Emerging Markets and Benefits of Fixed to Wireless Substitution In Africa

Abstract

Considering domestic, geographic, operable, functional and economic environments of African countries, wireless networks appear to be a first option for the construction of communication there. In this paper the description of the technical virtues of wireless networks over fixed lines in underdeveloped areas is proposed based on a proposed Impact of Telecommunications Model (ITM). The model is set up to verify the benefits of wireless networking to African countries. The ITM is able to disclose the importance of building a wireless network in specified rural areas by choosing accurate economic parameters to evaluate the contribution of telecommunications and to forecast the profitability of the network. To show the benefits of wireless networking to Africa by using the ITM, South African is chosen as a communication example of Africa and analyzed due to its representatively leading position in the African communication market. Thereafter, all African countries are compared with respect to their similarity or differences in inducing wireless communication on the basis of the model. Meanwhile a prospective mobile market can be expected for most African countries.