Therefore, in the lack of geographical proximity, connectivity offers possibilities of spatial proximity via a technical telecommunications network. In the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) for development, the notion of connectivity is generally evoked to draw attention to problems of internet access in southern countries.

Connectivity in southern countries: the example of the broadband challenge in Africa

Diffusion and acquisition of mobile phones is expanding rapidly in Africa (the penetration ratio has gone up from 2% at the beginning of the century to

33% in May 2008). As regards the Internet, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has observed a more contrasting situation on the African continent: In Africa, there are only 50 million internet users, half of whom come from North-West Africa, or the Maghreb, and South Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa, only 3% of the population are on line. One of the more tangible explanations for these low connectivity ratios is often subscription costs or the high hourly connection costs. It must also be added that broadband is still extremely rare. There are only 5 countries in which more than

1% of the population has broadband access. Will development of broadband internet in Africa depend on satellites and Wi-fi networks, 3 G communications and WiMAX?

A number of initiatives taken for improving connectivity throughout the world

• The ITU “Connect the world” initiative
• The IDRC “Connectivity in Africa” initiative
• The “o3B” Networks project
• The zeppelin in the stratosphere for mobile phones