Ovum view

• Despite relatively high mobile penetration rates in Africa, broadband penetration remains low, particularly in rural and remote areas. 
• Rural areas in Africa are characterized by vast unconnected areas with sparsely distributed populations, underdeveloped basic infrastructure, and relatively low income levels, which discourage service providers from investing in broadband networks. 
• There is growing demand for broadband services in the rural areas of Africa, which creates huge opportunities for service providers. However, broadband requirements for rural users vary greatly from those in urban areas. 
• Use of alternative technologies will play an important role in bridging the connectivity gap in rural and underserved areas of Africa. 
• Partnerships are vital in improving broadband connectivity in rural and underserved areas of Africa. 
• Alternative broadband technologies face regulatory challenges, due to lack of regulatory frameworks to support the licensing of such technologies.