3G in Africa: Growth Gets Under Way
Introduction
3G services arrived in Africa in 2004. Since then the number of GSM mobile networks currently offering 3G services has grown to 54 out of a total of 155 in 24 different states.
Features and benefits
Ovum expects the number of 3G HSPA connections to rise from 18.3 million in 2010 to over 164 million by 2014, with revenues to rise to $3.4bn, up from $433m.
Your key questions answered
3G services arrived in Africa in 2004. Since then the number of GSM mobile networks currently offering 3G services has grown to 54 out of a total of 155 in 24 different states.
Features and benefits
- Understand and assess the 3G mobile data opportunity in the emerging African market.
- Gain insight into the 3G market drivers and inhibitors.
Ovum expects the number of 3G HSPA connections to rise from 18.3 million in 2010 to over 164 million by 2014, with revenues to rise to $3.4bn, up from $433m.
Your key questions answered
- What are the current market drivers for 3G uptake across Africa?
- What strategies have the current 3G network operators deployed and what success has this yielded?
- What does the future hold for 3G and mobile data services in Africa?
SUMMARY
In a nutshell
Key messages
3G connections will continue to grow
Operators will look to data services as a means of arresting declining ARPU
Regulatory environment remains challenging
Cautious rollouts
Competitive 3G pricing
The high cost of devices and services continue to inhibit growth
Recommendations for players
Network operators must balance network and service strategy
Equipment vendors must expect a very price-sensitive market
THE 3G OPPORTUNITY IN AFRICA
Current state of play
Voice remains key revenue generator
3G MARKET DRIVERS AND INHIBITORS
User demand
Devices
International capacity
Poor and/or expensive infrastructure
3G SPECTRUM AND LICENSING
Licensing approaches and costs
3G POSITIONING OF AFRICAN OPERATORS
Basic connectivity versus a full service provider
Leaders
Challengers
Niche market players
3G NETWORK ROLLOUT STRATEGIES
The broad picture
Four generic network rollout strategies
Cost-effective voice
Migration of existing 2G subscribers
Data boost from broadband services
Deriving value from under-penetrated segments
3G NETWORK ROLLOUT ISSUES
Capacity considerations
Outsourced infrastructure
Operators out in the cold
Technology roadmap
BSS/OSS opportunity
PRODUCT, SERVICE, AND MARKETING STRATEGIES
3G SEGMENTATION
Business users
Urban consumers
Rural communities
Product and pricing strategies
3G DEVICES
APPENDIX
Methodology
Author
Ovum Consulting
Disclaimer
In a nutshell
Key messages
3G connections will continue to grow
Operators will look to data services as a means of arresting declining ARPU
Regulatory environment remains challenging
Cautious rollouts
Competitive 3G pricing
The high cost of devices and services continue to inhibit growth
Recommendations for players
Network operators must balance network and service strategy
Equipment vendors must expect a very price-sensitive market
THE 3G OPPORTUNITY IN AFRICA
Current state of play
Voice remains key revenue generator
3G MARKET DRIVERS AND INHIBITORS
User demand
Devices
International capacity
Poor and/or expensive infrastructure
3G SPECTRUM AND LICENSING
Licensing approaches and costs
3G POSITIONING OF AFRICAN OPERATORS
Basic connectivity versus a full service provider
Leaders
Challengers
Niche market players
3G NETWORK ROLLOUT STRATEGIES
The broad picture
Four generic network rollout strategies
Cost-effective voice
Migration of existing 2G subscribers
Data boost from broadband services
Deriving value from under-penetrated segments
3G NETWORK ROLLOUT ISSUES
Capacity considerations
Outsourced infrastructure
Operators out in the cold
Technology roadmap
BSS/OSS opportunity
PRODUCT, SERVICE, AND MARKETING STRATEGIES
3G SEGMENTATION
Business users
Urban consumers
Rural communities
Product and pricing strategies
3G DEVICES
APPENDIX
Methodology
Author
Ovum Consulting
Disclaimer
