Worldwide mobile subscribers by technology (end-June 2008)
Source: Wireless Intelligence
Oman country statistics
October 1st, 2008 — Issue 4 October 2008
Oman’s telecoms sector is undergoing significant changes given the licensing of five resellers earlier this year, and a move to award a second fixed-licence concession before the end of the year. Below are the metrics of Oman’s telecoms sector so far in 2008
Handset manufacturers’ performance Q208
October 1st, 2008 — Issue 4 October 2008
* Results for Samsung’s Telecommunications Business which is predominantly comprised of Handsets division NB for all graphs: Currency conversion rates to US dollars are as of August 7, 2008.
Walking both sides of the fence
September 16th, 2008 — Issue 3 September 2008
Ihab Ghattas is a telecoms veteran in the Middle East region, having spent nearly 30 years working for the UAE’s incumbent operator Etisalat. In a new role as Huawei’s chief business development officer for MENA, he discusses with Michelle Mills the difference in the dynamic between working within a service provider from that of working within an equipment supplier, identifying insightful trends along the way
I know the network of the UAE like the back of my hand, because I built it,” declares Ghattas. The Egyptian national worked for Etisalat for almost 28 years where his responsibilities included introducing Next Generation Networks to the UAE, implementing wireline and wireless projects and assisting in the acquisition of Pakistan’s PTCL.
He believes this vast experience helps in his latest role with Huawei in understanding the needs of his clients. Having joined the Chinese equipment manufacturer in March 2007, Ghattas is based in Dubai and spends much of his time establishing key relationships with operators across the MENA region, as well as introducing enterprise solutions to non-telecommunications businesses.
Making up for lost time
September 15th, 2008 — Issue 3 September 2008
Oman’s telecoms sector has come alive, with a number of licensing processes following fast after each other, which will result in the market becoming one of the most competitive in the Gulf. Things are also afoot at the incumbent operators, Omantel and Nawras, making the atmosphere in the telecoms sector crackle with anticipation.
The announcement of the process to award Oman’s second fixed licence has attracted much domestic interest, though its international appeal is yet to be tested
Between 2005 and 2007, Omantel’s subscriber base grew 14 per cent year-on-year, while revenues grew 16 per cent to US$950 million at the end of 2007. EBITDA grew 21 per cent year-on-year to US$502 million at the end of the same period, while net income grew by 29 per cent to US$293 million.
