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3G subscriptions to overtake GSM in UAE by 2012(Gulf News (United Arab Emirates) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Dubai The 3G subscriber base in the UAE is poised to overtake the GSM subscriber base in 2012 as the country has an affluent population that tends to be tech savvy, according to telecom experts. "The strong growth in 3G subscriptions in the UAE is due to the increasing availability and attractiveness of 3G devices, especially smartphones.." Matthew Reed, senior analyst at Informa Telecoms and Media, said in a exclusive interview with Gulf News last week. In 2012, the number of 3G subscribers is expected to stand at 7.46 million compared to 6.67 million GSM subscribers. In 2013, the 3G subscriber base is expected to more than double to 10.4 million compared to 4.42 million GSM subscribers. In 2010, the 3G subscriber base is expected to be 4.25 million while GSM subscribers are expected to be 8.19 million, making a total subscriber base of 12.45 million. GSM subscribers are expected to fall in the years to come while 3G subscribers are expected to increase more than 30 per cent year-on-year growth annually. Matthew said the UAE is a relatively affluent market so a substantial proportion of consumers can afford 3G devices. The UAE is considered a regional hub with its rapidly evolving ICT infrastructure," Sanjay Kachroo, Director, Acer ME Ltd, said in an exclusive interview with Gulf News. "Operators keep investing lots of money in the 3G network and are making every effort to expand the 3G market and have a return on their investment. Y.M. Gong, product and strategy director for MEA Mobile Communications, LG Electronics, said in an exclusive interview with Gulf News. "The takeoff of 3.5G services notably over HSPA networks has busted demand for smartphones even further," Malek Kamal Sa'adi, principal analyst-cross portfolio, Informa Telecoms, said in an exclusive interview with Gulf News. (c) 2009 Al Nisr Publishing LLC . All rights reserved. Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company |