Research and Markets: Lesotho - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts - Several New Submarine Fibre Optic Cables Are P

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/41c0cd/lesotho_telecoms) has announced the addition of the "Lesotho - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts" report to their offering.

Broadband still hindered by high prices

Telecommunications in this small Southern African country has undergone transformation from a state-owned monopoly to a privatised national operator, with competition in the mobile sub-sector between two networks, South Africa-based Vodacom and Econet. However, at around 35%, mobile market penetration is still below the African average. Vodacom is the market leader with a market share of around 75%

Econet also controls the national fixed-line operator, Telecom Lesotho. Fixed-line teledensity is low, but the network gained more value when ADSL broadband technology was deployed in 2007. In parallel, Telecom Lesotho is rolling out a CDMA2000 fixed-wireless network to provide fixed-line replacements and wireless broadband services, following an upgrade to EV-DO technology. In addition, the company has introduced a fixed-mobile convergence product based on its GSM network.

Vodafone on the other hand was first to introduce 3G HSDPA mobile broadband services in the country. In parallel, the company is rolling out a WiMAX wireless broadband network. Several other Internet service providers have rolled out their own wireless infrastructure.

Although landlocked, Lesotho is set to benefit from the greater choice of international bandwidth sources that the recent landing of several new submarine fibre optic cables to the African east and west coasts has brought, with several more planned to arrive in 2011.

Market highlights:

• Forecasts to end-2011 for mobile, fixed-line and Internet markets;
• Profiles of major players in all market sectors;
• Broadband pricing trends 2008-2010;
• Strong mobile data revenue growth;
• Second 3G mobile network set to launch;
• Lower international bandwidth prices expected in 2011.

Subjects covered include:

• Key statistics;
• Market and industry overviews;
• Regulatory environment and structural reform;
• Major players (fixed, mobile and broadband);
• Infrastructure development;
• Mobile voice and data markets, including 3G;
• Average Revenue per User ;
• Internet and broadband development and pricing;
• Convergence (voice/data, fixed/wireless/mobile).

For those needing high level strategic information and objective analysis on the telecommunications sector in Lesotho, this report is essential reading and gives further information on:

• Government policies affecting the telecoms industry;
• Market liberalisation and regulatory issues;
• The impact of the global economic crisis;
• Telecoms operators privatisation, acquisitions, new licences;
• Internet and broadband development and growth, including 3G mobile;
• Broadband and mobile data services and pricing trends;
• Mobile Average Revenue per User.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/41c0cd/lesotho_telecoms

CONTACT:

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager,
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

KEYWORDS:   Lesotho  Africa

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Technology  Telecommunications

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