Somalia’s telecom market is unique, having managed to thrive despite there having been no central government since 1991 when the military regime of Siad Barre was overthrown. Through the anarchy which has followed, and which continues in many areas, the telecoms sector has flourished. It is highly competitive, particularly in the mobile market where seven networks compete for customers. Some of these operators also offer fixed-line and internet services. There are no regulations or taxes, and no service obligations. Tariffs are among the lowest in Africa. However, the absence of regulation has also led to problems with frequency spectrum coordination and interconnection between networks.
In addition, the threat of piracy in Somalia’s territorial waters, and beyond, has so far prevented the country from gaining access to international submarine fibre optic cables. This meant that the country for long relied on satellites for international connections, and consequently the broadband capabilities of Somalia’s Internet Service Providers (ISPs) were limited. However, in late 2013 Liquid Telecom built the country’s first fibre-optic broadband link, connecting across the Kenya border and linking to directly into Hormuud Telecom’s network.
Recent progress in Somalia’s fight against international sponsored militias and the formation of a new government are giving rise to hopes that the country may finally stabilise and become more attractive to foreign investment, which is needed to take the telecoms and broadband sector to the next level. The new government is beginning to regulate the sector and is planning to issue new spectrum licences that will allow the operation of high-speed mobile broadband technologies.
Estimated market penetration rates in Somalia’s telecoms sector – end 2015 (e)
Market
Penetration rate
Mobile
58%
Fixed
0.6%
Internet
2.1%
Orb 3 Networks signs deals with three ISPs to extend wireless internet services;Rapid Communications reportedly awarded a mobile banking licence;New government may bring more stability for foreign investment;Liquid Telecom builds the country’s first fibre-optic broadband link;Dalkom provides connectivity via the EASSy cable;Militants force telcos to cut internet links;Telesom expands mobile wallet service, enables remittances from abroad;SEACOM cable lands in Mogadishu;Somtel contracts Alcatel-Lucent to develop LTE infrastructure;Glocall Telecoms launches LTE;Three mobile operators agree to interconnect their networks.
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