"Broadband for Africa focuses on one part of the broadband policy jigsaw puzzle—backbone networks. These are the high-capacity communications networks that form the heart of the internet. This book addresses three specific questions: What role do backbone networks play in the provision of broadband services? What is the current state of backbone network development in Africa and the reasons for this? What can be done to promote the development of backbone networks? This volume places backbone networks in the overall context of broadband policy in Africa. It outlines their importance and provides a policy framework for accelerating their development." (Back cover)