Many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa see broadband ICT as an
essential part of their long-term economic development strategy.
Backbone networks are the high-capacity networks that lie at the heart
of communications systems and allow the delivery of the high volumes of
data needed for broadband. What high-capacity backbone networks that do
exist in the region are typically limited to major urban areas and some
inter-city routes. Competition between backbone networks is
underdeveloped so the price of services remains high and quality is
often poor.
This pattern of network development is the result of high costs and
regulatory restrictions on network development. Where countries have
fully liberalized their telecommunications markets and promoted
infrastructure competition, prices have fallen and quality improved.
Backbone network policy should focus on promoting competition, reducing
the cost of network construction and encouraging network development
into currently underserved areas. Competition can be promoted by
removing regulatory restrictions such as limits on the number of
licenses and constraints on type of infrastructure and services that
licensees can offer. The cost of backbone network development can be
reduced by utilizing energy and transport infrastructure and reducing
legal costs such as obtaining planning permission.
Stimulating backbone network development beyond major urban areas
can be achieved through establishing public-private partnerships to
encourage operators to build networks into currently underserved
areas.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Backbone Networks in Sub-Saharan Africa
The Role of Backbone Networks • Backbone Network Coverage in
Sub-Saharan Africa • Understanding the Dynamics of Backbone
Networks
3. Backbone Policies for Sub-Saharan Africa
Create an Enabling Environment for Infrastructure Competition •
Stimulate Rollout in Underserved Areas • Implement Backbone
Policy • Assess the Costs and Benefits of Support to the
Development of Backbone Networks • Determine the Institutional
Implications of Backbone Network Policy Recommendations
4. Conclusion: Beyond the Backbone
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