The introduction of affordable smartphones designed specifically for emerging markets has been a game changer for Africa and has made an impact on WiFi demand, according to Ruckus Wireless, Inc.
In fact, according to published reports, mobile penetration in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to increase from 52% in 2012 to 79% in 2020, making it the fastest-growing region globally – with mobile broadband connections anticipated to quadruple from its 2012 figure to reach 160-million in 2016.
“WiFi technology has the potential to play an essential role in helping achieve universal access via ICTs for people in rural areas and territories where telephone or cable infrastructure is not currently deployed,” said Michael Fletcher, sales director for Ruckus Wireless sub-Saharan Africa.
WiFi in Africa has predominantly been reserved for businesses and airport business lounges but this has fast changed said Fletcher.
“Lagos’s Murtala Muhammad Airport Two (MMA2) was the first airport terminal2 in Africa to offer its passengers a free WiFi Hotspot at the end of 2012 and since then, WiFi has spread across the continent’s biggest airport hubs.”
According to Fletcher, Africa is likely to see more WiFi being deployed in cities and metro areas now than ever before that connect more and more people.
“WiFi has certainly evolved here, and so too has its uses. As we see more and more metro and city type deployments across Africa, so-called “Smart city” deployments, it will become truly evident that this communication enabler adds immense economic value to our African cities and will be a key driving force to development,” concluded Fletcher.