Internet access refers to the ability of individuals, organizations, or devices to connect to and use the Internet. This access can occur through various means, such as broadband connections (like DSL, cable, and fiber-optic), wireless connections (including Wi-Fi and mobile networks), and dial-up connections. The term encompasses both the technology used to establish the connection and the availability of Internet services in a specific location. Internet access is essential for utilizing online services, websites, and applications, enabling communication, information retrieval, social networking, online commerce, and a myriad of other online activities. Access can be influenced by factors such as infrastructure, regulations, pricing, and digital literacy, and disparities in Internet access can create significant gaps in opportunities and information access among different populations.
Government Control and Censorship of Internet Access North Korea’s government maintains strict control over all internet usage, allowing access to the global Internet only for a small, elite group with special authorization businessinsider.com en.wikipedia.org. The vast majority of citizens are barred from the global web; instead, they are limited to a state-run domestic network. Even for the…
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Major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Market Share Japan’s internet market is served by a mix of former incumbents and new entrants, with a few major providers dominating subscriber share. The top ISPs for fixed internet access include both traditional telecom companies and cable operators. The leading providers (by market share of internet subscriptions) are…
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Introduction Kenya has one of Africa’s more advanced internet markets, but access remains uneven. As of early 2024, roughly 22.7 million Kenyans were using the internet (about 40.8% penetration) datareportal.com. Mobile broadband is the primary mode of access, given high mobile phone penetration, while fixed broadband subscriptions are growing steadily. The government envisions a “digital…
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Major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Market Share Kazakhstan’s telecom market is dominated by a few large providers, led by the former state monopoly Kazakhtelecom. Kazakhtelecom (including its mobile subsidiaries) accounts for roughly 60% of the telecom market by revenue ar2023.telecom.kz. It owns major stakes in mobile operators Kcell and Tele2/Altel, consolidating much of the market under its group.…
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Infrastructure and Major Service Providers Nigeria’s internet infrastructure relies on a combination of undersea fiber-optic cables, terrestrial networks, and a handful of dominant service providers. Multiple international submarine cables land in Nigeria, connecting it to global internet hubs. Key cables include: These undersea cables terminate in Lagos and other coastal landing stations, feeding into national…
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General Internet Infrastructure and Major Service Providers Sudan’s internet infrastructure relies on a national fiber-optic backbone and international gateways centered at Port Sudan. The country is connected to several submarine cables, including the East Africa Submarine System (EASSy) and FLAG/FALCON networks, which land at the Red Sea coast en.wikipedia.org. Terrestrial fiber links extend to neighboring…
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Infrastructure and Major Service Providers Iraq’s internet infrastructure has expanded significantly since the early 2000s, though much of the core network remains under government ownership. The Ministry of Communications (MoC) controls the national fiber-optic backbone and international gateways, leasing bandwidth to private ISPs trade.gov. Iraq is connected via terrestrial fiber links to all six neighboring…
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Internet Infrastructure and Major Service Providers Afghanistan’s internet infrastructure is relatively underdeveloped, relying heavily on mobile networks and limited fixed broadband. After 2001, the country had to build its telecom network from scratch, as the previous Taliban regime had effectively banned the internet wired.com. In the two decades that followed, mobile telecommunications saw rapid growth –…
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Internet Infrastructure and Major Providers Ukraine has a well-developed internet infrastructure with extensive fiber-optic networks and numerous providers. Thousands of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operate in Ukraine, from national telecoms to small local companies. In fact, over 4,200 ISPs were registered as of August 2024 interfax.com, reflecting a highly competitive market. The largest providers hold relatively small…
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General Infrastructure and Major Service Providers Mozambique’s internet infrastructure is still developing and heavily reliant on mobile networks. Fixed-line broadband penetration is minimal, with the state-owned Telecomunicações de Moçambique (Tmcel) being the only operator offering integrated fixed-line services trade.gov. The country is primarily served by three mobile network providers: International connectivity has improved significantly over the past…
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