JSB Market Research - Middle East - Mobile Voice and Mobile Operators Market

JSB Market Research - Middle East - Mobile Voice and Mobile Operators Market


Middle East - Mobile Voice and Mobile Operators Market

Released on 11th May 2015




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This Middle East market report covers the mobile telephony and mobile data markets in each of the following countries: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.

Researcher:- Kylie Wansink, Lucia BiboliniCurrent publication date:- March 2015 (12th Edition)

Mobile data traffic soars in the Middle EastMobile penetration levels are high in the Middle East, having passed the 100% milestone in 9 out of 14 countries – the highest rates can be found in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, where penetration rates range between 170% and 200% (except Iraq, which is still below 100% mobile penetration).

The saturated market is creating an environment where it is increasingly harder for operators to grow mobile voice revenue. In addition, the rise of Over-The-Top (OTT) service providers and introduction of MVNOs in some markets is creating increased competition for existing operators. To address these challenges, operators are trying different strategies such as moving into fixed services, expanding into other countries, improving mobile packages or focusing on mobile broadband services. In 2014, the region was the fastest growing globally in terms of mobile data traffic, and strong growth rates are expected to continue in the coming years.

While the region has matured in terms of mobile subscriber penetration, this tech-savvy population has been quick to embrace smart phones, creating one of the hottest markets for smart phone growth worldwide.

Looking at some of the countries individually, we can see that while Bahrain possesses the smallest market in the Middle East, its telecoms industry is arguably one the most developed. Early to introduce liberalisation, it is one of the most open markets in the region, underpinned by a relatively...

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