Official publication:
GSM>3G VISION e-Zine 08/01/07
Could Internet Connectivity Provide a Viable Accelerator for 3G in ECA?
Up until now, 3G has generally been considered far too advanced for the current market in East & Central Africa. Yet this might possibly be set to change as operators latch on to 3G’s growing popularity for connecting users to the internet.
Currently, East & Central African 3G is being trialled and introduced by Vodacom Tanzania, Safaricom in Kenya, and the Sudanese operators, yet deployment is occurring on a cities-only basis, in an attempt to capture the attentions of high-spending business customers and foreigners roaming whilst abroad.
Yet since fixed-line telephony in East & Central Africa is so under-serving of the total population, there is a real case emerging for using 3G to enable customers to connect to the internet via their mobile phones. Certainly, the demand for internet connection in rural areas could be substantial given the right price of handset and efficient coverage capability. Looking abroad, Mozambique is now seriously considering rolling out the service for this very purpose, and there is every indication that this rollout will be a success given the public appetite for the service.
With this in mind, it is perhaps just a matter of time before 3G gains momentum in the region, and at GSM>3G East & Central Africa 2007, the technology offers significant room for thought. The GSM Association’s Stream on Day Two covers the need, usage and effectiveness of 2.5G, 3G and HSPA technologies, equipping operators with all the information they need to upgrade their networks as effectively as possible.
Also at the event, CxOs from across ECA will gather to discuss all the region’s hottest topics, including international investment, regulatory issues and taxation, mobile internet, WiMAX, VoIP, raising revenue and strategies to facilitate market growth and increase rural connectivity. It will also include a dedicated stream focusing on optimum business models and services to enable operators to thrive in a competitive market and help to increase their productivity.
East & Central Africa is without doubt a region of huge potential. And with over 40 African and international operators, vendors and analysts all taking an active part in the event, GSM>3G East & Central Africa offers the ideal opportunity to stay up to date with the latest market developments, and network with all the leading players set to drive the market in the year ahead.
As the foremost annual meeting place for the East and Central African telecoms community, this is one event definitely not to be missed!
Dates for your diary:
GSM>3G East Africa 2008 takes place at the Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya on 21-22 May 2008.
