Niger Boosts Internet Access with Satellite Broadband
Niger, a country in West Africa with limited internet access, is turning to satellite broadband to bridge the digital divide in rural areas. With less than a third of the territory having internet access, the government has granted a five-year contract to Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide high-speed internet across the country.
The move is seen as essential for economic development, as internet access is crucial for services like banks, hospitals, schools, and the energy and farming sectors. The deal with Starlink is expected to provide internet access to most of the country’s vast and remote desert terrain.
In a country where nearly half the population lives on less than a dollar a day, the cost of equipment for satellite internet access can be high. Illegal operations have also sprung up to provide access for those who cannot afford the equipment.
Despite some resistance from existing telecommunication operators, the enthusiasm for satellite broadband is high in remote areas where traditional internet services are lacking. Villagers in rural areas are already benefiting from the new access, with one resident expressing relief that they no longer have to climb hills to get a signal.
Overall, the move towards satellite broadband is seen as a positive step towards improving connectivity and fostering economic growth in Niger.
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