Mobile Phone Use Soars in Africa

On Friday, October 23, 2009, an article was published about the use of cell phones in Africa. The United States reported that cell phone use is growing faster in Africa than anywhere else in the world. From 2003 to present, cell phone subscriptions in Africa have grown by 500%. Members of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development believe that this is both socially and economically important. It has a strong impact on the way that people and companies do business. In countries including Gabon, South Africa, and Seychelles, there are 100 supscriptions for cellular phones for every 100 people. Not all areas are at this level, but the numbers remain to rise.
The article also explains that while cell phone use is still on the rise, internet use and access remain slow and costly. A member of the UN conference explained that not only are African countries lagging behind developed countries, but also developing countries that are using internet access. The belief is that until recently, Africa did not have the international cables needed to carry telecommunications between Africa and the rest of the world. Because cables like these are becoming more available, internet will be the next big thing in Africa.
This article caught my attention because cellular phone and internet use are two things that I have grown up with. It surprised me to hear that Africa gets the most cell phone subscriptions compared to everyone in the world because I feel like when we discuss Africa, it seems to be about how economically behind they are and how difficult things are for them. I am glad that cell phone use is dominant over there because it is increasing their communication with the rest of the world. I was surprised to hear that internet use was so slim, after hearing about the popularity of cell phones, especially because most cell phones now have internet built in. Africa seems to be growing both socially and economically, though!
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