When it comes to going online, geography matters. In parts of Africa and the Middle East, simply loading a YouTube video can cost far more than you’d expect.
When it comes to going online, geography matters. In parts of Africa and the Middle East, simply loading a YouTube video can cost far more than you’d expect.
Around the world, the cost of staying connected can vary wildly, and in some countries, it’s eye-watering.
At the very top of the list sits the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where people pay an average of $4.31 per Mbps, nearly double the price in Ghana ($2.58), the second-most expensive country and Africa’s priciest market for bandwidth.
Infrastructure and regulation push prices up
These sky-high prices are often linked to limited competition, infrastructure gaps, and tough regulations that keep costs up.
In Africa, Ghana is followed by Kenya ($1.54 per Mbps), Morocco ($1.16), and Nigeria ($0.72). Despite being the continent’s biggest economy, Nigeria’s rates are still far above the cheapest markets worldwide.
South Africa ($0.50) and Egypt ($0.17), meanwhile, offer more affordable internet thanks to stronger telecom industries and greater market competition.
Beyond Africa, Switzerland also ranks high on the list, with prices exceeding $1.00 per Mbps. Analysts note that even wealthy nations aren’t immune to high costs, as policy decisions and market structures play a big role in pricing.