Last updated: 17 Nov 2009 Update History
Report Status: Archived
Report Pages: 114
Analyst: Tine Lewis
Publication Overview
This annual report offers a wealth of information on the regulatory background and fixed-line markets in the
· Fixed line statistics and trends;
· National telecom networks and infrastructure;
· International submarine cables;
· Infrastructure developments;
· Brief overviews of all major Middle Eastern fixed-line telecom operators.
Researchers:
Current publication date:- November 2009 (8th Edition)
Next publication date:- November 2010
Executive Summary
This
In the Middle Eastern region telecommunications infrastructure varies from very advanced to very rudimentary. Several Fibre-to-the-Home projects are under development in
At first glance fixed-line teledensity in the Arab Middle East would appear very low, even in the wealthier countries, compared with teledensity rates of around 60% in the
Other than in
Top five
Country |
GDP per capita |
Population |
Number of Households |
Fixed lines |
Fixed line growth 2007/08 |
Teledensity |
(US$) |
(millions) |
|||||
|
28,365 |
7.11 |
2.1 |
2.9 |
-3% |
41% |
|
4,732 |
72.9 |
13.0 |
24.8 |
+4% |
34% |
UAE |
55,607 |
4.8 |
0.7 |
1.5 |
+9% |
32% |
|
27,248 |
0.78 |
0.12 |
0.22 |
+8% |
27% |
|
10,472 |
69.7 |
16.0 |
17.5 |
-4% |
25% |
(Source: BuddeComm based on IMF, ITU and industry data)
All sectors of the Bahraini communications market have been liberalised. Incumbent Batelco shares the fixed-line market with thirteen other operators providing international calling services using international direct dial, carrier pre-selection or prepaid calling cards. Around 50% of international call minutes originating from fixed lines use prepaid calling cards. Like other GCC countries,
Infrastructure is excellent – Batelco completed the rollout of an NGN in January 2009.
While incumbent Bezeq still has a big majority of the domestic fixed-line market, its share has fallen rapidly since the introduction of number portability in December 2007 and by mid-2009 was down to 75%. VoIP operators and cable company HOT are the beneficiaries.
The international fixed-line market has been very competitive for many years. Three operators dominate the market with roughly equal shares. All are keen to move into providing domestic call services and the three already share the majority of the ISP market.
This market is particularly interesting as these players, together with the three mobile operators who are also moving into the fixed-line voice and Internet market, jostle for position. Significant investment is being made in NGN infrastructure.
Saudi Arabian fixed-line teledensity (and broadband penetration) are low. Competition has been introduced into the fixed-line market with hope that it will lead to similar extensive development as has happened in the mobile market with increased competition. Three companies were awarded licences - Batelco/Atheeb,
All licence winners, together with incumbent STC, are making substantial investments in infrastructure and intend to make extensive use of WiMAX.
Data in this report is the latest available at the time of preparation and may not be for the current year.
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