Emerging Markets - A New Wave for Mobile Communications - Colombia, Indonesia, Nigeria

Synopsis

Archived report. There are exciting opportunities for the mobile communications sector, beyond the traditional BRIC markets which have received much attention. BuddeComm’s Senior Analysts have identified further emerging markets worth consideration and in this report highlight the markets of Colombia, Indonesia and Nigeria.

Colombia is included in a group of up-and-coming nations (dubbed CIVETS) touted as hot markets because of their large potential returns. Hoping to attract tourism and foreign investment, the Colombian government is trying to shake off the country’s image as a trouble spot. In fact, according to some economic analysts, Colombia is becoming the hidden investment gem of South America.

Indonesian mobile telephone market is booming with penetration of 117% in early 2013. Despite this high penetration, there is still considerable opportunity for expansion in Indonesia’s mobile market when compared with some of its Asian neighbours. Consumer interest has started to shift to the 3G services being offered by the operators and take up of mobile data services is certainly on the rise, as evidenced by a significant surge in the sale of smartphones.

Nigeria is Africa’s largest mobile market with more than 110 million subscribers, and yet market penetration stands at only around 70% in early 2013. Subscriber growth accelerated again in 2012, driven by lower prices and a growing demand for mobile broadband services.

It can be difficult to obtain useful information on telecommunications in the emerging markets and this BuddeComm Emerging Markets report offers valuable statistics and information on mobile communications in Colombia, Indonesia and Nigeria. Written by BuddeComm’s Regional Senior Analysts, the report includes key mobile statistics and an overview of each market; insights into the regulatory environment and the key mobile technologies in use.

Key developments:

We estimate that the fastest growing sectors in Colombia in 2013 will be 3G and 4G mobile services, satellite TV, and fixed broadband; After a period of uncertainty, the Indonesian telecom sector has settled into what looks like a healthy development phase; Nigeria is one of the biggest and fastest growing telecom markets in Africa, attracting huge amounts of foreign investment, and is yet standing at relatively low levels of market penetration.