Kuwait Telecommunications Report Q1 2011: New research report available at Fast Market Research

Jan. 22, 2011 - PRLog -- BMI's Q111 update on Kuwait's telecommunications market contains latest operational data from market leader Zain and second-ranked Wataniya, which has led to a slight revision in forecasts for the mobile market. However, latest data on the fixed-line, internet and broadband markets by the Ministry of Communications (MoC) remains for 2009, leading to the retention of current growth expectations. We have, meanwhile, extended our forecast to 2015 for all markets.

Zain experienced its first net loss for 2010 in the quarter ended September. The operator revealed a loss of 16,000 subscribers from its customer base to end the third quarter on a total of 1.871mn. This had the impact of reducing its market share to 41.1%, although it has been losing market share for some time with the introduction of greater competition. In Q309, it had a market share of 48.2%. Part of the reason for its net loss could be due to the operator's customers falling out with the 90-day active definition that Zain uses. By contrast, Wataniya made a net gain of 49,000 in the quarter to 1.719mn subscribers and a market share of 37.8%, while we estimate that Viva had 959,000 subscribers, equivalent to a market share 21.1%.

Despite Zain's lacklustre performance, the operator could benefit significantly in terms of receiving investment funds to expand and upgrade its existing infrastructure. The Financial Times announced in November 2010, that the UAE's Etisalat had agreed to acquire a controlling 46% stake in Zain from the Kharafi merchant family and other minor shareholders at roughly US$6.1 per share in cash.

Greater losses in the fixed-line sector are expected during 2010 after it was revealed that the MoC had threatened to disconnect users for failing to pay their overdue bills. Subscribers pay for connection and line rental, but otherwise services remain virtually free. The disconnection of fixed lines has previously occurred in Kuwait, mostly during 2009 and once again as a result of customers failing to pay their bills. The MoC which currently acts as regulator and sole provider of fixed line voice services in the country has announced plans to privatise the fixed line sector over the next two years as it seeks to help Kuwait achieve its goal of becoming an economic and financial hub. The privatisation of Kuwait Public Telephone (KPT) and the possible introduction of new competition could breathe greater life into the fixed-line market, which is currently suffering from a decline.

Similarly, greater competition is required in the internet and broadband sectors. However, the government revealed in November 2010 that it had suspended the issuance of licences for new internet service providers (ISPs) until a separate telecoms regulator from the MoC could be established in the country. Currently, as we have stated, the interests of the MoC are in conflict as it is the sole provider of fixed line services. An independent regulatory body could be charged with granting licences and setting the relevant standards and conditions required to encourage greater competition.

For more information or to purchase this report, go to:
-  http://www.fastmr.com/prod/110332_kuwait_telecommunicatio...


Partial Table of Contents:

Executive Summary
SWOT Analysis
- Kuwait Mobile SWOT
- Kuwait Wireline SWOT
- Kuwait Political SWOT
- Kuwait Economic SWOT
- Kuwait Business Environment SWOT
Business Environment
- Middle East And North Africa
- Kuwait
- Table: Business Environment Ratings Q111
Industry Forecast Scenario
- Mobile
- Table: Telecoms Sector - Mobile - Historical Data & Forecasts
- Fixed Line
- Table: Telecoms Sector - Fixed Line - Historical Data & Forecasts
- Internet
- Table: Telecoms Sector - Internet - Historical Data & Forecasts
Market Data Analysis
- Mobile
- Table: Kuwait Mobile Market Share, Q310
- Subscriber Mix
- ARPU
- 3G
- Mobile Contract Wins
- Table: Mobile Contract Wins
- Mobile Content
- Regional Outlook
- Country Outlook
- Mobile Payments
- Value-Added Services Timeline
- Table: Selected VAS
Mobile Operator Data
- Table: Kuwait Mobile Market Overview
- Table: Zain (formerly MTC)
- Table: Wataniya
- Fixed Line
- VoIP
- Internet
- WiMAX
- IPTV
- Wireline Contract Wins
- Table: Wireline Contract Wins
Regulatory Environment & Industry Developments
- Table: Kuwait - Regulatory Bodies & Their Responsibilities
- Legislation And Market Liberalisation
- Regulation
- Licensing And Spectrum
Industry Developments
- Etisalat Closes In On Zain Shareholding Deal
Competitive Landscape
- Key Players
- Table - Key Players: Kuwait Telecoms Markets
- Table - Selected Operators Financial Indicators
Company Monitor
- Middle East and Africa Vendor Profile: Cisco Systems
- Table: Cisco Financial Performance, 2007-2010 (US$ mn)
- Table: Cisco Systems Recent Contract Wins in Africa and the Middle East
Company Profiles
- Zain (formerly MTC Group)
- Wataniya Telecom
Regional Telecommunications Penetration Overview
- Fixed Line
- Table: Regional Fixed-Line Penetration Overview
- Mobile
- Table: Regional Mobile Penetration Overview
- Broadband
- Table: Regional Broadband Penetration Overview
Country Snapshot: Kuwait Demographic Data
- Section 1: Population
- Table: Demographic Indicators, 2005-2030
-

Full Table of Contents is available at:
-- http://www.fastmr.com/catalog/product.aspx?productid=1103...

About Business Monitor International

Business Monitor International (BMI) offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to help senior executives, analysts and researchers assess and better manage operating risks, and exploit business opportunities, across 175 markets.  BMI offers three main areas of expertise: Country Risk BMI's country risk and macroeconomic forecast portfolio includes weekly financial market reports, monthly regional Monitors, and in-depth quarterly Business Forecast Reports.  Industry Analysis BMI covers a total of 17 industry verticals through a portfolio of services, including in-depth quarterly Country Forecast Reports.  View more research from Business Monitor International at http://www.fastmr.com/catalog/publishers.aspx?pubid=1010

About Fast Market Research

Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. We represent the world's top research publishers and analysts and provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available.

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.

# # #

Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. We represent the world's top research publishers and analysts and provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available.