8 February 2012Last updated at 11:25
How the world was connected
Watch how the world woke up to the power of broadband, using our interactive map.
Archive stories
New Africa broadband link 'ready'New high-speed internet cable to connect East Africa with world
'Africans to gain' from web plan
Cable fault cuts off West Africa
Bold Rwanda takes broadband leap
West Africa net service restored
New Africa broadband link 'ready'
Kenya's mobile wallet revolution
Is Kenya sabotaging its broadband future? 
A school without internet
Kenya looks to the future
Can Africa afford fast internet?Features
What's your connection?African readers of BBC News online tell us how the internet changed their lives
Hi-tech ambitions
Entrepreneurs aim to put Kenya on the digital map
Easy money
How mobile banking is transforming Africa
Getting animated
Kenya's growing graphic design industry
First-timers
A Nigerian village goes online for the first time
Life lines
The arrival of fast internet will boost mobile phone innovation
Riding the express
Broadband could be Africa's biggest infrastructure investment since the Uganda railway
What's your connection?