Adequate spectrum management will drive Africa’s economic progress

According to a fixed wireless access (FWA) report, efficient allocation of radio frequency spectrum resources in sufficient quantities will aid in the socio-economic development of African countries.

Africa Analysis compiles the report and focuses on the existing and predicted future use of fixed 4G and 5G services across Africa.

According to Africa Analysis, an ICT and future-tech consulting firm, the study aimed to analyse the opportunity to implement FWA as important broadband connection technology using multiple spectrum frequencies: 2.3GHz, 2.6GHz, 3.5GHz, 6GHz and 26GHz.

The study also considered the impact of several legislative and regulatory changes on expanding broadband services.

Africa Analysis claims that FWA is a critical technology that can overcome the limits associated with fixed infrastructure.

However, it states: “This depends on the availability of the required spectrum for 4G and 5G network deployments. This includes allocating frequencies in the 6GHz band to FWA technologies.”

As a result, Africa Analysis concludes: “Overall, the efficient allocation of radio frequency spectrum resources in sufficient quantities, and the subsequent efficient use of that spectrum, is critical to achieving strong FWA growth, which will aid in the socio-economic upliftment of African countries.”

Furthermore, the study found that “good quality broadband connectivity is becoming increasingly important as a means of socio-economic upliftment, but several factors currently constrain the growth of broadband infrastructure and demand for broadband services”.

According to Africa Analysis, several government measures will increase the scope of FWA build-out and service uptake. Over the next 12 years, such programmes might increase home internet access in Africa by up to 14%.

It states that intervention strategies open to governments include lowering network operators’ input costs, such as by reducing import levies on network equipment.