Telecom
Africa’s Smartphone Market Dips Amid Component Shortages
Africa’s smartphone market saw shipments decline 2.3% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) during Q3 2021, according to the latest figures announced by International Data Corporation (IDC).
In a statement released to the media, the IDC said while the region displayed signs of recovery in H1 2021, its newly released Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker shows that component shortages began to negatively impact African markets in Q3 2021, causing a decline in smartphone shipments.
In contrast, Africa’s feature phone market remains buoyant, growing 14.2% QoQ Q3 2021. With smartphone prices remaining relatively high and only expected to increase over the coming following quarters, the affordable prices of feature phones make these devices extremely attractive, the research company affirmed.
Market research showed that Africa’s top three smartphone markets recorded mixed performances in Q3 2021. Egypt saw shipments decline 19.5% QoQ, while Nigeria was down 9.4% over the same period. Both of these markets are dominated by Chinese brands that had lower shipments due to component shortages.
South Africa, on the other hand, saw shipments increase 28.4% QoQ growth, with Nokia performing well with its competitive C-series models and Samsung having a strong quarter in preparation for the festive season.
Transsion brands (Tecno, Itel, and Infinix) led the African smartphone market in Q3 2021 with a unit share of 47.4%, maintaining stable shipments into the region. Samsung placed second with 21.3% share, while Xiaomi – which experienced a QoQ decline in shipments – placed third with 6.1% share.
The IDC added that the average selling price (ASP) for smartphones in Q3 2021 declined 0.7% QoQ due to new models being launched in the entry-level price bands. The $0<$100 price saw shipments increase 5.9% QoQ, while shipments of devices in the $100<$200 and $200<$400 price bands declined 14.1% and 0.7%, respectively.
4G devices accounted for 81.0% of smartphones shipped into the region in Q3 2021, followed by 3G devices with 15.9% share and 5G devices with just 3.1% share.
“The 5G market is still below its full potential in Africa due to poor telecommunications infrastructure,” said George Mbuthia, a research analyst at IDC. “4G will remain dominant as telcos are keen on recouping the huge investments they made in 4G infrastructure that is yet to be fully utilised.
“The relatively high cost of 5G devices is another inhibitor. In the longer term, however, prices will start declining as more vendors launch affordable 5G models.”
Looking ahead, IDC expects smartphone shipments into Africa to grow 7.6% QoQ in Q4 2021. “The market will perform better in the final quarter of the year as channels will look to secure shipment allocations to manage supply shortages and capitalise on the high demand for smartphones driven by December festivities and Black Friday promotions,” said Ramazan Yavuz, a senior research manager at IDC.
“A more stable recovery in the supply chain is expected starting from the second half of 2022 when component shortages will start to ease. After this period, the transition from feature phones to smartphones will accelerate as there is clear demand for smartphones in the African market.”
Telecom
SHELT System Integration Launches “SHELT SI” in Nigeria
SHELT, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its new business unit in Nigeria, SHELT System Integration (SHELT SI).
With a solid reputation built over six years of serving the nation’s financial, telecom, and government sectors, SHELT is now expanding its offerings to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation. The new business unit will operate under Cyber Immune Limited, a SHELT subsidiary in Nigeria.
SHELT SI emerges as a vital addition to SHELT’s portfolio, providing customers in Nigeria with trusted and unbiased expertise to design and implement cutting-edge, resilient, secure, and scalable solutions.
SHELT SI will forge strategic partnerships with global leaders to provide Networking and Cloud Management Solutions, Security Solutions, Collaboration Solutions, Managed services, Communication services, and IT Professional services while attracting top talent in Nigeria.
When asked about this milestone in SHELT’s growth, Mr. Youssef Abillama, Managing Partner of SHELT Global Limited, said: “We have full confidence in Nigeria and its commitment to digitization. SHELT is well positioned to be the technology partner of choice and trusted advisor to our customers in every step of their digitization journey.”
Mr. Walid Bou Abssi, Country Manager of SHELT Cyber Immune Limited, commented: “I am immensely proud of the launch of SHELT SI in Nigeria. This expansion underscores our dedication to empowering the nation’s digital evolution.
With SHELT SI, we are committed to providing unparalleled service to our clients, offering an unmatched value proposition driving innovation and resilience in Nigeria’s cybersecurity and network infrastructure space.”
Telecom
NCC Advises Subscribers to Opt for Strong Passwords to Beat Hackers
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has advised telecommunications subscribers to opt for strong passwords to prevent unauthorized access to their mobile devices.
In a recent update on its official Facebook page, the NCC focused on how cyber-attacks could be prevented, emphasizing the importance of creating strong passwords to safeguard online accounts
The Commission urged subscribers to ensure that they have a password to log in securely.
The NCC wrote on its official Facebook page, “Protect your online accounts (such as banks and digital media) by using strong and complex passwords.”
It believes that by opting for strong passwords, individuals could defend themselves against cyber attacks.
Telecom
Starlink Users in SA to be Cut Off April 30
Starlink users in South Africa are facing a major setback as the satellite internet service provider has issued a warning that their services will be terminated by the end of the month.
In an email sent to many South African users, Starlink stated that their internet access will cease on April 30 due to violation of its terms and conditions.
The email emphasized that using Starlink kits outside of designated areas, as indicated on the Starlink Availability Map, is against their terms. Consequently, users will only be able to access their Starlink account for updates after the termination.
Starlink, a company owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, operates a fleet of low earth orbit satellites that offer high-speed internet globally. Despite its potential to revolutionize connectivity, Starlink has been unable to obtain a license to operate in South Africa from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa).
Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) requirements mandate that any applicant must have 30% ownership from historically disadvantaged groups to be considered for a license.
However, many in South Africa resorted to creative methods to access Starlink services, including purchasing roaming packages from countries where Starlink is licensed.
However, ICASA. clarified in a government gazette last November that using Starlink in this manner is illegal.
Additionally, Starlink itself stated in the recent email to users that the ‘Mobile – Regional’ plans are meant for temporary travel and transit, not permanent use in a location. Continuous use of these plans outside the country where service was ordered will result in service restriction.
Starlink advised those interested in making its services available in their region to contact local authorities.
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