Africa is poorest in internet access

  1. Posted on Sunday 8 February 2009 - 06:18
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    Jack Shaka, AfricaNews reporter in Nairobi, Kenya
    Africa still has the lowest internet access in the world according to a study commissioned by Ernst&Young. The study was dubbed "Africa Connected: Telecommunication growth story."
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    The report noted that many people in Africa are living in rural areas, where there is no access to the internet due to cost among others. It said that the penetration rate in Africa is at 5.4%. This AfricaNews reporter said it is a source of worry in this digital age. “Hopefully all this will be a thing of the past as the fibre optic cable finds it route around Africa,” our reporter added.

    The study said: “Most countries in the eastern region of the continent are completely dependent on satellite as a back haul mechanism as is almost every landlocked country. It is this dependence that has stimulated the participation of operators and governments in the laying of submarine cable systems.”

    The study which was commissioned towards the end of 2008 puts into focus the high cost of bandwidth in most African countries. This in the end makes it harder for the masses to access it.

    In Kenyan schools, internet has enjoyed phenomenal growth. Schools are now offering computer studies as an examinable subject by the Kenya National Examinations Council.

    Cyber cafes especially at the rural areas run on low connection.

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