Unveiling Seychelles’ High-Speed Internet Revolution: The 10 Gbps Surge and the Battle for Connectivity Supremacy

• Seychelles’ Digital Landscape: Current State and Key Drivers
• Emerging Technologies Powering Ultra-Fast Connectivity
• Key Players and the Intensifying Satellite vs. Fiber Competition
• Projected Expansion of High-Speed Internet Access
• Connectivity Disparities and Progress Across Seychelles’ Islands
• What’s Next for Seychelles’ Internet Ecosystem?
• Barriers to Adoption and Strategic Opportunities Ahead
• Sources & References

“Seychelles may be a remote Indian Ocean archipelago, but it boasts surprisingly advanced internet infrastructure.” (source)

Seychelles’ Digital Landscape: Current State and Key Drivers

Seychelles, an archipelago renowned for its pristine beaches, is rapidly transforming into a digital powerhouse. The nation’s ambitious leap to 10 Gbps internet speeds marks a pivotal moment in its digital evolution, positioning it as a regional leader in connectivity. This high-speed revolution is underpinned by a blend of cutting-edge fiber infrastructure, strategic government initiatives, and a dynamic interplay between undersea cables and satellite technologies.

• Fiber-Optic Expansion: The backbone of Seychelles’ high-speed internet is the Seychelles East Africa System (SEAS) submarine cable, which connects the islands to mainland Africa. In 2023, the government and key telecom operators completed major upgrades, enabling speeds up to 10 Gbps for both businesses and households (Seychelles News Agency). This has dramatically reduced latency and improved reliability, supporting everything from tourism tech to fintech startups.
• Government Policy and Investment: The Seychelles government has prioritized digital transformation in its Vision 2033 plan, investing in digital literacy, e-government services, and infrastructure. The National Broadband Policy aims for universal, affordable high-speed access, with the 10 Gbps rollout seen as a catalyst for economic diversification (Department of Information Communications Technology).
• Satellite vs. Submarine Cable: While fiber-optic cables remain the primary driver of high-speed connectivity, satellite internet is gaining ground. In 2023, Starlink launched services in Seychelles, offering competitive speeds and coverage for remote islands (Starlink Coverage Map). This “satellite showdown” is intensifying competition, driving down prices and expanding access to underserved communities.
• Market Impact: The arrival of 10 Gbps internet has spurred innovation in sectors like online education, telemedicine, and digital tourism. Internet penetration reached 81% in 2023, up from 76% in 2021 (DataReportal). Businesses now leverage cloud services and e-commerce, while residents enjoy seamless streaming and smart home technologies.

In summary, Seychelles’ high-speed internet revolution is reshaping its digital landscape. The synergy between fiber and satellite, backed by robust policy and investment, is setting a new standard for island nations worldwide.

Emerging Technologies Powering Ultra-Fast Connectivity

The Seychelles, a picturesque archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is rapidly transforming into a digital powerhouse thanks to the rollout of ultra-fast 10 Gbps internet connectivity. This ambitious leap is part of the nation’s broader strategy to diversify its economy, boost digital services, and attract global investment. The backbone of this revolution is a combination of cutting-edge fiber-optic infrastructure and a competitive satellite internet landscape, setting the stage for a “satellite showdown” that could redefine connectivity across the region.

Fiber-Optic Leap: 10 Gbps Arrives

• In 2023, Seychelles’ main telecom provider, Cable & Wireless Seychelles, launched the country’s first 10 Gbps fiber broadband service, making it one of the fastest in Africa and the Indian Ocean region.
• This service leverages the Seychelles East Africa System (SEAS) submarine cable, which connects the islands to mainland Africa and the global internet backbone, ensuring low latency and high reliability (Submarine Networks).
• With average fixed broadband speeds in Seychelles now exceeding 100 Mbps and premium offerings reaching 10 Gbps, the country is outpacing many regional peers (Speedtest Global Index).

Satellite Showdown: Starlink vs. Geostationary Giants

• The arrival of Starlink in 2023 introduced high-speed, low-latency satellite internet to even the most remote islands, challenging traditional geostationary satellite providers like SES and Eutelsat.
• Starlink’s service in Seychelles offers speeds up to 220 Mbps, with latency as low as 30 ms, a dramatic improvement over legacy satellite connections (Starlink).
• This competition is driving down prices and expanding coverage, with the government encouraging multiple providers to ensure redundancy and resilience (Seychelles Nation).

Implications and Outlook

• Ultra-fast connectivity is enabling new digital services, from fintech to telemedicine and e-learning, while supporting the tourism sector’s digital transformation.
• The satellite-fiber synergy ensures robust connectivity for all islands, reducing the digital divide and enhancing disaster resilience.
• Seychelles’ high-speed internet revolution positions it as a regional leader in digital infrastructure, with ongoing investments expected to further boost speeds and reliability in the coming years.

Key Players and the Intensifying Satellite vs. Fiber Competition

The Seychelles, a picturesque archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is undergoing a digital transformation as it races to deliver ultra-fast 10 Gbps internet to its residents and businesses. This high-speed revolution is being driven by a dynamic interplay between fiber-optic infrastructure and next-generation satellite services, with both sectors vying for dominance in the nation’s connectivity landscape.

Key Players in Seychelles’ Connectivity Boom

• Seychelles Cable Systems (SCS): The backbone of the country’s fiber-optic connectivity, SCS operates the Seychelles East Africa System (SEAS) submarine cable, which links the islands to mainland Africa and the global internet. In 2023, SCS announced upgrades to its infrastructure, enabling multi-gigabit speeds and supporting the government’s digital ambitions (Seychelles News Agency).
• Cable & Wireless Seychelles (CWS): The country’s leading telecom operator, CWS, launched its 10 Gbps fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service in 2023, making Seychelles one of the first African nations to offer such speeds to consumers (CWS News).
• Intelvision: Another major player, Intelvision, has expanded its fiber network and partnered with global technology firms to enhance broadband offerings, targeting both residential and enterprise markets (Intelvision).
• Starlink (SpaceX): The arrival of Starlink in 2023 introduced a new era of satellite internet in Seychelles. With its low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation, Starlink promises high-speed, low-latency connectivity even in remote islands, challenging the traditional dominance of fiber (Seychelles News Agency).

Fiber vs. Satellite: The Intensifying Showdown

While fiber-optic networks offer unmatched reliability and ultra-low latency, their deployment across Seychelles’ scattered islands is costly and logistically complex. Satellite providers like Starlink are capitalizing on these challenges, offering rapid deployment and coverage in hard-to-reach areas. As of early 2024, Starlink’s service in Seychelles delivers speeds up to 220 Mbps, with plans for further upgrades (Starlink Coverage Map).

This competition is driving innovation and price reductions, with both sectors investing in infrastructure and customer experience. The Seychelles’ high-speed internet revolution is not just a technological leap—it’s a showcase of how small island nations can become digital leaders by embracing both fiber and satellite solutions.

Projected Expansion of High-Speed Internet Access

The Seychelles, an archipelago renowned for its pristine beaches and luxury tourism, is undergoing a digital transformation with the rollout of 10 Gbps high-speed internet. This ambitious leap positions the nation at the forefront of African connectivity, promising to reshape its economy, education, and digital services landscape.

In 2023, the Seychelles’ main telecom provider, Cable & Wireless Seychelles (CWS), launched the country’s first 10 Gbps fiber broadband service, making it one of the fastest consumer internet offerings in Africa. This move follows significant investments in undersea cable infrastructure, notably the Seychelles East Africa System (SEAS), which links the islands to mainland Africa and the global internet backbone (CWS Launches 10Gbps Fibre Broadband).

• Market Penetration: As of early 2024, over 70% of Seychellois households have access to fixed broadband, with fiber connections rapidly replacing legacy copper lines (ITU Statistics).
• Economic Impact: The government projects that high-speed internet will boost GDP by enabling digital entrepreneurship, remote work, and e-government services. The World Bank estimates that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can raise GDP growth by up to 1.38% in developing economies (World Bank: Digital Dividends).
• Education & Healthcare: Enhanced connectivity supports e-learning platforms and telemedicine, critical for remote islands where physical access to services is limited.

However, the “satellite showdown” is intensifying. Global players like Starlink and OneWeb are vying to provide satellite-based internet, targeting Seychelles’ outer islands and maritime zones where fiber is impractical. Starlink began offering services in the Indian Ocean region in late 2023, promising speeds up to 220 Mbps and low latency (Starlink Coverage Map). While not matching fiber’s 10 Gbps, satellite internet offers vital redundancy and coverage for remote communities and the tourism sector.

Looking ahead, Seychelles’ high-speed internet revolution is expected to accelerate digital adoption, attract tech-savvy tourists, and serve as a model for other small island nations. The interplay between terrestrial fiber and next-generation satellite services will define the nation’s digital future, ensuring robust, resilient, and inclusive connectivity for all Seychellois.

Connectivity Disparities and Progress Across Seychelles’ Islands

Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, has embarked on a transformative journey toward high-speed internet connectivity, aiming to bridge the digital divide between its main and outer islands. The nation’s ambitious leap to 10 Gbps broadband—among the fastest in Africa—marks a significant milestone in its digital revolution, but also highlights ongoing disparities and the evolving role of satellite technology.

Fiber-Optic Backbone and Urban-Rural Divide

• In 2023, Seychelles launched its second submarine cable, the PEACE Cable, supplementing the existing Seychelles East Africa System (SEAS). This upgrade enables up to 10 Gbps connections for businesses and households on Mahé, the main island, and parts of Praslin and La Digue.
• According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Seychelles’ internet penetration reached 82% in 2023, the highest in Africa. However, the majority of high-speed access is concentrated on the main islands, with outer islands still relying on slower, less reliable connections.

Satellite Solutions: Bridging the Gap

• To address connectivity gaps, Seychelles has turned to satellite internet. In 2022, the government signed agreements with Starlink and Intelsat to provide coverage to remote islands and maritime zones, where laying fiber is economically unfeasible.
• Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) service, launched in Seychelles in 2023, offers speeds up to 220 Mbps, a dramatic improvement for outer islands previously limited to sub-10 Mbps via legacy satellite or microwave links (Seychelles News Agency).

Challenges and the Road Ahead

• Despite these advances, cost remains a barrier: Starlink’s monthly fee is around $100, a significant sum for many residents (Starlink).
• The government is exploring subsidies and public-private partnerships to ensure equitable access, aiming for universal broadband by 2027 (Seychelles Department of ICT).

Seychelles’ high-speed internet revolution is narrowing the digital divide, but true connectivity parity across its islands will depend on continued investment, innovative satellite solutions, and inclusive policy frameworks.

What’s Next for Seychelles’ Internet Ecosystem?

Seychelles, long celebrated for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, is now making waves in the digital realm with its ambitious leap toward 10 Gbps internet connectivity. This high-speed revolution is transforming the archipelago’s internet ecosystem, promising to reshape everything from business operations to daily life for its 100,000+ residents.

Fiber-Optic Leap: The 10 Gbps Ambition

• In 2023, Seychelles’ main telecom provider, Cable & Wireless Seychelles, launched the country’s first 10 Gbps fiber broadband service, targeting both residential and enterprise customers. This move positions Seychelles among Africa’s fastest internet markets, rivaling speeds found in developed nations.
• The rollout leverages the SEAS (Seychelles East Africa System) submarine cable, which connects the islands to global internet hubs via high-capacity fiber-optic links. This infrastructure underpins the nation’s digital transformation, enabling seamless streaming, cloud computing, and remote work.

Satellite Showdown: Starlink vs. Local Providers

• In 2023, Starlink (SpaceX’s satellite internet service) officially launched in Seychelles, offering speeds up to 220 Mbps. While not matching fiber’s 10 Gbps, Starlink’s low-latency, high-availability service is a game-changer for remote islands and maritime users previously underserved by terrestrial networks.
• Local ISPs are responding by expanding fiber coverage and introducing competitive pricing. The government, meanwhile, is working to ensure regulatory parity and fair competition between satellite and terrestrial providers (Seychelles Nation).

What’s Next?

• Digital Economy Growth: The 10 Gbps revolution is expected to boost fintech, e-commerce, and digital tourism, attracting new investment and talent.
• Bridging the Digital Divide: Satellite internet will play a crucial role in connecting outlying islands and rural communities, ensuring inclusive access to digital services.
• Resilience and Redundancy: The coexistence of fiber and satellite networks enhances Seychelles’ internet resilience, reducing vulnerability to outages and natural disasters.

As Seychelles surfs the crest of the high-speed internet wave, its digital future looks brighter than ever—balancing cutting-edge fiber with the reach of next-generation satellites.

Barriers to Adoption and Strategic Opportunities Ahead

The Seychelles, an archipelago renowned for its pristine beaches and luxury tourism, is undergoing a digital transformation with the rollout of 10 Gbps high-speed internet. This ambitious leap, spearheaded by the Seychelles Cable Systems Company (SCS) and local ISPs, positions the nation as a regional leader in connectivity. However, the journey toward ubiquitous ultra-fast internet is not without significant barriers and strategic crossroads, especially as satellite internet providers enter the fray.

• Infrastructure and Cost Barriers: The deployment of 10 Gbps fiber-optic networks across Seychelles’ dispersed islands presents logistical and financial challenges. Laying undersea cables and last-mile connections to remote communities is capital-intensive. According to ITU, Seychelles’ internet penetration reached 79% in 2023, but high-speed access remains concentrated in urban centers like Mahé. The cost of upgrading legacy infrastructure and ensuring redundancy to prevent outages (as seen in the 2022 cable cut incident) is a persistent concern.
• Affordability and Digital Divide: While 10 Gbps packages are available, their pricing is often prohibitive for average households and small businesses. The GDP per capita in Seychelles is around $14,000, but income inequality means many cannot afford premium plans. Bridging this digital divide is crucial for inclusive growth and digital literacy.
• Satellite Competition: The arrival of satellite internet providers like Starlink introduces both opportunity and rivalry. Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites promise high-speed, low-latency internet even in the most remote islands, challenging the dominance of terrestrial fiber. As of early 2024, Starlink has begun pilot deployments in Seychelles, offering speeds up to 200 Mbps (Starlink Coverage Map). While not matching fiber’s peak speeds, satellite’s reach and rapid deployment are strategic advantages.
• Strategic Opportunities: To maximize the benefits of the high-speed revolution, Seychelles can pursue public-private partnerships to subsidize last-mile connectivity, invest in digital skills training, and foster a competitive ISP market. Regulatory frameworks that encourage infrastructure sharing and fair competition will be key. Additionally, leveraging high-speed internet for e-government, fintech, and tourism innovation can diversify the economy and enhance resilience (World Bank).

In summary, while Seychelles’ 10 Gbps internet rollout marks a milestone, overcoming infrastructure, affordability, and competitive challenges will determine the true extent of its digital revolution. The interplay between fiber and satellite solutions will shape the nation’s connectivity landscape for years to come.

Sources & References

• 10 Gbps in Paradise: Inside Seychelles’ High-Speed Internet Revolution (and the Satellite Showdown)
• Seychelles News Agency
• Seychelles Department of ICT
• Starlink Coverage Map
• Submarine Networks
• Speedtest Global Index
• Seychelles Nation
• Intelvision
• ITU
• World Bank
• Intelsat
• SEAS (Seychelles East Africa System)