Indian SMEs Set to Ride the Telecom Wave in South Africa

The success of Tata-led telecom consortium Neotel inimmense scope for Indian small wireless telecom
South Africa has prompted several Indian small andoperators and equipment manufacturers, looking to
medium enterprises (SMEs) to set their sights on theexpand their reach in this growing market. With a view
emerging South African telecommunications industry.to enter the strong and burgeoning South African
Being one of the fastest growing sectors of the Southtelecom market, an increasing number of SMEs are
African economy, the telecom industry offersexploring the feasibility of expanding their services in
abundant opportunities for Indian small and mid-sizedthis African country.
telecom operators and equipment Manufacturers. TheApart from big players, a host of emerging Indian
impressive growth of Tata's telecom arm, Neotel, intelecom companies are planning to enter into tie-ups
South Africa has made India's presence stronger in thewith their South African counterparts to strengthen
highly-competitive South African telecom market. Thistheir foothold in the African markets. Through
has further provided a much-needed boost to thecollaborations and tie-ups with South African
Indian SMEs to wake up to the rising opportunities incompanies, Indian SMEs can also gain from the greater
this African country.exchange of technical know-how and gather insights
Earlier, Indian telecom giants like Bharti Airtel andabout the market scenario in the field of
Reliance Communications had also shown profoundcommunications.
interest to enter into a deal with MTN, a leadingUnderstanding the multifaceted internal mechanisms of
telecom company from South Africa. Though thethe rapidly-changing and highly competitive South
much-talked about deal between Bharti Airtel and MTNAfrican telecom market will prove helpful for Indian
collapsed, it encouraged other Indian telecomSMEs to enter the market. Moreover, Indian companies
companies to enter and explore the South Africanneed to adopt advanced technological changes and
telecom market.introduce innovative telecommunications systems to
South Africa is the fourth fastest growing mobilesucceed in South Africa. Meticulous planning and
communications market in the world, and has the mostresearch of the South African market can help Indian
developed telecom network in Africa. The rapidlySMEs accelerate their growth in this market.
growing mobile telephony in the country presents