mobile phones in Somalia

[somaag]

Hello,

 

I'm studying the mobile phone economy and would like to know about services in Somalia. I have heard somewhat contradictory things about the quality and affordability of services, but overall it sounds like a remarkable case of growth considering the political environment. I was wondering what the reaction was among people who have phones? Are they in fact cheap and reliable? What kinds of challenges and opportunities do you think are specific to telecommunications work in Somalia or more specific markets (e.g. Mogadisho, Kismayo, Hargeisa, rural areas, etc.)? Is the service any different from other places (Africa or elsewhere) in technology or terms of service? Where does the equipment come from? Do people need any special training to set up operations? Is it profitable?

Do you know anyone who worked in this industry directly that might be willing to talk about it? Unfortunately, I am not yet a Somali speaker and do not think I will travel there until I am.

 

Thanks for your help!

[Kulmiye]

Unfortunately i'm not familiar with all the services they have back home, but in general the mobile phone Is sizzling merchandise in the African continent, in fact one of my college-mate went to study abroad in Zambia- and he was telling me about how poor people are in some place of the country yet even the little kids have mobile phones- but there is no services; so people use phone cards to talk.

[Coloow]

http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=5328015

 

This article from 2005 might help you. E-mail the economist and they might give you the data

[-Serenity-]

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1583360,00.html

 

http://globaltechforum.eiu.com/index.asp?layout=rich_story&doc_id=9458&categoryid=&channelid=&search=emirates

 

http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/index.php?storyID=1852

 

You might find the above articles useful.

 

Also, if it helps, the biggest three mobile operators in Somalia are called Telcom Somalia, NationLink and Hormuud. These three companies collaborated to form the biggest ISP in Somalia called 'Global Internet' or something that sounds very similar.

 

You can go to each of their (poorly designed ) website to see their services and offerings.

 

Hope that helps.

[Nin-Yaaban]

Somalia got all types of phones, i am sure you would find every kind there now. Even a knocked out version of the iphone.

[nuune]

^^^ LOOL@knocked out version of iphone, true indeed, wax kasta waad ka heli in Somalia indeed

[Nin-Yaaban]

waraa NuuNe ii waran adeerkiis. kaalay dublin weli kama tagin haye ilaa intee? damn, summerkii hore ayaan waxaan joogay London sxb.

[nuune]

^^^ Nin-Yaaban, sxb haa wali intaa joogaa, balse inta badan waan safraa, agtaada xataa waan imid dhowr jeer, sidaada kale xaalku soo ok ma ahan

[Jacaylbaro]

Ahhhhhhh ,, and i was planning to buy that knocked out iphone ,,,,,,,