Over the past few years, internet availability has become a way to measure a country’s Tech-Sector’s development. And a yardstick for measuring a country’s economic development.
We require the internet for a plethora of economic activities, one of which is carrying out daily business transactions.
From basic business transactions through online banking to more technical aspects of running a business, a fast internet connection gives each business an edge over its competitors hence, its importance in business growth.
Fast internet has over the years, become a key factor in determining how well a country is developing. Circulation of data is as important now as circulation of money to Africa’s economic development. The need for Internet speed is critical.
In a 2021 report from Speedtest Global Index (owned by Ookla, a US-based internet analytics company), a list of countries in Africa that are leading in terms of internet speed was published.
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And according to the report, the global average for internet download speed is 53.38 Mbps(megabits per second).
Best Internet Speed In Africa
Rank Country Average Mbps
1. South Africa 19.94
2. Madagascar 16.28
3. Republic of the Congo 12.07
4. Seychelles 12.04
5. Kenya 11.27
6. Burkina Faso 10.73
7. Morocco 10.33
8. Cote D’Ivoire 9.54
9. Ghana 9.23
10. Nigeria 8.68
Factors Affecting Internet Speed In Africa
The Connection Speed in Mobile Networks
This depends on the network technologies available in the area and the features of the
-
- user’s terminal device:
- 4G network enables a high-speed connection in suitable circumstances
- 3G network can be used in a wider area but the maximum speed is lower
- GSM network is the most extensive network but the data transfer speeds are very limited.
The Connection Speed in Fixed Network
In fixed networks, the main factor affecting broadband speed is the technology used for data transfer. Fiber-optic and cable networks enable high-speed connections, whereas traditional xDSL connections provided over a telephone network have limited maximum transfer speeds.
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Also, the speed of the internet connection depends on the distance between the terminal device and the network centralizer. Distance from the operator’s broadband centralizer affects the speed of the internet connection.
Conclusion
Africa’s best network providers deliver at a speedway below 53.38 Mbps. This amplifies the need for Network providers in Africa to rise up to the task and deliver world-class internet service to all the countries in Africa where they operate.