Global strategic management consulting firm A.T. Kearney said it is critical for telecommunications companies to increase focus on profitable growth thus enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency while continuing to expand internationally. The strong performance that GCC mobile telecommunications markets have witnessed in the recent years -driven by increase in service penetration and high Average Revenue per User (ARPU)- enabled regional operators to successfully pursue aggressive expansion plans. In the last 5 years, leading GCC telecommunications groups like Zain (with 21 international operations), Etisalat (with 17), Qtel (with 9), and STC (with 9) have successfully expanded their international footprint. However, by doing so, these operators have also entered into lower income. __
