In research released yesterday titled Sub-Saharan African Mobile End-user Trends, Frost & Sullivan said the region's mobile market presents significant opportunities for telecommunication companies, devices and application providers.
According to the report, mobile penetration in the region is expected to increase from 52% in 2012 to 79% in 2020, making it the fastest- growing region globally over the next seven years.
Joanita Roos industry analyst at Frost & Sullivan said: "The introduction of affordable smartphones, specifically designed for the African market, has improved the market scenario. Mobile broadband connections are now anticipated to quadruple from its 2012 figure to reach 160 million in 2016.
"This uptrend reflects the gradual change in consumer habits as they gain their first internet experience through a mobile device," Roos said.
Rubiem Technologies CEO Dennis Magaya said Frost & Sullivan's forecasts were good news for SA's networks Vodacom and MTN, which are facing increasing costs and slower growth in their home market.
MTN has expanded aggressively into the continent, with Nigeria overtaking SA as the company's biggest revenue generator.
Source: Business Day via I-NET Bridge
For more than two decades, I-Net Bridge has been one of South Africa’s preferred electronic providers of innovative solutions, data of the highest calibre, reliable platforms and excellent supporting systems. Our products include workstations, web applications and data feeds packaged with in-depth news and powerful analytical tools empowering clients to make meaningful decisions.
We pride ourselves on our wide variety of in-house skills, encompassing multiple platforms and applications. These skills enable us to not only function as a first class facility, but also design, implement and support all our client needs at a level that confirms I-Net Bridge a leader in its field.
Go to: http://www.inet.co.za
