Wi-Fi Hotspots for the Disadvantaged in Africa
International tech giant Google is making massive investments into Africa and two of the continent’s biggest economies are getting a substantial share of these investments. One of its most remarkable new ventures is the rollout of Wi-Fi hotspots available free of charge to disadvantaged communities in developing countries. The project was first launched in Nigeria and has since been officially announced at the very first Google for South Africa event which took place in November 2019 in Johannesburg. At the event, Google also made other announcements and updates about various innovations and investments in internet infrastructure, education and technology startup sectors.
Focused on Nigeria and South Africa
After rolling out Google Station Wi-Fi hotspots in Nigeria in West Africa, 125 Google Stations were rolled out throughout the Cape Flats and other disadvantaged township areas in the South African Cape Province including Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Elsies River, Philippi and Langa. To boost connectivity and affordability, Google rolled out Equiano, a brand new high-speed undersea cable which will run from Lisbon in Portugal all the way down the African West coast to Cape Town. On the way to South Africa, the cable will branch out to Nigeria and will eventually link to other countries.
An Ongoing Investment Drive
Speaking at the launch event, Nitin Gajria, Google’s Africa director, said that the concept was first piloted by Google in India in 2015 and was since implemented in other developing countries like Mexico and Brazil. According to Gajria, it is hoped that by gaining access to the internet and the information, underserved communities with high crime rates and unemployment will have better opportunities for learning and development. Ultimately, Google’s investment will help these underprivileged people to live more empowered lives.
Really great article. Learned a lot about google. Thanks for the share
that’s pretty good news.
Google is expanding it’s business throughout the world. It’s good to see that they have gone to Africa.
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Superb website you have here but I was curious if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article? I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get advice from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Cheers!
Very old school with the forums 🙂
Here’s a list of 10 best financial communities online for your consideration:
https://techbullion.com/10-popular-online-finance-forums-finance-discussions/
So cool! Google really is paving the path to the future.
Big tech investing in Africa is welcomed news. Hope others take notice.
Google is changing the world and that’s a good thing.