• Covid-19
  • Agrofood
  • Business & Economy
  • Construction
  • Energy
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality
  • IFP Events
  • IFP Insider
    • Event News
    • Interviews
  • العربية
IFP Info - News
  • Covid-19
  • Agrofood
    • All
    • Agriculture
    • Environment
    • Food
    Ministry signs agreement to support Oman’s honey industry

    Ministry signs agreement to support Oman’s honey industry

    Local, Italian companies partner up to establish food retail chain in Egypt

    Local, Italian companies partner up to establish food retail chain in Egypt

    Egypt’s agriculture minister stresses importance of boosting intra-regional trade cooperation among African states

    Egypt’s agriculture minister stresses importance of boosting intra-regional trade cooperation among African states

    Azerbaijan, Iraq discuss prospects of relations

    Azerbaijan, Iraq discuss prospects of relations

    Oman inks pack to bolster role of SMEs in food systems

    Oman inks pack to bolster role of SMEs in food systems

    MAFWR, Port of Duqm sign MoU

    MAFWR, Port of Duqm sign MoU

    Trending Tags

    • Business & Economy
      • All
      • Business
      • Communication
      • Digital
      • Economy
      • Finance
      • Trade
      • Transport & Logistics
      Egypt’s Trade minister, Hungarian ambassador discuss economic relations

      Egypt’s Trade minister, Hungarian ambassador discuss economic relations

      Turkey eyes $5bn bilateral trade with Qatar

      Turkey eyes $5bn bilateral trade with Qatar

      Iraq set to award new Faw Port deals

      Iraq set to award new Faw Port deals

      Deal signed to set-up first factory in Qatar to assemble electric vehicles

      Deal signed to set-up first factory in Qatar to assemble electric vehicles

      Railway line to be built between Mosul, Turkey: governor of Nineveh

      Railway line to be built between Mosul, Turkey: governor of Nineveh

      Local, Italian companies partner up to establish food retail chain in Egypt

      Local, Italian companies partner up to establish food retail chain in Egypt

      Trending Tags

      • CES 2017
      • Election Results
      • eSports
    • Construction
      • All
      • Infrastructure
      • Real Estate
      Madayn working on major Oman industrial city projects

      Madayn working on major Oman industrial city projects

      Foundation stone laid for new 700-bed hospital is Salalah, Oman

      Foundation stone laid for new 700-bed hospital is Salalah, Oman

      Iraq set to award new Faw Port deals

      Iraq set to award new Faw Port deals

      Egypt implements 164 service and development projects at LE4.8 billion in North Sinai

      Egypt implements 164 service and development projects at LE4.8 billion in North Sinai

      Miral’s premier Abu Dhabi waterfront project work on track

      Miral’s premier Abu Dhabi waterfront project work on track

      Aecom wins Neom utilities infrastructure design contract

      Aecom wins Neom utilities infrastructure design contract

      Trending Tags

      • Energy
        • All
        • Oil & Gas
        • Power & Electricity
        • Renewable Energy
        Investments in renewables in Egypt reach LE6 bn: Official

        Investments in renewables in Egypt reach LE6 bn: Official

        Egypt signs 8 gas exploration contracts worth $934mn over 15 months

        Egypt signs 8 gas exploration contracts worth $934mn over 15 months

        JGC lands $3.7bn Iraq refinery upgradation project deal

        JGC lands $3.7bn Iraq refinery upgradation project deal

        Tadweer opens phase 2 of solar power plant at Al Dhafra

        Tadweer opens phase 2 of solar power plant at Al Dhafra

        France to help Iraq generate electricity, will invest in education, science: Macron

        France to help Iraq generate electricity, will invest in education, science: Macron

        Acwa Power inks finance deals for 900MW Dubai solar park

        Acwa Power inks finance deals for 900MW Dubai solar park

        Trending Tags

        • Healthcare
          Coronavirus: UAE conducting human trials for Covid-19 vaccine

          Coronavirus: UAE conducting human trials for Covid-19 vaccine

          COVID-19 vaccine could be available by autumn: Oxford University

          GSK to develop plant-based COVID-19 vaccine with Canada’s Medicago

          Egyptian COVID-19 drug to be on market in two weeks: Health Ministry

          Egyptian COVID-19 drug to be on market in two weeks: Health Ministry

          UAE sends medical aid to Iraq to fight COVID-19

          UAE sends medical aid to Iraq to fight COVID-19

          UAE launches phase III trial of inactivated Covid vaccine

          UAE launches phase III trial of inactivated Covid vaccine

          COVID-19 vaccine could be available by autumn: Oxford University

          COVID-19 vaccine could be available by autumn: Oxford University

        • Hospitality
          Qatar has ‘solid’ line-up of infrastructure, hospitality projects to prepare for large influx of visitors in 2022: OBG

          Qatar has ‘solid’ line-up of infrastructure, hospitality projects to prepare for large influx of visitors in 2022: OBG

          Saudi to be among world’s big leisure tourism hubs by 2030

          Saudi to be among world’s big leisure tourism hubs by 2030

          Qatar’s hospitality sector peaks despite turbulent 2020

          Qatar’s hospitality sector peaks despite turbulent 2020

          Accor inks deal to manage first Swissôtel-branded hotel and residential project in Qatar

          Accor inks deal to manage first Swissôtel-branded hotel and residential project in Qatar

          Staycations to stimulate Qatar’s hospitality sector

          Staycations to stimulate Qatar’s hospitality sector

          Quarantine rule to give a boost to Qatar’s hospitality industry in Q3: CWQ report

          Quarantine rule to give a boost to Qatar’s hospitality industry in Q3: CWQ report

        • IFP Events
          Interior & Design

          Interior & Design

          Food Africa

          Food Africa

          Project Qatar

          Project Qatar

          Project Lebanon

          Project Lebanon

        • IFP Insider
          • Event News
          • Interviews
        • العربية
        No Result
        View All Result
        • Covid-19
        • Agrofood
          • All
          • Agriculture
          • Environment
          • Food
          Ministry signs agreement to support Oman’s honey industry

          Ministry signs agreement to support Oman’s honey industry

          Local, Italian companies partner up to establish food retail chain in Egypt

          Local, Italian companies partner up to establish food retail chain in Egypt

          Egypt’s agriculture minister stresses importance of boosting intra-regional trade cooperation among African states

          Egypt’s agriculture minister stresses importance of boosting intra-regional trade cooperation among African states

          Azerbaijan, Iraq discuss prospects of relations

          Azerbaijan, Iraq discuss prospects of relations

          Oman inks pack to bolster role of SMEs in food systems

          Oman inks pack to bolster role of SMEs in food systems

          MAFWR, Port of Duqm sign MoU

          MAFWR, Port of Duqm sign MoU

          Trending Tags

          • Business & Economy
            • All
            • Business
            • Communication
            • Digital
            • Economy
            • Finance
            • Trade
            • Transport & Logistics
            Egypt’s Trade minister, Hungarian ambassador discuss economic relations

            Egypt’s Trade minister, Hungarian ambassador discuss economic relations

            Turkey eyes $5bn bilateral trade with Qatar

            Turkey eyes $5bn bilateral trade with Qatar

            Iraq set to award new Faw Port deals

            Iraq set to award new Faw Port deals

            Deal signed to set-up first factory in Qatar to assemble electric vehicles

            Deal signed to set-up first factory in Qatar to assemble electric vehicles

            Railway line to be built between Mosul, Turkey: governor of Nineveh

            Railway line to be built between Mosul, Turkey: governor of Nineveh

            Local, Italian companies partner up to establish food retail chain in Egypt

            Local, Italian companies partner up to establish food retail chain in Egypt

            Trending Tags

            • CES 2017
            • Election Results
            • eSports
          • Construction
            • All
            • Infrastructure
            • Real Estate
            Madayn working on major Oman industrial city projects

            Madayn working on major Oman industrial city projects

            Foundation stone laid for new 700-bed hospital is Salalah, Oman

            Foundation stone laid for new 700-bed hospital is Salalah, Oman

            Iraq set to award new Faw Port deals

            Iraq set to award new Faw Port deals

            Egypt implements 164 service and development projects at LE4.8 billion in North Sinai

            Egypt implements 164 service and development projects at LE4.8 billion in North Sinai

            Miral’s premier Abu Dhabi waterfront project work on track

            Miral’s premier Abu Dhabi waterfront project work on track

            Aecom wins Neom utilities infrastructure design contract

            Aecom wins Neom utilities infrastructure design contract

            Trending Tags

            • Energy
              • All
              • Oil & Gas
              • Power & Electricity
              • Renewable Energy
              Investments in renewables in Egypt reach LE6 bn: Official

              Investments in renewables in Egypt reach LE6 bn: Official

              Egypt signs 8 gas exploration contracts worth $934mn over 15 months

              Egypt signs 8 gas exploration contracts worth $934mn over 15 months

              JGC lands $3.7bn Iraq refinery upgradation project deal

              JGC lands $3.7bn Iraq refinery upgradation project deal

              Tadweer opens phase 2 of solar power plant at Al Dhafra

              Tadweer opens phase 2 of solar power plant at Al Dhafra

              France to help Iraq generate electricity, will invest in education, science: Macron

              France to help Iraq generate electricity, will invest in education, science: Macron

              Acwa Power inks finance deals for 900MW Dubai solar park

              Acwa Power inks finance deals for 900MW Dubai solar park

              Trending Tags

              • Healthcare
                Coronavirus: UAE conducting human trials for Covid-19 vaccine

                Coronavirus: UAE conducting human trials for Covid-19 vaccine

                COVID-19 vaccine could be available by autumn: Oxford University

                GSK to develop plant-based COVID-19 vaccine with Canada’s Medicago

                Egyptian COVID-19 drug to be on market in two weeks: Health Ministry

                Egyptian COVID-19 drug to be on market in two weeks: Health Ministry

                UAE sends medical aid to Iraq to fight COVID-19

                UAE sends medical aid to Iraq to fight COVID-19

                UAE launches phase III trial of inactivated Covid vaccine

                UAE launches phase III trial of inactivated Covid vaccine

                COVID-19 vaccine could be available by autumn: Oxford University

                COVID-19 vaccine could be available by autumn: Oxford University

              • Hospitality
                Qatar has ‘solid’ line-up of infrastructure, hospitality projects to prepare for large influx of visitors in 2022: OBG

                Qatar has ‘solid’ line-up of infrastructure, hospitality projects to prepare for large influx of visitors in 2022: OBG

                Saudi to be among world’s big leisure tourism hubs by 2030

                Saudi to be among world’s big leisure tourism hubs by 2030

                Qatar’s hospitality sector peaks despite turbulent 2020

                Qatar’s hospitality sector peaks despite turbulent 2020

                Accor inks deal to manage first Swissôtel-branded hotel and residential project in Qatar

                Accor inks deal to manage first Swissôtel-branded hotel and residential project in Qatar

                Staycations to stimulate Qatar’s hospitality sector

                Staycations to stimulate Qatar’s hospitality sector

                Quarantine rule to give a boost to Qatar’s hospitality industry in Q3: CWQ report

                Quarantine rule to give a boost to Qatar’s hospitality industry in Q3: CWQ report

              • IFP Events
                Interior & Design

                Interior & Design

                Food Africa

                Food Africa

                Project Qatar

                Project Qatar

                Project Lebanon

                Project Lebanon

              • IFP Insider
                • Event News
                • Interviews
              • العربية
              No Result
              View All Result
              IFP Info - News
              No Result
              View All Result

              MVNOs signal change for Saudi telecoms            

              Oxford Business Group

              March 30, 2015
              in IT & Telecom
              0

              The launch of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in the Saudi telecoms market looks set to expand product and pricing options for customers, and boost handset sales, as new operators look to carve out niche segments in the increasingly competitive mobile sector.

              MVNOs, which rely on the network and infrastructure of existing service providers, are part of a longer-term plan by Saudi authorities to open up the market and increase competition to reduce the costs for users. Currently, two MVNOs operate in the Saudi market: Virgin Mobile, which uses the infrastructure of Saudi Telecom Company; and Lebara KSA, hosted by mobile network operator Mobily.

              A third MVNO, Axiom Telecom, was supposed to have launched operations using Zain Saudi Arabia as its host provider. However, the Dubai-based company had its permit revoked last year after failing to meet deadlines to submit documents. While the sector watchdog, the Communications and Information Technology Commission, has said it intends to re-tender the third license, Zain remains the only Saudi telco without a virtual network operator tie-up.

              Despite the government drive to increase the role of MVNOs in the market, the earnings outlook in the competitive mobile sector remains unclear. Some industry participants claim that even niche segments in the market are served adequately by the traditional operators. Others argue that the country’s growing population, plus the less customer-oriented approach of the major operators, has left gaps in the market for new players.
               
              Tough competition
              Mobile operators are competing on improved and varied services, particularly in the data segment. Virgin, which launched its MVNO operations at the end of September, is targeting the younger Saudi market with a focus on online promotion, primarily through social media. It will also offer lower-cost international connections for expatriates through its Friendi network.

              Rival Lebara launched its operations in mid-December, having set its sights on the mass market at the lower end of the income spectrum, areas where it feels it can carve out a profitable niche. “The three telecoms operators have advanced service and cover almost all segments, but there are certain gaps between customer needs and services which provide openings for MVNOs to fill those gaps,” Fadi Kawar, the CEO of Lebara KSA, told OBG.

              In particular, Lebara will target low-income expatriates and Saudis, designing packages for individual customer needs, replacing services such as local voice and data with more international minutes, Kawar said.

              Flow on effects
              The overall spending on ICT products in Saudi Arabia is expected to increase 4.6% in 2015, according to consultancy IDC, rising to a total of SR138.53bn ($36.95bn). One of the factors driving growth will be the spread of MVNOs, which IDC expects to be a game-changer for the consumer mobile market. This shift could see many private users opt for MVNO packages offering cheaper voice and data services, with customers of established providers either scaling back on their subscriptions or adding an MVNO service to their existing contracts.

              With mobile phone penetration rates of 169.3%, representing around 51m SIM cards, multiple subscriptions are common in Saudi Arabia. This suggests locals may be open to taking up the MVNO option along with the products of regular service providers.
              An expected increase in MVNO usage is also likely to spur handset sales, as clients buy handsets to take advantage of new services, while improved technology and lower data tariffs may lead to growth in retail activity for advanced models of smartphones. Handset sales could be especially strong among Saudi Arabia’s large expatriate community, estimated at around 10m according to industry estimates due to the growing number of packages specifically targeting expatriate clients.

              However, a remaining challenge for operators, and one which the MVNOs cannot directly resolve, will be the reach and capacity of their host networks. Without ongoing investment in infrastructure by the three network operators, their virtual clients may struggle to reach their full potential. There are some concerns that tighter margins and cost cuts prompted by increased competition could limit infrastructure investment, which in turn could put restrictions on MVNOs’ revenue streams.
              Oxford Business Group
              30 March

               
               
               
               
               
               
              Previous Post

              Contractors await tender for $1.4 billion Atlantis expansion in Dubai            

              Next Post

              Saudi Arabia identifies investment opportunities worth $140 billion            

              Next Post

              Saudi Arabia identifies investment opportunities worth $140 billion            

              News Letter

              Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates direct to your inbox!

              *we hate spam as much as you do

              Recent News

              Madayn working on major Oman industrial city projects

              Madayn working on major Oman industrial city projects

              September 28, 2020
              Qatar 2022 to offer cruise ships for fan accommodation

              Qatar 2022 to offer cruise ships for fan accommodation

              September 28, 2020
              Egypt’s Trade minister, Hungarian ambassador discuss economic relations

              Egypt’s Trade minister, Hungarian ambassador discuss economic relations

              September 28, 2020
              IFP Info – News

              The latest Middle East Business News & Events brought to you on a daily basis from multiple credible news portals around the world

              Follow Us

              Categories

              • Agrofood
              • Business & Economy
              • Construction
              • Covid-19 Updates
              • Energy
              • Event News
              • Healthcare
              • Hospitality
              • Interviews

              Countries

              • Bahrain
              • Egypt
              • Iran
              • Iraq
              • Jordan
              • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
              • Kuwait
              • Lebanon
              • Oman
              • Other Africa
              • Other GCC
              • Other Middle East
              • Qatar
              • Syria
              • United Arab Emirates
              • Worldwide

              Newsletter

              Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates direct to your inbox!

              *we hate spam as much as you do

              • About
              • Advertise
              • Privacy & Policy
              • Contact

              © 2018 IFP Group - All Rights Reserved / www.ifpexpo.com

              No Result
              View All Result
              • Covid-19
              • Agrofood
              • Business & Economy
              • Construction
              • Energy
              • Healthcare
              • Hospitality
              • IFP Events
              • IFP Insider
                • Event News
                • Interviews
              • العربية

              © 2018 IFP Group - All Rights Reserved / www.ifpexpo.com