1. gmIGF The Gambia Internet Governance Forum 2018
Access & Infrastructure
Max JONGA

2. Introduction - History
The Gambia Internet Access & Infrastructure – Brief: Growth Statistics
Year
Users*
Penetration
Pop
Non-Users
1Yr   Change
Pop  Change
2000
11,328
0.9 %
1,228,863
1,217,535
2,788
3.01 %
2005
54,726
3.8 %
1,440,542
1,385,816
8,589
3.28 %
2010
155,756
9.2 %
1,693,002
1,537,246
30,708
3.3 %
2016
346,471
16.9 %
2,054,986
1,708,515
18,830
3.22 %

3. Brief Background
In a remarkably short period, The Gambia has experienced a serious growth in internet access and infrastructure.
Internet users growth from 11,000 to 346,000 in 16 years… from 0.9% to 19% penetration in 2018.
In the formal sector, access / use of ICT / Internet is above 90%…
Due to mobile internet explosion, current use is growing exponentially…
New technologies being rapidly deployed… including 4G-WiMAX, LTE in the last 2 years…
Data / Internet (Voip, OTT etc) use already overtaking voice for the bigger MNOs

4. Infrastructure
ACE brought huge bandwidth (10 gbps) and speeds to our shores, with significant reduction in wholesale bandwidth costs..
Encouraged by demand, new technologies being rapidly deployed, including 3G, 4G-WiMAX and Mobile 4G- LTE in the last 2 years…
Newer infrastructure deployments to cater for better data access (resultant neglect for 2G / voice services)
ECOWAN – Countrywide Fiber Backbone… To provide better and wider access carriage for all service providers… Cost still an issue but being worked out with stakeholders.

5. Access Issues Last mile solution - still a major issue.
User access issues are still cost and availability / coverage.
Technology skillset, comfort and security issues make up yet more barriers to access.
The heavy censorship of yesteryear seems to have disappeared, encouraging more uptake.

6. Infrastructure Countrywide Signal Verification completed in 2018
Detail
Quantity
Percentage
Locations with 4 operators
721
59%
Locations with 3 operators
295
24%
Locations with 2 operators
125
10%
Locations with 1 operator 57 5%
Locations with 0 operator 30 2%
Locations with at least 1 network
1198
98%

7. Infrastructure
In addition to ACE, the Serrekunda Iternet Exchange Point (SIX) is fully operational.
Work is at an advanced stage for the .gm (dot GM) ccTLD redelegation
Work is in earnest for Liberalisation with a fair playing field for all regulated ICT areas.
Light-touch, unrestrictive, inclusive regulatory regime.

8. Success Stories Numerous new OTT & traditional services, e.g.,
New technology deployments, more on the way soon!
Digital divide being reduced
Mobile Money
Electricity (CashPower) purchase through different platforms
Mobile Banking
Online collaboration and social media uptake
Vibrant stakeholder community, e.g., ISOC, ITAG, UTG- ICTA, GCSA etc.
TV, Radio, Online Broadcasting
eGovernment, eHealth, etc.

9. Recommendations to IGF
Right track, keep the momentum with the ICT stakeholder community.
Engage more on policy formulation and regulatory issues with the relevant agencies.
Encourage closer interaction and awareness with the communities, schools and general public.
Encourage a more:
Collective stewardship and consensus based approach.
Open and all stakeholder inclusive approach

10. Thank You
Max JONGA
ICT Manager 1