The low telecommunications penetration level has a direct bearing on the economic growth of the continent. To foster economic growth, the telecommunications infrastructure must be developed and improved. This paper will attempt to explain the challenges Operators in Africa face in choosing WLL technologies, and Malawi will be cited as an example. The WLL is thriving and expanding in both rural and urban areas. Operators in markets as diverse as Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi are looking to the WLL to provide quick and low cost customer telephone connections.
Faster service roll out that provides faster access to revenue.
Lower maintenance and operational costs Flexible, can be dimensioned for initial customer demand and expanded in line with growth. Some of the above technologies are suitable for short range while others are suitable for long range. Proprietary custom designed. An operator may therefore be required to employ a mixture of technologies to satisfy the requirements for both rural and urban areas. The main criteria for the Operator in choosing a particular WLL technology is provision of voice and data at an affordable cost for the customers.