Global mobile subscriptions will rise to 4.6 billion by the end of 2009 according to a report published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) today.<\/p>\n
Mobile subscriptions are expected to increase to 600 million worldwide by the end of the year, having overtaken fixed line connections in 2008. In the report the ITU adds that mobile connections have gathered popularity due to their ability to extend connectivity in developing countries.<\/p>\n
Despite this the report indicates that the majority of mobile broadband subscribers reside in the Asian, Pacific and European markets, adding that “there is a dramatic broadband divide, with very few fixed broadband subscribers or mobile broadband subscriptions in Africa”.<\/p>\n
In terms of fixed broadband connections Africa has on average 1 subscriber per 1000 inhabitants. South Africa falls into this bracket.<\/p>\n
In comparison Europe has roughly 200 subscribers per 1000 inhabitants, a number that far exceeds figures from Africa.<\/p>\n
The report also concluded that broadband cost is highest in Africa, despite being the region with the lowest income per capita.<\/p>\n
“In Africa, the cost of the ICT Price Basket represents 41 per cent of the region’s monthly average income,” said the ITU. This puts the relative price for ICT services in Africa at almost triple that when compared to the second highest – Asia and the Pacific region.<\/p>\n
Although it may not be reasonable to judge South Africa based on the rest of the continent, broadband prices are still much higher here than in other nations.<\/p>\n