15.5% of Bahrain's cellular users have two mobile lines

The survey revealed that multiple line use (two lines or more) stood at 15.7% of total cellular users. Respondents cited separating business use from personal use as the main reason behind multiple line use.

A new major survey of Bahrain's cellular users was concluded by the Arab Advisors Group on September 22, 2008. The survey report, Bahrain Cellular Users Survey 2008- which has 239 detailed exhibits and 151 pages - provides the results of a major comprehensive survey of the cellular usage patterns and habits of the population in Bahrain. The survey fieldwork was conducted in August 2008. This survey report can be purchased from the Arab Advisors Group for only $4,000 for subscribers to Arab Advisors Group's Strategic Research Services. Non-Subscribers to Arab Advisors Group's Strategic Research Services can order the report for $5,250.

"This face to face survey revealed that 15.7% of cellular users own more than one mobile line; where 53.5% stated that the reason for owning more than one line is the need to separate their business lines from their personal lines,"

Mr. Issa Goussous, Sr. Research Analyst of Arab Advisors Group noted.

The survey further revealed that 56% of Bahrain's cellular users reported being aware of 3G cellular services. Of those who are aware, 36% use 3G services. 75.7% of those who use 3G services stated that they use it for video calling.

"38.9% of mobile users in Bahrain stated that they had changed mobile operators before. While 32.4% of cellular users stated that they would consider changing their mobile operators, users of Batelco and Zain reported high satisfaction levels with their service providers. 91.9% of Batelco's subscribers (and 89.1% of Zain's subscribers) were either satisfied or very satisfied with the operator's services. It must be noted that the small difference between the two operators is negligible as it lies within the survey's margin of error,"

Ms. Danya Nusseir, Arab Advisors Research Analyst said.

Arab Advisors Group's major analytical survey of Bahrain's main cities was scientifically done. The survey involved face-to-face interviews with 550 respondents from different households in Al Manamah the capital, Al Janubiyah, Al Muharraq, Al Wusta and Al Shamaliyah, selected randomly in a manner proportionate to the estimated population size of these areas. Respondents were 15 years old and above, and were cellular service users.

This survey provides deep insights into the telecom usage patterns in Bahrain. The random survey has a 99% confidence level with a less than 6% margin of error.

Arab Advisors Group divided the survey questionnaire into two main sections: Telecommunication and Media

The sections provide a balanced focus on the following areas:

1. Telecommunication
1.1. General information
1.2. Communication methods used
1.3. Mobile subscription
- Mobile Operators and Plans
- Cellular Services
1.4. Cellular handsets
1.5. Cellular data services
- SMS usage
- MMS usage
- Mobile Content
- 3G Services
1.6. Cellular Roaming and Cellular Use while Traveling
1.7. International calls
1.8. Perception of mobile operators
1.9. Changing mobile lines and mobile operators
1.10. Most important aspects for choosing a mobile operator
1.10. Internet usage patterns of cellular users in Bahrain
1.12. e-commerce

2. Media
2.1. TV viewing patterns and habits
- FTA Satellite TV
- Credibility of News Channels
- Pay TV
- Terrestrial TV
2.2 Radio
2.3. Movies and movie theatres
2.4. Daily News Update
2.5. Media Advertising
2.6. Media Satisfaction Level

The Arab Advisors Group's team of analysts in the region has produced close to 1,275 reports on the Arab World's communications and media markets. The reports can be purchased individually or received through an annual subscription to Arab Advisors Group's Strategic Research Services (Media and Telecom). To date, Arab Advisors Group has served around 495 global and regional companies by providing reliable research analysis and forecasts of Arab communications markets to these clients.