2 December 2008
Filed in mobile broadband
African operators are arguably better prepared for 4G than many of their counterparts in developed markets. Crucial to this is the fact that they are solving the key issue of backhauling the high volumes of data associated with technologies such as HSPA, WiMAX and LTE – and doing so cost effectively. Whilst most operators in ‘the west’ have entered into arrangements with fixed line providers to supply fibre connectivity to cell sites, it has come at a hefty cost (around $40,000 annually per 34mbps site). In these circumstances operators are faced with significant operating expenditure that is largely beyond their control. It is a situation that limits the extent to which operators can make data ‘pay’.
The adoption of point-to-multipoint in Africa has given operators full control of their backhaul networks and control of the costs associated. It is a proven technology that has already demonstrated that it’s ‘4G ready’ - it currently powers the backhaul networks of several WiMAX operators in the region. Contrast that with the launch of Sprint’s Xohm WiMAX network in the US which was delayed for several months principally because the backhaul network was not felt to be robust enough.
Through a liberal dose of innovation driven by necessity, African operators have successfully overcome the fundamental backhaul issues being faced by their counterparts in the developed markets. It may now be time for the developed markets to learn from the African experience.
Read the full article from the Africacom 2008 Show Daily
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