DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/c12f10/middle_east_tele) has announced the addition of the "Middle East - Telecoms, Internet, Broadband and Mobile Statistics (tables only)" report to their offering.

This Middle East tables only report provides 276 statistical tables for all aspects of telecommunications in each of the following Middle Eastern countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, UAE and Yemen.

The Middle East in telecoms statistics

Where available, statistics are given up to and including 2010. Where not available, estimates are given and, in some cases, subscribers up to 2015 are forecast.

Statistics are grouped by country into three sections: telecoms and fixed-line operations; Internet Broadband and Digital media; and mobile communications and mobile data.

Fixed-line and telecoms infrastructure

In the Middle Eastern region telecommunications infrastructure varies from very advanced to very rudimentary. Several FttH projects are under development in Israel and the Gulf countries but in Yemen and Iraq fixed-line penetration is only around 5%. The area is well served with international links via submarine cables.

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 USA for example. However, figures can be misleading due to the larger household sizes compared with Europe or the USA, plus large hostel-accommodated expatriate populations in some countries. In fact in many countries household penetration is at or near 100%. Several markets are showing decline due to mobile substitution, particularly dramatically in Jordan with its very competitive mobile market.

Internet, broadband and digital media

Internet and broadband penetration rates remain low in many countries of the Middle East, access speeds are often relatively slow and tariffs are relatively high compared with other regions in the world but the region is making a strong push towards higher broadband penetration. The young population will be a driver for growth as they grow up with Internet use as the norm. In addition liberalisation and increased competition are producing a greater variety of services and mediums.

Mobile communications and mobile data

The six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council all have penetration rates well in excess of 100%, with the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar nearer 200%. This is due to intense competition and to multi-SIM ownership as subscribers aim to maximise special offers and different deals. The large and transient expatriate populations in the Gulf countries are also a factor in encouraging competition, and thus growth and penetration rates - with a fluid population new operators stand a better chance of gaining market share. Inevitably there must also be a significant number of inactive prepaid SIM-cards.

For those needing high level strategic information and objective analysis on the Internet and broadband markets in the Middle East, this report is essential reading and gives further information on:

• The rapidly developing broadband markets in wealthier countries in the region;
• The dynamic Arab satellite TV market;
• VoIP developments and problems;
• Digital media developments and challenges.

Data in this report is the latest available at the time of preparation and may not be for the current year.

Key Topics Covered in this Report:

1. Telecoms and fixed-line operations

2. Internet, broadband and digital media

3. Mobile Communications and Mobile Data

more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/c12f10/middle_east_tele

CONTACT:

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager,
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

KEYWORDS:   Middle East

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Technology  Internet  Telecommunications

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