Executive summary
The island nation of Mauritius sports some of the best telecommunication market indicators in Africa and has been the first with many innovations: Africa’s first cellular system was launched there in 1989, the first commercial 3G mobile service in 2004, the world’s first nationwide WiMAX wireless broadband network in 2005, and one of Africa’s first IPTV services in 2006.
With strong tourism and financial services sectors, Mauritius’s economy has been hit harder by the global economic crisis than many other African countries. However, IMF forecasts predict that after a dip to around 2% in 2009 and 2010, annual GDP growth will return to levels between 4% and 5% again from 2011.
The incumbent telco, Mauritius Telecom (MT) has been partially privatised and all sectors of the market are open to competition. Served by a modern, digital fixed-line network, two fibre optic submarine cables for international connectivity, three mobile networks, various broadband and other service providers, Mauritius is actively pursuing a policy to make telecommunications the fifth pillar of its economy and to become a regional telecom hub with Singapore as a role model.
At more than 80% penetration, the mobile market is approaching saturation. The 3G service segment is showing the highest growth rates for the two GSM-based networks – Orange (MT in partnership with France Telecom) and Emtel, operated by Millicom International. The strongest overall subscriber growth is currently seen by the third mobile network, Mahanagar (MTML), which is undercutting its competitors’ tariffs and offers an EV-DO broadband service through a CDMA2000 network. MTML is also the country’s second fixed-network operator.
Mauritius was also one of the first countries in Africa to legalise VoIP telephony. Combined with the well-developed infrastructure this has led to the introduction of converged voice, Internet and broadband TV services which have been taken up by the majority of broadband users. Further improvements in this sector and lower prices are expected from the landing of the second international submarine cable which is providing alternative routes to Europe.
Estimated market penetration rates in Mauritius’s telecoms sector – end 2010
Market
| Penetration rate
|
|---|
Mobile
| 85%
|
Fixed
| 31%
|
Internet
| 23%
|
(Source: BuddeComm based on various sources)
Key highlights:
- One of the highest levels of mobile and fixed-line penetration in Africa;
- Market analysis 2010;
- Forecasts for mobile, fixed-line and Internet market to end-2011;
- Profiles of major players in all market sectors;
- The most successful triple play service in Africa;
- Pricing comparison of all major broadband services (ADSL, WiMAX, triple play, 3G mobile).
This annual report provides a comprehensive overview of trends and developments in Mauritius’s telecommunications market. Subjects covered include:
- Key statistics;
- Market and industry overviews;
- The impact of the global economic crisis;
- Regulatory environment and structural reform;
- Major players (fixed, mobile and broadband);
- Infrastructure development;
- Mobile voice and data markets, including 3G;
- Internet and broadband development;
- Convergence (voice/data, fixed/wireless/mobile).
For those needing high level strategic information and objective analysis on the telecommunications sector in Mauritius, this report is essential reading and gives further information on:
- One of the most advanced telecommunications markets in Africa;
- Government policies affecting the telecoms industry;
- The impact of the global economic crisis;
- Market liberalisation and regulatory issues;
- Telecoms operators – privatisation, acquisitions, new licences;
- Internet and broadband development and growth;
- Mobile data services, including 3G.