16% of Africans now have mobile broadband
Africa’s mobile broadband subscriptions have reached 172-illion — just over 16% of the continent’s population — according to the State of Broadband report, 2014 edition. The ITU defines mobile broadband as access to data communications (the internet) at broadband downstream speeds of 256 kbps or higher. The report details country-by-country rankings based on access and affordability for more than 160 economies. The statistics show, however that while Africa is home to 14.7% of the world’s population, it represents only 8% of the geographical distribution of mobile broadband subscriptions. Mobile broadband (3G and 4G) continues to show the highest growth rate of any ICT, growing almost 20% during 2014, the report notes.
13% CAGR forecast for cellular M2M in Africa, Middle-East
The African and Middle East market for cellular machine-to-machine (M2M) technology, which is enabling the Internet-of-things (IoT) revolution, is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 13% over the next four years according to a Telecom Insider report. Even faster growth if forecast globally. The Wireless M2M & IoT Bible: 2014 – 2020 forecasts that the wireless M2M market will see a CAGR of 21% over the next the six years, accounting for US$196-billion in revenue by 2020. This growth is being driven by such factors as M2M’s ability to address end-user pain points in specific markets, the state of regulations, and business model innovations. Research indicates that cellular M2M SIMs will account for 3,2% of total mobile subscriptions in the AME region at year-end 2018, led by the utility segment with 45% of all M2M SIMs. The telematics/fleet management sector will generate the most mobile service revenue. Speakers at a recent ITU conference estimated that more than 15-billion devices will be connected by the end of 2015.
70% of ICT challenges in sub-Saharan Africa “lie in poor skills”
Poor ICTs skills have been identified as responsible for about 70% of the major challenge confronting the growth of technology in sub-Saharan Africa. Speakers at the 2014 Oracle World congress in San Francisco called on African governments to create an enabling environment that will encourage growth of ICT skills. Loic Le Guisquet, executive VP for Oracle Europe, Middle East and Africa, said the challenge of required and adequate skills has continued to hinder the growth of Africa. His colleague, senior VP, Eastern Europe, CIS, Middle East and Africa, Alfonso Di Ianni, said that to address this skills gap the continent needs to build a roadmap for skills development in ICT. In about six years from now, Africa will have more than 500-million people younger than 20. “Efforts should be channelled towards ensuring that these youths are fully and constructively engaged, and I see ICT playing a bigger role here,” he said.
Phase3 Telecom offers enhanced data services in West Africa
Lagos-based Phase3 Telecom, an independent fibre optic infrastructure provider, has announced the addition of multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) to its growing network, enabling clients across West Africa to access and share large amounts of data from multiple locations. Even in the most remote of locations, this expansion can deliver speeds of 100 Mbpss, the company says. MPLS enables customers with offices in different locations to lease virtual private networks. Phase3 CEO Stanley Jegede the possibilities and benefits of businesses being connected to a viable network that enables quick and secure data sharing across diverse or remote locations are exponential. “We’re delivering advanced services that allow our clients to do more, faster and more efficiently, creating a new wave of innovation. We hope to drive rapid economic growth by offering vast and untapped value creation by providing seamless services.”
Huawei to pour US$4-billion into fixed broadband in next three years
Huawei has announced it will be investing more than US$4-billion in fixed broadband (FBB) technology research and development over the next three years. The investment will focus on products and solutions that will support customers and provide improved service experience for end users. East and Southern Africa region president Peng Li said: “The African markets are extremely crucial in our scope for international broadband development. We intend to work closely with our strategic partners to continuously target customer-centric needs and bring forward the latest innovation to better the global communication village. In Africa, Huawei will continuously bring the latest solutions and technologies.”
Globalstar to deploy satellite gateway In Botswana
US satellite communications company Globalstar, in partnership with Broadband Botswana Internet (BBi), has begun construction on a Globalstar gateway in Gaborone. The partnership will offer Globalcom’s full line of simplex services, including commercial tracking and monitoring solutions, and SPOT affordable personal tracking. Globalstar expects the gateway will be operational by the end of this year, and will provide coverage across southern Africa as far north as Uganda. Globalstar says it will initially target mining, oil and gas applications, and the personal assets, commercial trucking and animal-tracking markets.
Nigeria’s Juwah elected chairman of Commonwealth Telecoms Organisation
Nigeria has been elected to the chairmanship of the Council and Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO). It takes over from Kenya, which occupied the position for the past three years. Dr. Eugene Juwah, executive vice-chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, has assumed the position as chairman. Observers see the move as recognition of Nigeria’s contributions to telecoms development, and the rapid growth of its telecoms market.
Liquid Telecom to invest US$34-million in Rwanda
Liquid Telecom Rwanda (LTR) is planning to invest US$34-million in Rwanda. CEO Sam Nkusi said the money will be used to build internet infrastructure, including laying fibre-optic cable around the country. The company, a subsidiary of the Mauritius based multinational, expects to connect 3500 homes and commercial buildings to the internet by the end of this year. LTR, which has 1235 customers, including telecom firms Airtel and Tigo, is seeking to take advantage of Rwanda’s central location to serve as an internet services hub for the region, said Nkusi. “Rwanda is key in connecting east and central African capitals with route diversity and reliability.”
Tanzania’s Zantel launches 3G network
Zantel, which boasts of being the only integrated telecom service provider in Tanzania offering an international gateway and fixed, mobile and data services, has launched a 3G network to improve efficiency and increase speed to customers using its internet services. The company, which is own by Emirates Telecoms (65%), the government of Zanzibar (18%) and Meeco International of Tanzania (17%), says this will result in a “tremendous” improvement to its Internet network, and the extension of service in all regions in the country.
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