Sandvine, which provides broadband and network solutions for fixed and mobile operators, has revealed the latest African Internet usage trends.
The data was collected as part of its Global Internet Phenomena Program, which, together with Sandvine's Internet Phenomena Blog, reveals the latest facts, fads, and future trends about consumer Internet usage from networks around the globe.
"Throughout Africa, communications service providers are rapidly building out their networks to enhance services and extend coverage into new and previously unconnected locations," says Tom Donnelly, Sandvine's COO for sales and global services.
Some of the characteristics of African mobile and fixed-line networks include:
Mobile networks
* WhatsApp is the leading third-party messaging application, accounting for 7% of total traffic. In North America and Europe it accounts for less than 2% total traffic;
* Viber has overtaken Skype as the leading VOIP service on several networks;
* Streaming video accounts for just over 6% of downstream traffic, which is significantly lower than North America and Europe, where it accounts for more than 30%; and
* WAP browsing has seen a significant decline in traffic share, thanks to increased adoption of smartphones throughout the region.
Fixed networks
* Streaming video is the leading source of downstream traffic (26%), but is still significantly lower than most other world markets, where it is typically the majority of traffic;
* YouTube is the top video streaming app, accounting for 12.3% of downstream traffic; and
* Peer-to-peer file-sharing still represents more than 15% of total fixed network traffic, likely due to the lack of over-the-top streaming options and the poorer streaming experience afforded by slower networks, compared to downloading content to watch later.
Share