Get ready for a game-changer in the African internet scene! Raxio Group and Laser Light Africa are joining forces to revolutionize internet services across seven African markets.
But here's where it gets controversial... they aim to bring down the cost of internet by keeping data localized on the continent. By doing so, they claim to reduce international bandwidth costs by a whopping 90%.
Raxio, an African data center operator, has signed a deal with Laser Light, a digital network provider, to accelerate internet services in Angola, the DRC, Ethiopia, Côte d'Ivoire, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda. This partnership will utilize Raxio's Tier III carrier-neutral data centers and Laser Light's integrated digital network to host and route data closer to users.
Laser Light's multi-domain optical mesh network, including terrestrial fiber, subsea cables, modular data systems, and MEO satellite connectivity, will be deployed across Raxio's facilities. This will establish PoPs and interconnection hubs within Raxio's data centers, enhancing regional and international traffic flows.
And this is the part most people miss... Raxio and Laser Light are not just about speed; they're also focused on bringing cloud, IoT, AI, and enterprise services closer to users while ensuring local compliance with data sovereignty, energy standards, and ICT frameworks.
Raxio's statement highlights that this partnership aims to make internet services more affordable and reliable. By reducing latency from hundreds of milliseconds to just a few, they enable real-time services like cloud computing, gaming, fintech, telemedicine, and AI applications.
The first phase of this ambitious rollout starts in Angola next year, anchored by Raxio's newest data center in Luanda, integrated with the country's subsea cable landings and Angonix Internet Exchange Point. Subsequent phases will expand across all Raxio facilities.
Raxio Group CEO Robert Skjodt emphasizes the job creation potential of this partnership, including construction, operations, advanced network management, and training programs to build local expertise in Tier III data center operations and optical technologies.
"By combining our state-of-the-art facilities with Laser Light's global optical network, we're creating a platform that will drive innovation, investment, and job opportunities for decades," said Skjodt.
In April, Raxio secured a significant $100 million in financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to double its colocation data center deployment across sub-Saharan Africa within three years. This partnership with Laser Light is a key step towards that goal.
Apart from Angola, Raxio currently operates in Côte d'Ivoire, the DRC, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Uganda, and is set to expand into Tanzania soon.
So, what do you think? Is this a much-needed boost for African internet services, or are there potential pitfalls we should consider? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
