I have a few comments on this project that I hope will open up a wider debate: 1. It is, IMO, very sad that it takes a company of Google's size and clout to envision and implement a project such as this. There is no shortage of African entrepreneurs who have the money, experience and the capabilities to roll out such services, and in casual conversation with them, some have tried. At every turn they have been stymied by government indifference and existing monopoly at best and sabotage at worst. 2. Who will own this network? What are the implications of having your backbone network owned, operated by and potentially financed by an external entity that answers to a foreign government? Has there been any discourse or disclosure on this aspect of the project? In particular it is completely unclear whether Google's philanthropic or commercial arm is building the network. The answer to this question will clarify both the ownership and the impetus for doing it in the first place. 3. Who will pay for this network? On first glance it seems that Google will. It would be useful to have that issue clarified. What will happen if it's not successful or if Google's priorities shift elsewhere? Will they just stop providing service? Will they hand over the network? Will they sell it? The financing and longevity question requires answering. Nevertheless, it is laudable that they are attempting this experiment. I have long maintained that what is required to increase the utility of the Internet in Africa are cheap, reliable services. Unfortunately, even with the prevalence of huge capacity the incumbent operators, by and large, seem only to concentrate on the bottom line and not much else. Good luck to Google on this experiment. I will be watching with interest.