34.9% of Qatar’s GSM users have ADSL broadband Internet at their homes while 80.6% are aware of 3G cellular technology.

June 05, 2007

Arab Advisors Group, a member of the Arab Jordan Investment Bank Group, released its major survey of cellular users in Qatar during the 4th Annual Media and Telecom Convergence Conference held in Amman on June 4&5, 2007. The scientific random survey avails deep insights into the usage habits of the Arab World’s last monopoly cellular market, which is slated for liberalization in 2007. The survey revealed that 94.9% of GSM users households have Sat TV systems with 7.55% of these households subscribing to Pay TV.

A new major survey of Qatar’s cellular users, was concluded by the Arab Advisors Group on June 4, 2007. This survey report can be purchased from the Arab Advisors Group for only US$ 3,250 for subscribers to Arab Advisors Strategic Research Services. Non-Subscribers to Arab Advisors Groups Strategic Research Services can order the report for US$ 4,750.

The survey report, which has over 210 detailed exhibits, provides the results of a major comprehensive survey of cellular subscribers in Qatar. Respondents lived in Doha (74%) and Al Rayyan (26%). The major survey probed each household’s telecom and media consumption habits and patterns related to Cellular, Internet, Fixed Telephony, VAS, Handsets, Satellite TV, Terrestrial TV and Radio. The survey’s fieldwork was conducted in May 2007. The survey provides statistical analysis of the results and insightful detailed cross tabulations. Please contact the Arab Advisors Group to get a copy of the report’s Table of Contents and the survey questions.

“The survey reveals a solid potential for adoption of mobile Internet in this rich and small country. With over a third of Qatar’s cellular users having broadband Internet at their homes, and a 80.6% reporting being aware of 3G services, Qtel, the incumbent cellular operator, and any new entrant should certainly leverage this to supply suitable and attractively priced mobile Internet solutions.” Mr. Jawad Abbassi, Arab Advisors Group’s Founder and General Manager commented. “With over 400 delegates deliberating the media and telecoms convergence dynamics underway, these survey findings from one of the Arab World’s more advanced telecom markets are certainly refreshing and point to a bright future for competition in Qatar.” Mr. Abbassi added.

Arab Advisors Group’s major analytical survey of Qatar was scientifically done. The survey involved face to face interviews with 530 respondents from different households across Qatar. Respondents were 15 years old and above, and were cellular service users. This random survey is of the current cellular users in Qatar, and not the total population of the country. Qatar’s GSM penetration stood at 109.8% by end of 2006. This survey provides deep insights into the telecom usage patterns in Qatar. The random survey has a 99% confidence level with a less than 6% margin of error. The survey included 130 detailed questions.

Arab Advisors Group divided the survey questionnaire into main sections. The sections provide a balanced focus on collecting data on the following areas:

Telecommunications
a) General information
b) Communication methods used
c) Cellular subscription
i. Mobile plans
ii. Switching operators and plans
iii. Services used
d) Cellular handsets
e) Cellular data services
i. SMS use
ii. MMS use
iii. Mobile content
iv. 3G services
f) Roaming and international calls
g) Perception of mobile operators
h) Internet use

Media
i) Television
i. FTA Satellite TV
ii. PAY TV
iii. Terrestrial TV
iv. Cable TV
j) Local Radio
k) Movies
l) News updates
m) Media Advertising
n) Media Satisfaction

The Arab Advisors Group’s team of analysts in the region has already produced over 800 reports on the Arab World’s communications and media markets. The reports can be purchased individually or received through an annual subscription to Arab Advisors Group’s (www.arabadvisors.com) Strategic Research Services (Media and Telecom). To date, Arab Advisors Group has served over 420 global and regional companies by providing reliable research analysis and forecasts of Arab communications markets to these clients.