Abstract
The Gulf countries are Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen, many of which are small countries, yet leaders in technology use. This annual report offers a wealth of information on trends and developments in telecommunications, mobile, Internet, broadband and converging media.
Subjects include:
- Market and industry analyses, trends and developments
- Facts, figures and statistics
- Industry and regulatory issues
- Research, Marketing, Benchmarking
- Major Players, Revenues, Subscribers
Table of Contents
1. BAHRAIN
- 1.1 Key statistics
- 1.2 Telecommunications market
- 1.2.1 Overview of Bahrain' s telecom market
- 1.3 Regulatory environment
- 1.3.1 Background
- 1.3.2 Regulatory authority
- 1.3.3 Telecom sector liberalisation in Bahrain
- 1.3.4 Interconnect
- 1.3.5 Access
- 1.3.6 Number portability
- 1.3.7 Carrier preselection
- 1.4 Fixed network operators in Bahrain
- 1.4.1 Bahrain telecommunications company (Batelco)
- 1.4.2 Alternative operators
- 1.5 Telecommunications infrastructure
- 1.5.1 National telecom network
- 1.5.2 International infrastructure
- 1.6 Broadband and Internet market
- 1.6.1 Overview
- 1.6.2 Broadband overview
- 1.6.3 ADSL
- 1.6.4 Wireless broadband
- 1.6.5 Internet economy
- 1.7 Convergence
- 1.7.1 Overview of media convergence
- 1.7.2 VoIP
- 1.7.3 Triple play
- 1.7.4 Overview of broadcasting market
- 1.8 Mobile communications
- 1.8.1 Overview of Bahrain' s mobile market
- 1.8.2 Regulatory issues
- 1.8.3 Mobile technologies
- 1.8.4 Major mobile operators
- 1.8.5 Mobile voice services
- 1.8.6 Mobile data services
- 1.8.7 Mobile content
2. IRAN
- 2.1 Key statistics
- 2.2 Telecommunications market
- 2.2.1 Overview of Iran' s telecom market
- 2.3 Regulatory environment
- 2.3.1 Background
- 2.3.2 The fourth five-year development plan (2005 - 2010)
- 2.3.3 Regulatory authority
- 2.4 Fixed network operator in Iran
- 2.4.1 Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI)
- 2.5 Telecommunications infrastructure
- 2.5.1 National telecom network
- 2.5.2 International infrastructure
- 2.6 Broadband and Internet market
- 2.6.1 Overview
- 2.6.2 ADSL
- 2.6.3 Wireless Broadband
- 2.7 Convergence
- 2.7.1 Overview of media convergence
- 2.7.2 VoIP
- 2.7.3 Overview of broadcasting market
- 2.7.4 Satellite TV
- 2.8 Mobile communications
- 2.8.1 Overview of Iran' s mobile market
- 2.8.2 Regulatory issues
- 2.8.3 Major mobile operators
- 2.8.4 Mobile voice services
- 2.8.5 Mobile data services
3. IRAQ
- 3.1 Key statistics
- 3.2 Telecommunications market
- 3.2.1 Overview of Iraq' s telecom market
- 3.3 Regulatory environment
- 3.3.1 Background
- 3.3.2 Regulatory authority
- 3.3.3 Telecom sector liberalisation in Iraq
- 3.4 Fixed network operator in Iraq
- 3.4.1 Iraqi Telephone and Postal Company (ITPC)
- 3.5 Telecommunications infrastructure
- 3.5.1 National telephone network
- 3.5.2 International infrastructure
- 3.6 Broadband and Internet market
- 3.6.1 Overview
- 3.6.2 Wireless broadband
- 3.7 Convergence
- 3.7.1 Overview of media convergence
- 3.7.2 Overview of broadcasting market
- 3.8 Mobile communications
- 3.8.1 Overview of Iraq' s mobile market
- 3.8.2 Regulatory issues
- 3.8.3 Mobile technologies
- 3.8.4 Major mobile operators
- 3.8.5 Other mobile operators
- 3.8.6 Mobile voice services
- 3.8.7 Mobile data
4. KUWAIT
- 4.1 Key statistics
- 4.2 Telecommunications market
- 4.2.1 Overview of Kuwait' s telecom market
- 4.3 Regulatory environment
- 4.3.1 Background
- 4.3.2 Regulatory authority
- 4.3.3 Privatisation of Mobile Telecommunications Co
- 4.4 Fixed network operator in Kuwait
- 4.4.1 Ministry of Communications
- 4.5 Telecommunications infrastructure
- 4.5.1 National telecom network
- 4.5.2 International infrastructure
- 4.5.3 Infrastructure developments
- 4.6 Broadband and Internet market
- 4.6.1 Overview
- 4.6.2 ISP market
- 4.6.3 ADSL
- 4.6.4 Wireless broadband
- 4.7 Convergence
- 4.7.1 Overview of media convergence
- 4.7.2 Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
- 4.7.3 Overview of broadcasting market
- 4.8 Mobile communications
- 4.8.1 Overview of Kuwait' s mobile market
- 4.8.2 Regulatory issues
- 4.8.3 Mobile technologies
- 4.8.4 Major mobile operators
- 4.8.5 Mobile voice services
- 4.8.6 Mobile data services
- 4.8.7 Mobile content and applications
5. OMAN
- 5.1 Key statistics
- 5.2 Telecommunications market
- 5.2.1 Overview of Oman' s telecom market
- 5.3 Regulatory environment
- 5.3.1 Background
- 5.3.2 Regulatory authority
- 5.3.3 Telecom sector liberalisation in Oman
- 5.3.4 Privatisation
- 5.3.5 Interconnect
- 5.3.6 Number Portability (NP)
- 5.3.7 Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
- 5.4 Fixed network operator in Oman
- 5.4.1 Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel)
- 5.5 Telecommunications infrastructure
- 5.5.1 National telecom network
- 5.5.2 International infrastructure
- 5.6 Broadband and Internet market
- 5.6.1 Overview
- 5.6.2 Leased lines
- 5.6.3 Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)
- 5.6.4 Wireless broadband
- 5.7 Convergence
- 5.7.1 Overview
- 5.7.2 Overview of broadcasting market
- 5.8 Mobile communications
- 5.8.1 Overview of Oman' s mobile market
- 5.8.2 Regulatory issues
- 5.8.3 Mobile technologies
- 5.8.4 Major mobile operators
- 5.8.5 Mobile voice services
- 5.8.6 Mobile data services
- 5.8.7 Mobile content and applications
6. QATAR
- 6.1 Key statistics
- 6.2 Telecommunications market
- 6.2.1 Overview of Qatar' s telecom market
- 6.3 Regulatory environment
- 6.3.1 Background
- 6.3.2 Regulatory authority
- 6.3.3 Telecom sector liberalisation in Qatar
- 6.3.4 Privatisation
- 6.4 Fixed network operator in Qatar
- 6.4.1 Qtel
- 6.5 Telecommunications infrastructure
- 6.5.1 National telecom network
- 6.5.2 International infrastructure
- 6.6 Broadband and Internet market
- 6.6.1 Overview
- 6.6.2 ADSL broadband
- 6.6.3 Wireless Broadband
- 6.7 Convergence
- 6.7.1 Overview of media convergence
- 6.7.2 Triple play
- 6.7.3 IPTV
- 6.7.4 Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
- 6.7.5 Overview of broadcasting market
- 6.7.6 Al Jazeera
- 6.8 Mobile communications
- 6.8.1 Overview of Qatar' s mobile market
- 6.8.2 Mobile technologies
- 6.8.3 Major mobile operator
- 6.8.4 Mobile voice services
- 6.8.5 Mobile data services
- 6.8.6 Mobile content and applications
7. SAUDI ARABIA
- 7.1 Key statistics
- 7.2 Telecommunications market
- 7.2.1 Overview of Saudi Arabia' s telecom market
- 7.3 Regulatory environment
- 7.3.1 Background
- 7.3.2 Regulatory authority
- 7.3.3 Telecom sector liberalisation in Saudi Arabia
- 7.3.4 Privatisation
- 7.3.5 Interconnect and access
- 7.3.6 Number Portability (NP)
- 7.3.7 Universal service
- 7.4 Fixed network operators in Saudi Arabia
- 7.4.1 Saudi Telecom Company (STC)
- 7.4.2 ITC
- 7.4.3 Bayanat Al-Oula
- 7.4.4 Saudi Oger
- 7.5 Telecommunications infrastructure
- 7.5.1 National telecom network
- 7.5.2 International infrastructure
- 7.6 Broadband and Internet market
- 7.6.1 Overview
- 7.6.2 ISP market
- 7.6.3 Broadband market overview
- 7.6.4 DSL
- 7.6.5 Broadband powerline (BPL)
- 7.6.6 Leased lines
- 7.6.7 Wireless broadband
- 7.7 Convergence
- 7.7.1 Overview of media convergence
- 7.7.2 Overview of broadcasting market
- 7.8 Mobile communications
- 7.8.1 Overview of Saudi Arabia' s mobile market
- 7.8.2 Regulatory issues
- 7.8.3 Mobile technologies
- 7.8.4 Major mobile operators
- 7.8.5 Mobile voice services
- 7.8.6 Mobile data services
- 7.8.7 Mobile applications
8. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
- 8.1 Key statistics
- 8.2 Telecommunications market
- 8.2.1 Overview of UAE' s telecom market
- 8.2.2 Market analysis - 2007
- 8.3 Regulatory environment
- 8.3.1 Background
- 8.3.2 Regulatory authority
- 8.3.3 Liberalisation
- 8.3.4 VoIP prohibited
- 8.4 Telecom operators in UAE
- 8.4.1 Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat)
- 8.4.2 Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company / du
- 8.4.3 TECOM Investments / Dubai Holding
- 8.4.4 Mubadala Development Company
- 8.4.5 UAE investment companies owning telcos outside the UAE
- 8.5 Telecommunications infrastructure
- 8.5.1 National telecom networks
- 8.5.2 Infrastructure developments
- 8.5.3 International infrastructure
- 8.6 Broadband and Internet market
- 8.6.1 Overview
- 8.6.2 Internet access locations
- 8.6.3 ISP market
- 8.6.4 Broadband market overview
- 8.6.5 Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)
- 8.6.6 Cable modems
- 8.6.7 Wireless broadband
- 8.6.8 Internet economy
- 8.7 Convergence
- 8.7.1 Overview of media convergence
- 8.7.2 Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
- 8.7.3 Overview of broadcasting market
- 8.7.4 Digital TV
- 8.8 Mobile communications
- 8.8.1 Overview of UAE' s mobile market
- 8.8.2 Regulatory issues
- 8.8.3 Mobile technologies
- 8.8.4 Major mobile operators
- 8.8.5 Mobile voice services
- 8.8.6 Mobile data services
- 8.8.7 Mobile content and applications
9. YEMEN
- 9.1 Key statistics
- 9.2 Telecommunications market
- 9.2.1 Overview of Yemen' s telecom market
- 9.3 Regulatory environment
- 9.3.1 Regulatory authority
- 9.3.2 Telecom sector liberalisation in Yemen
- 9.3.3 Privatisation
- 9.4 Fixed network operators in Yemen
- 9.4.1 TeleYemen / Yemen International Telecommunication Company
- 9.4.2 Public Telecommunications Corporation (PTC)
- 9.5 Telecommunications infrastructure
- 9.5.1 National telecom network
- 9.5.2 International infrastructure
- 9.6 Broadband and Internet market
- 9.6.1 Overview of the Internet in Yemen
- 9.6.2 Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) broadband
- 9.7 Mobile communications
- 9.7.1 Overview of Yemen' s mobile market
- 9.7.2 Regulatory issues
- 9.7.3 Major mobile operators
- 9.7.4 Mobile voice services
- 9.7.5 Mobile data services
10. GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS
List of Tables:
- Table 1 - Country statistics Bahrain - 2006
- Table 2 - Telephone network statistics - Oct 2006
- Table 3 - Internet user statistics - 2006
- Table 4 - Broadband statistics - April 2007
- Table 5 - Mobile statistics - 2006
- Table 6 - National telecommunications authority
- Table 7 - Batelco revenue, profit and group mobile subscribers - 2005 - 2006
- Table 8 - Batelco revenue by division - 2005 - 2006
- Table 9 - Fixed lines in service and teledensity - 1995 - 2006
- Table 10 - Internet user and penetration estimates - 1995 - 2005
- Table 11 - Internet subscribers - 1999 - 2006
- Table 12 - Batelco broadband subscribers - 2005 - 2007
- Table 13 - Mobile subscribers and penetration - 1995 - 2006
- Table 14 - Mobile subscribers and annual change by operator - December 2006
- Table 15 - MTC-Vodafone Bahrain: Revenue, ARPU - 2005 - 2006
- Table 16 - Prepaid mobile subscribers - 1999 - 2006
- Table 17 - MTC prepaid subscribers - 2004 - 2006
- Table 18 - Country statistics Iran - 2006
- Table 19 - Telephone network statistics - February 2007
- Table 20 - Internet user statistics - 2006
- Table 21 - Mobile statistics - March 2007
- Table 22 - National telecommunications authorities
- Table 23 - Annual fixed-line objectives for the Fourth five year plan - 2005 - 2010
- Table 24 - Fixed lines in service and teledensity - 1995 - 2007
- Table 25 - Internet user and penetration estimates - 1995 - 2006
- Table 26 - Mobile subscribers and penetration - 1995 - 2007
- Table 27 - Mobile subscribers and annual growth by operator - December 2006
- Table 28 - Country statistics Iraq - 2005
- Table 29 - Telephone network statistics - 2006
- Table 30 - Internet user statistics - 2006
- Table 31 - Mobile statistics - 2006
- Table 32 - National telecommunications authorities
- Table 33 - Fixed lines in service and teledensity - 1990 - 2006
- Table 34 - Internet user estimates - 2001 - 2006
- Table 35 - Mobile subscribers and penetration - 2003 - 2006
- Table 36 - Mobile subscribers and annual change by operator - December 2006
- Table 37 - Mobile operator market shares - September 2006
- Table 38 - Mobile operator average ARPU - 2004 - 2006
- Table 39 - Country statistics Kuwait - 2006
- Table 40 - Telephone network statistics - 2006
- Table 41 - Internet user statistics - 2006
- Table 42 - Broadband statistics - 2006
- Table 43 - Mobile statistics - 2006
- Table 44 - National telecommunications authorities
- Table 45 - Fixed lines in service and teledensity - 1995 - 2006
- Table 46 - Internet user and penetration estimates - 1995 - 2006
- Table 47 - Internet subscribers - 2003 - 2006
- Table 48 - Broadband DSL subscribers - 2001 - 2006
- Table 49 - TV market - TVs and satellites - 2000 - 2006
- Table 50 - Mobile subscribers - 1994 - 2006
- Table 51 - Mobile subscribers and annual change by operator - December 2006
- Table 52 - MTC Group subscribers, revenue and profit - 2004 - 2007
- Table 53 - MTC Kuwait Revenue and ARPU - 2005 - 2006
- Table 54 - MTC Prepaid subscribers - 2005 - 2006
- Table 55 - Country statistics Oman - 2006
- Table 56 - Telephone network statistics - March 2007
- Table 57 - Internet user statistics - 2006
- Table 58 - Broadband statistics - March 2007
- Table 59 - Mobile statistics - March 2007
- Table 60 - National telecommunications authorities
- Table 61 - Omantel revenue, expenditure and fixed-line ARPU - 2003 - 2006
- Table 62 - Fixed lines in service and teledensity - 1995 - 2007
- Table 63 - Internet user and penetration estimates - 1998 - 2006
- Table 64 - Internet subscribers - 2000 - 2007
- Table 65 - Mobile subscribers - 1994 - 2007
- Table 66 - Mobile subscribers and annual change by operator - December 2006
- Table 67 - Prepaid and postpaid subscribers - 2005 - 2007
- Table 68 - Prepaid and postpaid subscribers by operator - June 2005
- Table 69 - Country statistics Qatar - 2006
- Table 70 - Telephone network statistics - 2006
- Table 71 - Internet user statistics - 2006
- Table 72 - Broadband statistics - 2006
- Table 73 - Mobile statistics - March 2007
- Table 74 - National telecommunications authorities
- Table 75 - Qtel revenue and net profit - 2005 - 2006
- Table 76 - Fixed lines in service and teledensity - 1995 - 2006
- Table 77 - Fixed-line household penetration - 2001 - 2006
- Table 78 - Internet user and penetration estimates - 1995 - 2006
- Table 79 - Internet subscribers - 1999 - 2006
- Table 80 - ADSL subscribers - 2003 - 2006
- Table 81 - Mobile subscribers and penetration - 1995 - 2007
- Table 82 - Prepaid subscribers - 2000 - 2006
- Table 83 - Prepaid subscribers as a percentage of total - 2002 - 2006
- Table 84 - Country statistics Saudi Arabia - 2006
- Table 85 - Telephone network statistics - 2006
- Table 86 - Internet user statistics - 2006
- Table 87 - Broadband statistics - March 2007
- Table 88 - Mobile statistics - 2006
- Table 89 - National telecommunications authorities
- Table 90 - Fixed lines in service and teledensity - 1994 - 2006
- Table 91 - Internet users and penetration estimates - 1995 - 2006
- Table 92 - Internet subscribers - 2000 - 2006
- Table 93 - DSL subscribers - 2001 - 2007
- Table 94 - TV receivers and TV equipped households - 2000 - 2006
- Table 95 - Mobile ARPU - 2005 - 2006
- Table 96 - Mobile subscribers and penetration - 1995 - 2006
- Table 97 - Mobile subscribers and annual change by operator - December 2006
- Table 98 - Country statistics United Arab Emirates - 2006
- Table 99 - Telephone network statistics - 2006
- Table 100 - Internet user statistics - 2006
- Table 101 - Broadband statistics - 2006
- Table 102 - Mobile statistics - 2006
- Table 103 - National telecommunications authorities
- Table 104 - Etisalat revenues and divisional representation - 2005 - 2006
- Table 105 - Fixed lines in service and teledensity - 1995 - 2006
- Table 106 - Internet user and penetration estimates - 1995 - 2006
- Table 107 - Internet subscribers - 1995 - 2006
- Table 108 - Dial-up Internet subscribers - 2001 - 2006
- Table 109 - Broadband subscribers - 2000 - 2006
- Table 110 - TV and cable TV market - 2000 - 2006
- Table 111 - Mobile subscribers and penetration - 1995 - 2006
- Table 112 - Mobile subscribers by operator - December 2006
- Table 113 - Prepaid mobile subscribers - 2003 - 2005
- Table 114 - Country statistics Yemen - 2006
- Table 115 - Telephone network statistics - 2006
- Table 116 - Internet user statistics - 2006
- Table 117 - Mobile statistics - 2006
- Table 118 - National telecommunications authorities
- Table 119 - Fixed lines in service and teledensity - 1995 - 2006
- Table 120 - Internet user and penetration estimates - 1996 - 2006
- Table 121 - Internet subscribers - 2004 - 2006
- Table 122 - Mobile subscribers and annual change by operator - December 2006
- Table 123 - Mobile subscribers and penetration - 1998 - 2006
- Table 124 - SpaceTel ARPU per month - 2003 - 2006
















