CAPE TOWN, South Africa - Africa's demand for mobile Internet access will increase 40-50 percent between 2006 and 2009, predicted an analysis by growth consulting company Frost and Sullivan.
The predicted expansion is due to the continent's lack of sufficient fixed-line structure and the reduced prices of handsets and mobile Internet service.
"The poor state of fixed-line infrastructure is creating the potential for the African mobile Internet market to boom," said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Spiwe Chireka. "Mobile Internet has emerged as the solution to the continent's last mile connectivity problem."
Mobile Internet is considered more cost-effective than fixed-line infrastructure. Large areas can be covered with broadcast signals more efficiently, allowing users to access services on the go.
However, the cost of mobile Internet-compatible handsets and pricing for services puts the Internet out of reach for most of Africa's population.
The poor infrastructure of many countries delays Internet availability. It is difficult to access remote areas due to a lack of reliable electricity and inadequate road networks.
"Mobile Internet service providers need to form partnerships with cellular companies, as well as technology and infrastructure providers, to see how best they can provide cheaper or more affordable handsets that will provide good quality service," Chireka said. "They should also form partnerships with governments across Africa and work out investment plans to improve telecommunications infrastructures, so that deployment of such services is not limited."
