FEATURE : 5G has tested 5G in Nigeria and Uganda ; Safaricom has trialed the technology in Kenya and Gabon Telecom has tested it in Gabon . MAFAB Group has acquired 5G License to deploy nationwide services in Nigeria . There is rapid growth of 5G trials conducted in African countries such as Gabon , Kenya , Nigeria , and Uganda ,” he said .
According to GSMA mobile economy report , 3G will remain the most dominant network ( 58 %) for the 1.05 billion mobile connections projected in Africa by 2025 .
Vyas said : “ The focus in the near term for operators and other stakeholders is to increase 4G uptake according to this report . Indeed , 4G connections are expected to account for only 27 % of mobile connections by 2025 – up from 4 % today and 5G will uptake 3 % by 2025 .
5G benefits
According to Vyas , 5G offers greater capacity , higher data rates , lower latency and it will support further innovations such as the Internet of Things ( IoT ), network slicing , creating a smarter connected world . “ Compared to other countries , 5G deployment has increased 2 to 3 % of digital GDP in Africa ,” he said .
He explained that as broadband penetration in Africa is low , 5G is expected to offer an alternative to fixed broadband at affordable cost for consumers in Africa . “ This will also enable digital ecosystem for a hyperconnected Africa and empower citizens to bring more innovation into their daily life and thus create employment opportunities .
“ Due to higher data rate speed , consumers can also enjoy high speed live streaming and television like experience on their home broadband , mobile phones , TV set etc . 5G ’ s extraordinary speeds , greater capacity and virtually unlimited connectivity will help customers with faster payments , connected vehicles , connected homes , better mobile service , safer streets , and enhanced entertainment ,” he noted .
Vyas pointed out that Africa is a hub for natural resources like mines and minerals , and 5G will foster productivity and efficiency across these industries . “ 5G offers its features of low latency with wider coverage and hence provides opportunity to enhance productivity , efficiency , and safety at minimal cost . 5G also offers intelligent and cost-effective surveillance
Manish Vyas , President , Communications , Media and Entertainment Business , and CEO , Network Services , Tech Mahindra
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