The average monthly fee of postpaid 5G data only with 1TB data allowance stood at US$ 136 per month in the GCC countries, according to a new report from Arab Advisors Group titled, An Analysis of 5G Rates and Affordability in the Arab World. The report was released in August 2020.
Arab Advisors used the allocated data allowance as a comparison basis for the mobile operators’ 5G offerings. The analysis covered the fees for postpaid and prepaid 5G offerings (5G data-only plans and 5G cellular bundles).
Furthermore, Arab Advisors Group analysed the pricing for 5G data-only plans and 5G cellular bundles separately.
Initially, mobile operators in the GCC markets offered 5G services in the form of home broadband with limited coverage. The operators then gradually expanded their reach to offer 5G services through home broadband, dedicated mobile Internet, and mobile Internet bundled with other telecom services.
In May 2020, more than half of the operators analyzed offered both 5G data only (5G home broadband and 5G dedicated mobile Internet plans) and 5G mobile Internet bundles.
Commenting on the report, Hiba Rabadi, Deputy GM of Arab Advisors Group, said: “Arab Advisors Group’s analysis revealed that the average monthly fee of postpaid 5G data only with 1 TB data allowance stood at $136 per month. The average monthly fee of postpaid 5G cellular bundles with 100 GB data allowance reached at $124.8.”
Fayez Abu Awad, Chief Advisor to the Board at Arab Advisors Group, remarked: “It comes as no surprise that early 5G launches in MENA are GCC-centric; the development of 5G ecosystems is better supported in the high GDP per capita of the GCC. Furthermore, 5G’s promised benefits and expected applications are expected to assist the GCC countries in diversifying away from being oil-based economies and shifting investment to other sectors as they digitally metamorphose. In alignment with their digital visions, GCC governments are supporting 5G implementation through clear 5G roadmaps and frequency planning.”
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