As Africa’s digital landscape rapidly evolves, innovative approaches to internet connectivity and billing are critical to fostering growth, competition, and inclusivity.
Innovation has long been a catalyst for progress, with technological advancements unlocking new economic opportunities. In Africa, where reliable and affordable internet access is vital for development, forward-thinking solutions are accelerating digital transformation and empowering communities.
Workonline Communications, a leading provider of IP transit services across Africa, has been at the forefront of this transformation. Since its inception in 2006, the company has introduced global best practices to the African market. One example is the 95th percentile billing model, a flexible approach that allows internet service providers (ISPs) to manage bandwidth costs by paying for typical usage rather than peak capacity. Previously used only in Europe, Workonline pioneered the model in South Africa and has since expanded it across the continent, delivering significant cost savings and operational efficiencies.
What is 95th percentile billing?
95th percentile billing, also known as burstable billing, offers a fairer and more adaptable pricing model for ISPs. Bandwidth usage is measured every five minutes, and the top 5% of traffic spikes, equivalent to approximately 36 hours over a 30-day period, are excluded from billing calculations. This means businesses only pay for their regular usage while maintaining the flexibility to handle short-term spikes without incurring extra charges.
By adopting this model, ISPs can consolidate providers, reduce the need for over-provisioning, and save up to 40% on costs compared to traditional billing practices. It also allows businesses to maintain backup capacity for critical events without paying for unused bandwidth.
Prodata Africa, a leading ISP in Ghana, shared, “By adopting Workonline’s 95th percentile billing, we reduced our monthly connectivity expenses by 40% while maintaining sufficient capacity to handle peak traffic. This has allowed us to reinvest in other areas of our business, improving customer satisfaction and driving growth.”
Lifi.net, a rising ISP in Nigeria, echoed this sentiment: “This rule has saved us a lot of money. It allowed us to purchase larger bandwidth while using only what was needed, with the flexibility to upscale without contacting the provider for a bandwidth increase. The 95th percentile is simply customer-oriented.”
Innovation for community impact
Beyond commercial innovation, Workonline Communications is committed to fostering digital inclusion and community development. The company believes a robust Internet ecosystem is crucial for African societies to realize their full potential, enabling people to connect, learn, trade, and innovate.
To support these goals, Workonline provides reliable Internet access to initiatives focused on training, education, and entrepreneurship. Since 2016, Workonline has partnered with South African NGO Afrika Tikkun to deliver free high-speed Internet to its centres, benefitting over 15,000 learners. This connectivity upgrade has brought the centres’ internet speeds in line with world-class academic institutions, empowering underprivileged youth with the skills and knowledge to thrive.
Workonline also collaborates with TooMuchWifi to bring affordable, high-quality connectivity to underserved communities, bridging the digital divide. Additionally, along with Ilitha Telecommunications, Workonline has enabled fast, uncapped broadband in underserved areas like townships. Mzi Holmes, CTO of Ilitha, highlighted the impact of Workonline’s POP in East London, saying, “It’s a game-changer for the Eastern Cape, saving costs for network providers and transforming local connectivity dynamics.”
Workonline also plays a significant role in capacity-building through initiatives like WomenTechConnect, a collaborative programme launched in 2018 with the London Internet Exchange (LINX) to support women in technology across Africa, as well as their ongoing partnership with AFRINIC to deliver IPv6 and Internet Number Resource Management (INRM) training to African network engineers.
Contributing to Africa’s internet resilience
Africa’s internet resilience is improving, thanks to sustained investment in infrastructure and the expansion of mobile networks. Workonline Communications has been a driving force behind this progress. By introducing innovative billing models, investing in network expansion, and supporting community-driven initiatives, Workonline continues to strengthen the African internet ecosystem.
“Our goal is to empower African businesses to achieve more with their connectivity investments,” said Benjamin Deveaux, Head of Business Development at Workonline Communications Group. “Through innovation and collaboration, we are not only reducing costs for our customers but also enabling a more inclusive digital future across the continent.”
Workonline’s commitment to innovation and community impact highlights how transformative business models can drive sustainable growth and digital empowerment.
About Workonline Communications
Workonline Communications is a leading pan-African network service provider, specializing in IP transit and carrier services across Africa. With a focus on delivering high-quality connectivity solutions and fostering community-driven networks, Workonline is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the African internet ecosystem.