Celtel is a big player in Africa

Celtel is an African success story. I get this information from their home page: "We began in our mobile phone operations in 1998, and since then we have built networks in 15 African countries, under licences that cover more than a third of the population of Africa.

Our original holding company, MSI Cellular Investments, changed its name to Celtel International in January 2004. Commercially, we have a strong record of investment and growth. Culturally, we operate to the highest standards of professional and corporate ethics.

Celtel has invested more than $750 million in Africa. Our goal is to build and operate world-class networks that will keep pace technologically with networks in Europe and North America."

SUDANESE MOHAMED IBRAHIM

Celtel, founded by Sudanese Mohamed Ibrahim has grown to become one of Africa’s biggest mobile phone players. With the launching of their “One Network” in September, they have created the world’s first borderless mobile phone network - that allows customers to move freely across geographic borders without roaming call surcharges and without having to pay to receive incoming calls.

Safaricom feeling the heat, has also just announced its plans to go regional. I have a feeling we’re about to see a lot of interesting things happening in the very near future. Can anyone say ka-ching-ching!

HOW BIG IS THE MOBILE MARKET?

Market estimate by dkfaktor. One look at the statistics is enough to tell you just how much money there is to be made in the African cellular market which is largely untapped:

• Global Mobile Users – 2 Billion
• African Mobile Users – 83 Million (4%)
• Expected 2006 Growth in Africa – 48 Million new subscribers (2006 Stats)

"AFRICA and the Middle East are the two big new markets being targeted by the world’s cellular operators. Both are largely untapped, so cellular operators are prepared to pay over the odds for a foothold. This was evident in MTN’s past decision to pay a staggering $5,5bn to buy pan-African and Middle East player Investcom, while Celtel bid $1bn bid for a majority stake in Nigeria’s V-Mobile – Business Day (SA). The race is definitely on." Writes dkfaktor in an informative blog.