Mobile phone usage in Egypt and Jordan is forecast to grow by 35-40% over the next five years, according to a report by Strategy Analytics.
The report, ‘Emerging Markets Mobile Subscriptions Forecast, 2010-15: Middle East & North Africa’, said that the mobile phone usage in the emerging countries of the Middle East and North Africa was largely unaffected by the global recession.
It further said that the market is positioned for strong growth in the next five years, as mobile voice traffic in the region is expected to nearly double through 2015, reflecting lower tariffs due to increasing competition, as well as expansion of the user base.
According to the report, Turkey, a more mature market, will see subscriptions climb at an average of 4.5% per year through 2015.
With 3G licenses being awarded in more developing countries in the region, data services will increasingly contribute to revenue, the analyst firm said.
Phil Kendall, director of wireless network strategies service at Strategy Analytics, said: "When you see an operator like Turkcell getting upwards of 15% of revenue from data in a country that didn’t have 3G service two years ago, you realise the tremendous potential for non-voice services in the region."
Tom Elliott, director of emerging markets communications strategies service at Strategy Analytics, said: "Multinational players, such as Vodafone and France Telecom are looking to build their presence, along with growing regional powerhouses like MTN and Etisalat. There may be some pressure on margins as the landscape gets sorted out, but it will be good for consumers."
