Africa passes 200 million connections in Q1 2007

Africa is the fastest growing region in the global cellular market. Cellular connections passed 200 million in the first quarter of 2007 to reach a penetration rate of around 21%. Strong opportunities for growth are expected in the various sub-regions of Africa (although the Southern region is showing signs of maturity). Orascom, Millicom, Celtel, MTN and Vodacom are competing strongly in such markets, where network coverage and regulation remain challenging.