NETWORKING cabling consortiums , and telecoms including China Mobile , Facebook , MTN GlobalConnect , Orange , and Telecom Egypt - are involved with the ongoing construction of the 2Africa submarine cable . Stretching for 37,000km from southern Europe all the way around the African continent , 2Africa is the most comprehensive and ambitious cabling project to serve the MEA region in history .
Perry explains that the project will be instrumental in supporting the ongoing digital revolution across the continent . “ Currently , 39 % of Africa is connected to the internet , lagging behind the global average of 59 %. Growing this figure is important , with the UN Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development in 2019 estimating that a broadband expansion of 10 % would yield a 2.5 % increase in GDP per capita ,” he explains . “ We also need to ensure there is enough internet capacity to not only get people online but to help build a modern digital society that includes services that require a large amount of data transfer , such as cloud computing or video . This is crucial for people , local businesses and multinational companies looking to operate in Africa .”
The project , he continues , will mean drastically improved internet capacity , speed , and availability for businesses and consumers across Africa , underpinning the rollout of 4G and 5G networks , which in turn will have a positive impact on communities , improve sectors such as healthcare and education , and build a more inclusive global digital society . A core goal of the 2Africa project , Perry continues , is “ to ensure
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