July 21, 2011 -
PRLog -- Although it was previously published as an annual report, 2011 sees the introduction of a quarterly update on Austria's Telecommunications market. This new report, for the first quarter of 2011, contains revised forecasts for the development of Austria's mobile phone, broadband subscriber and fixed-line telephony sectors through to the end of 2015. Our forecasts incorporate Q310 data published by Austria's fixed-line incumbent operator and the country's largest mobile operator Telekom Austria. In July 2010, Telekom Austria completed its integration with mobile subsidiary mobilkom Austria. Our forecasts and analysis also include data published by Austria's three other mobile operators, namely France Telecom-backed Orange Austria, T-Mobile Austria (owned by Germany's Deutsche Telekom) and Hutchison 3 Austria, which is owned by Hong Kong's Hutchison Whampoa. Our report also incorporates data published by Austria's telecoms regulator, Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs (RTR). The latest regulatory data relates to the end of H110. Despite having a mobile subscriber penetration rate which in excess of 140%, BMI estimates that the mobile market grew by 6.6% in 2010 to reach 12.1mn subscribers at the end of the year. Interestingly, all four of Austria's mobile network operators continue to report relatively robust rates of subscriber growth, despite the market's high penetration rate. Among the factors which explain the continuation of strong mobile growth rates are the prevalence of a large number of multiple SIM owners and the existence of inactive prepaid users. Although positive mobile subscriber growth will likely continue over the next few years, BMI cautions that moves by the operators to discount significant numbers of inactive prepaid users would result in a notable fall in Austria's mobile penetration rate. Meanwhile, we believe that the focus of competition between the mobile operators will be on higher-value postpaid and data subscribers. Although none of Austria's mobile operators report information on 3G subscriber numbers, the regulator has indicated that there were 5.169mn 'active' 3G subscribers at the end of June 2010; this was equivalent to over 40% of the mobile market. Meanwhile, the regulator also reports strong growth in the number of mobile broadband subscribers who use a USB stick or another mobile device to access the internet via one of Austria's HSPA-enabled 3.5G networks. We expect mobile broadband services to be one the biggest drivers in the development of Austria's broadband internet sector. Furthermore, following the issuance of new spectrum in September 2010, Austria's mobile operators are pushing ahead with plans to introduce 'fourth generation' (4G) services based on Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology. Investments in LTE are expected to push mobile broadband services to the next level. Austria sits at the mid-point of BMI's Business Environment Ratings for Western Europe. The country has an overall score which is roughly in line with the regional average for Western Europe. Austria's relatively strong Country Risk score reflects evidence that the economy returned to positive growth in Q210, following zero growth in Q110 and four consecutive quarters of contraction previously. BMI expects the recovery to firm in 2011 with the economy gradually returning to trend growth.
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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
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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.