Arab world needs to liberalise phone market

Telecom regulators in the Arab world have introduced a degree of competition to their markets but should do more to liberalise the region's mobile phone and internet services, according to a new study. The management consultancy Booz & Company said the success of breaking telecommunications monopolies in almost every country in the Middle East and North Africa needs to be followed through with a new phase of competition. "Market liberalisation has enabled operators to expand regionally and bring shareholders greater value from international operations," said Karim Sabbagh, a vice president with Booz & Company.