SA’s internet: slow, expensive and a barrier for economic growth and job creation

[Cara]

I heard this on the radio this morning and found it interesting.

South Africa has one of the lowest average internet connection speeds in the world, according to the First Quarter 2013 Akamai report, State of the Internet. According to the report, South Africa had the lowest average connection speed of all European, Middle-Eastern, and African (EMEA) countries surveyed.

In addition, the report reveals that South Africa ranks:

80th worldwide for average internet connectivity speed;
126th for peak connectivity speed worldwide; and
69th globally for the average speed of broadband connectivity with only 8% able to achieve speeds of 4 Mbps or more. This is far below the global average of 46% and less than a tenth of the global leader, Switzerland, at 88%.

Read more Here

[Saint_Dee]

In most things, SA lags behind.

[Cara]

In most things, SA lags behind.

Sad part is we're a 3rd world country but not too back dated with technology. We invented or designed the worlds best X-ray machine. But we have the slowest Internet? Wtf???

[czc]

In most things, SA lags behind.

Damn, I hate lagging.

[Pur1Fier]

Sad part is we're a 3rd world country but not too back dated with technology. We invented or designed the worlds best X-ray machine. But we have the slowest Internet? Wtf???

I'm probably just being technical and didn't actually check out the link you posted, but if these tests where done from overseas I would understand that some results might seem worse than they actually are? Just saying

[Cara]

I'm probably just being technical and didn't actually check out the link you posted, but if these tests where done from overseas I would understand that some results might seem worse than they actually are? Just saying

Which is probably true... It's still damn shitty though!

[Fivel]

Connectivity is essential, speed is a luxury.

[Pur1Fier]

Which is probably true... It's still damn shitty though!

Don't worry I don't need convincing.

[Cara]

Don't worry I don't need convincing.

Then we're sorted!

[steaksauce]

Don't worry. I think SA's high ranking for HIV infection and violent crime more than makes up for the low placing for internet and quality education according to our government.