DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/4f822c/madagascar_telec) has announced the addition of the "Madagascar - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts" report to their offering.

One of the highest growth potential markets in Africa

This annual report provides a comprehensive overview of trends and developments in Madagascar's telecommunications market. Mobile data services and pricing, including 3G.Madagascar's exposure to the global economic crisis was amplified by political instability following a controversial change of government in 2009. This has led to weak subscriber growth, reduced consumer spending and, as a consequence, intensified price competition between the three GSM mobile network operators - Orange, Bharti (formerly Zain) and Telma, the incumbent telco. The country went into recession, but a return to growth is expected in 2011. Plans to exploit and export crude oil, gas and other natural resources may deliver a boost to the economy. A fourth mobile operator, Madamobil, launched a CDMA-based network in 2010.

Positive developments in the Internet and broadband sector have begun following the arrival of the first international submarine fibre optic cables, LION and EASSy, on the island in 2009 and 2010. This ended the country's dependency on satellites for international connections, bringing down the cost of international bandwidth and making Internet access more affordable to a wider part of the population.

A national fibre backbone is being implemented connecting the major cities. Wireless broadband access networks are being rolled out, enabling converged voice, data and entertainment services. In a bid to stop and ultimately reverse their rapidly declining average revenue per user (ARPU), the mobile operators have entered the broadband market using third generation (3G) technologies.

The fixed-line sector has been undergoing a revolution following the privatisation of Telma. Major investments have been made, the number of fixed lines has more than doubled, albeit from a very low base. ADSL broadband services have been introduced and the decline in fixed-line revenue has been successfully reversed.

Penetration rates in all market sectors are still well below African averages, promising excellent growth potential.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Executive summary

2. Key statistics

3. Telecommunications market

4. Regulatory environment

5. Fixed network operators in Madagascar

6. Fixed-line statistics

7. International infrastructure

8. Internet market

9. Broadband market

10. Mobile communications

11. Forecasts

Companies mentioned:

• Telecom Malagasy (Telma)
• Gulfsat Madagascar
• DTS (Moov)
• Blueline
• Bharti Airtel (formerly Madacom, Zain/Celtel)
• Orange Madagascar (formerly SMM)
• Telma Mobile
• Madamobil

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/4f822c/madagascar_telec.

CONTACT:

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager,
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

KEYWORDS:   Madagascar  Africa

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Technology  Internet  Networks  Telecommunications  Mobile/Wireless

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