In a time where the financial crises are extending their reach to almost everywhere and every industry, the telecommunication industry is looked upon as one industry that can help to reduce the side effects of such crises. We are seeing some interesting developments like the emerging 4G technologies with its two rivals, LTE and WiMAX, promising to extend the MBB to almost everywhere. At the same time, we are seeing many countries and many operators extending their reach for the fixed network using the FTTx technologies, spreading broadband even further. Such technologies need major investment in a time when most financial houses are tightening their lending.

We are also seeing a drop in the ARPU and most operators are not generating the same revenue as before. To complicate the picture even further, the end users, our customers, are demanding more data, lower prices and better services. The end result will dictate that surviving operators will have to be much stronger financially and extremely innovative to create new revenue streams which will support the role out of new technologies and deliver better services to the end users.

Is it possible that we will see more operators or will we likely see fewer operators? Will this be done through M&A or Lateral Consolidation? So far, we have seen some evidence suggesting that there will be a bit of both in the market space. Deals are being struck in Africa and that may be only the beginning; only time will tell if and when we will see more. The issue of M&A and market consolidation is now hot as many operators are reviewing their investment strategies in such a difficult time.

On the other hand, a new business model is emerging in Europe where operators are sharing the infrastructure - be it the passive part or even going further to share the active components, RAN sharing. With such developments, the operator’s business model will need to change. This will also impact the vendors and the whole value chain will have to adjust. And in this process we need not to forget the end user, our customers, as he expects to gain some benefits from all of this and enjoy better and cheaper services.

The topic is rather important and interesting at the same time and we will have the opportunity to discuss it further and in more detail in the coming issues.

Going back to our June Issue, a special 26 pages report on the Qtel Group and its worldwide operations show the dedication of the Group to remain at the forefront on innovation while expanding its footprints. Inside our pages find all what you need to know about the success story of the Qtel Group, the story of leading, innovating and expanding.