As the largest telecommunications market in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia also stands out as one of the region’s most competitive markets. Mobile subscription penetration rates are among the highest in the world, standing at close to 200% of the population. Furthermore, smartphone sales grew 154% in 2010, bringing their share of the hardware market to 32%, while rising demand for tablet computers has...
Saudi Arabia ICT
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Chapter | Telecoms & IT from The Report: Saudi Arabia 2013
With oil prices at sustained high levels and the government pushing ahead with a large-scale investment programme to upgrade infrastructure, address social issues and further diversification, Saudi Arabia’s economy is thriving.
Economic update | Saudi Arabia: Getting connected
12 Jul 2012
The information and communications technology (ICT) sector has benefitted from rising smartphone sales and expanding broadband reach, but further growth is contingent on infrastructure, particularly the expansion of the nation’s broadband capability and its integration with international networks.
Economic update | Saudi Arabia: Networking solutions
11 Jan 2012
Saudi Arabia’s telecommunications sector is to get a major shake up this year, with up to three new operators entering the mobile phone segment, though the route they will be taking will be very different from that followed by the three existing service providers.
Economic update | Saudi Arabia: Mobile moves
3 May 2011
Saudi Arabia’s third-largest mobile phone service provider appears set for a change of leadership as Zain, its Kuwait-based owner, bows out after four less-than-profitable years.
Saudi Arabia is looking to further open up its IT sector as part of a broader strategy to develop a knowledge-based society and economy. However, the rapid inroads being made by new technologies may require the state to step up investment in digital infrastructure and hasten its regulatory processes.