In many countries, state monopolies in telecommunications with vested interests in obsolete technologies and a high cost structure are clearly one of the obstacles to more rapid development. The precise role of the private sector, the state, and the voluntary non- governmental sector in expanding access are still the subject of debate. What is certain is that change is coming quickly, and that its pace will depend on how quickly the cost to the user can be reduced. E-mail access, although often too expensive, too slow, and hampered by phone lines inadequate in both number and quality, is spreading rapidly in Africa. There are only a few countries now where there is no known connectivity.
Web access is more limited, but is also spreading rapidly.
Within the continent, South Africa is comparable to most European countries in the level of connectivity. In general, Southern Africa is the most advanced region, but countries all over the continent are getting connected. Even the Central African Republic's telecommunications company went on-line with a full Web connection in April 1996. At present the cost of connection is still relatively high, and availability limited. But e-mail communication is already far cheaper than fax and phone.