CAPE TOWN: Mobile penetration in the sub Saharan Africa region is expected to increase to 79 percent in 2020, a new study by a global research. 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.
