Despite initially bullish prospects, wireless local loop (WLL) deployments in Africa have evolved at a relatively slow pace. At the end of 1998, nearly 215 000 subscribers on the continent were connected to WLL systems, including less than half in sub-Saharan Africa. In 1998, WLL connections accounted for less than 10 per cent of all main lines added. While African operators are attracted to fixed wireless systems and continue to regard WLL as an adequate solution to pervasive low telephone penetration and pent-up demand for basic telephony services, a range of issues have shaken operator confidence in WLL systems.
展开▼
