Role of wireless backhaul in enabling 5G in MENA
This report is available to those subscribed to the Mobile Operators and Networks module.
The increasing migration to mobile broadband services in MENA is driving a rapid acceleration of mobile data traffic, with 4G now accounting for a third of total mobile connections in the region. Meanwhile, the transition to 5G is gaining traction in the region, led by the GCC member states. 5G will play a pivotal role in the development of smart cities and will support the digital transformation agenda of governments across the region.
Mobile backhaul infrastructure is crucial to meeting the increasing demand for data connectivity as well as for achieving the capacity, reliability and performance expectations of 5G. As a result, there will be significant interest in mobile backhaul technologies in the 2020s, as operators seek effective and efficient solutions for their transport requirements. Indeed, investment in backhaul networks will be an early driver of 5G capex in MENA, which is set to accelerate over the period 2020–2025 as pioneer markets extend coverage and commercial launches get underway in other markets in the region.
To understand the outlook and expectations for mobile backhaul in MENA, GSMA Intelligence conducted a survey of key stakeholders, including mobile operators from across the region and leading transport vendors, to capture on-the-ground perspectives on key mobile backhaul trends and deployment.
Related research
The 5G-Advanced era revs up: Asia Pacific and MENA show the highest interest in commercialisation
GSMA Intelligence's Chart of the Month is a visual way of telling an important story in the mobile and broader tech ecosystem. From the shape and size of markets to trends in consumer behaviour, we aim to provide food for thought through informative visuals designed to bring colour and clarity to complex issues facing the industry. This edition looks at announced launches and plans for 5G-Advanced networks.
The mobile churn challenge: where loyalty is lowest and four recommendations for operators
The latest consumer survey by GSMA Intelligence reveals that around one in seven mobile users changed their service provider over the previous 12 months. The main reasons for churn have stayed largely unchanged over the last five years, at the aggregate level, with value for money by far the top reason. However, variations exist between consumer segments in terms of the degree of churn and the drivers.
MWC Shanghai 2025: a window into the future?
MWC Shanghai is in the books for another year, having attracted 45,000 visitors (from 12,500 companies), along with 400 exhibitors and partner groups. The numbers were up from the 2024 event by 13% and 92% respectively. This analysis highlights the key takeaways and implications from meetings, summits and announcements at the event – and in particular, whether the progress seen in China can be mapped to other regions.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
The 5G-Advanced era revs up: Asia Pacific and MENA show the highest interest in commercialisation
GSMA Intelligence's Chart of the Month is a visual way of telling an important story in the mobile and broader tech ecosystem. From the shape and size of markets to trends in consumer behaviour, we aim to provide food for thought through informative visuals designed to bring colour and clarity to complex issues facing the industry. This edition looks at announced launches and plans for 5G-Advanced networks.
The mobile churn challenge: where loyalty is lowest and four recommendations for operators
The latest consumer survey by GSMA Intelligence reveals that around one in seven mobile users changed their service provider over the previous 12 months. The main reasons for churn have stayed largely unchanged over the last five years, at the aggregate level, with value for money by far the top reason. However, variations exist between consumer segments in terms of the degree of churn and the drivers.
MWC Shanghai 2025: a window into the future?
MWC Shanghai is in the books for another year, having attracted 45,000 visitors (from 12,500 companies), along with 400 exhibitors and partner groups. The numbers were up from the 2024 event by 13% and 92% respectively. This analysis highlights the key takeaways and implications from meetings, summits and announcements at the event – and in particular, whether the progress seen in China can be mapped to other regions.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics