The Mediterranean and Levant countries in the Middle East include Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. This area is fascinating in terms of contrasts and opportunities. Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Turkey have all benefited greatly from comparatively well developed regulatory systems and competitive markets resulting in strong investment in telecommunications. Syria remains steadfastly against liberalisation and competition and consequently has an undeveloped market. Lebanon is poised to choose which course it will take.

Israel has a very dynamic telecommunications market with one of the highest mobile penetration rates in the world and one of the highest household broadband penetration rates.

In Israel regulatory policies have produced intense competition with several very strong players and a very advanced and highly developed market where telecommunications and media are converging in a digital environment. Household broadband penetration is around 70%, mobile penetration is well over 100% and 3G penetration around 30%. These figures, together with Israel’s flourishing IT and venture capital sectors, indicate fertile ground for digital media developments.

Turkey has a unique position in the region with its links to the European Union. It has a healthy mobile market and growing broadband penetration.

The most populous country in the Arab world, Egypt now boasts a world-class telecommunications infrastructure that provides extensive coverage and connectivity. The country is home to the largest fixed-line network in the Arab region, accounting for around one quarter of all telephone lines.

Egypt and Jordan are not rich countries but sensible policies have resulted in relatively open and developed markets. Egypt has emerged as the largest Arab Internet market thanks to the successful implementation of a free Internet strategy. Jordan has mobile penetration of over 80%, probably inflated by non-Jordanian nationals and multi-SIM usage, but still indicative of a highly developed market.

While fixed-line, Internet and broadband penetration rates are low in the Arab countries of the region, one must always take into consideration larger household sizes, young populations and a habit of sharing broadband and cable TV subscription amongst neighbours.

For more information see 2008 Middle East - Telecoms, Mobile & Broadband in The Mediterranean & Levant countries