As the technology develops in the West and becomes available in Asia and the Middle East, pro-5G lobbies by manufacturers are intensifying in Africa and studies announcing the imminent arrival of the technology are on the rise. However, it is not ready to be launched, much less ready to be made available from all on the continent.
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5G, data, networks … What will the African mobile Internet look like in 2025?
Operators are still monopolized by the need to develop digital uses to increase their users’ data consumption. The consumption of mobile data – the last real driver of growth left since the so-called “over the top” (OTT) services such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal deprived them of revenues on communications and SMS – is fundamental for growth of the sector. For this reason, the development of 4G and the transition of users from 3G to 4G are a priority that all experts confirm.
Do not lose the 5G gearbox
In order for the continent not to miss the switch to 5G, the industry is encouraged, in particular by regulators, manufacturers such as Huawei, as well as by the GSMA (the global telecommunications lobby) to test its ability to effectively manage this technology. Whether it is MTN, Orange, Vodacom or Airtel, all are looking for profitable models, which will depend on the ability of states to find fair ground for the allocation of expensive frequency spectra. The launch of 5G is also an image problem for these players, who must defend their status as pioneers from innovation.
