Synopsis
Archived report: this report was archived October 2009 and has not been updated. The Middle East’s mobile market continues to boom, with both high average penetration levels and growth levels. Broadband penetration levels are also high in Israel and the smaller Gulf region countries. High oil prices have spurred both GDP growth and telecoms development but increased the disparity between countries in the region. Liberalisation and competition are also invigorating telecoms markets but again with exceptions. In response to greater competition at home, incumbent telcos are expanding elsewhere in the Middle East and into Africa and West Asia by buying new licences and established operators.