Telecoms & IT
From The Report: Jordan2015
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Jordan’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector is one of the most developed and robust in the region, bolstered by 15 years of industry friendly policies and a young population of digital consumers. Mobile subscribership soared from 3.13m users, representing 57% penetration in 2005, to 11.1m users and 147% penetration at the end of 2014. The market has seen consumers shift from personal computers and voice/SMS-centric mobile services to a data-driven mobile broadband market, with the popularity of 3G services increasing rapidly since their launch. Meanwhile state support for the IT sector is strong, and in 2010 the government launched a flagship early-stage seed investment company with the goal of supporting 500 new start-ups. The company provides between $30,000 and $70,000 in seed funding for various startup enterprises, and had invested in 95 companies by early 2015.

This chapter contains an interview with Majd Shweikeh, Minister of Information and Communications Technology.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

A dynamic market: Private sector ambitions, rising internet penetration and the shift to 4G are transforming the sector
OBG
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Jordan’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector is one of the most developed and robust in the region, bolstered by 15 years of industry-friendly policy and a young, well-educated and growing population of digital consumers. The sector is a major economic contributor, recording dramatic annual growth rates since 2000, and mobile penetration and internet usage have also risen sharply. With data demand increasing, operators are now poised to capitalise on 4G/long-term evolution (LTE)…

Interview

Comparative advantages: OBG talks to Majd Shweikeh, Minister of Information and Communications Technology
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Interview:Majd Shweikeh What are the broad economic implications of the introduction of 4G services in the kingdom? MAJD SHWEIKEH: 4G technology has the potential to strengthen Jordan’s economic performance, but the extent to which it will promote GDP growth and create new jobs depends on the rate of diffusion of 4G networks and services. We view 4G services in the kingdom not as a luxury, but as a necessity. It sends a signal to foreign investors that Jordan is eager to remain at the cutting…

Analysis

Next generation: The launch of 4G mobile data services is set to consolidate ICT sector growth
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With Jordan’s telecoms market keeping with global trends in its shift from a voice- to data-centric service model, 4G/long-term evolution (LTE) services are set to underpin expansion in the highly competitive sector. Jordanian consumers have welcomed the news of Zain Jordan’s 4G/LTE commercial launch, with Zain standing as the first operator to offer the services following an acrimonious licensing process. All three of Jordan’s major telecoms operators have since moved to launch 4G services,…