Satellite or Mobile internet in Africa (specifically east coast)

[steve.lorimer]

Hi folks

I've just completed the west coast leg of my circumnavigation of Africa. Updating our website on the move was fine, there are loads of Internet Cafes all over Africa. Sometimes a bit slow and frustrating, but the access is very much there.

I'm now about to head back up the east coast, and was wondering what the availability of mobile internet is? Cellular coverage is almost 100% now, and the technology is available to support mobile broadband... I know that people in each country can get mobile broadband, but what about travellers passing through? Is it possible to get temporary access in each country? What are the costs like?

What about multi-country access? Is this available, and if so, at what cost?

Also, I stayed with some friends in Nigeria and noticed their internet connection was via satellite (tx and rx). Since I've got the space (truck not bike) it wouldn't be too much of an issue to lug a satellite dish around. The only issue would be to align the dish with the satellite, but that's perfectly do-able. Has anyone ever done this while travelling through Africa?

What about costs? Is it just unrealistic cost-wise, or can this be affordable?

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks
Steve
www.overafrica.org