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Tag: subscribers

  • Netflix enhances subtitles, language options for subscribers

    Netflix enhances subtitles, language options for subscribers

    On Wednesday, Netflix introduced improved language options for TV viewers, enabling them to choose from the entire list of dubbing languages and subtitles for any title.

    According to the company, the update aims to make Netflix’s global library more accessible, as non-English language shows now account for almost one-third of its total viewership.

    Popular shows that are available in multiple languages, like the Oscar-winning German film All Quiet on the Western Front, the Spanish television series Berlin, and the South Korean drama Squid Game, have been able to draw viewers from outside of their home country.

    Although the precise number of languages available may differ by title, Netflix claimed to offer audio dubbing in 36 languages and subtitles in 33 languages throughout its library. In the past, only a few languages were available for viewers. 

    After receiving thousands of language availability requests each month, Netflix said it made the decision to modify TV’s limited language availability feature. According to the company, the feature is already accessible on web browsers and mobile devices.

    Netflix 2024 revenue growth

    At the end of the previous year, Netflix had over 300 million subscribers. The streaming behemoth reported a $1.87 billion profit in the last quarter of 2024 on $10.25 billion in revenue, a double-digit increase over the same period the previous year. Netflix’s stock surged over 10% to $960.60 in post-market trading.

    Read Also: MTN to rival Netflix and Showmax in Africa with new streaming platform

    In a letter to shareholders, Netflix executives stated, “We enter 2025 with strong momentum, coming off a year with record net additions—41 million—and having reaccelerated growth.”

    They went on to say that Netflix is in a “leadership position” in terms of revenue and profit in a market that is still growing, as well as engagement, which is roughly two hours per day per paid member.

    “Our business remains intensely competitive with many formidable competitors across traditional entertainment and big tech,” Netflix executives said.

    “We have to continue to improve all aspects of Netflix – more series and films our members love, a great product experience, increased sophistication in our plans and pricing strategy, including more advertising capabilities – and grow into new areas like live programming and games.”

    Significant contribution of Squid Game to Netflix 2024 growth

    Netflix had a solid lineup at the end of the previous year, which included a second season of the popular show, Squid Game. The most-watched Netflix TV show ever is still the dystopian Korean horror story about a deadly game.

    Read Also: Spotify to debut high-end Music Pro tier in 2025

    Among the most important works in establishing South Korea as a global cultural powerhouse, along with the Oscar-winning movie Parasite and K-pop megastars BTS, is the ultra-violent story Squid Game, which explores themes of inequality and division.

    Netflix prioritising ads in 2025

    In countries where they are available, the streamer reported that over 55 percent of signups were for its ad-supported plans, which increased by almost 30 percent from the previous quarter. This year, Netflix has made expanding its ad business a top priority.

    During a crackdown on password sharing in late 2023, the company launched an ad-subsidised offering in an attempt to boost sputtering growth.

    Netflix 2025 revenue projection

    Netflix anticipates $43.5–44.5 billion in revenue in 2025 and aims for a healthy operating margin of 29 percent.

    Netflix is regarded as the market leader in video content, while Disney+ is still having trouble following its November 2019 launch, which included a tonne of new content from its popular Marvel and Star Wars franchises.

    Netflix’s stock has risen 80 percent in the last year, outpacing the NASDAQ and S&P 500 indices by a wide margin.

  • Showmax plans 50 million subscribers in rebranding efforts 

    Showmax plans 50 million subscribers in rebranding efforts 

    Showmax, the popular streaming service, has embarked on a transformative journey aimed at reaching 50 million subscribers. 

    This ambitious goal is underpinned by a comprehensive branding overhaul, signalling a strategic shift in its approach to content delivery and audience engagement. In this article, we’ll explore the key elements of Showmax’s revamped branding strategy and how it positions the platform for exponential growth.

    Read also: Showmax Pro Subscribers Switch to DStv

    Reinventing the Brand Identity:

    Central to Showmax’s rebranding initiative is the reinvention of its brand identity. This involves more than just a cosmetic makeover; it’s about crafting a narrative that resonates with both existing and potential subscribers. Showmax has revamped its logo, color palette, and visual elements to reflect a modern, dynamic image that aligns with its evolving content offering. By infusing its brand with freshness and relevance, Showmax aims to capture the attention of a diverse audience across various demographics and regions.

    Curating Compelling Content Experiences:

    In its quest for 50 million subscribers, Showmax recognizes the paramount importance of content curation. The streaming landscape is fiercely competitive, with viewers spoilt for choice. To stand out, Showmax has doubled down on curating compelling content experiences tailored to the preferences of its target audience. This entails a strategic mix of original productions, blockbuster movies, acclaimed series, and niche offerings that cater to diverse tastes and interests. By prioritizing quality over quantity, Showmax aims to foster viewer loyalty and drive sustained growth.

    Enhancing User Engagement and Personalization:

    Showmax understands that delivering a personalized viewing experience is key to fostering viewer loyalty and retention. To this end, the platform has invested in cutting-edge technology and data analytics to enhance user engagement and recommendation algorithms. By leveraging user data and behavioral insights, Showmax can tailor content recommendations, personalized playlists, and curated collections that resonate with individual preferences. This level of customization not only enhances the user experience but also encourages longer viewing sessions and increased platform usage.

    Showmax’s revamped branding strategy represents a masterclass in driving subscriber growth through effective brand positioning and audience engagement. By reinventing its brand identity, curating compelling content experiences, and enhancing user engagement and personalization, Showmax is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goal of reaching 50 million subscribers. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Showmax’s commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that it remains a formidable player in the competitive world of online entertainment.

  • Nigerian creators profit as YouTube Music hits 100m subscribers

    Nigerian creators profit as YouTube Music hits 100m subscribers

    YouTube Music and YouTube Premium have surpassed 100 million subscribers globally, including trial users, which is a major milestone for the digital streaming service.

    This achievement highlights the platform’s longevity and the extensive entertainment options it provides to users all over the world, including the varied and lively Nigerian community.

    Adam Smith, YouTube’s VP of product management, spoke on the occasion, saying that the company launched YouTube Music, a subscription service and app, in 2015 in response to user demand for an improved YouTube experience that catered to creators and artists.

    Read also: YouTube Premium, YouTube Music Premium Reach 110 Countries

    For YouTubers and music fans who desire more control over their YouTube experience, we’ve created a solution that lets them listen to music offline, download songs to listen to later and enjoy YouTube without ads. Over the course of its history, YouTube has gained valuable knowledge, redirected its focus, rebranded itself, increased its product offerings, and expanded its plans to over 100 countries and regions.

    Despite this, the team’s primary goal has always been to provide the YouTube community around the world with an exceptional experience.

    Indeed, just in the last year, they improved the Premium playback experience by introducing an improved version of 1080p HD and allowing you to continue watching YouTube across various devices, such as smart TVs and tablets. Additionally, the team tested out some new generative AI features, which were initially available to Premium users. Additionally, they provided a fully customisable radio-building experience, added podcasts to YouTube Music, and introduced the Samples tab—a lightning-fast method for listeners to find new music.

    What keeps people coming back to YouTube beyond the features, is the amazing content that creators and artists upload. By giving artists and creators an extra way to make money through subscriptions, YouTube Premium helps keep the community strong.

    How this impact the Nigerian creators’ community

    Addy Awofisayo, YouTube’s Head of Music for Africa, shed light on the platform’s influence in Nigeria, highlighting the significance of local engagement. According to Awofisayo, YouTube Music and Premium have been incredibly successful in Nigeria, giving local musicians and content makers a worldwide platform to showcase their work. 

    According to him, the platform has done more than just make a vast amount of music and content accessible; it has also been instrumental in the rise of Nigeria’s music industry by giving artists a platform to showcase their work and earn money. Not only does YouTube celebrate its global achievements at this milestone, but it also celebrates the individual stories of Nigerian creators and artists who contribute to YouTube’s diverse and rich community.

    YouTube launches content creator app ‘YouTube Create’

    How Nigeria’s creative industry boosts the economy

    Film, theatre, music, dance, literature, fashion, radio, television, the arts, sports, IT, media, advertising, and gaming are just a few of the many facets that make up Nigeria’s creative industry.

    The three primary effects of the creative industry on national economic indicators—the creation of jobs, the contribution to GDP, and exports—have already been identified. Struggling against homelessness.

    Approximately 154 billion Nigerian naira (NGN), or around 197.6 million USD, was contributed to Nigeria’s gross domestic product in 2023 by the movie and music recording industries. The movie and music industries certainly made a dent in the national GDP, but the most lucrative part of the ICT sector—with 2.84 trillion NGN, or about 3.64 billion USD—belonged to telecommunications and information services.

  • Netflix’s global subscribers exceed expectations

    Netflix’s global subscribers exceed expectations

    Netflix, the global streaming giant, has experienced significant growth in its subscriber base, with nearly 9 million new subscribers joining during the third quarter of this year.

    This impressive performance has sent the company’s shares surging by 13%, defying expectations and pointing towards the continued dominance of the streaming platform.

    Read also: Netflix to discontinue its free service in Kenya amid intense competition

    Global Growth and Local Stories

    Netflix makes the bulk of its content overseas, which significantly contributed to its new subscriber numbers. The global success of its live-action adaptation of the Japanese manga series “One Piece” highlights the company’s strategy of investing in stories with local resonance that can appeal to international audiences. The streaming service has also successfully attracted viewers to long-running television shows, like the legal drama “Suits,” and HBO’s World War Two series “Band of Brothers.”

    Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-CEO, emphasised the importance of the company’s rich and diverse content catalogue in managing unpredictable production interruptions, a scenario experienced during the COVID pandemic and the current Hollywood labour tensions.

    Positive Response and Higher Prices

    Netflix announced a price increase in the United States, United Kingdom, and France. Despite this price hike, the company experienced a surge in its shares, reaching $390.80 in extended trading from a close of $346.19. Paolo Pescatore, an analyst at PP Foresight, attributed this growth to Netflix’s efforts to crack down on password sharing and its expansion into advertising.

    Netflix now boasts a global subscriber base of 247 million users, with substantial growth in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, where nearly 4 million new subscribers were added in the third quarter. More than 70% of Netflix’s members reside outside the United States, highlighting its international appeal.

    Competitive Evolution and Licensing Opportunities

    The streaming service has noted its ability to licence hit titles, with “Suits” becoming the most-watched title across film, original TV, and acquired TV on streaming in the U.S. for 12 consecutive weeks. The ability to secure such titles indicates potential opportunities for Netflix as the competitive streaming landscape evolves.

    The company reported revenues of $8.54 billion in the third quarter, aligning with analyst predictions, and earnings of $3.73 per share, exceeding Wall Street’s expectations of $3.49. However, the company’s fourth-quarter revenue forecast of $8.69 billion was slightly below analysts’ estimates of $8.77 billion.

    Strikes by writers and actors prompted Netflix to revise its content spending projections, reducing it to $13 billion for 2023, assuming labour disputes are resolved “in the near future.” This reduction from the initial estimate of $17 billion highlights the impact of ongoing labour issues in the entertainment industry.

    Netflix continues to dominate viewership, with its programming accounting for 8% of television screen time, second only to YouTube, according to Nielsen data. This enduring popularity solidifies Netflix’s position in the streaming market.

    Netflix’s robust Q3 performance, despite labour tensions in the entertainment industry, demonstrates its ability to engage audiences with its vast content library, emphasising its ongoing appeal to subscribers worldwide.

    Netflix records subscriber increase after crackdown on password-sharing

    Evolution of Netflix: From DVDs to Streaming Dominance

    Netflix, founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph, initially focused on DVD rentals by mail. Its innovative subscription model disrupted traditional video rental stores. As the internet matured, Netflix transitioned to online streaming in 2007, enabling instant content access. By producing original series like “House of Cards” in 2013, Netflix aimed to create exclusive, compelling content. International expansion in 2010 transformed it into a global streaming giant, serving 247 million subscribers in 2023. It diversified beyond the U.S. market and adapted to consumer preferences, securing its position as a major player in the entertainment industry.

  • Starlink fails to meet investors’ expectations at 1.5m global subscribers

    Starlink fails to meet investors’ expectations at 1.5m global subscribers

    A recent report published by the Wall Street Journal says the Starlink division of SpaceX has been unable to meet the lofty standards that it had established for both itself and its investors.

     According to the findings of the analysis, Starlink, which was projected to have 20 million users and earn over $12 billion in revenue by the year 2022, concluded the year with only 1.5 million subscribers and $1.4 billion in income. This is far lower than the projections.

    This information was revealed in a presentation that SpaceX gave in 2015 in order to entice potential investors. The presentation forecasted rapid expansion for the satellite internet service. However, the current situation is very different from these estimates, which highlights the difficulties involved in constructing a global satellite network.

    “Starlink hasn’t signed up customers as quickly as SpaceX had hoped,” the WSJ wrote. “Toward the end of last year, Starlink had more than one million active subscribers, SpaceX has said. The company thought its satellite-Internet business would have 20 million subscribers as 2022 closed out, according to SpaceX’s 2015 presentation.”

    It would appear that the low rate of consumer uptake for Starlink is a big issue contributing to the company’s poor success. Although the organisation stated that it had “well over” 1.5 million users all over the world, it is clear that it had a difficult time accomplishing the targets it had set for itself initially. According to the findings of the survey, the appeal of this technology is reduced in areas that have access to high-speed broadband that is both affordable and widely available.

    In South Africa, for example, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the country’s telecoms regulator, has ordered IT Lec, the only company rerouting Starlink’s network, to stop the importation of Starlink kits. ICASA is the country’s telecoms regulator. In addition to this, it demanded that all active Starlink internet services already being provided to consumers in the country be terminated by the internet service provider (ISP) situated in the Northern Cape.

    Because of this, SpaceX has placed South Africa in the category of a low-priority area for the possibility of a launch. The corporation claimed that it has a method for ranking countries in preparation for the introduction of Starlink. High focus is given to entering markets in which there are no requirements for registration or licencing.

    Finally, nations that SpaceX feels will present issues in terms of licencing are considered to be of low priority. nations with licencing needs but minimal prospective challenges are considered to be of medium importance. 

    Read also: SpaceX Initiates tender offer of $750 Million

    SpaceX continues to have high hopes for Starlink

    Despite failures, SpaceX hopes to make Starlink economical by 2023, a turning point in global networking.

    The satellite business is projected to profit this year, according to President and COO Gwynne Shotwell in February. Starlink’s profit or loss is unknown, although the WSJ claimed that SpaceX “eke[d] out a small profit in the first three months of [2023] after two annual losses.” Q1 2023 SpaceX reported a $55 million profit on $1.5 billion in revenue.

    With over 4,700 LEO broadband satellites, Starlink has the greatest network. This technical marvel allows the company to supply high-speed internet to remote places without cable or fibre. The research notes the difficulties of maintaining quality and speed as the consumer base develops.

    “The majority of the world’s population that the business could serve and that can afford high-speed broadband lives in cities. In those regions, Internet service is readily available, usually offers cheaper monthly costs than Starlink and doesn’t require specialized equipment” WSJ wrote in the report.

    Musk, known for his lofty aspirations, set Starlink’s bar high. He also acknowledged satellite internet projects’ risks and bankruptcies. His recent, cautious public pronouncements regarding its potential, especially in densely populated urban regions, contrast with the earlier forecasts.

    He added in 2020, “That’ll be a big step to have, like, more than zero [LEO satellite companies] in the not-bankrupt category.” Starlink may be spun out and sold by SpaceX.

    Musk halts Ukrainian-Russia attacks, prevents Starlink usage

    Starlink “might have” broken even with user terminals

    Musk stated in June 2021, “We are losing money on that terminal right now. We pay almost $1,000 for that terminal.” Starlink charged $499 for the user terminal, and Musk said he wanted to “reduce the terminal cost from $500 to, I don’t know, $300 or $250, or something like that.” Starlink upped the terminal price from $499 to $599 in early 2022, notwithstanding that statement.

    SpaceX’s claim that it no longer loses money on user terminals is intriguing. As it cuts costs and expands its reach, this move may improve the company’s finances.

    “We were subsidizing terminals but we’ve been iterating on our terminal production so much that we’re no longer subsidizing terminals, which is a good place to be,” Hofeller said, according to the CNBC article.

    Starlink’s home service costs $120 a month in much of the US and $90 in “high-availability” places. This pricing puts it in direct rivalry with established internet providers and emerging digital divide technology.

  • Nigerian voice subscribers witness 2.4% decline in seven months

    Nigerian voice subscribers witness 2.4% decline in seven months

    In a recent report from the National Communication Commission (NCC), it has come to light that Nigerian voice subscribers have seen a notable 2.4 percent decrease in seven months. As of the end of July, telecommunications service providers had collectively lost approximately 6 million voice subscribers, signaling a challenging period for the industry.

    According to the NCC report, the number of telephone subscriptions in Nigeria dropped from 226.2 million in January to 220 million in July. This decline of 6 million subscribers, equivalent to 2.4 percent of users, reflects the economic challenges the nation has faced in the first seven months of the year.

    A closer look at the data reveals that the sector closed out 2022 with 222.5 million subscribers. By January 2023, this figure had increased by 3.6 million, reaching 226.2 million. In February, there was a slight uptick to 227.1 million. However, it took a downturn in March, reaching 226.2 million as approximately 1.5 million Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards became inactive. The decline persisted in April, with numbers plummeting to 223.7 million, followed by 221 million in May, and finally, 220 million in June.

    Read also: Multichoice DSTV Stream is now available to subscribers on two devices

    Impact on Teledensity

    This drop in voice subscribers has had a noticeable impact on Nigeria’s teledensity, which decreased from 118.5 percent in January to 115.7 percent in July. Teledensity measures the number of telephone connections per 100 people in a specific geographic area and is often used to gauge access to voice and data communications services.

    Among the telecom operators, MTN Nigeria experienced the most significant loss in active voice subscribers during this period, with a drop of 6 million subscribers. Airtel also witnessed a decline, going from 60.5 million to 60 million subscribers, indicating a loss of 500,000 active subscribers between January and July.

    However, not all telecom providers experienced losses. Globacom and 9mobile saw growth in their subscriber bases during this challenging period. Globacom, attributed to its recharge bonuses and incentives, added 1 million voice subscribers. Meanwhile, 9mobile gained 700,000 users in the seven-month span.

    NCC applauds Swedish partnership for ICT in Nigeria

    Broadband Penetration Takes a Hit

    In the world of telecommunications, broadband penetration is a crucial metric. The NCC report reveals that broadband penetration in Nigeria decreased from 48.21 percent in January to 47.01 percent in July. This decrease was accompanied by approximately 2.2 million customers in the broadband sub-sector not utilizing the service during this period. The number of users dropped from 92 million in January to 89.7 million by the end of July.

    On a more positive note, Internet users on the narrow band (GSM) platform increased by 3 million, as operators witnessed a rise from 155 million in January to 158 million by July. This indicates a shift in preferences and usage patterns among consumers in the telecommunications landscape.

    The data paints a complex picture of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria, reflecting the ongoing challenges and changes within the sector. It also underscores the need for telecom operators to adapt to evolving consumer demands and economic conditions to remain competitive in this dynamic market.

  • Twitter bans ads for non subscribers

    Twitter bans ads for non subscribers

    Following the removal of the blue tick for non-paying Twitter accounts, the popular social media network has stated that non-subscribers to the Twitter ‘blue tick’ would no longer be able to run advertisements on the platform.

    The decision followed the recent removal of “blue ticks” from many Twitter accounts, which affected many celebrities and high-profile people who no longer had verifications and could simply be reproduced.

    A notification sent to Twitter advertisers with the headline ‘Building a better Twitter through verification’ states:

    “To continue running ads on Twitter after April 21, your @account must have a verified checkmark or subscribe to either Twitter Blue or Verified Organisations.” 

    Business accounts that spend more than $1000 per month already have gold checks or will soon, and they will continue to have uninterrupted access to advertising at this period.

    “This change is consistent with Twitter’s broader verification strategy, which is to improve the quality of content on Twitter and your experience as a user and advertiser.” This strategy also contributes to our ongoing efforts to decrease bogus accounts and bots. Subscribing to one of these services indicates that Twitter has authenticated you as a legitimate person and/or business.

    “You’ll have a more visible organic presence and a broader range of creation tools, among other things.” We can’t wait for you to get started and benefit from a better Twitter experience,”l media platform has again announced that non-subscribers to the Twitter ‘blue tick’ will no longer be able to run adverts on the platform. 

    The announcement came after the removal of “blue ticks”  on many Twitter accounts recently, which affected many celebrities and high-profile people who no longer have verifications, and their accounts can easily be duplicated. 

    A  notice sent to Twitter advertisers titled ‘Building a better Twitter through verification’ reads:

    “Starting April 21, your @account must have a verified checkmark or subscribe to either Twitter Blue or Verified Organizations to continue running ads on Twitter. Business accounts spending in excess of $1000 per month already have gold checks or will soon, and they’ll continue to enjoy access to advertising without interruption at this time.

    “This change aligns with Twitter’s broader verification strategy: to elevate the quality of content on Twitter and enhance your experience as a user and advertiser. This approach also supports our ongoing efforts to reduce fraudulent accounts and bots. Subscribing to either of these services means you have been verified by Twitter as a real person and/or business.

    “Amongst other features, you’ll have a more visible organic presence and a broader range of creation tools. We’re excited for you to get started and to benefit from a superior Twitter experience,”

    Read also: Twitter returns Blue ticks to media outlets, celebrities

    Twitter ad revenue to fall by 28% in 2023 – Analysts

    Analysts have predicted that Twitter’s income from advertising will fall by 28 per cent in 2023 as the platform struggles under the ownership of Elon Musk.

    Analysts at Insider Intelligence said they were slashing an earlier worldwide revenue estimate of $4.74 billion by more than a third to $2.98 billion as trust in the platform deteriorates.

    “The biggest problem with Twitter’s ad business is that advertisers don’t trust Musk,” said Jasmine Enberg, principal analyst at Insider Intelligence.

    “Twitter needs to unravel Musk’s personal brand from the company’s corporate image to regain advertiser trust and bring back ad dollars,” she added.

    Musk’s takeover of Twitter has already seen several major advertisers suspend their activity on the platform.

    Research shows that about fourteen of the top 30 advertisers on Twitter stopped advertising on the platform just as Musk took charge.

    Insider Intelligence noted that Musk’s efforts to build up a subscription service “won’t make up for the lost ad revenue.

    Twitter’s $1,000 “simple” verification enrages users

    Twitter is leaning towards the upper crust.

    All indicators point to the popular social media platform’s subscription costs favouring the upper crust. This means that, unlike Facebook and Instagram, some middle and lower-income people, particularly in developing nations, cannot use Twitter.

    The once-loved platform that allows friends, family, and coworkers to interact and stay connected through the exchange of short, frequent messages may soon become less popular as many users consider cancelling their accounts.

    In the most recent twist, many users have confirmed that Twitter has returned their blue tick badge without subscribing, just days after it removed the blue verification check marks from accounts that do not pay for Twitter Blue, prompting some celebrities and journalists to insist they did not sign up for Twitter owner Elon Musk’s $8-per-month subscription service and received their verification badge back.

  • By 2028, 270 million MENA subscribers will have access to 5G

    By 2028, 270 million MENA subscribers will have access to 5G

    Ericsson telecommunications company, a leading provider of 5G networks, has projected that by the end of 2028, there will be around 270 million 5G subscriptions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, accounting for 31% of total mobile subscriptions.

    The company stated this in its latest Ericsson Mobility Report, published recently.

    According to the report, 5G is forecasted to be the strongest-growing segment as service providers explore various service offerings requiring high bandwidth and low latency.

    The company is optimistic that the availability of a wide range of 5G devices at attractive price points will drive uptake of 5G subscriptions as service providers are migrating their subscribers from legacy networks, and the growth in 4G and 5G will continue at pace.

    Read also: Telkom launches 5G Internet Data Plans in South Africa

    5G network in sub-saharan Africa

    In sub-Saharan Africa, Ericsson believes 5G subscriptions will grow from the recorded 7 million in 2022 to 150 million by the end of 2028, making up about 14% of total connections in the region in five years’ time.

    According to the company projection, 2G connections will continue to decline over the coming years as subscribers migrate to 4G and 5G networks.

     At the moment, the company says 4G represents 29% of mobile subscriptions in sub-Saharan Africa, with 4G subscriptions expected to rise from 260 million in 2022 to 600 million in 2028.

    “4G will be the main contributor to new connections up to 2028, accounting for more than half of all mobile subscriptions at that time,” the report read.

    “Despite economic challenges, the Sub-Saharan Africa region’s economy is projected to be one of the fastest growing regions globally, sustaining growth in the telecom industry,” 

    “With the COVID-19 pandemic becoming a lesser concern, network investments are shifting focus from reliable connectivity for social and economic sustenance to increasing coverage and capacity, especially for mobile broadband connections,” the report added.

    5G Network In Africa

    Global Fixed Wireless Access

    The report also projected that global fixed wireless access (FWA) connections would grow faster than previously expected. It is forecasted to grow at 19% year-on-year globally from 2022 through 2028 and top 300 million connections by the end of 2028.

    A wireless alternative to wireline broadband, FWA is one of the major early 5G use cases, particularly in regions with unserved or underserved broadband markets.

    In Africa, 5G FWA has arrived in populous countries such as South Africa and Nigeria, as well as other emerging markets outside the continent like Mexico and the Philippines.

    5G global outlook

    The report projects that 5G subscriptions globally will reach 5 billion by the end of 2028. Despite current and emerging economic challenges in many parts of the world, 5G network subscribers will surpass one billion by the end of 2022.