The mobile telecommunications industry is one of the fastest growing industries within South Africa and one of the most profitable sectors of the country’s economy. In the second half of 2011 this growth is expected to increase tenfold, driven by new devices and technological advances.

Android, in particular, will be one of South Africa’s success stories this year. Google’s operating system already commands a 25 percent market share worldwide, and is expected to overtake Nokia and BlackBerry in the African market this year.

Like Nokia, an Android device is not limited to one form factor. Instead, there are a variety of different types, including: big phones, small phones, touchscreen phones, and those with keypads. Of course, all of this helps with the price of the phones, which means customers can opt for a cheap “entry-level” phone or a high-end “super phone.”

This is why the Apple iPhone suffers in South Africa as it limits the customer to only one option. In fact, Apple’s iPhone 4 has captured less than 1 percent of the South African market. A survey from earlier this year shows only 3 percent of the population want one too, so it’s unlikely to take off.

Wireless technologies, including 3G, WiMax and WiMax enhanced LTE (Long Term Evolution), are also expected to have an impact on the country’s market in 2011. Winston Smith, CEO of 4G communications company Alvarion, said: Subscriber numbers and broadband uptake for wireless users is much higher than cable options in South Africa, and this trend is expected to continue through 2011.”

With the expansion of high-speed connectivity, the use of mobile data and social networks is expected to increase in South Africa. “The likes of Linked In, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are growing to become part of the tools used by organizations to contact people, hire staff, market their products and increase brand awareness,” says Smith.

Mobile phones will not only be used to send emails and messages. During the second half of the year, tablets such as Apple’s iPad and BlackBerry PlayBook are expected to start to overtake laptops and notebooks in South Africa.

Unlike the iPhone 4, Apple’s first- and second-generation iPads have been huge successes. Apple’s retail partners in SA sold ‘hundreds’ of iPad units within hours of launch, with people lining up before stores opened.

South Africa’s largest independent telecommunications solutions provider, Nashua Mobile, believes the rapidly growing tablet market could create new demand for mobile data. This would really benefit SA networks including: 8th, Cell C, MTN Group, Virgin Mobile South Africa and Vodacom who would see the industry expand even faster.

With the spread of mobile technology in South Africa, it’s even easier to get in touch with friends and family who live in the country.