Determinants of the Health of the Mobile and Fixed Telephony Sectors in East and Southern Africa

Using panel data collected by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe in seven East and Southern African countries, this paper assesses the factors that influence the health of the mobile and fixed telephony sectors in these countries. Based on Panel Data Models, we find statistically strong evidence that confirms that population, macroeconomic factors (i.e., GDP per capita and inflation), and mandatory infrastructure sharing have an impact on the health of the mobile and fixed telephony sectors. On the other hand, our findings indicate that there is no significant difference between the mobile and fixed telephone sector health index of countries with independent regulation and those without. Our result tends to indicate that the mere presence of a regulator does not in itself guarantee the health of the mobile and fixed telecommunication sectors, but possibly it is the quality and effectiveness of regulation and whether the regulators across East and Southern Africa are indeed ‘independent’. By fusing empirical evidence and policy implications, this research adds to a profound understanding of the determinants of the health of the mobile and fixed telephony sectors in Africa. Understanding the factors that influence the health of the mobile and fixed telephony sectors is important for influencing sustainable development. By comprehending the influence of these factors, policymakers can take informed decisions, design effective strategies, and advance a flourishing and sustained telecommunications sector. Scope still exists to extend the analysis to Internet Access and Service Providers