Research and Markets: Analysis of Selected West African Broadband Markets

DUBLIN--(Business Wire)--
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/294738/analysis_of_select) has
announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report "Analysis of Selected
West African Broadband Markets" to their offering.

This research services provides a detailed analysis of the broadband market in
five selected West African markets: Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, Ghana and Ivory
Coast.

Broadband Services Market in West Africa on an Upswing despite Challenges

The broadband services market in West Africa is growing significantly despite
the poor infrastructure and restrictive regulatory practices. The advent of
wireless technologies as an alternative to the often poor and outdated
fixed-line technologies has promoted rapid market growth. Additionally, West
African governments have begun to realise the importance of information and
communication technology (ICT) in economic development and have made some
improvements in the regulatory space. "The introduction of wireless and
fixed-wireless technologies in West Africa coupled with the low broadband
penetration rates in the region have been key growth drivers," says the analyst
of this research. "Historically, broadband development in the region has been
driven by fixed-line incumbents but, through wireless technologies, internet
service providers (ISPs) can circumvent the slow or stagnant development of
fixed-line infrastructure." Moreover, with a regional penetration rate of less
than five per cent, the addressable market in this region is huge, encouraging
new participants to enter here.

Despite impressive developments in broadband, issues related to affordability
and literacy, coupled with the limited financial capacity of operators to invest
in infrastructure, continue to hamper market growth. The cost of doing business
in some countries is prohibitively high and the market remains characterised by
incumbent monopolies, impeding steady market expansion. Low literacy and rampant
poverty in West African countries continue to limit the level and extent of
Internet usage and consequently, broadband uptake. Incumbent operators have a
monopoly on international gateways and the development of backbone
infrastructure. "Current networks are outdated and in shambles except in Senegal
and the Ivory Coast," notes the analyst. "This affects the quality and type of
services that ISPs can provide."

Restrictions on wireless technology deployment are inadequate. Broadband
providers have turned to these technologies to enable them to effectively
compete with incumbents and exert better control over their networks. "Broadband
prices have reduced, registering an average decrease of twenty per cent in the
past two years, making these services more affordable," concludes the analyst.
"Technology partnerships between companies have further alleviated issues
related to the shortage of investment capital for network expansion."

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

* ADSL/DSL
* BWA
* ISDN
* WiMAX
* VSAT

Key Topics Covered:

* 1. Executive Summary
* 2. Research Aim and Objectives
* 3. Research Scope and Definitions
* 4. Research Methodology
* 5. Industry Challenges and Market Forces
* 6. Analysis of Selected West African Broadband Markets
* 7. Nigeria
* 8. Senegal
* 9. Mali
* 10. Ghana
* 11. Ivory Coast
* 12. Market Share Analysis
* 13. Sources of Competitive Advantage
* 14. Summary of Strategic Recommendations

For more information visit
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/294738/analysis_of_select.

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager,
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

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