
Analysys Mason says the Nigerian government could unlock $5bn (£3bn) of additional GDP by 2015 if it was to support the roll-out of mobile broadband.
According to the report, called Assessment of Economic Impact of Wireless Broadband in Nigeria, only 6 per cent of all Nigerians currently have access to broadband services, and 74 per cent of those that do have access do use mobile broadband services.
Analysys Mason says there is little fixed broadband connectivity outside of Lagos, and even in Nigerian cities, most cybercafes now connect to the internet using wireless services – mass-market broadband is heavily dependent on mobile technologies.
The company says there are three key steps the Nigerian government should take: releasing the 2.6GHz spectrum band; freeing up the digital dividend spectrum to deliver broadband to rural areas; and reducing tax barriers for mobile operators in the country.
“Without proper spectrum allocation in line with internationally harmonised band plans and broader government support, it will not be possible to realise the full potential of mobile broadband,” says Analysys Mason manager and report author, Robert Schumann.
According to the research, wider availability of mobile broadband would grow online retail by 55 per cent, while financial services would benefit with 95 per cent CAGR growth. It could also benefit healthcare and education.
Ross Bateson, Special Government Advisor at the GSMA, says: “It is essential that the new Nigerian government acts quickly to support mobile broadband expansion, as failure to do so could hinder the countrys social and economic growth.”
To download the Analysys Masons assessment of economic impact of wireless broadband in Nigeria, click here.