Fibre optic infrastructure is set to grow in Africa given the low deployment of DSL, according to Oliver Johnson, chief executive officer (CEO) at broadband market intelligence firm, Point Topic.
The company has released a study, published by the Broadband Forum, of worldwide broadband statistics.
“There are signs that fibre infrastructure in Africa will start to make an impact going forward, reflecting their second mover advantage. The relatively low deployment rate of DSL means any further growth can be based on optical technologies,” said Johnson.
According to the study, copper infrastructure has a market share of nearly 100 per cent.
“Fixed wireless will also make up an increasing proportion of Africa’s subscribers in the coming quarters. With acceptable bandwidths and much lower deployment costs, the technologies that make up this sector are well placed to gain market share,” Johnson said.
According to the study, Africa has seen a steep increase in internet protocol television (IPTV).
Africa’s adoption is one percentage point higher than that of the global average, climbing steadily at a growth rate of 22 per cent.
HumanIPO reported last year it is affordability, not infrastructure that is holding back internet growth on the continent.
“While Morocco was praised for being the only developing country which has stayed good on its commitment 10 years ago to ensure 50 per cent of its population gained access to the internet, the report highlighted how fewer than one in five people in Africa can currently access the web,” the Web Index 2013 said.
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