Networks

Oct 16, 2024

Mapping African Network Geography at AfPIF 2024 [Presentation Download]

Another year, another African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) keynote presentation for Senior Research Manager Patrick Christian.

His 2024 African Network Geography Update explored global network trends, as well as African bandwidth trends, interconnection hub trends, and end-user demand. There was a special focus on Kinshasa, where this year’s AfPIF conference was held.

What are the best-connected hubs in Africa? Where are new and planned submarine cables landing? Is intra-African bandwidth gaining traction?

Oct 8, 2024

IP Transit Price Erosion: Significant Regional Differences Remain

Trends in the IP transit market generally follow regional trends of the transport market.

And while some have suggested that price erosion may slow as a result of recent inflation and supply chain constraints (as it has in the wavelength market), we have not seen this trend make its way into the IP transit market.

Oct 1, 2024

International Internet Bandwidth to Africa Nearly Quadrupled 2020-2024

Global internet bandwidth rose by 22% in 2024, continuing its slow but steady decline over the past few years. Total international bandwidth now stands at 1,479 Tbps, representing a four-year CAGR of 25%.

Clearly, the pace of growth has been slowing recently. However, it varies across regions.

New IP Networks research tells us that Africa has once again experienced the most rapid growth of international internet bandwidth, growing at a compound annual rate of 41% between 2020 and 2024.

Sep 26, 2024

Once a Builder of the Internet, Now an Adviser to Future Builders

Sylvie LaPerrière, one of TeleGeography's esteemed partners, is a known tech leader in the digital infrastructure community.

You might specifically know of her work as a team lead for Google's subsea cable Equiano along the Western Coast of Africa. Or perhaps you know her as a renowned internet governance advocate and interconnection strategist. 

We're so glad to welcome her decades of expertise to TeleGeography's Preferred Partners program. (This network of telecom professionals is like a telecom A-team ready to apply TG data to new and unique research projects. We're thrilled to take on new opportunities with them.)

Sylvie was kind enough to speak with our team about her take on the industry, advocating for women in telecom, and setting up her own consulting shop. Read our conversation below.

Sep 5, 2024

Hey, Who’s Using the Bandwidth?

To many people, the concepts of global network infrastructure and bandwidth markets are difficult to grasp. But to those who follow this sector, it's one of the most fundamental building blocks of the global economy.

You’ve likely heard that worldwide bandwidth demand is steadily increasing. A natural follow-up question: why? Who’s generating all of this demand?

Aug 12, 2024

Business Broadband in Africa: Notes From My Summer as a Research Intern

As our summer internship session winds down, TeleGeography welcomes summer pricing intern Zar Adisuryo to the blog! Zar just graduated from Georgetown University with a master's in communication, culture, and technology here in Washington, DC. 

We had the best time with her intern class in the office; our interns are an asset as we compile large, data-intensive research projects throughout the summer. Today, Zar shares what she's learned about broadband in Africa while on the job.

We'll pass the baton to Zar to tell you the rest. ⬇️

Jun 27, 2024

A (Refreshed) List of Content Providers' Submarine Cable Holdings

We've posted submarine cables owned by content providers for nearly a decade. When we first published this list in 2017, we had 20 cables listed. Fast-forward to today, and our list has grown to over 60—a sizable markup.

Jun 11, 2024

Mike Constable Considers Infrastructure from Every Angle

Mike Constable has logged many hours in digital infrastructure.

He's the mind behind Infra-Analytics Pte Ltd, a strategic consulting and advisory firm. His experience boasts time spent time in leadership and strategic roles, commercial, technical, and project management positions on both the supply and investment side.

May 28, 2024

Why Does Diversity Matter for Submarine Cables?

Last week, I joined Ciena’s Brian Lavallée and Colt’s Laurent Taieb for a live webinar all about submarine cable route diversity and sustainability.

For my part, I covered why diversity matters for submarine cables—a very timely topic in light of recent events around the world.

May 21, 2024

Starlink Expanding in Africa

Starlink, the satellite broadband provider operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is growing its presence in Africa.

As of May 2024, Starlink’s services are live in eight African countries, with more launches planned for the coming months.