Technology

East African Fiber Optic Cable: The Opportunities

As excitement grows about the prospects for fiber optic cable in East Africa, many are asking how they can use this new tool to spur business growth in the region. The laying of fiber optics by companies such as Seacom and the state company TEAMS have offered a lifetime contract to this part of the world, in consideration of the global recession that is hitting developed countries.

           

One of the ways the government can take advantage of this tool is through outsourcing. Cheap outsourcing labor will play the global recession in Kenya’s favour, as most companies in the West will turn to East Africa. Unfortunately, this is how the Kenyan government has viewed the positive aspects of fiber optic cable. So how else can companies take advantage of this great opportunity?

  • First of all, the cost of the Internet connection will be lower. Starting a broadband business is a safe and straightforward way to earn money. Even with traditional dial-up Internet connections, many businesses lack broadband services. Having personal packages for individuals would also increase revenue. Taking advantage of this market is a sure money maker.
  • Ecommerce Businesses – With fast internet speed, starting eCommerce businesses will be an ideal business project. Since more people will have access to cheap and fast internet connection, the viability of the market for starting e-commerce companies is viable. Already with mobile money transfer like Safaricom’s M-Pesa and Zain’s ZAP services, online transactions won’t encounter many challenges. So go ahead and set up your online store!
  • Online Applications: With the expected rapid use of the Internet, online application development will be a difficult but very lucrative spot to mint millions. More than 90% of the applications we use are foreign. These include web browsers (Mozilla, Explorer), file transfer tools, social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace) Emails (Yahoo Mail, Gmail, Hotmail). Breaking into this sector will be difficult, but the rewards will be worth it.
  • Start a Web Hosting Company – Having servers in Kenya will start to make sense. With fast Internet lines, businesses can now offer websites to end users and can manage their own servers.
  • Start an online consulting service – Are you specialized in any area? Art, Medicine, Nutrition etc. You can create a website that offers free advice to users while monetizing it with Google AdSense or an affiliate program and earn money!

There are many local hosting companies that offer these kinds of services. They are cheap and easy to handle. So wake up and take advantage of this new emerging market for East Africa.

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