The Russian Federation is the largest country in the world by land area, spanning two continents and 11 time zones. Russia had an estimated population of 143.4mn people and 248.8mn mobile connections at the end of 2015, giving a penetration of 173%. The mobile market is dominated by four Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Beeline (VimpelCom), MegaFon, MTS, and Tele2, which between them accounted for 245.6mn connections (99%). Other MNOs include MOTIV, SMARTS, Sotel, Tattelecom and Vainakh Telecom. MegaFon and MTS lead the market with 74.8mn and 73.7mn connections respectively, while Beeline follows closely with 59.8mn and Tele2 with 37.3mn.

Robert Lindell discusses how to work with customers for mutual success

An examination of the Indonesian tower market and how the country’s towercos enabled telecoms growth in one of Asia’s most populous countries

Turkey had a total population of 79.6mn people and 71.4mn mobile subscriptions at the end of 2016, giving a mobile penetration of 90%. Turkey spans two continents, Europe and Asia, however its penetration is significantly below both regions, averaging 135% and 100% respectively. It has the lowest level of penetration in Eastern Europe and is thirteenth (out of 18) in Western Asia. Neighbouring countries Georgia (140%) and Armenia (122%) in Western Asia exhibit greater penetration levels, and Bulgaria (150%) and Romania (142%) in Eastern Europe are also significantly higher.

Mozambique has the fifth largest population of the East African countries, but ranks only tenth highest in mobile penetration. The entrance of Movitel in 2012 caused a dramatic shakeup in the market, with the MNO rolling out significant infrastructure and become the number one operator (ahead of mCel and Vodacom) within just a few years. Unlike several other East African countries, 4G rollout is yet to commence, although the ongoing extensive rollout of fibre is readying the market for such a move. With new legislation mandating infrastructure sharing being proposed, the Mozambican tower industry may be set to change shape; Mott MacDonald take a deeper look at the country in their latest Share Square.

Mexico had an estimated population of 127.8m people and 103.5m mobile subscriptions at the end of 20151, giving a mobile penetration of 81% - relatively low for Latin America and in comparison to many markets around the world. Indeed, all of the other principal countries in Central America have mobile penetration of over 100%. 87% of subscribers in Mexico have a pre-paid account. There are three mobile operators serving the Mexican market (see figure 1), with Telcel (América Móvil) enjoying a dominant position with 70.5m connections and 68% market share, significantly ahead of Movistar (Telefónica) with 24.3m connections (24% share). AT&T has 8.7m connections (8% share).

Energy Services Company takes on 400+ sites in Gabon

With a ‘long list’ of 10 bidders for the currently in the running for FPS’s portfolio, and only two of those parties to date having announced their involvement in the process (Cellnex and 3i with Wireless Infrastructure Group), we’ve taken a look at who’s declared their hand and who else may be in the running.

Cellnex consolidate their position in Netherlands and enter the UK market through acquisition of Arcus’ Shere Group

COO on market realities, valuations, and future opportunities in Myanmar for towercos

Felix Chan explains how Tarantula integrates all aspects of site management into one enterprise product

Opex and efficiency boosted with Enatel Energy’s power solutions