To date, 99% of MENA’s towers sit in the hands of the region’s MNOs. Orange’s cancelled transaction in Egypt, coupled with the cancellation of Mobily and Saudi Telecom Company processes in Saudi Arabia may suggest that figure is set to remain, however a wave of activity has started and those closest to the market think it is only a matter of time before things start to change. Saudi Telecom Company are in the process of starting a tower joint venture with Mobily; Fanasia have pioneered a new towerco business model in Iran; and Towershare are reportedly the frontrunners in Kuwait’s first tower transaction.
MENA infrasharing drivers and inhibitors
