FEATURED COMPANIES
- Alfa Telecom
- du
- Lebara KSA/Etihad Jawraa
- Ooredoo Oman
- Samatel
- Vodafone Qatar
- MORE
The Middle East mobile market offers opportunities for growth due to its large populations and increasingly progressive outlook. However, there are vast differences between the various countries. Some markets have significant mobile penetration and are looking towards mobile broadband for growth - while other markets face more challenging issues with infrastructure destruction and civil tension inhibiting current growth. This report provides comprehensive insights and statistics into the mobile markets of the Middle East and includes the countries of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
The Middle East is earmarked as a region which will experience comparatively high mobile subscription growth in some of its markets over the next few years - compared to many of the more developed and saturated markets around the world. This is expected to be led by the largely populated countries of Turkey, Iran and Iraq which still have room for mobile subscription growth to occur.
5G is also firmly on the agenda for many markets in the Middle East, particularly in the GCC countries. Operators are busy deploying 5G technologies in anticipation of 5G and the introduction of devices, spectrum allocation and regulatory approval will eventually push these developments along faster.
The Middle East is benefitting from a number of pan-regional operators such as Etisalat, Vodafone and Orange which are bringing valuable expertise to the region and complement the local efforts of strong domestic players such as Batelco, Umniah, Turkcell and VIVA, just to name a few. 4G LTE is already heavily deployed in many markets and the operators are turning to increase mobile broadband usage in order to grow revenues.
In some Middle Eastern markets, however; there are unique challenges relating to civil unrest which has hindered mobile progress. The operators in countries like Yemen and Syria, for example, face more challenging issues relating to infrastructure destruction, security concerns, economic pressure and humanitarian crises.
This report provides valuable information, analyses and statistics into the mobile operators in markets of the Middle East and includes the countries of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
This annual publication also incorporates the publisher's ‘Middle East Telecoms Maturity Index’ (TMI). This is an index (on a scale between 0% and 100%) which measures and ranks the relative maturity of the telecoms industries in 12 countries in the region (Syria and Yemen have been excluded from the index at this time).
The Index has been devised as a tool to compare the different markets easily and uniformly. Countries have been placed into Market Leaders, Market Challengers or Market Emergents categories according to their Market Index score. Countries are compared according to a number of parameters with a focus on fixed broadband and mobile broadband penetration. GDP is also included in a number of charts both for illustrative purposes and as a gauge to help decipher market maturity. However, a number of countries low on the Index scale are noted for the considerable effort still required in terms of market investment, regulatory oversight and effective government-sponsored direction. Given the poor condition of the telecoms market in these countries, they have not been placed into either category.
Recent Developments:
- Many mobile operators in the Middle East have formed partnerships in order to develop and progress 5G readiness.
- Mobile finger-printing and bio-metric registration laws have impacted upon mobile subscriber growth and revenue in many Middle Eastern markets.
- Mobile data is growing faster than voice in many Middle Eastern markets.
- High taxes are of concern to some mobile operators in the Middle East.
- The awarding of Universal licenses and easing of roaming regulations is assisting to create competition in some markets.
- The adoption of smartphones is expected to increase.
FEATURED COMPANIES
- Alfa Telecom
- du
- Lebara KSA/Etihad Jawraa
- Ooredoo Oman
- Samatel
- Vodafone Qatar
- MORE
1. Regional mobile overview
- Iraq
- Turkey
- Iran
- Market considerations
- Taxes
- Universal licenses
- Roaming
- Smart phone adoption
- Data revenue growth
- 5G
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Mobile digital security
- Middle East country summary
- Middle East major operators and subscribers
- Major domestic mobile operators
- Major international mobile operators
- TMI Introduction and statistical overview
- Market analysis
- Middle East Telecom Maturity Index
- TMI versus GDP
- Market Leaders
- Market Challengers
- Market Emergents
- Mobile and mobile broadband penetration
- Fixed and mobile broadband penetration
- GCC countries fixed and mobile broadband penetration
- Market characteristics
2. Bahrain
- Market analysis
- Regulatory issues
- Mobile licenses
- Subscriber registration
- Roaming tariff reduction
- Mobile Termination Rates (MTR)
- Major mobile operators
- Batelco
- Zain Bahrain
- Viva Bahrain / STC Bahrain
3. Iran
- Market analysis
- MVNOs
- Regulatory issues
- Second mobile licence - MTN Irancell
- Third Mobile licence - Tamin Telecom (Rightel)
- Major mobile operators
- MCI (Mobile Communications Iran)/Hamrah-e-Avval
- MTN Irancell
- Tamin Telecom (Rightel)
4. Iraq
- Market analysis
- Operator statistics
- Regulatory issues
- Temporary mobile licences awarded in 2003
- Permanent licences awarded in 2007
- Fourth mobile licence
- Major mobile operators
- Asiacell Communications (Oooredoo)
- Zain Iraq (formerly MTC Atheer)
- Korek Telecom
- Kurdistan operators
5. Israel
- Market analysis
- Operator statistics
- Regulatory issues
- Connection charges
- Licensing
- LTE Spectrum
- Roaming
- MTRs
- Early termination fee reduction
- MNP
- Network sharing
- Major mobile operators
- Cellcom
- Partner Communications Company (formerly Orange)
- Pelephone (Bezeq)
- HOT Mobile
- Golan Telecom (acquired by Electra in 2017)
- MVNOs
- Historical background
- Recent developments
6. Jordan
- Market analysis
- Regulatory issues
- Third GSM licence
- 3G licences
- 4G spectrum
- SIM card registration
- MTRs
- Major mobile operators
- Zain Jordan
- Orange Jordan
- Umniah
- MVNOs
7. Kuwait
- Market analysis
- Operator statistics
- Regulatory issues
- Third mobile operator
- Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
- Roaming tariff reduction
- Spectrum refarming for LTE
- Mobile tower management
- Major mobile operators
- Zain Kuwait
- Ooredoo Kuwait
- Viva
8. Lebanon
- Market analysis
- Operator statistics
- Regulatory issues
- Lebanon’s current mobile contracts
- Open international tender 2015
- Spectrum
- Interconnect
- Counterfeit mobile devices regulation
- Major mobile operators
- Touch (operated by Zain)
- Alfa
9. Oman
- Mobile market analysis
- Operator statistics
- Regulatory issues
- Second mobile licence
- Third mobile licence
- Reseller/MVNO licences
- Roaming
- MNP
- Spectrum allocation
- Major mobile operators
- MVNOs
10. Qatar
- Market analysis
- Operator statistics
- Regulatory issues
- New executive powers
- Second mobile licence
- Mobile virtual network operator (MVNO)
- Roaming tariff reduction
- NP
- Major mobile operators
- Ooredoo Qatar
- Vodafone Qatar
11. Saudi Arabia
- Market overview
- Market analysis
- Operator statistics
- Regulatory issues
- Award of second GSM mobile licence
- iDEN contract awarded
- Award of Third Generation (3G) licences
- Award of third mobile licence
- Mobile license extensions 2016
- Roaming
- MTRs
- Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)
- Fingerprinting law
- Major mobile operators
- Saudi Telecom Company (STC)
- Mobily (Etihad Etisalat)
- Zain KSA
12. Syria
- Market analysis
- Regulatory issues
- Third mobile licence
- Current BOT contracts/Long term freehold licenses
- Major mobile operators
- Syriatel
- MTN Syria
13. Turkey
- Market analysis
- Regulatory issues
- Overview (recent general laws and regulations)
- Third Generation (3G) licences
- Third and fourth GSM licences
- Significant market power (SMP)
- MTRs
- Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
- Telsim privatisation
- Major mobile operators
- Turkcell
- Vodafone Turkey
- Turk Telekom (Avea)
14. United Arab Emirates
- Market analysis
- Major mobile operators
- Etisalat
- du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company)
- MVNOs
- Virgin Mobile
- Swyp
15. Yemen
- Market analysis
- Regulatory issues
- GSM licences awarded
- Third GSM licence
- Major mobile operators
- MTN Yemen
- SabaFon
- TeleYemen/Yemen Mobile
- HiTS Unitel/Y Telecom
List of Tables
Table 1 - Middle East - mobile subscriptions and annual growth - 2014 - 2019
Table 2 - Middle East - mobile smartphone adoption growth - 2017; 2020
Table 3 - Zain Bahrain - mobile data market share of total revenue - 2015 - 2018
Table 4 - Middle East mobile market - country summary - 2019
Table 5 - Middle East - Major domestic operators by subscribers - 2013 - 2018
Table 6 - Middle East - international mobile operators by subscribers - 2012 - 2018
Table 7 - Bahrain - Batelco total group mobile subscribers - 2005 - Q1 2018
Table 8 - Zain Bahrain - revenue, EBITDA, CAPEX and ARPU - 2005 - 2018
Table 9 - Zain Bahrain - market share of mobile data revenues - 2015 - 2018
Table 10 - Iran mobile operators - subscriber market share - 2016; mid 2017
Table 11 - MTN Irancell - Revenue and CAPEX - 2016 - 2017
Table 12 - MTN Irancell - mobile subscribers and ARPU - 2007 - 1H 2018
Table 13 - Iraq - Mobile operator market shares - 2004 - 2018
Table 14 - Iraq - Asiacell revenue - 2016 - 2018
Table 15 - Iraq - Asiacell subscribers - 2006 - 2018
Table 16 - Zain Iraq financial data - 2008 - 2018
Table 17 - Zain Iraq mobile subscribers - 2006 - 2018
Table 18 - Zain Iraq prepaid subscribers - 2009 - 2018
Table 19 - Iraq - Korek Telecom subscribers - 2013 - 2018
Table 20 - Israel - Major mobile operators’ monthly mobile ARPU - 2013 - 2018
Table 21 - Israel - Cellcom - consolidated revenue and net profit - 2005 - 2018
Table 22 - Israel - Cellcom - mobile subscribers and ARPU - 2005 - 2018
Table 23 - Israel - Partner - revenue and operating profit - 2005 - 2017
Table 24 - Israel - Partner - mobile subscribers and monthly ARPU - 2005 - Q3 2018
Table 25 - Israel - Pelephone - revenue and operating profit - 2003 - Q2 2018
Table 26 - Israel - Pelephone - mobile subscribers and monthly ARPU - 2005 - Q3 2018
Table 27 - Israel - HOT Mobile - revenue, EBITDA, CAPEX - Q3 2016; Q3 2017; Q2 2018
Table 28 - Israel - HOT Mobile - mobile subscribers - 2010 - 2017
Table 29 - Jordan - Historical - Mobile Termination Rates - 2010 - 2014
Table 30 - Jordan - major mobile operators’ market share - 2004 - 2017
Table 31 - Zain Jordan financial data (including ARPU) - 2005 - Q3 2018
Table 32 - Zain Jordan prepaid market share - mobile subscribers - 2005 - 2017
Table 33 - Orange Jordan - mobile revenue and subscribers - 2006 - 2017
Table 34 - Orange Jordan - total revenue and EBITDA - 2016 - 2017
Table 35 - Jordan - Umniah - revenue and profit - 2016 - 2017
Table 36 - Jordan - Umniah - mobile subscribers - 2008 - Q1 2017
Table 37 - Kuwait - mobile operators’ market share - 2005 - 2018
Table 38 - Kuwait - mobile operators, subscribers and annual change - 2018
Table 39 - Kuwait - Zain Group subscribers and revenue - 2005 - 2018
Table 40 - Zain Kuwait revenue, net profit, ARPU and subscribers - 2005 - 2018
Table 41 - Zain Kuwait - prepaid share - 2005 - 2018
Table 42 - Ooredoo Kuwait financial data, subscribers, ARPU - 2016; Q3 2018
Table 43 - Kuwait - Viva revenue, net profit, EBITDA, and subscribers - 2012 - 2018
Table 44 - Lebanon - Mobile operators’ market share - 2009 - 2017
Table 45 - Lebanon - Touch mobile subscribers - 2005 - 2017
Table 46 - Lebanon - Alfa - mobile subscribers - 2009 - 2017
Table 47 - Oman - operators mobile market share by subscribers - 2012 - 2018
Table 48 - Omantel Group revenue by segment - 2012 - Q2 2018
Table 49 - Omantel Oman revenue - Q3 2017 - Q2 2018
Table 50 - Omantel Mobile- mobile subscribers - Q3 2015; 2016; 2017
Table 51 - Ooredoo Oman - revenue and blended ARPU - 2013 - 2017
Table 52 - Ooredoo Oman - total fixed and mobile subscribers - 2011 - Q1 2018
Table 53 - Qatar - Mobile operators’ market share - 2009 - 2018
Table 54 - Ooredoo Qatar revenue and net profit - 2015 - 2018
Table 55 - Vodafone Qatar - financial data - 2009 - 2018
Table 56 - Vodafone Qatar - mobile subscribers - 2009 - 2018
Table 57 - Saudi Arabia - major mobile operators’ market share - 2005 - 2018
Table 58 - Mobily revenue and mobile subscribers - 2006 - 1H 2018
Table 59 - Saudi Arabia - Zain KSA customers and revenue - 2015 - 9M 2018
Table 60 - Syriatel - Revenue - 2008 - 1H 2018
Table 61 - MTN Syria Revenue and CAPEX - 2016 - 2018 1H
Table 62 - MTN Syria - Subscribers and ARPU - 2009 - Q1 2018
Table 63 - Turkey - mobile operators’ spectrum market share
Table 64 - Turkey - mobile operators’ revenue market share by service - Q3 2017
Table 65 - Turkey - mobile operators’ market share by subscribers - 2007 - 2018
Table 66 - Turkey - mobile operators’ market share by revenue - Q3 2017
Table 67 - Turkcell Turkey subscribers - 2016; Q2 2018
Table 68 - Turkcell group financial data - 2012 - 2018
Table 69 - Turkcell Turkey average monthly blended mobile ARPU - 2008 - 2018
Table 70 - Turkcell Turkey average monthly MOU and mobile churn - 2001 - 2018
Table 71 - Turkcell smartphone penetration - 2012 - 2018
Table 72 - Vodafone Turkey financial and subscriber data - 2008 - 2018
Table 73 - Historical - Vodafone Turkey pre and post-paid ARPU - 2006 - 2014
Table 74 - Historical - Vodafone Turkey smartphone penetration - 2011 - 2015
Table 75 - Turk Telekom Group - key financial data - 2007 - 2018
Table 76 - Turk Telekom Group - prepaid, post-paid subscribers and blended ARPU - 2012 - 2018
Table 77 - UAE - mobile operators’ market share by subscribers - 2010 - 1H 2018
Table 78 - Etisalat (UAE) mobile subscribers and blended ARPU - 2011 - 2018
Table 79 - UAE - du mobile revenue - 2009 - 2017
Table 80 - UAE - du mobile subscribers - 2010 - 2017
Table 81 - UAE - Historical - du mobile minutes of use (MOU) - 2010 - 2014
Table 82 - MTN Yemen - subscribers, ARPU, and market share - 2009 - 2017
Table 83 - MTN Yemen - revenue and capex - 2014 - 2017
Table 84 - Yemen - SabaFon subscribers - 2004 - 2017 Q2
List of Charts
Chart 1 - Middle East - Telecoms Maturity Index (TMI)
Chart 2 - Middle East - Telecoms Maturity Index vs GDP per Capita - 2018
Chart 3 - Middle East - mobile subscriber versus mobile broadband penetration - 2018
Chart 4 - Middle East - Fixed broadband penetration versus mobile broadband penetration
Chart 5 - GCC countries - fixed vs mobile broadband penetration
Chart 6 - Israel - Major mobile operators - monthly mobile ARPU decline - 2013 - 2018
Chart 7 - Jordan - mobile operators’ market share at a glance - 2017
Chart 8 - Kuwait - mobile operators market share - 2018
Chart 9 - Lebanon - mobile operators - subscriber market share - 2009 - 2017
Chart 10 - Saudi Arabia - major mobile operators market share - 2018
Chart 11 - Turkey - mobile operator market share by subscribers - 2018
Chart 12 - Turkcell Turkey - Average monthly blended mobile ARPU growth - 2008 - 2018
List of Exhibits
Exhibit 1 - Middle East - Country by country - TMI rank and industry description
Exhibit 2 - Generalised Market Characteristics by Market Segment
Exhibit 3 - Background information - Orascom Telecom Iraq Corporation/Iraqna
Exhibit 4 - Saudi Arabia - Historical - Bravo acquisition
LOADING...
- Alfa Telecom
- Asiacell
- Avea.
- Axiom Telecom
- Batelco/Umniah
- Cellcom
- du
- Etisalat
- FRiENDi
- GO Telecom/Etihad Atheeb
- Golan Telecom
- HOT Mobile
- Integrated Telecom Company (ITC)/Bayn Consortium
- Iraqi Telephone and Postal Company (ITPC)
- Jordan Telecom Group/Orange
- Kuwait Telecom Company (KTC) / Viva
- Lebara KSA/Etihad Jawraa
- Majan Telecom (Renna)
- Mobile Communications Iran (MCI)
- Mobile Telecommunications Co (MTC) / Zain
- Mobile Telecommunications Company of Isfahan (MTCE)
- Mobily/Ettihad Etisalat/Bayanat Al-Oula
- MTC Touch
- MTN Irancell
- MTN Syria
- OmanTel
- Ooredoo Kuwait (previously National Mobile Telecommunication Co (NMT) / Wataniya Telecom)
- Ooredoo Oman
- Ooredoo Qatar
- Orange (Partner)
- Pelephone (Bezeq)
- Rami Levy
- Regional Telecom
- Samatel
- Saudi Telecom Company (STC)/Bravo
- Syrian Telecommunication Establishment (STE)
- Syriatel
- Tamin Telecom (Rightel)
- Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI)
- Telecommunication Kish Company (TKC)
- Turkcell
- Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa (Virgin Mobile MEA)
- VIVA
- Viva Bahrain
- Vodafone Qatar
- Vodafone Turkey
- Zain Bahrain
- Zain Iraq
- Zain Jordan
- Zain KSA
