Changing the focus of Middle Eastern telecoms: telecoms operators have enjoyed huge success in the Middle East in recent years. Internet and mobile penetration rates have soared, attracting greater investment from both local and foreign companies.

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Telecoms Special Report

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Changing the focus of Middle Eastern telecoms: telecoms operators have enjoyed huge success in the Middle East in recent years. Internet and mobile penetration rates have soared, attracting greater investment from both local and foreign companies.

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YET THE GOVERNMENTS THAT HOLD controlling stakes in many of the Middle East's biggest operators may be forced to deregulate in order to sustain growth and encourage greater cross-border competition. New licences are still being offered, so Gulf firms have the opportunity to set up greenfield operations in support of their regional aspirations.

At the same time, market saturation in many countries is encouraging investors to seek to boost their average revenue per user (ARPU), partly through the promotion of mobile internet access. Falling income from voice traffic in ever mo...

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