New Market Research Report: Oman Telecommunications Report Q2 2013

Recently published research from Business Monitor International, "Oman Telecommunications Report Q2 2013", is now available at Fast Market Research

by Bill Thompson

(WireNews+Co) - Boston, MA - 18 March 2013

BMI View: Oman's mobile, fixed-line and internet sectors recorded strong growth in 2012. We attribute this to strong private consumption growth, driven by the Omani government's expansionary budget and increases in public sector wages. However, the market is limited by the country's small population size and is approaching saturation for some services, notably basic voice (fixed and mobile) services. We therefore expect operators to shift their strategy towards up-selling higher-value services to existing customers in order to sustain revenue growth.

Key Data

- The mobile sector grew by 3.1% q-o-q in Q312 to bring total growth in 9M12 to 6.9%.
- YE12 data published by Nawras indicate the bullish trend in the mobile sector continued into the last quarter of the year.
- Total 3G subscriptions grew by 12.7% q-o-q Q312 to bring total growth in 9M12 to 48%.
- The fixed-line sector grew by 1.6% in Q312 to bring total growth in 9M12 to 4.6%.
- Total fixed broadband subscriptions grew by 6.9% q-o-q in Q312.

View Full Report Details (http://www.fastmr.com/prod/552362_oman_telecommunications_report_q2_2013.aspx?afid=201) (http://www.fastmr.com/prod/552362_oman_telecommunications_report_q2_2013.aspx?afid=201)

Risk/Reward Ratings

Oman is in the top half of BMI's Risk/Reward Ratings table for the Middle East and North Africa in this quarter's update, although it dropped one place to sixth position due to a downgrade to its country risk rating. Oman scores below the regional average in the industry rewards category, partly due to market saturation and falling mobile ARPUs.

Key Trends And Developments

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) intends to boost competition in the telecoms sector, despite the high penetration rates of most services and limited subscriptions growth opportunities in the market. In October 2012, the regulator awarded a fixed-line licence to a consortium of Awaser Oman Company and PCCW International, part of Hong Kong-based PCCW Group. The new player will be competing for customers in a small and highly competitive market, dominated by incumbent Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel). In December, the TRA said it was reviewing licensing procedures to make it easier for new entrants into the country's telecoms market. The TRA will launch a public consultation in 2013 for a new licensing framework with the aim of improving access to high-speed broadband and ensuring conditions for effective competition in the market as well as reaching underserved areas of the country.

Fast Market Research (http://www.fastmr.com?afid=201) is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. Representing the world's top research publishers and analysts, we provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available. Our unbiased, expert staff will help you find the right research to fit your requirements and your budget.  For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.