Africa's mobile broadband doubles fixed connections

There are now more than 6.1 million third generation mobile phones on telecommunication networks in 16 African countries in Africa according to the new report. By comparison, there were only 3.4 million fixed broadband subscribers on the continent by December 2008. The figures reflect an immense demand for mobile internet across the continent.

The survey was carried out in countries including, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria among others. The report was unveiled by Africa Analysis at the 7th Annual Digital Summit held in Kampala last week. South Africa is mentioned as the largest fixed broadband market followed by Morocco, while Kenya and Uganda are said to have registered the most significant growth in mobile broadband connections.

In 2008, Uganda's mobile wireless internet accounts grew to over two million from 166,621, while fixed internet accounts were reported to be 22,000. In Kenya, Safaricom, a mobile phone service provider reported growth to over one million in September 2008, from 380,000 in March, the same year.

According to African Analysis, the future of broadband will be determined through, better national policies and investment strategies of the mobile network operators in Africa.