WORLDWIDE MARKET RESEARCH REPORT - CISE

EC/IST FP6 Project No 026920
Work Package: 6
Type of document: Report
Date: 20.12.2007
File name: OP_WP6_D37_V1.0.doc Version: 1.0
Title: Worldwide Market Research Report 243 / 356
A confirmation of this advantage that has the 3G technology (and in general the mobile
telephony based services), especially in rural areas, is given by the Bushnet technical
director Malcom Brew.
[A49] “The problem with Wi-MAX at its current stage of development”, says Brew, “is that it is
too expensive and requires too much power”. "Wi-MAX is not the answer yet. It may be
soon, but right now it is also not fast enough or able to broadcast far enough" he says.
Brew's position on Wi-MAX comes from years of working in Uganda providing wireless and
technology services. He cautions the industry and regulators to be wary of the pitfalls of
over-hyped new technologies. "In the big cities like Johannesburg and Lagos there is
enough money to make mistakes; it's easy to swap out units and fix problems. But in the
rural areas you only get one shot at making it work. There isn't enough money to make
mistakes. In most cases there just isn't any money at all". The trouble is not only cost. “Right
now”, he says, “Bushnet is using HSDN based on the MTN infrastructure to deliver its
services and, for now, doing a better job than what Wi-MAX would be doing”. Brew warns
against being prescriptive in deploying technology in Africa. "Rural African users don't need
mobile Wi-MAX. They just need high-speed wireless connections. And PCs do not work in
rural Africa; too much heat, dust, no electricity. The right approach? Broadband wireless
access for Africa is key. Putting full-blown PCs into rural Africa is a waste of effort”.
But also the satellitaire technology has some advantages: across the African continent,
satellite remains the last resort for broadband access in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial
networks. But though overall costs are declining, they are still far above those of the
terrestrial alternatives.
5.4.6.2 Opportunities
The most greater opportunities for the PLC market are instead:
• New projects to increase the electric production are in advanced phase.
• The fiber optics is too much expensive and a little diffused.
• There is always less interest about the satellitaire communication because of its
slowness and its cost.