By-invitation event organised by GSA and delivering enhanced networking/information sharing for GSA Member organisations and GSM/3G operators. Included mobile network operator participation from Cell C, GTS Group,MTC, MTN Group, Sentech, Telkom, and Vodacom Group.

Operator testimonials:

"The GSA Evolution Forum provided a somewhat unique opportunity to both operators and vendors to get to grips with some of the market and technological challenges being faced in Africa right now - against an up-to-date statistical backdrop provided by GSA" (MTN Group)

"The GSA single-day event provided an efficient vendor-operator seminar and networking opportunity for the local industry within the context of GSM internationally. We shall also gladly take up the offer by GSA, through its network of international experts, to support the local mobile industry in addressing strategic issues with government and regulators to achieve the harmonisation and best practice so vital to sustaining a competitive industry and serving the end user. The GSA website is also proving to be a most useful source of up to date information" (Vodacom)

"It was a day well spent" (Telekom)

"This event was unique in that it focussed on Doing Business in Africa, as presented by African Operators. This approach ensured that information and presentations were not only interesting but also valuable in defining future opportunities in our business" (Cell C)

"A great day - the subjects and the presentations were exactly my expectation from the event and the forum. I hope to see this forum in South Africa again" (GTS Group)

"Very interesting and informative day" (Sentech)

Resources:

Download the program and presentations (Members Zone and Operators Zone users only)

Media briefing - Johannesburg, July 19, 2006

The 100 millionth GSM mobile subscriber in Africa was connected in June 2005. By the end of 2005 the total was 134 million. Africa was responsible for 1 in every 7 new GSM connections globally in 2005, adding over 50 million new subscribers in 2005. A similar pace is foreseen in 2006.

For users in Africa, mobile communications is GSM with 99.5% market share. The technology is mature and future-proof, networks are quick to deploy, deployment costs are comparatively low, and service is the most affordable. These factors explain why the number of mobile subscribers overtook the number of fixed line subscribers in Africa as long ago as 2001 and how mobile is the first reliable telecommunications service for many countries in Africa. Eight times as many mobile connections have been made than any other access technology in Africa since 2000. A GSM line costs one tenth of a fixed line. The potential for mobile communications in Africa is huge, and the development implications are immense.

The development of GSM is a constant evolution for enhanced performance, capacity, and features that meet demand, deliver the best user experience, revenue growth, and lowest cost of delivery. These factors, taken together with GSM's unrivalled economies of scale - there are over 1.76 billion GSM subscribers worldwide, ensure lowest infrastructure costs for rural areas, and the most competitive products and solutions.

Many GSM handset models are based on common design platforms and produced in large volumes for global markets. The results of development for other markets, together with the benefits of field-proven technology and global economies of scale can be leveraged in Africa.

The launch of 3G/WCDMA services in South Africa, Mauritius and shortly Tanzania, is a positive development for the region, providing the platform for future revenue growth. Many African operators plan to upgrade their GPRS networks to EDGE, which is complementary to WCDMA and commercially launched on a combined network in South Africa for the best user experience. EDGE is also launched in Algeria and Chad, and in deployment in Libya.

EDGE has the potential to be positioned as the principle platform for broadband Internet access throughout Africa, with the added advantage of mobility. A speed boost will be available in areas having WCDMA coverage, and yet higher broadband speeds where HSDPA - High Speed Downlink Packet Access, the first evolution of WCDMA, is available. HSDPA services will begin this year in South Africa and Tanzania.

GSA is assisting market growth with a number of activities including a vendor-operator seminar in South Africa in 2006, and various information exchange programs and briefings for key policy makers and influencers.