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| Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Telecommunications Research |
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 Libya - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts
Executive summary
Libya has emerged from almost two decades of economic isolation, which contributed to the stagnation of its oil industry, the mainstay of its economy, and invariably its telecoms sector. Despite having an old style state-owned monopoly player for the provision of postal and telecommunications services (LPTIC, GPTC), which also operates the country's only Internet service (LTT) and two mobile networks in parallel, Libya's telecommunications infrastructure is superior to those in most other African countries and services are available at some of the lowest prices on the continent.
Libya's fixed-line teledensity is one of the highest in Africa, supported by extensive rollouts of CDMA-2000 wireless local loop technology (WLL) technology since 2006.
The mobile sub-sector remained underdeveloped with Al-Madar as the sole operator until the introduction of Libyana as the second GSM network in 2004 which sent market penetration skyrocketing from one of the lowest in Africa to one of the highest within only two years. In 2008 Libya became the first country in continental Africa to break the 100% mobile penetration barrier. Both networks are government owned but distinguish themselves with different service offerings and pricing. The government has announced plans to sell up to 40% of both mobile networks as part of a wider plan to privatise state-owned corporations.
The mobile networks are also participating in the Internet and broadband sector with mobile data services and third generation (3G/HSDPA) mobile broadband services.
Massive investments are being made by the government into a next generation national fibre optic backbone network, the expansion of ADSL and WiMAX broadband services, new international fibre connections and upgrades to existing ones, and one of Africa's first Fibre-to-the-Home (FttH) deployments. The first terabit international fibre optic cable landed in the country in June 2010. Investments into telecommunications infrastructure totalling US$10 billion have been earmarked for the 15 years to 2020.
In 2009 Libya announced it would issue the first ever private telecom licence in the country for fixed and mobile services, although the government would take a minority stake in the new operator. A new regulatory authority for the telecom sector, GTA was formed at the same time. Close to US$1 billion has been offered for the concession. The licence award has been delayed several times and was still unresolved in mid-2010.
Market highlights:
Market analysis 2010;
Estimates to end-2010 for mobile, fixed-line and Internet market;
Forecasts to end-2011 for mobile, fixed-line and Internet market;
Highest mobile market penetration in Africa, analysis;
First ever private telecom licence (fixed and mobile) still pending;
New privatisation plans for both mobile networks;
Profiles of major players in all market sectors;
National fibre backbone expansion;
New international submarine fibre optic cables, upgrades to existing ones;
First terabit international submarine fibre lands;
FttH services launched;
Broadband pricing trends (ADSL, WiMAX, GPRS/EDGE, 3G mobile, FttH);
Mobile network tariff trends, including mobile data/broadband.Estimated market penetration rates in Libya's telecoms sector - end 2010
MarketPenetration rate
Mobile (SIM cards)195%
Fixed18%
Internet6%
(Source: BuddeComm based on various sources)
This annual report provides a comprehensive overview of trends and developments in Libya's telecommunications market. Subjects covered include:
Key statistics;
Market and industry overviews;
The impact of the global economic crisis;
Regulatory environment and structural reform;
Major players (fixed, mobile and broadband);
Infrastructure development, including fibre/FttH;
Mobile voice and data markets, including 3G;
Internet and broadband development and pricing;
Convergence (voice/data, fixed/wireless/mobile).For those needing high level strategic information and objective analysis on the telecommunications sector in Libya, this report is essential reading and gives further information on:
The market with the highest mobile penetration in Africa;
Government policies affecting the telecoms industry;
The impact of the global economic crisis;
Market liberalisation and regulatory issues;
Telecoms operators - privatisation, joint ventures, new licences;
Broadband pricing trends, fixed and wireless;
Mobile data services and pricing, including 3G broadband.
Last Update: 14 Jul 2010 Number of Pages: 22
Single User: USD $425.00 ex-GST View Table of Contents
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