Review of the African telecoms market - Challenges in the race towards 5G

Review of the African telecoms market; Challenges in the race towards 5G

Technological advancements are critical to global growth, and this is especially true for African economies. In numerous cases, these advances have enabled countries to achieve solutions that would not have been possible even five, ten, or twenty years ago. This has been the case in a number of countries.

The availability of new technologies, which have helped redefine work processes, has caused and continues to cause a massive paradigm shift in individuals and industries alike.

5G broadband is one of a number of technological advancements that have occurred in recent years. Wireless internet of the fifth generation (5G) has arrived and is now available in a small number of major cities around the world.

African cities are not being left behind, and they have a great deal to offer in terms of technological advancement. In recent years, there has been a great deal of discussion about how the next generation of wireless technology may assist Africa in catching up with the rest of the world in terms of high-speed internet connectivity.

Due to the continent's limited Internet access and infrastructure, high data costs, and faltering economy, 5G can benefit the continent in a variety of ways.

However, as communication service providers (CSPs) prepare for the 5G era and seek to maximize the value that the technology can provide, there are some obstacles to overcome that must be overcome.

Africa's 5G Prospect

When we say "5G," we're referring to the fifth generation of high-speed internet access. This standard, which follows the 4G LTE standard, represents the next evolutionary step in mobile internet technology.

Faster download and upload speeds are among the benefits of 5G technology. Websites will load in milliseconds, rather than minutes, and films will download in seconds, rather than minutes, according to the latest predictions.

5G also has a significantly lower latency, or lag, than 4G, which is the delay that causes unpleasant echoes and visual flickering when using WhatsApp or playing video games on the internet.

In contrast to previous mobile technologies, 5G necessitates the use of a larger radio frequency spectrum. Since these frequencies only have a limited range, 5G networks would require a more dense network of base stations or masts in order to function properly.

Thus, 5G is better suited for densely populated metropolitan areas where a large number of people are online at the same time, as opposed to lower-density areas.

Following on from the promise of better and faster internet connectivity provided by 5G networks in recent years, the African telecom sector has encountered a number of difficulties in recent years.

Infrastructure gaps are a major hindrance to progress

African development is hampered by a lack of adequate infrastructure services, which is one of the most significant roadblocks.

Technology and innovation are the primary drivers of economic growth. Globalization of trade and investment has resulted in the development of technological capabilities that have become a source of competitive advantage.

The lack of viable infrastructures across the continent continues to be a significant impediment to the development of 5G networks.

In order to broadcast 5G signals, mobile carriers must construct a massive network of masts or antennas. In order to build out 5G services, carriers will need to invest a significant amount of money. However, carriers are unsure whether the investment will be worthwhile in the African context.

The reason for this fear is not irrational; it is based on historical precedents. Africa already has an excess of 4G fast mobile internet, which regular customers are hesitant to purchase because of the high cost.

Even though Nigeria has an extensive 4G network, only about 4% of mobile internet users pay for 4G services, with more than 40% opting for the less expensive but slower 3G network. The story is the same throughout the vast majority of African countries.

In the event that African customers are unable to afford 4G, they will be unable to afford 5G, let alone the new equipment required to use 5G on a smartphone.

Issuance of 5G spectrum licences

The availability of 5G services remains extremely limited, despite the fact that the technology is still in its infancy and that African countries are taking steps to commercialize it.

The majority of African governments have not yet developed the regulations that will allow for the deployment of 5G networks in their respective countries.

Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa are among the few countries that have taken regulatory action, but calls for other countries to follow their lead have grown louder in recent months.

A 5G spectrum auction conducted by the Federal Government in Nigeria resulted in the victory of MTN and MAFAB Communications, who now have the exclusive right to roll out the country's 5G network.

This means that mobile operators on the continent will be unable to provide full 5G services until each country's communications authority follows suit and holds a spectrum auction to sell the rights of broadcasting on specific frequencies.

Why should Africa be concerned about 5G?

Africa should accept the fact that technology is never static and should embrace this realization. The use of 5G mobile internet, according to technology enthusiasts, could allow Africa to access faster and more reliable mobile internet without the need for high-speed broadband fiber optic lines.

A fiber network connects a little more than half of Africa's population, which is located within 25 kilometers of the network. Estimates from independent sources in Nigeria place the figure at approximately 14 percent. African countries may prefer to invest in more advanced 5G technology rather than digging up fiber connections, allowing them to skip ahead of the pack on the road to high-speed connectivity.

Because of telemedicine and distance education, the 5G network is having a significant impact on industries such as health and education around the world. With improved internet call quality and reduced latency, remote surgery via video link may become a viable option in the future.

The fact that Africa has fallen significantly behind schedule in terms of 5G deployment does not rule out the possibility that the region will benefit from the extra time before large-scale 5G deployment occurs.

African countries could avoid repeating the same mistakes as other countries if the development and testing of 5G technology can be carried out elsewhere.

Additionally, as more countries around the world begin to roll out 5G, the region may see a decrease in the cost of devices and equipment.