To control their spending, a quarter of Egyptian GSM subscribers still use the payphone service (page 1 of 2)

The survey revealed that while a majority of GSM users (75.5%) are satisfied with their existing mobile operators, a substantial percent (close to 36.1%) will consider switching to a another operator if it offers better rates and quality of services.

Of the total 700 respondents, 36.1% would consider switching their current mobile operator if a new operator is available in the market with another 39.7% saying that they may consider changing operators. Their decision to change would depend on better rates and packages (85%), and better quality of service (57%). "This clearly shows that the market is very price conscious which, the Arab Advisors Group believes, is good news for the profitable incumbents who are always better positioned to offer lower rates if needed." Wrote Ms. Serene Zawaydeh, a consultant from Arab Advisors Group, in the report.

A new major report, "Egypt GSM Users Survey 2006" was released by the Arab Advisors Group on February 9, 2006. This survey report can be purchased from the Arab Advisors Group for only US$ 3500 for subscribers to Arab Advisors Strategic Research Services. Non-Subscribers to Arab Advisors Groups Strategic Research Services can order the report for US$ 4500.

The 103-page report, which has 174 detailed exhibits, provides the results of a major comprehensive survey of the GSM services usage patterns and habits of GSM subscribers across Egypt's areas. The survey fieldwork was conducted between January 15, 2006 and February 1, 2006. The report provides statistical analysis of the results and insightful detailed cross tabulations. Please contact the Arab Advisors Group to get a copy of the report's Table of Contents and the survey questions.

Arab Advisors Group's major analytical survey of Egypt's main cities' population was scientifically done. The survey involved face to face interviews with 700 Egyptian nationals from different households in Cairo, Alexandria, Delta and Upper Egypt, selected randomly in a manner proportionate to the population size of the different areas. Respondents were above 15 years old and were GSM service users. This random survey is of the current GSM users in Egypt, and not the total population of the country.

The survey sample is geographically distributed is as follows: Greater Cairo (42%), Alexandria (15%), Delta (25%) and Upper Egypt (18%). The random survey has a 99% confidence level with a less than 5% margin of error.

The Arab Advisors Group divided the survey questionnaire into main sections. The sections provide a balanced focus on collecting data on the following areas:

- General Demographic information
- Communication methods used
- GSM subscription and usage patterns
• Mobile operators and plans
• Switching operators and plans
• Services used
• Cellular handsets
• GSM data services
• SMS use
• MMS use
• Mobile content
• 3G services
• Roaming and international calls
• Perception of mobile operators
- Internet use

Investing in this survey can count towards attending Arab Advisors' third annual Media and Telecoms Convergence Conference on June 6 & 7 2006.