India Gets Into Wiring Africa

The Indian government must have some visionaries on board because they’re spending on US$1 B [Light Reading] to build a PAN (Pan-African e-Network). This is in collaboration with the AU (African Union). Their intent, apparently, is to beat China to the quick, and to eventually sell telecom equipment to African countries. When you consider that the Indian rupee hovers in an exchange rate of around 50-60 rupees per American dollar, you get some idea of the scope of this billion-dollar expense. Let’s hope that the payoff is worth it.

There are 50+ countries in the AU, and the e-Network will include satellite, fiber and wireless. With several high-placed AU government officials really hot for VoIP, there will be a lot of opportunities in IP telephony in the African continent. This is likely to include consulting, integration, and training services, for those of you that like to travel. A bit of reflection suggests a huge economy in Africa around IP communications. So if you are in the industry outside of India or Africa and haven’t thought about it yet, you might polish up a pitch to India as well as the AU for your services and products. Start getting those vaccinations and e-Passports ready.