CDMA Data: Ghana Versus Nigeria

by David Ajao
2005-10-04 00:00:00 | Viewed 1639 times

I was elated when Kasapa announced it was upgrading from its AMPS system to CDMA2000 1x. I was, because, I knew all the 'goodies' that came with any cellular network running on CDMA2000 1x.

I am familiar with the Nigerian telecom industry as a result of the fact that I have been following the developments over the years. In this west African nation, GSM and CDMA exist together.

My major interest with CDMA is the robustness of this technology that enables it to carry voice and data traffic efficiently. The data offering possible on CDMA is superior to that of GPRS that is currently been deplyed by many GSM operators in Africa. It is also relatively affordable and cost-effective.

The quote below, from GoSmartMobile gives an overview of CDMA2000 1x and its application in Nigeria.

CDMA 2000 1X is a 3G technology operated by a number of PTOs in the country and has the advantage of being very robust for carrying data in addition to voice. It allows many users to simultaneously occupy the same frequency.

Usually billing for CDMA data is done on a flat monthly fee that depends on the plan of your choice (24 hours, Peak period, etc). There are no dial-up charges and the platform promises a theoretical maximum speed of 153 Kbps. Be warned though that in practice it does not often deliver that, but CDMA 1x definitely delivers much faster speeds than what GPRS on the GSM platforms do.

To take advantage of mobile data on the CDMA networks that offer it, you need to take up a line, signup for Internet access on that line, and once your subscription is active you can connect your handset to your PC/laptop and start browsing.

These Private Telecom Operators (PTOs) in Nigeria operate on the CDMA platform, though their tariffs and terms of service vary greatly: MTS 1st Wireless, Multi-links, Reltel, Starcomms.

Ghana

According to the Managing Director of Kasapa Telecom, Mr Robert Palitz, Kasapa might not be offering CDMA data over its network afterall. Below is an excerpt from a news item published on "Mobile Africa":

Though the high capacity and efficiency of CDMA allows data and Internet traffic to be carried over the network, Kasapa has chosen to maintain a focus on wide coverage area and low voice prices. This, according to Mr Palitz, "more clearly addresses the unmet needs in Ghana, though it's not interesting to gadget fans. We will consider partnering with people and companies who wish to offer advanced services on our network."

Well, to say I am disappointed would be an understatement.

David Ajao, a web developer with Web4Africa. writes from Accra, Ghana.

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