At the last World Telecom conference in 1995 in Geneva, the fledgling new cellular networks in South Africa had a total of 250,000 subscribers. The growth since then has exceeded all expectations and abided by no predictions. EMC World Cellular Database quotes a current figure of 4.5 million subscribers and a forecast of 31 million by 2003.
“Looking back on what has been an incredible period for GSM, I never cease to be amazed by the sheer scale of growth and speed of development which fuels this world’s leading industry,” said Michael Stocks, chairman of the GSM Association.
“I remember how just a few years ago that predictions of 100 million (GSM) customers by the turn of the century was seen as a pie in the sky by some cynics in the industry. Yet that epic figure is rapidly becoming a distant memory.”
Stocks himself is a real marvel. At the young age of 30, he chairs one of the most influential associations in the global telecommunications sphere. Besides the fact that he espouses an incredible amount of energy and enthusiasm about a field he dearly loves, he has vast experience in the industry.
A South African, he was involved in a diversity of roles at all levels with MTN, one of the two cellular networks in South Africa. In addition, he worked on a range of GSM Association committees, including as member of the Legal and Regulatory Working Group, and as deputy and chairman of the Southern African Interest Group. In May, he was officially appointed chairman of the GSM Association. He is the first African to hold the post.
“Africa has emerged later than its European counterparts, but is catching up fast as liberalization and competition are starting to spread across the continent. It is a dynamic market, set for incredible growth and untapped potential. Over the next four years, as some African countries overcome some of the barriers like import duties, the estimated growth will be very significant,” commented Stocks.
“The Africa vision is taking shape in Africa with 50 licensed operators from 40 countries actively using GSM networks, proving that subscribers on the continent are considering it a useful communications tool. We have South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, the Ivory Coast and especially Botswana as jewels in the royal crown,” commented Stocks.
More than 120 GSM networks are forecast by 2003 in Africa.
“We hope that Africa will progress to GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and wideband capability not too long after the rest of the world. The coming of the year 2000 will enable even more freedom as the GSM standard surges ahead with new services and new visions,” he added.-Sara Frewen in Johannesburg, South Africa
