So what cable management solutions are underway for developing countries? How has the power of the cable helped parts of the world that are not fully digitized yet? Let’s explore the growing interconnectivity via cable!
The Offline World: How Connectivity Matters
In a previous post, we discussed how so much of our digital world is supported by deeply buried fiber optic cables, and how in 2018 an underwater cable spanning from Spain to Virginia, United States took transmission speeds to the next level across the U.S. and Europe. This complex infrastructure, of course, is not the same across all continents, and developing countries still struggle to get the level of connectivity that we have here in the West.
The lack of connectivity has improved considerably in recent years. Even then, however, a recent report by McKinsey, pointed out that the majority of the world’s population (about 60%) is still considered ‘offline.’ Some of the challenges cited as the barriers to more connectivity include poverty, digital illiteracy, and a lack of infrastructure.
In today’s world, access to the internet seems to be a central indicator of economic prospects. The Brookings Institute posits as much, claiming that those without access to the internet will tend to have access to fewer economic and job opportunities.
Connecting and Finding Cable Solutions in Latin America
The recent digital boom is happening in Latin America. This massive region is expected to be the next big thing in interconnection bandwidth capacity. According to the fourth annual Global Interconnection Index, the region is expected to see a 50% annual growth rate. What does this mean? On the ground, this translates to a lot more cable infrastructure that facilitates the connectivity of the region and reaches more remote areas.
One of the leading companies involved is Equinix, which specialized in powering worldwide submarine cables, ground connections, and internet exchange points.
Take this recent connection: A 10,000 km cable system that connects Brazil to Portugal by sea that also stretches to parts of the Canary Islands and Cape Verde as well as inland Spain and France, will be in operation very soon.
In 2021, Chile and Brazil signed on to build the first submarine fiber optic cable that connects South America with Asia. This cable is said to provide connectivity to about 270 million people. Leaders of the two countries acknowledged that the plans were to increase their economic viability. Other Latin American countries such as Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay were expected to sign on to the deal as well.
Cable Management Solutions and Increasing Connectivity in Africa
Another vast and yet largely undeveloped region in the world is Africa. With the exception of some countries that are far more digitized (such as parts of South Africa), the region still needs a lot of work in going online. This is also changing for the region, however.
In countries like Ghana, efforts to get fiber optic cables set up to connect universities are part of a larger movement to connect Africa to the world economy and information systems. The University of Ghana, for example, by installing about 20 km of fiber optic cable has facilitated the connection to the internet for 40,000 students, allowing for better connectivity and access to information.
In Africa, three-quarters of the population remains offline. Thanks to private investors and private companies, some of the groundwork is underway in the region to help local governments improve their connectivity. The work is expensive and complicated—especially in countries that have outdated infrastructure. One kilometer of fiber optic cable, for example, can run a bill of up to $15,000 to $30,000.
Why Do Cable Solutions Matter?
The effort of installing cable infrastructure in some of the developing world has fruitful economic results. Not only does it connect these countries to the world economy, but it allows businesses to flourish, students to access information and improve their education, and communication to improve locally.
As connectivity improves and demand for access to the internet increases, the technology and materials used for these cables evolve. The materials used for setting up cable hubs and wire bundles help improve performance and safety. As universities, hospitals, and other large facilities “get connected,” cable management becomes an important conference to ensure that they are protecting their electronic hardware from damage.
The Right Materials, the Right Cable Solutions for Your Facility
So whether you run an office building or a medical facility, you likely have a network of electronic devices hooked up. This means that you require organized and professional cable management solutions to ensure good performance and the longevity of your infrastructure.
Looking for reliable cable management? From heat shrink tubing, convoluted tubing, expandable sleeving, and specialized cable ties, we can help! Call HST Cable Management today and learn about our products.
