Friday, October 03, 2008
Africa Embraces 21st Century With Growing Cell Phone Market
Africa has become the world's largest growing cell phone market, and many people in poor rural areas are becoming connected to the 21st century by this development. In an article by Sharon Lafraniere, she states that from 1999-2004, the number of mobile subscribers in Africa has increased from 7.5 million to 76.8 million, an increase of 58%. To put that tremendous percentage in perspective, the second largest growing cell phone market, Asia, increased just 34% during that time span.
Lafraniere describes this cell phone boom came as somewhat of a surprise, considering most Africans live on less than $2 per day or less. However, most African nations began privatizing their telephone monopolies, and started to sell "air time" in cheaper units for more affordable prices. Now, 1 in every 11 Africans are mobile subscribers.
Despite the fact that Africa has an average of just one land line for every 33 people and only about 60% of Africans are within reach of a signal, many Africans across the continent still view this technological boom as a tremendous positive. The phones are not just positively effecting individuals, but also small and personally owned businesses of all types.
With the demand for more cell phone towers increasing, several companies are working hard to add more towers and base stations to ensure that the 60% of Africans within reach of a signal continues to increase.
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I find it incredible that this is happening. What about the poverty, rape, and genocide??
I don't think that by putting cell phones in people's hands will just bring them onto the same level field as a country like the USA. This is just so wierd
I don't think that by putting cell phones in people's hands will just bring them onto the same level field as a country like the USA. This is just so wierd
A good post. Africa is a big place it has poverty, war, peace and prosperity. Cell phones can be a major tool for economic development. The question is whether the market alone can bring efficient low cost telecommunications to the continent or whether there has to be a larger international effort to improve the communications infrastructure. Pretty clearly the market will not be able to do it alone.
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