This links a little with what I mentioned previously in the post on Education. Africa (and other developing countries) are way behind in terms of access to Information and Technology than the developed world. (The so-called “digital divide”). I recently read on slashdot that Japan is currently installing a 1Gbps Fibre to the home network. This is exactly ONE THOUSAND TIMES as fast as my current internet connection (3G) and probably will be cheaper as well.
So what’s the awesome news? Well some people have gotten together (you might recognize the name Google) to bring cheaper and faster internet to Africa by 2010
Wow… how cool is that. Satellite really seems to be the right solution (for now) for the continent of Africa with its major telecommunications (and other) infrastructure problems. The other awesome thing about this initiative is that its commercially funded and supported. Which means that other worthwhile projects do not need to be sidelined for this.
I have to admit though it’s not just the side of me that’s interested in Development in Africa that is excited. The side of me that wants cheap internet is essentially bouncing of the walls too 
