African countries have the most expensive mobile data plans across the world, both in real and income terms, according to a report by Ecobank Research, a research arm of the pan-African bank.
The report titled, “The high cost of mobile data in Sub-Saharan Africa,” revealed that 1 gigabyte (1GB), cost less than US$4 in the cheapest regions while the same cost as much as US$20 to US$35 in others.
The report also found that a higher number of mobile network operators (MNOs) in a country often meant that data was relatively cheaper than in countries with less number of MNOs.
Here’s how much it’s costs to buy 1GB (Countries with the cheapest mobile data)
- Mozambique – US$2.08
- Guinea – US$2.21
- Rwanda – US$2.33
- Zambia – US$2.76
- Nigeria – US$2.76
- Kenya – US$3.35
- Niger – US$3.52
- Ghana – US$3.63
- Burundi – US$3.87
- Senegal – US$3.99
Ecobank researchers noted that African governments and regulators have a key responsibility to develop policies and regulations that drive down mobile data prices.
By doing this, the pan-African bank suggested:
- A reduction in fees charged for new mobile licenses to have new entrants
- An introduction of reasonable taxes on data usage which will grow as their citizens become more connected
- Competition should also be incentivized, especially in countries with only two or three MNOs and among others.
Source: Aderemi Ojekunle