Libya Rolls Out WiMax with a High Price Tag

By Kato Mivule

BBC Reported how Libya's main ISP made inroads with a roll out of WiMax Services in Libya. However, interestingly, Libya earns revenues from Oil sales and did make some 'good money' with the high prices of Oil before the current economic crisis. Information Technology seems to be a place for investment.

WiMax does not rely on sometimes poor conventional wire infrastructure. Libya's only internet service provider is launching its first commercial wireless network which it says is one of the most advanced in the world. The state-owned firm said only a handful of countries have rolled out the advanced internet connection known as WiMax on such a wide scale. Libya Telecom and Technology aims to start with WiMax coverage, including a mobile feature, in 18 cities. Africa is seen as a potentially huge market for WiMax technology...The WiMax network is meant to do away with all these hurdles and bridge the digital divide, making the internet available to people across the country.
Libya's wireless web access leap - BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7845905.stm

Already Libya has begun moving beyond it's borders by buying shares in Uganda Telecom, one of Uganda's main Telecom providers. WiMax is answer to many of Africa's poor neighborhoods unlikely to get 'connected' because of poor infrastructure.

However, there are still logistical problems like how to make WiMax equipment accesible to all and also reduction in Prices. Connectivity is overly priced in Africa. While there is a sense of relief that Africa is getting 'connected', yet the Technologies are only accesible to a selected few rich and elites who can afford the price tag.