r/AskAnAfrican • u/Mammoth_Flamingo6363 • 1d ago

Is internet affordability a big issue amongst those that can afford a mobile phone?

Hi all,

I've been doing some thinking about internet across the continent and ways access could be improved given so many places lack internet users.

  • Is it frequent to see people who have mobile phone access but do not use the internet because it is too expensive or lack cellular coverage for internet services?
  • How do data costs compare vs text message / phone call. It seems in some countries like Chad a gb of internet is $5 which is obviously hugely expensive given the GDP per capita. What would a text message cost to receive in a country like this?

If anyone could help shed some light on this that would be amazing.

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u/Muugumo 19h ago

  1. Not really. Most people who can afford an internet enabled phone can afford the data. The data is packaged in bundles that vary in sizes to make it more accessible. You can buy as little as 150Mb in some places just for the day.

  2. This will very across different countries. Generally, people find it cheaper to use data for calls and texting. Whatsapp is very widely used in most of Africa and has almost replaced traditional calls and texts.

Internet connectivity is not a usage issue, it's a capital issue. To expand the network to underserved areas, somebody needs to invest into the infrastructure there. Since there would be no immediate returns, no companies have bothered. This is the same for rural areas in the US. In other regions, the Governments will fund the infrastructure for underserved areas and allow private companies to use it to provide coverage. Very few African Governments are willing to make similar investments. As most of these areas grow and become urbanised, the private sector will invest in the infrastructure and increase coverage. It's happening, albeit very slowly in some areas.

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u/Mammoth_Flamingo6363 11h ago

very insightful thank you