Africa's mobile phone penetration to rise to 79 pct in 2020
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail Xinhua, January 8, 2015
Mobile penetration in the sub- Saharan Africa region is expected to increase from 52 percent in 2012 to 79 percent in 2020, a new study by a global research firm revealed on Wednesday.
The study by Frost & Sullivan shows that mobile broadband connections are now anticipated to quadruple from its 2012 figure to reach 160 million in 2016.
"The introduction of affordable smartphones, specifically designed for the African market, has improved the market scenario, " said Frost & Sullivan Information and Communication Technologies Industry analyst Joanita Roos.
"This uptrend reflects the gradual change in consumer habits, as they gain their first Internet experience through a mobile device," Roos added.
The report says Sub-Saharan African mobile market presents significant opportunities for telecommunication companies, device and module vendors, and application providers.
With telecommunications market maturing, and mobile phones taking on the role of service delivery platforms, the region is proving to be extremely lucrative for players in the mobile ecosystem.
The study expects the market to be on a strong upward trajectory as more than half the population has no access to a mobile phone.
In terms of mobile phone usage, the report says will be the fastest growing region globally over the next seven years.
The key drivers that increase the uptake of mobile broadband internet in the region include the increased coverage of 3G networks, the rise of local content, and the development of a range of new apps.
According to the report, mobile broadband is a tremendous driver in the mobile market as fixed lines throughout Africa are constrained by cost, coverage and reliability.
Roos said as mobile devices start to gain popularity in Sub- Sahara Africa, other related end-user trends are also beginning to surface.
"For example, the large unbanked population and rural environment in the region is fuelling the use of mobile financial services. As a result, manufacturers are creating sustainable business models to leverage broadband in the mobile financial services market," she said. Endi
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)