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Escalating Use of Wireless Data is Shaping the Demand for Public Wi-Fi in Sub-Saharan Africa [Emirates News Agency (WAM) (United Arab Emirates)](Emirates News Agency (WAM) (United Arab Emirates) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) The exponential rise in the number of internet users and overall broadband services is paving the way for the public Wi-Fi market in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite investments in 3G and 4G networks, service providers are expected to rely on Wi-Fi to offload some of the data, especially in megacities where networks face heavy mobile traffic congestion. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of Public Wi-Fi in Sub-Saharan Africa, finds that high mobile Internet penetration rates in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya offer huge opportunities for Wi-Fi vendors. The evolution of several megacities into smart cities in Sub-Saharan Africa is laying the foundation for the adoption of smart building and smart grid solutions across the continent, said Frost & Sullivan Information & Communication Technologies Research Analyst Lehlohonolo Mokenela. As a result, device manufacturers are focusing on the development of Wi-Fi enabled devices for use in smart solutions, quickening the march towards greater Wi-Fi penetration. Traditionally, internet service providers and specialist Wi-Fi providers have dominated the deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots in Sub-Saharan Africa, while mobile operators have previously avoided migration due to concerns of it cannibalising mobile data revenues. There are, however, increasing signs of operators turning to Wi-Fi as an alternative opportunity to generate revenue or boost service quality. Due to a limited hotspot footprint, operators will need to build their own Wi-Fi networks or partner with established Wi-Fi providers. Providing Wi-Fi access in prime locations, such as airports and restaurants, will help improve customer value and reduce subscriber churn. In the long-term, operators should consider offering their customers a seamless handover of data access between Wi-Fi and cellular networks, advised Mokenela. To that end, they will need to address security, service quality, billing and cost differentials between the networks to ensure a consistent experience for customers. Strategic Analysis of Public Wi-Fi in Sub-Saharan Africa is a Market Insight that is part of the Mobile & Wireless Communications. Growth Partnership Service program. This Insight provides an overview of the Wi-Fi markets in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa; assesses emerging consumer trends driving the move towards Wi-Fi, highlights operator strategies, and offers strategic recommendations for operators. (c) 2014 Emirates News Agency (WAM) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |