CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- UAE's 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 to a new report by Pyramid Research (www.pyr.com).

UAE: Telecom Duopoly Stifles Competition in One of the Richest Markets offers a precise profile of the country's telecommunications, media and technology sectors based on proprietary data from Pyramid's research in the market. It provides detailed competitive analysis of both the fixed and mobile sectors, tracks the market shares of technologies and monitors the introduction and spread of new technologies.

Download an excerpt or purchase the report here.

"As well as providing a boost to broadband revenue, the change will enable significant growth in the pay-TV and fixed VoIP sectors," notes Hussam Barhoush, Senior Analyst at Pyramid and author of the report. "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," indicates Barhoush. 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," he adds. "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," notes Barhoush.

UAE: Telecom Duopoly Stifles Competition in One of the Richest Markets is part of Pyramid Research's Africa/Middle East Country Intelligence Report Series and is priced at $990. Download the excerpt or purchase the report here.

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SOURCE Pyramid Research

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