[New Audio Podcast] Mapping the Future of Affordable Internet Access in Africa: A Conversation with Steve Song.
In the latest episode of Pure Digital Passion, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Steve Song, a telecommunications expert whose work has profoundly impacted the landscape of Internet access in Africa. Steve is perhaps best known for his meticulously crafted maps of Africa’s undersea and terrestrial Internet infrastructure, which have become an essential reference for understanding the continent’s connectivity. However, his contributions go far beyond these maps, extending into areas of policy advocacy, shared spectrum management, and initiatives aimed at expanding affordable access to communication infrastructure.
From Canada to South Africa: The Journey Begins
Steve’s journey into the world of telecommunications started in the early 1990s, when he moved from Canada to South Africa following the release of Nelson Mandela. Working with one of the first non-profit Internet service providers, Sangonet, Steve became involved in providing email access to civil society organizations, including the ANC and trade unions. This early exposure to the transformative power of digital technology hooked Steve on the potential of the Internet to bypass existing power structures and empower marginalized communities.
Reflecting on this period, Steve shared how this was a turning point in his life, shifting his focus from the private sector to the intersection of technology and empowerment. It was the mass democratic movement in South Africa that changed his worldview and sparked his passion for telecommunications policy and digital inclusion.
The Birth of the Maps: A Personal Project with Global Impact
When asked about the origin of his now-famous maps, Steve explained that it all started in 2008. He began noticing news reports about the arrival of new undersea cables like the Seacom and TEAMS cables, but the information was fragmented and difficult to interpret. To make sense of it all, Steve started sketching out a map for his own use. What began as a personal project soon evolved into a valuable public resource, as others in the industry recognized its utility in visualizing Africa’s burgeoning Internet infrastructure.
Steve modestly described his design skills as “terrible,” attributing the map’s success to a bit of luck. However, the impact of these maps cannot be overstated. They became a staple at Internet and digital conferences across the continent, helping policymakers, businesses, and the public understand the critical infrastructure driving Africa’s digital future.
Village Telco: Affordable Communication in Underserved Areas
Another significant chapter in Steve’s career was his founding of Village Telco, a social enterprise that aimed to deliver affordable voice and Internet services through low-cost WiFi mesh networks. This initiative was born out of a specific context in South Africa, where stringent telecommunications regulations made it difficult for new operators to enter the market. By leveraging WiFi and mesh technology, Village Telco enabled communities to build their own networks, providing much-needed connectivity in under-served areas.
Although the venture faced challenges, particularly in terms of hardware costs and scalability, Steve considers it a valuable learning experience. He emphasized that entrepreneurship teaches resilience and the importance of execution, even in the face of setbacks.
The Challenges of Policy and Regulation for Affordable Access
Throughout our conversation, Steve highlighted the complexities of pushing for more equitable access to communication infrastructure. The regulatory landscape in many African countries is still shaped by the legacy of state-owned telecommunications monopolies, followed by privatization in the 1990s. While this has attracted investment and driven network expansion, it has also created significant barriers for smaller operators who could play a crucial role in extending connectivity to rural areas.
Steve advocates for a regulatory ecosystem that not only tolerates but actively supports small operators. He pointed out that while large telecommunications companies focus on urban centers, smaller operators can often deliver services more efficiently and affordably in harder-to-reach areas. For meaningful progress, he argues, regulation must shift from managing competition among a few large players to enabling greater inclusion across the board.
Shared Spectrum and TV White Spaces: Unlocking Access for All
One of the key strategies Steve promotes is the use of shared spectrum management and TV White Spaces to expand Internet access in underserved regions. Traditional spectrum licenses, which grant exclusive rights to specific frequencies, often create a barrier to entry for smaller operators. In contrast, shared spectrum approaches focus on protecting against interference rather than exclusivity, allowing more players to participate in the market.
Although the concept of TV White Spaces has faced challenges, including delays in implementation, Steve remains optimistic about its potential. He believes that shared spectrum strategies will be crucial for unlocking affordable access in rural areas, where traditional business models may not be viable.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Telecommunications in Africa
As we wrapped up our conversation, Steve shared his thoughts on the future of telecommunications in Africa. He emphasized the importance of community-driven initiatives and collective ownership models, which can help fill the gaps left by private sector operators. Whether through cooperatives, municipalities, or community networks, Steve believes that these models not only provide access but also strengthen the social fabric of communities.
We also discussed the impact of new technologies like Starlink, which offers exciting possibilities for expanding connectivity but also raises important questions about long-term sustainability, competition, and the role of local communities in shaping their digital futures.
In closing, I want to thank Steve for joining me on Pure Digital Passion and for sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. His dedication to making communication infrastructure more affordable and accessible is truly inspiring, and I look forward to seeing how his work continues to shape the future of telecommunications in Africa.
Listen to the podcast here:
