Africa: Zain targets African mobile commerce
January 7: ITP.net reports that Zain has expanded its Zap mobile commerce service to Niger, Sierra Leone and Malawi, as it seeks to capitalise on a growing demand for services such as mobile remittances and transfers in Africa. Zap, which allows subscribers to withdraw cash, pay for goods and services, and make money transfers to third parties, was originally launched in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in February 2009, where there are more than 10 million users.
China improves rural coverage
January 7: According to TeleGeography and Chinese news agency Xinhua, at the end of 2009 voice telephony services were available to 99.86% of the country’s administrative villages (up from 98% a year earlier), while internet access covered 91.5% (up from 89%), according to data from the regulator MIIT.
Kenya: Satellites Still Popular Despite Fibre Arrival
January 7: Business Daily reports that the number of new contracts signed for satellite connectivity continue to grow despite the arrival of the undersea fibre optic cable last year, indicating that pricing may remain stagnant as sector players continue to enjoy dual connectivity. The recent signing of a second long term contract between satellite provider ASTRA2Connect and service distributor Intersat Africa, is the latest in a string of deals that aim to strengthen Kenya's dependence on satellite connectivity.
Mali: Government to Sell 19% of Remaining SOTELMA Shares
January 7: African Press Agency reports that Mali's government is looking to sell 19% of its remaining 49% shares in Société des Télécommunications du Mali (SOTELMA), the national telecommunications company. As disclosed by government sources to the news agency, the shares will be sold to the general public, with particular interest in the private sector.
Proprietary source: Factiva / IHS Global Insight
