Mobile Internet and Telecommunications in Africa Presented by Belcha Agesa D61/70228/2009

Introduction Mobile internet refers to gaining access to the Internet using a lightweight, handheld device, such as a PDA or cell phone. Mobile internet refers to gaining access to the Internet using a lightweight, handheld device, such as a PDA or cell phone. Telecommunications is defined as the science and technology of the communication or messages over a distance, especially using electric, electronic or electromagnetic impulses; systems used in transmitting messages over a distance electronically Telecommunications is defined as the science and technology of the communication or messages over a distance, especially using electric, electronic or electromagnetic impulses; systems used in transmitting messages over a distance electronically

Mobile Internet Mobile cellular phone is the mostly used medium of communication. Affordability, mobility and easy use favor mobile cellular technology. So far, in Africa, the mobile phone is used only rarely to access the Internet, also due to its slow speed of (9.6 kbps) available through GSM. But 3g is coming up in most parts and promising good speeds.

Why poor Internet Services Why poor quality Internet Services Infrastructural shortcomings, Low Internet bandwidth, Unreliable electricity, Outdated end-user technology, Interconnectivity issues, Large software solutions or The small number of 18 African Internet Exchange Points

Internet Usage

Broadband Fixed broadband Fiber meant to offer this. The East African Submarine Cable System (EASSy), TEAMS, SEACOM etc Fiber meant to offer this. The East African Submarine Cable System (EASSy), TEAMS, SEACOM etc Wireless broadband The hope since fixed has failed. 2 The hope since fixed has failed. 2 G or 2.5 G (GSM/GPRS), 3 G -UMTS. WiMAX. EDGE and EV-DO

Broadband Subscribers

Kenyan Statistics: 2009 Source

Conclusion Obviously, Africa has still great potential to improve its telecommunications usage and infrastructure deployment What has pinned it down: 1. Prohibitively high tariffs 2. Limited computer literacy 3. Government regulations

References Websites ml.

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