Unveiling Seychelles’ High-Speed Internet Revolution: 10 Gbps Ambitions, Market Shifts, and the Satellite Connectivity Battle

• Seychelles’ Digital Transformation: Market Overview
• Emerging Technologies Powering 10 Gbps Connectivity
• Key Players and the Evolving Competitive Landscape
• Projected Growth and Market Expansion Scenarios
• Regional Connectivity: Urban-Rural Divide and Island-Specific Insights
• What’s Next for Seychelles’ High-Speed Internet Ecosystem?
• Barriers, Breakthroughs, and Strategic Opportunities Ahead
• Sources & References

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

Seychelles’ Digital Transformation: Market Overview

Seychelles, an archipelago renowned for its pristine beaches, is rapidly transforming into a digital hub, driven by a bold leap into high-speed internet. In 2023, the Seychelles Cable Systems Company (SCS) announced the launch of a new 10 Gbps broadband service, positioning the nation among Africa’s fastest internet providers (Seychelles News Agency). This upgrade is powered by the second submarine cable, PEACE (Pakistan East Africa Connecting Europe), which supplements the existing Seychelles East Africa System (SEAS) and ensures redundancy and resilience for the country’s connectivity.

The impact is profound: Seychelles’ average fixed broadband speeds have surged, with Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index reporting median download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps in early 2024—well above the African continental average (Speedtest Global Index). This leap enables seamless streaming, cloud adoption, and digital business operations, supporting the government’s Vision 2033 for a knowledge-based economy (Seychelles Vision 2033).

• Market Penetration: As of 2024, internet penetration in Seychelles stands at over 80%, with more than 80,000 active internet subscriptions in a population of just under 100,000 (DataReportal).
• Pricing & Competition: The arrival of 10 Gbps services has intensified competition among ISPs, driving down prices and improving service quality. Monthly costs for high-speed packages have dropped by up to 30% since 2022 (Seychelles Nation).
• Satellite Showdown: The high-speed revolution is not limited to undersea cables. Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, launched in Seychelles in late 2023, offering speeds up to 220 Mbps and targeting remote islands and maritime users (Starlink Coverage Map). This has sparked a “satellite showdown,” with local ISPs and satellite providers vying for market share, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

In summary, Seychelles’ embrace of 10 Gbps broadband and satellite connectivity is reshaping its digital landscape, fostering innovation, and setting a benchmark for island nations worldwide. The competition between fiber and satellite promises further improvements in speed, reliability, and affordability for Seychellois consumers and businesses alike.

Emerging Technologies Powering 10 Gbps Connectivity

The Seychelles, an archipelago renowned for its pristine beaches, is rapidly transforming into a digital paradise, thanks to a bold push toward 10 Gbps internet connectivity. This high-speed revolution is underpinned by a blend of cutting-edge fiber infrastructure and a competitive satellite market, positioning the nation as a leader in African broadband innovation.

In 2023, the Seychelles government, in partnership with the Seychelles Cable Systems Company (SCS), completed the installation of the second submarine cable—the METISS (Meltingpot Indianoceanic Submarine System). This 3,200 km cable links Seychelles to Mauritius, Madagascar, and South Africa, dramatically increasing bandwidth and network resilience. The METISS system, combined with the existing Seychelles East Africa System (SEAS), has enabled local ISPs to offer multi-gigabit packages, with Seychelles’ average fixed broadband speeds now exceeding 100 Mbps and pilot projects demonstrating 10 Gbps capabilities for enterprise and government clients.

However, the real game-changer is the satellite showdown. With the arrival of Starlink in 2023, Seychelles became one of the first African nations to access low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet. Starlink’s service, boasting speeds up to 220 Mbps and low latency, is particularly transformative for the outer islands, where laying fiber is impractical. Meanwhile, regional players like Eutelsat and Intelsat are upgrading their own satellite offerings, intensifying competition and driving down prices.

• Fiber Expansion: The government’s 10 Gbps fiber rollout targets both urban and rural areas, aiming for 95% population coverage by 2025.
• Satellite Uplift: LEO satellites are bridging the digital divide for remote communities, with Starlink reporting over 1,000 active users in Seychelles within months of launch.
• Regulatory Support: The Seychelles government is fostering a pro-competition environment, expediting licensing for new entrants and supporting infrastructure sharing.

As a result, Seychelles is not only setting a benchmark for high-speed connectivity in Africa but also serving as a testbed for the coexistence of terrestrial and satellite broadband. The ongoing “satellite showdown” promises to further accelerate digital transformation, making 10 Gbps internet a reality for businesses, residents, and even the most remote island communities.

Key Players and the Evolving Competitive Landscape

The Seychelles is undergoing a transformative leap in digital connectivity, with the rollout of 10 Gbps internet services marking a new era for the island nation. This high-speed revolution is reshaping the competitive landscape, as established telecom operators, new entrants, and satellite providers vie for dominance in a market long constrained by geography and limited infrastructure.

• Cable & Wireless Seychelles (CWS): As the country’s oldest and largest telecom operator, CWS has spearheaded the 10 Gbps rollout, leveraging its extensive fiber-optic backbone. In 2023, CWS launched its “Fibre to the Home” (FTTH) service, offering speeds up to 10 Gbps to residential and business customers (CWS News). This move has set a new benchmark for internet access in the region.
• Airtel Seychelles: A subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, Airtel Seychelles has responded by upgrading its own fiber and wireless infrastructure. The company now offers gigabit-class services and is piloting 10 Gbps solutions for enterprise clients (Airtel Seychelles). Airtel’s competitive pricing and bundled offerings are intensifying the rivalry with CWS.
• Intelvision: Traditionally a cable TV and broadband provider, Intelvision is investing in next-generation fiber networks and has announced plans to match the 10 Gbps speeds of its competitors (Intelvision). The company’s partnership with global technology vendors is expected to accelerate its rollout.
• Satellite Providers: The arrival of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet, led by Starlink, is a game-changer for Seychelles’ outer islands and remote communities. Starlink began offering services in Seychelles in late 2023, providing high-speed, low-latency internet where terrestrial fiber is impractical (Seychelles News Agency). This has sparked a “satellite showdown,” with other providers like OneWeb and SES also eyeing the market.

The competitive landscape is rapidly evolving as these key players invest in infrastructure, expand coverage, and innovate service offerings. The convergence of fiber and satellite technologies is expected to drive down prices, improve reliability, and bridge the digital divide across Seychelles’ 115 islands. As the 10 Gbps revolution unfolds, consumers and businesses stand to benefit from unprecedented connectivity and choice.

Projected Growth and Market Expansion Scenarios

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 is positioning the nation as a regional leader in connectivity, with significant implications for economic diversification, digital services, and global competitiveness.

Market Growth Projections

• According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Seychelles already boasts one of Africa’s highest internet penetration rates, with over 80% of the population online as of 2023.
• The introduction of 10 Gbps fiber services by providers such as Cable & Wireless Seychelles and Airtel Seychelles is expected to drive annual broadband market growth rates above 12% through 2027 (BuddeComm).
• With the government’s Digital Economy Agenda 2023-2027, the target is to achieve universal high-speed access, supporting e-government, fintech, and remote work sectors.

Satellite vs. Fiber: The Connectivity Showdown

• While fiber-optic infrastructure is expanding, satellite internet providers like Starlink have entered the market, offering high-speed, low-latency connections to remote islands and maritime users.
• Starlink’s launch in Seychelles in 2023 has intensified competition, with prices starting at $99/month and speeds up to 220 Mbps, challenging traditional ISPs to innovate and lower costs (Seychelles News Agency).
• Industry analysts predict that by 2026, satellite services could capture up to 15% of the Seychelles broadband market, particularly in underserved outer islands (Oxford Business Group).

Expansion Scenarios

• Urban centers like Victoria are expected to achieve near-total 10 Gbps coverage by 2025, while rural and island communities will benefit from a hybrid model of fiber and satellite connectivity.
• Enhanced connectivity is projected to boost GDP by up to 2% annually, driven by digital tourism, remote business services, and tech startups (World Bank).

In summary, Seychelles’ high-speed internet revolution is set to transform its digital landscape, with robust growth, increased competition, and innovative expansion models shaping the future of connectivity in this island paradise.

Regional Connectivity: Urban-Rural Divide and Island-Specific Insights

The Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, is undergoing a digital transformation with the rollout of 10 Gbps high-speed internet. This initiative, spearheaded by the Seychelles Cable Systems Company (SCS) and local telecom operators, aims to bridge the urban-rural divide and address the unique connectivity challenges faced by island communities.

Urban-Rural Divide: Fiber’s Reach and Limitations

• Urban Centers: The capital, Victoria, and the main islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue are the primary beneficiaries of the new 10 Gbps fiber-optic backbone. These areas now enjoy some of the fastest internet speeds in Africa, with SCS reporting a 400% increase in available bandwidth since the launch of the SEAS cable extension in 2023.
• Rural and Outer Islands: Despite these advances, many of the outer islands remain reliant on older, slower satellite connections. The cost and logistical complexity of laying undersea fiber to remote atolls means that only about 70% of the population currently has access to high-speed broadband (World Bank).

Island-Specific Insights: The Satellite Showdown

• Fiber vs. Satellite: The arrival of Starlink in 2023 has intensified competition. Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites now provide high-speed, low-latency internet to even the most remote islands, challenging the traditional dominance of fiber in urban centers. Early reports suggest Starlink users in Seychelles experience speeds of 100-200 Mbps, a significant improvement over legacy satellite services (Speedtest Global Index).
• Affordability and Access: While fiber offers superior speeds in urban areas, Starlink’s plug-and-play model is rapidly closing the digital gap for rural and outer island residents. However, the high upfront cost of Starlink equipment (over $500 USD) remains a barrier for many households (Seychelles News Agency).

In summary, Seychelles’ 10 Gbps internet revolution is transforming urban connectivity and, with the advent of LEO satellites, is poised to finally bridge the digital divide for its far-flung island communities. The next few years will be critical in determining whether fiber or satellite will dominate the nation’s connectivity landscape.

What’s Next for Seychelles’ High-Speed Internet Ecosystem?

The Seychelles, an archipelago renowned for its pristine beaches, is now making waves in the digital realm with the rollout of 10 Gbps high-speed internet. This leap is transforming the nation’s connectivity landscape, positioning it as a regional leader in broadband infrastructure. The government, in partnership with local telecoms and international technology providers, has prioritized digital transformation as a pillar of economic diversification and resilience.

In 2023, Seychelles’ main telecom operator, Cable & Wireless Seychelles (CWS), launched the country’s first 10 Gbps fiber broadband service, targeting both residential and business customers. This service, among the fastest in Africa, leverages the Seychelles East Africa System (SEAS) submarine cable, which links the islands to mainland Africa and the global internet backbone (CWS Launches 10Gbps Fibre Broadband).

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Seychelles boasts an internet penetration rate of over 80%, the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. The introduction of 10 Gbps services is expected to further boost digital adoption, support remote work, and attract tech-driven investment, especially in fintech and digital tourism.

However, the high-speed revolution is not without competition. Satellite internet providers, including Starlink, have entered the Seychelles market, offering high-speed, low-latency connectivity to even the most remote islands. Starlink’s service, launched in 2023, promises speeds of up to 220 Mbps, providing a viable alternative where fiber infrastructure is challenging to deploy (Starlink Coverage Map).

• Fiber vs. Satellite: While fiber offers unmatched speeds and reliability in urban centers, satellite internet is bridging the digital divide for outer islands and maritime users.
• Economic Impact: Enhanced connectivity is expected to drive innovation in e-government, education, and healthcare, while supporting the growth of Seychelles’ digital economy (Seychelles Digital Economy Strategy).
• Future Prospects: The government is exploring further submarine cable investments and regulatory reforms to ensure affordable, resilient, and inclusive internet access for all Seychellois.

As Seychelles embraces its high-speed future, the interplay between fiber and satellite technologies will shape the nation’s digital destiny, ensuring that paradise is as connected as it is beautiful.

Barriers, Breakthroughs, and Strategic Opportunities Ahead

The Seychelles, a picturesque Indian Ocean archipelago, is undergoing a digital transformation as it races toward 10 Gbps internet speeds—a leap that positions the nation as a regional connectivity leader. This high-speed internet revolution is driven by a blend of undersea fiber-optic investments, regulatory reforms, and a competitive “satellite showdown” that is reshaping the local telecom landscape.

• Barriers: Despite its ambitions, Seychelles faces unique challenges. Its remote geography and small population (about 100,000) have historically limited economies of scale, making infrastructure investments costly. The country’s reliance on a single undersea cable, the Seychelles East Africa System (SEAS), has exposed it to outages and bandwidth bottlenecks (ITU). Additionally, high import costs for network equipment and a limited pool of skilled ICT professionals have slowed rollout and innovation.
• Breakthroughs: Recent years have seen significant progress. The government’s “Digital Seychelles” strategy, launched in 2021, prioritized universal broadband and digital literacy. In 2023, the country announced plans to connect to a second submarine cable, the PEACE cable, which will boost redundancy and capacity (PEACE Cable). Local ISPs, such as Cable & Wireless Seychelles, have begun piloting 10 Gbps fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services, making Seychelles one of the first African nations to offer such speeds (Cable & Wireless Seychelles).
• Satellite Showdown: The arrival of global satellite internet providers, including Starlink and Eutelsat, has intensified competition. Starlink’s 2023 launch in Seychelles offers high-speed, low-latency connectivity to even the most remote islands, challenging traditional ISPs to innovate and lower prices (Starlink). This “satellite showdown” is driving rapid infrastructure upgrades and expanding digital inclusion.
• Strategic Opportunities: With robust connectivity, Seychelles is poised to diversify its economy beyond tourism. Opportunities abound in fintech, e-government, and remote work. The government is also exploring partnerships to position Seychelles as a digital hub for the Indian Ocean, leveraging its advanced infrastructure to attract regional data centers and tech startups (Seychelles News Agency).

As Seychelles surges toward 10 Gbps, its blend of fiber and satellite connectivity is setting a new standard for island nations, overcoming geographic barriers and unlocking strategic digital opportunities.

Sources & References

• 10 Gbps in Paradise: Inside Seychelles’ High-Speed Internet Revolution (and the Satellite Showdown)
• Seychelles News Agency
• Speedtest Global Index
• Seychelles Vision 2033
• Digital Economy Agenda 2023-2027
• Starlink
• ITU
• Seychelles’ average fixed broadband speeds
• Intelsat
• Airtel Seychelles
• Intelvision
• Oxford Business Group
• World Bank
• SEAS cable