- ICT plays a critical role in the growth and development of economies
- Improves livelihoods for rural communities in Kenya
- Communications to transform multiple industries such as agriculture, health, transport, media and utilities
Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) is increasing its engagement in Africa and is mobilizing key stakeholders in the community towards a visionary future for sub-Saharan Africa.
With access to a network people in Kenya, and other parts of eastern Africa, would have greater control over their personal economics; they would be able to plan trips based on real-time traffic information, manage utility bills and interact with everyday devices remotely. The possibilities are endless; one could even purchase power for a country home and remotely control home electronics.
Ericsson's view of a Networked Society is in line with the Kenyan government's strategy of leveraging on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for robust economic growth. as described in Kenya's Vision 2030. The economic blueprint envisions an ICT literate population, an innovative private sector and ICT-Compliant Government as the key ingredients for sustainable growth.
A study made by Arthur D Little in 2010 shows that for every 1,000 broadband connections, 80 new net jobs are created. And for every 10 percent of mobile broadband penetration 1 percent sustainable GDP is added.
Craig Hosken, Head of Ericsson in Kenya, said today at 'Networked Society in Africa' launch: "The role of ICT in creating a more sustainable planet, transforming industries and empowering the African people. Leveraging on our technology leadership, extensive research and development capabilities, Ericsson plans to make a networked Africa a reality through commitment and a focus on making mobile communications and broadband available to all."
During the presentation Hosken gave insights into how telecommunications and connectivity will fundamentally transform the way African societies function. Hosken explored growth opportunities in the industry, emphasised Ericsson's vision of 50 billion connections by 2020 and implored the telecom industry to grasp its additional growth opportunities in Africa and start the transformation that will drive beneficial changes for society, business, and individuals.
Hosken noted that although telecommunications started off focusing on connecting places, it then evolved to connecting people, and Ericsson is placing emphasis on a future that is fully-integrated and networked where everything (including devices) that can benefit from a connection will be connected.
"From the student at Makerere University in Kampala who is connected to classrooms in the United States, to the fisherman in Kisumu on Lake Victoria who is saved from a storm by an emergency call, to the Search and Rescue services and the Internally Displaced Person who reconnects with loved ones using mobile messaging or over the Internet,
Background material on "HSPA, LTE and beyond – How the letters change our daily lives"
More information on the Millennium Village Project
More information about the Lake Victoria Project
More information about Weather Info for All
More information about Connect To Learn
More information about Refugee reunification
Our multimedia content is available at the broadcast room:
www.ericsson.com/broadcast_room
Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in managed services. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices. Ericsson is advancing its vision of being the "prime driver in an all-communicating world" through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 180 countries, more than 90,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 203.3 billion (USD 28.2 billion) in 2010. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.
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Ericsson Media Relations in sub-Saharan Africa
