Internet bandwidth prices in Mozambique continue to fall
Two decades of peace and radical reforms have transformed Mozambique into one of the fastest and most consistently growing economies in the world. It escaped the global economic crisis with barely a dent in its annual GDP growth which is expected to stay above 7%.
The country was one of the first in the region to reform its telecommunications landscape, immediately after a long civil war ended in 1992. The mobile sub-sector has experienced excellent growth rates following the introduction of competition in 2003 between Vodacom Mozambique and mCel, the incumbent mobile subsidiary of the national telco, TDM.
However, market penetration is still well below the African average. The launch of Movitel as the third mobile network in early 2012 is expected to deliver a boost to subscriber growth in the sector but also drive the average revenue per user (ARPU) lower again which had already stabilised following the introduction of mobile broadband services and higher tariffs.
The government is intent on introducing competition to the fixed-line sector as well, but it is hesitating to privatise TDM. All other services are open to competition, subject to licensing by the industry regulator, INCM.
Internet usage in the country has been hampered by the inadequate fixed-line infrastructure and the high cost of international bandwidth, but this market sector is now accelerating following the introduction of various kinds of broadband services including ADSL, cable modems, WiMAX and 3G mobile, and the landing of two international submarine fibre optic cables in the country (Seacom and EASSy). The lower cost of bandwidth has already led to drastic reductions in broadband retail prices. Further improvements can be expected from the ongoing rollout of a national fibre backbone network and plans for an alternative fibre infrastructure.
Market highlights:
- Third mobile network has launched;
- Mobile market forecasts for 2013 and 2016;
- Estimates for mobile, fixed-line and internet market to end-2012;
- Profiles of major players in all market sectors;
- National fibre rollout;
- Alternative fibre infrastructure planned;
- Pricing comparison of all major broadband services (ADSL, cable TV, WiMAX, EV-DO, 3G mobile);
- Analysis of broadband price changes due to international fibre.
Estimated market penetration rates in Mozambique’s telecoms sector – end 2012
| Market |
Penetration rate |
| Mobile | 39% |
| Fixed | 0.4% |
| Internet | 6.7% |
(Source: BuddeComm based on various sources)
For detailed information, table of contents and pricing see: Mozambique – Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts
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Tagged in: Africa, bandwidth, Broadband, Forecasts, Internet, Mobile, Mozambique, Telecoms
