Africa is the world leader as far as growth in mobile telephony is concerned, but improvements here have not affected the falling fortunes of the broadband industry. A recent study by UN has focused on this anomaly.

The UN report revealed that after a detailed study of international information, communication and technological trends, it is evident that while poorer countries like Africa and India are showing amazing growth in mobile telephony, the same is not being reflected in the broadband sector. Mobile telephony has touched a 550 % growth rate with 350 million mobile subscribers at the end of 2008 as compared to 55 million in 2005.

The lack of growth in broadband is attributed to poor cabling and infrastructure required for this service. Internet is a highly expensive affair in Africa, with monthly costs mounting to $1,300 in places like Swaziland and Burkina Faso. Even when connection is present, it is extremely slow, making it almost impossible to use for data transfer of large amounts of information.

The UN report was presented by Torbjorn Fredriksson, Head of ICT Analysis Section, UN. He had good things to say about the scenario, though. He pointed out that given the high growth in the mobile sector during the recessive economy, it is evident that people are more open and more financially capable to making investments here. Liberalization, efficient network and more cost effective handsets have all made this possible.

This interest in investment means that once broadband is upgraded, there will be enough demand to sustain growth and enhancements in this sector. The lack of state-of-the-art fibre optic cabling is one of the primary reasons for poor quality of broadband. However, steps are being taken to rectify this situation by laying cables in Saharan regions.

Here in the UK, the internet has become a basic need for most of us, and with the advent of networks offering unlimited mobile broadband, it can be accessed whenever and wherever a person wants, this makes the thought of people not having access currently extraordinary.