A 2019 research report on Timor-Leste’s (East Timor) telecommunications, mobile, and broadband sector examines the current market structure, infrastructure developments, regulatory environment, and growth forecasts through 2023.
Fixed-Line Infrastructure
Fixed-line infrastructure remains limited in Timor-Leste. Significant investment has been constrained by the strong expansion of mobile services, which provided reasonably rapid coverage of key parts of the country — reducing pressure to expand fixed networks.
Timor Telecom was contracted for the supply, installation, and configuration of a fibre-optic network, which is expected to fuel stronger fixed broadband growth over the coming years.
The Timorese government also launched a new national terrestrial optical fibre network aimed at boosting e-government services.
Fixed Broadband Market
Fixed broadband penetration remains extremely low, primarily due to the limited number of fixed lines and the dominance of the mobile platform. However, the market grew strongly over the five years prior to 2019 from a very small base.
Over the five years to 2023, the market is expected to grow very strongly, though overall penetration will remain extremely low compared to other nations.
Mobile Market
All three major mobile operators launched 4G LTE services, with rollouts continuing throughout 2019:
| Operator | Notes |
|---|---|
| Timor Telecom | Incumbent; fixed and mobile operator |
| Telkomcel (Telin) | Subsidiary of Indonesian operator Telin |
| Telemor | Third national mobile operator |
A local consortium, Ceslink, submitted an application to become the country’s fourth telecoms operator, intending to offer high-quality, high-speed, and affordable services nationwide.
Slow to moderate growth is predicted in the mobile subscriber market through 2023, constrained by strong local competition and a maturing market.
Mobile Broadband
Timor-Leste has seen a rapid increase in mobile broadband penetration over the past five years, driven by a rising number of smartphone users. The mobile broadband market remains at an early stage of development, with strong growth predicted through 2023.
International Infrastructure
Australian telco Vocus Group is reportedly interested in partnering with the Timor-Leste government for the potential deployment of a submarine fibre-optic link connecting the south of the country to the North Western Cable System (NWCS).
Key Developments
- All three major operators — Timor Telecom, Telkomcel, and Telemor — continued rolling out 4G LTE services
- A local consortium submitted an application to become the country’s fourth telecoms operator
- The government launched a new national terrestrial optical fibre network
- Vocus Group expressed interest in deploying a submarine fibre-optic link
- Fixed broadband penetration remains extremely low but has recently expanded
- Mobile broadband penetration increased rapidly over the preceding five years
Report Structure
The full report covers the following topics:
- Executive summary
- Key statistics
- Country overview
- Telecommunications market — overview, regional comparison, strategic development plan 2011–2030, and sector liberalisation
- Regulatory environment — national policy, ARCOM, ANC, and 2012 licences
- Fixed network operators — background and Timor Telecom profile
- Telecommunications infrastructure — national network, satellite broadband, international infrastructure, and submarine cables
- Fixed-line broadband market — statistics and forecast
- Fixed broadband technologies — fibre networks and WiFi
- Mobile market — statistics, forecast, and mobile broadband outlook
- Major mobile operators — Timor Telecom, Telin (Telkomcel), and Telemor
- Digital economy — e-commerce, e-banking, and e-government
- Digital media — broadcasting and VoIP/messaging/conferencing
Source: BusinessWire, June 2019