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Number of mobile subscriptions in Saudi Arabia drop 3.7% y/y to 51mn in 2013 [IntelliNews - Weekly Reports](IntelliNews - Weekly Reports Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) The number of mobile subscriptions in Saudi Arabia fell 3.7% y/y to 51mn in 2013 of which 86% were pre-paid, whereas, post paid accounted for barely 14% of total subscriptions, stated the Communications and Information Technology Commission report. The large fall in mobile subscriptions was reflected in the decline in the penetration rate to 169.7% from 181.6% due to the cancellation of a large number of unidentified subscribers. In recent years, Saudi authorities have been more stringently applying regulations requiring the identification of subscribers. The number of landlines declined by 1.8% y/y in 2013 to 4.71mn of which 70% went to residential users. The total number of internet users jumped 4.4% y/y to 16.5mn in 2013 with the internet penetration rate reaching 55%. Total revenues achieved by telecom firms hit SAR 75bn (USD 20bn) in 2013 with wireless services accounting for 73% of the total and fixed-line services accounting for the remaining 27%. Total spending on communication and information technology stood at SAR 102bn mainly on network expansion and modernization as well as provision of new services. (c) 2014 Emerging Markets Direct Media Holdings LLC Provided by Syndigate.info, an Albawaba.com company |