The line graph illustrates the changes in the number of fixed and mobile telephone subscribers per 100 inhabitants in Africa over an eleven-year period from 1994 to 2004.
Overall, it is clear that mobile phone subscriptions witnessed a significant upward trend, particularly after 2000, whereas fixed-line connections grew at a much slower and more consistent pace. By the end of the period, mobile technology had become the dominant form of telecommunication in the region.
In 1994, fixed-line subscriptions stood at 1.7 per 100 inhabitants, while mobile usage was negligible at just 0.06. Over the next six years, fixed-line numbers climbed steadily to reach 2.5 by 2000. During the same timeframe, mobile subscriptions also rose, albeit gradually, reaching 2.0 per 100 inhabitants by 2000.
A pivotal shift occurred in 2001, when mobile subscriptions reached 3.0, surpassing the 2.8 recorded for fixed lines. From this point onwards, mobile growth accelerated sharply, climbing to 4.5 in 2002 and reaching a peak of 8.8 by 2004. In contrast, fixed-line growth remained sluggish, ending the period at 3.1 subscribers per 100 inhabitants, which was significantly lower than the mobile figure.