, rolling out digital and AI literacy programmes and building digital industries. “Namibia is committed to not only enhancing its digital infrastructure, but also to empowering people in a rapidly evolving digital world. “We all know this digital gap is more pronounced in remote and rural areas, where access to modern communication technology is limited. These are the areas where we need to work on together to make a difference,” the minister said. She said the ministry is also hard at work developing a national digital strategy to unlock various opportunities and fast-track Namibia’s digital transformation. The strategy will guide the nation in leveraging digital technologies for sustainable development, economic growth and social progress, Theofelus said. The government has been taking steps to establish network towers in less commercially viable areas since 2022. Progress has also been made on increasing 3G and LTE infrastructure, with 3G covering 89% and LTE 79% of the population. The expansion showed an 8,5% increase in mobile broadband subscribers. The post Ministry strives to open doors through connectivity appeared first on The Namibian.

PowerCom connects Mupini village: Niël Terblanché PowerCom held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new telecommunications tower in Mupini village in the Kavango West region on Thursday. Emma Theofelus, Namibia’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, who inaugurated the tower, explained the project’s significance for the region and the nation. “This tower represents far more than just the construction of a physical structure; it is a giant leap forward in Namibia’s digital journey, opening up a world of opportunity for the people of Rundu and the Kavango Region,” she said. Theofelus stressed the ministry’s commitment to transforming Namibia into a digitally inclusive nation. Initiatives such as the “Smart Namibia” strategy and the “Access for All” program aim to enhance service delivery, drive economic growth, and ensure that all citizens can participate in the digital age. These programs focus on expanding broadband connectivity, especially in underserved rural areas like Kavango West. She said the potential benefits include improved access to real-time market information for farmers, enhanced educational resources for students, and advanced healthcare services through reliable internet connections. Theofelus also acknowledged the collaborative spirit that made this project possible, involving the Government of the Republic of Namibia, PowerCom, and the local community. “This partnership is crucial as we strive to build a truly connected Namibia, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age,” she said. According to the minister, the groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of construction in Mupini and Tondoro, Rundu Extention 3, and Kangongo, further expanding connectivity in the region. She reiterated that the government is committed to developing the Kavango West region and ensuring advanced internet access nationwide, as highlighted by the recent launch of 5G technology. PowerCom’s CEO, Beatus Amadhila, said the company’s dedication to improving Namibia’s telecommunications infrastructure. He said that the construction of new towers in Mupini, Kangongo, and Tondoro is part of a broader strategy to expand telecommunication infrastructure across the country. “These towers are not isolated projects; they are part of a comprehensive plan to ensure equitable access for all citizens,” Amadhila said. PowerCom has been actively working to improve connectivity nationwide. In June 2022, they commissioned a new network tower in Okahandja, significantly improving telecommunications services. Similar projects in Windhoek’s Goreangab area and four other regions underscore PowerCom’s ongoing efforts to reduce the digital divide and promote connectivity. Amadhila said that the new tower in Mupini will strengthen Namibia’s national telecommunication backbone, contributing significantly to the national development goals outlined in the…

CHALLENGES THAT SLOW INTERNET PROGRESS IN THE DRCONGO🇨🇩 1. 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞:The DRC's infrastructure is underdeveloped, with limited access to electricity, roads, and telecommunications networks, making it difficult to establish and maintain connectivity. 2. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:Internet penetration in the DRC is low, with only around 8% of the population having access to the internet, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). 3. 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭:The cost of internet access and devices is high, making it unaffordable for many individuals and businesses. 4. 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐲: The DRC's vast size and terrain, including dense forests and rugged terrain, make it difficult to establish and maintain connectivity infrastructure. 5. 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: The DRC has experienced periods of instability and conflict, which can damage or destroy connectivity infrastructure. 6. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:The regulatory environment in the DRC can be complex and unpredictable, which can discourage investment in connectivity infrastructure. 7. 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲:Many people in the DRC lack the skills and knowledge to effectively use digital technologies, which can limit the demand for connectivity. 8. 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬:The DRC has over 450 languages, which can create challenges for developing digital content and services that are accessible to all. 9. 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: Frequent power outages can disrupt connectivity and make it difficult to maintain online services. 10. 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥-𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞: There is a significant divide between urban and rural areas in terms of connectivity, with rural areas often having limited or no access to digital technologies. 11. 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞: Mobile network coverage is limited in many areas, particularly in rural regions. 12. 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞:The quality of internet service can be poor, with slow speeds and frequent outages. 13. 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭:There is a lack of local digital content, which can limit the relevance and usefulness of digital technologies for many people. 14. 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭:The government's support for digital development and connectivity initiatives can be limited, which can hinder progress. 15. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:Private sector investment in connectivity infrastructure and services can be limited, which can slow down the development of the digital economy. Addressing these barriers will require a concerted effort from the government, private sector, and civil society to develop and implement policies, programs, and initiatives that promote digital inclusion and connectivity in the DRC. #LastMileConnectivity #Internet #ConnectingTheUnconnected