African telecommunication indicators 2004

Does mobile technology hold the key to widening access to ICTs in Africa?

Mobile phone subscriber numbers in Africa have increased by over 1000% between 1998 and 2003 to reach 51.8 million. Mobile user numbers have long passed those of fixed line, which stood at 25.1 million at the end of 2003

This report provides a brief overview of market trends. The report explores the kind of mobile applications which have proved a success, analyzes the current platforms which offer mobile data services and examines the technologies that could be used to offer enhanced, faster access to the Internet in future. It also outlines key areas on which policy needs to focus to ensure that competition functions effectively. The report analyzes different scenarios for the growth of Africa’s mobile market, looking at potential future demand for mobile services and examines ways in which mobile operators can extend their services into universal access markets. As well, the report looks at what will influence fixed line growth in future.

The full report is only available for purchase, but the website includes a press-release and powerpoint presentation based on the report

How good is this research?
Assessing the quality of research can be a tricky business. This blog from our editor offers some tools and tips.
Read now

Related content

Document
Lessons for Open Data for Development Programmes
Louise Clark, G.L. Higdon, A. Stanley, T. Roberts / Institute of Development Studies UK, 2020
Open data programmes – that support the access, distribution, and effective use of data by everyone for free – are a relatively new area in global development. As more initiatives emerge, there is a need for stronger evidence to inform effective design and implementation that can mitigate inequities in access and maximise the development potential of open data.
Document
Lessons for open data for development programmes
L. Clark, G.L. Higdon, A. Stanley, T. Roberts / Institute of Development Studies UK, 2020
Open data programmes – that support the access, distribution, and effective use of data by everyone for free – are a relatively new area in global development.
Document
The future of work: Findings of research commissioned by the Oxfam ‘Empower Youth for Work’ program
B. Faith, J. Flynn, K. Hernandez, T. Roberts / Oxfam Novib, 2020
Empower Youth for Work (EYW) is a five-year program (2016-2021) run by Oxfam, funded by the IKEA Foundation.
Document
A review of the evidence: Sexuality education for young people in digital spaces
S. Jolly, P. Oosterhoff, B. Faith, D. Braeken, K. Shephard / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 2020
This desk review examines the available evidence on the extent to which digital content can influence knowledge, attitudes and practices of adolescents and young people (aged 10–24 years), and looks at the potential for digital spaces to be used to add value to the delivery of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE).
Document
International connectivity and the digital divide in sub-Saharan Africa
J. Cariolle / Fondation pour les études et recherches sur le développement international / Foundation for International Development Study and Research, 2020
During the last decades, international connectivity has improved significantly with the worldwide deployment of some 400 fiber submarine cables (SMCs), transmitting more than 99% of international telecommunications.

Eldis

African telecommunication indicators 2004