‘Massive’ cellular communications growth in SA could boost trade

The “massive increase” in cellular communications in South Africa over the past decade could boost the economy, according to the Institute for Race Relations (IRR).

Data cited by the IRR  in its latest Fast Facts report showed that the number of cellular subscriptions in the country had increased from 8.3 million in 2000 to 76.8 million in 2013, or by 822%. Over the same period the number of fixed-line telephone connections fell by 22%.

IRR analyst and head of research, Lerato Moloi, said: “Economic benefits relate to the cheaper and more effective access to goods and services, and South Africa's position as a leading tech industry in Africa.”