UAE telecom operators’ switch from copper to fiber
fixed-line infrastructure is due to be completed by 2012, enabling significant
growth in the pay-TV and fixed VoIP sectors for the first time, according
Pyramid Research.
“As well as providing a boost to broadband revenue,
the change will enable significant growth in the pay-TV and fixed VoIP
sectors.The smaller and newer of the UAE’s two operators, du, with its limited
coverage, moved completely to an all-fiber network in 2008, while incumbent
Etisilat has already caught up and surpassed the new operator by covering all
of Abu Dhabi, making it the first capital in the world with full fiber
coverage,” said Hussam Barhoush, senior analyst at Pyramid and author of
the report.
Etisalat plans to have upgraded its whole fixed network to fiber by 2012.
Pyramid expects the switch to all-fiber fixed networks by
2012 to lead to growth in pay-TV adoption as operators bundle triple-play
packages for end users.
“Due to the high income levels, fixed and mobile
services have not been bundled to date; this leads to higher income for market
players.” However, the fiber network will pave the way to convergence. The
current investments in fiber and upcoming investments in LTE will make it
imperative for market players to develop smart marketing and technical
strategies to foster the upcoming growth,” Barhoush added.
By Telecomlead.com Team
