Despite continued dynamic growth in the South African information and communication technology (ICT) sector, most significantly in the mobile sector, this growth has yet to meet the national goals of affordable access for all South Africans to the full range of information and communication services. Access to mobile voice and data continues to grow, however broadband access (in particular fixed-line broadband) remains comparatively and noticeably lower than other lower to middle income countries. Prices of all communication services in South Africa continue to remain high by both global and and most noticeably, African standards.
Growth in the ICT sector has consistently risen at almost twice the national growth rate, and today contributes approximately six percent (6%) to South Africa’s GDP. It must be stated that this growth has taken place despite the ICT sector’s policy, which “has not created an environment conducive to investment, nor institutional arrangements likely to result in effective competition - resulting in a number of regulatory bottlenecks that constrain sector expansion.” (Understanding What is Happening in ICT in South Africa, Gillwald, Moyo and Stork, 2013)
Despite the noticeable growth in the ICT sector, fixed-line access has continued to decline, with a survey by Research ICT Africa (RIA) in 2012 showing that only 18% of South African households have fixed lines. These figures further illustrate the decline in fixed line access as they show that only 24% of urban households and 5.8% of rural households have a working fixed line. The increase of mobile for fixed line substitutions is significantly high, with over 86% of users cancelling fixed lines in favour of mobile (RIA South Africa 2012 Household and I...
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...creasingly used to purchase data bundles and data services are increasingly used for VOIP calls and SMSs are being replaced with free instant-messaging services.
The ICT sector in South Africa has the potential for even further growth. The policy makers in South Africa are under increasing pressure to deregulate the industry in order to encourage foreign investment and increase affordability and access to all South Africans. The current policy is under review as the incumbent ANC government faces massive pressure from the DA on this issue, which for the first time in South African history has become an election manifesto focus. Perhaps the forward thinking of the DA on this issue might spark the ANC and ICASA into making the crucial policy changes which will bring even greater equality of access and increased economic growth through the ICT sector in South Africa.
Bahira, s. (2014). the Manual for Measuring ICT Access and Use by Households and Individual.
Cell phones are gradually affecting American culture today because they are becoming a key part of everyday life. The cell phone is "?an indispensable companion that serves without favor or prejudice. It has reached into every civilized corner of the world--and often brought civilization with it. From its wires spring the words of history in the making, the chatter of daily life" ("43 Years" sc. 1). The cell phone enables individuals to communicate rapidly over great distances and obtain information like never before. People can now pick up the phone and get information on the weather, time, stock market quotations, and other things simply by dialing a few numbers. Cell phones connect the world together, to the point where individuals become almost helpless without it. The next time you find yourself waiting at a stoplight, take the time to observe the people around you. There will likely be at least one person in the surrounding cars who is talking on the phone. Even on the streets, people continue to chat on the phone. Cell phones are everywhere. One resident in Greenville, S.C. admitted that he uses his cell phone at least 15 times a day (Chany sc. 2). The cell phone is in such high use that the traditional phones in homes and offices almost become antique devices on display. Although traditional phones are still around, individuals are quicker to pick up their cell phone.
When it comes to technology, Africa has almost everything the rest of the world does. Although we may be slightly behind, technology is fast growing on the continent. For instance, Africa is the fastest region when it comes to mobile growth. It is estimated that over 67% of the population on the continent have mobile phones, and 27% have a device that can access the internet. Simply put, 27% of the total population of Africa has mini computers at their disposal! Africa is not only thriving on mobile technology and internet, but also other forms of technology that contributed immensely to the day-to-day life on the
Telecommunications gained mainstream attention in the early 90’s; however the initial key market was business men and women, who used their phones whilst being on the move and so allowing them to communicate with their companies with ease. Though in the modern era, telecommunication went through segmentation in the market trends, and now in this day and age it would be difficult to find someone who does not own some form of mobile technology. Many phone providers battle to provide the best service for their customers (Figure 1).
The lack of stable power, the absence of people with knowledge to maintain technology systems (BEATTY, 2015) and lack of informational communication technology itself, plays a major role in an underdeveloped countries ability to create and maintain a foundation of communication. The meta-analysis concluded information communication technologies would benefit Nigeria’s markets by way of productivity, knowledge and improve business relations
The article poignantly observes that “mobile” technology may at times not have anything to do with “mobility” pointing to the example of young people who text each other while sitting in the very same room (Lacoheé 203)! Like Dr. Goggin, these authors provide an overview of the history of mobile technology but their piece does so from a global perspective. AT&T was in the lead of mobile technological advances in the 1940’s but couldn’t hold it. “The sheer size of America presented problems that were not to be encountered elsewhere.” European countries were much smaller and they were able to advance much more quickly. But in Europe service nationalized in some countries, like the United Kingdom. Service also had to be standardized so that mobile users could travel from country to country without service interruption.
Saudi Arabia has developed rapidly in all sectors because of information and communication technology. ICT has significant impact in all sectors of economy of Saudi Arabia. It has also enabled the government to implement strategies that benefit citizens in terms of information technology that has led to high GDP and economic growth. The desert land that Saudi Arabia is known for has faded to an ICT hub. This is because of the strategic value that information technology has provided the country is insurmountable. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia exposes children to ICT at an early age through introduction of information and communication technology in schools so as to prepare them for the complex technological society that awaits them later in life.
It’s impossible to walk around the streets without seeing someone texting. The World Bank says, “Three quarters of people on earth have access to a mobile phone.” Cell phones are a part of our everyday lives. Our society is obsessed with communication. Technology has some positives and negatives.
The major purpose of cellphones is to provide an outlet for verbal communication at a distance, and as the generation progresses in the Digital Age, this purpose has shifted
Geser, H. (2004). Towards a sociological theory of the mobile phone. Retrieved July 12, 2005, from http://socio.ch/mobile/t_geser1.pdf
We should know how everyday life is changing and how this relates to mobile telephony. Work Cited = == ==
The growth of services sector in our economy is a step forward in the development of Indian economy. In day to day life of an individual the use of mobile phones acts as necessity in getting connected with people for one or the other purpose. India has a largest variety of smartphones available for the users. Because of the fast technologies in smartphones & in market, the networks and services providers of telecom must be updated so as to meet the requirements of people. Indian telecommunication industry is considered to be one of the fastest growing telecom industries in the world. The mounting up of the subscribers reaches to an approximate 800 billion plus users in telecom sector. The industry is growing at as pace in such a way that it will reach a level beyond the telecom markets of USA &
The consistent use of information and communication technology (ICT) in modern world enables us for countless opportunities for individuals, institutions, business organisations and scientists, but it also raises difficult ethical and legal problems. In particular, ICT helped to make societies more complex and thus even harder to understand. The use of ICT has led to changes in concepts: ownership, buying and selling, right to possession, theft, justice in the distribution of resources and access rights. During the nineties, the internet has grown into all business segments resulting in a large number of questions running. It has been noted that during those time period there has been merging of computers, telecommunications, and media which is further emphasized by the emergence of new issues and strengthening old ones.
The majority of the continent of Africa has not been as economically progressive as the other continents in today’s world. However, over the past few years, it has been rapidly growing. Although there have been multiple countries in Africa that have reflected a strong growing economy, such as South Africa and Botswana, there are many other countries that are still corrupt and are still struggling to grow as a nation. There are many challenges that are facing Africa currently. Some of these major challenges being, corrupt governments, vicious cycles of aid, and poverty traps. However, among these challenges, there still lies to be great opportunities for Africa within their technology and business sectors.
Which support structures exists to foster these key differentiators within the South African infrastructure, legal, political and economic domains?