Connectivity targets for 2030
The ITU released the Global Connectivity Report in early June 2022. The report lays out the connectivity targets for 2030. The report includes the usual internet penetration targets, but it also lays speed targets for fixed broadband and for schools. For schools, the minimum download speed per student is 50 kbit/s. The minimum speed for fixed broadband is 10 Mbit/s.
| Indicator | Target | Current situation |
|---|---|---|
| Internet users (15 and above) | 100% | 63% |
| Schools connected to the Internet | 100% | 40% primary |
| 51% lower secondary | ||
| 66% upper secondary | ||
| Fixed broadband speed > 10 Mbit/s | 100% | 91% |
| Schools minimum download speed (Mbit/s per school) | 20 | Unknown |
| Schools minimum download speed per student (kbit/s per student) | 50 | |
| School minimum data allowance (GB) | 200 | |
| Source: ITU Global Connectivity Report, page 20 | ||
These are ambitious targets because the majority of people and schools that are not connected will be in difficult to reach places. Two notable business opportunities are from Starlink and Intelsat. Starlink is planning on launching in Mozambique and Nigeria in the 3rd quarter of this year. Intelsat has launched Intelsat CellBackhaul in the DRC. The service provides backhaul services to remote places using a combination of terrestrial and satellite services. Intelsat manages all the ground and satellite infrastructure providing a single point of contact and price for MNOs. There are plenty of failed business models for remote connectivity, so we’ll watch closely as these business launch and hopefully gain traction.
Other news from around Africa
- Kenya’s ICT Practitioner Bill rejected: President Kenyatta has refused to sign the ICT Practitioners Bill that would have required all people working in the ICT sector to have a university degree, have at least three years’ experience and pay an annual fee.
- Namibia’s first carrier-neutral data centre: Paratus has launched Namibia’s first carrier-neutral data centre, providing connections to multiple carriers and therefore greater resilience.
- Amazon in Africa: There are rumours that Amazon is planning to launch in Nigeria and South Africa in June 2023.
- Cell C in South Africa: Though Cell C operates 50% of its network virtually (i.e., using other operator’s infrastructure), it is planning on launching 5G using spectrum it purchased for USD18.2 million. However, these plans may not come to fruition unless a debt deal is finalized to recapitalize the company.
- Namibia’s 5G moratorium: MTC has called on the Namibian government to end its moratorium on 5G. Blanket moratorium’s like this are truly bizarre.