Telecommunications
Industry Stands Strong in Africa
As
the global recession continues to take its toll on nations, businesses
and individuals, African telecommunications companies can justifiably
claim to be optimistic about their sector and their work.
Africa, as a continent,
has not escaped the global recession unscathed. However, various
studies have concluded that Africa's telecommunication industry
will record significant growth in the next five years, defying the
global recession. According to a report released earlier this year
by Ernst and Young's Global Telecommunication Centre, voice services
are to remain the largest contributor to telecom operators' revenue
in the medium term, though data and value added services will also
continue to grow in the rural areas. Furthermore, demand for inexpensive
broadband is growing across the continent with the landing of various
sub-sea cables.
What is driving this
growth? A number of things: a better regulatory environment, increased
market liberalisation, further market consolidation, political stability,
and higher consumer spending power.
Telecommunications companies
across the continent are bullish and continue to predict growth
over the next few years. Exact statistics are hard to come by, given
the rapid pace of change. TeleGeorgaphy stated that Africa saw 96m
new mobile subscribers in the year to March 2009 – making
it the region with the fastest growth. With various elements driving
this continuing growth, we will also see continued benefits to businesses
and consumers in markets across Africa.
But whilst the industry
is highly profitable, return on investment could, in many cases,
be delayed due to poor infrastructure. This is why, as well as launching
new services and improving its current ones, Gateway is committed
to investing in infrastructure to ensure that the benefits of improved
connectivity reach as many people as possible.
The growth in the sector
has been shown to impact positively on society. The Global Mobile
Tax Review notes that every 10% increase in telephone penetration
in emerging markets equates to a 1.2% increase in GDP.
Of course, Gateway Communications
has recognised this potential since its inception. Whilst the challenges
to doing business have been reduced, there are still a great many
to overcome. Gateway is proud to be an industry leader,
driving and shaping a promising future for African telecommunications.
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