The state of broadband in South Africa

A new report from the ITU and UNESCO should set off the alarm bells in terms of broadband in South Africa

October 2, 2012

The Broadband Commission for Digital Development – a body set up by ITU and UNESCO – has released its first-ever country-by-country snapshot of the state of broadband deployment worldwide.

The “State of Broadband 2012: Achieving Digital Inclusion for All” report evaluates the roll-out of broadband around the world. It provides country rankings across up to 177 economies, on economic impact, penetration, national broadband policy, and connecting people and dwellings.

The report reveals that while household Internet access has seen strong growth over the past year and is on track to achieve the commission’s target for connecting homes to broadband, individual Internet use continues to lag behind.

ITU analysts believe that mobile broadband could prove to be the platform for achieving the boost needed to get progress back on track. At end 2011, there were already almost twice as many mobile broadband subscriptions as fixed broadband connections.

“Broadband networks and services are transforming our way of life. The Broadband Commission is committed to ensuring that the benefits of broadband are available to all. I am delighted by the dedication and enthusiasm shown by the many senior business leaders and top policy-makers on the Commission to advancing the global broadband policy agenda,” said ITU Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun I. Touré.

South Africa

The State of Broadband 2012 report showed a mediocre performance for South Africa in the broadband arena.

South Africa was ranked at number 104 out of 172 countries when it came to fixed broadband penetration rates.

With only 1.8 fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, South Africa ranked lower than countries such as Tunisia, Mauritius, and Egypt.

Fixed broadband penetration

The country performed better when it came to mobile broadband. With 19.8 active mobile broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, South Africa was ranked at number 47 out of 177 countries.

Mobile broadband penetration

The report further revealed that 9.8 out of every 100 households in South Africa have Internet access. South Africa was ranked at number 64 out of 127 developing countries for households with Internet access.

With 21 out of 100 individuals using the Internet in South Africa it meant that the country was ranked at 109 out of 177 countries. Here South Africa ranked well below countries such as Morocco, Kenya, Mauritius and Egypt.