Samsung has recorded a 120 per cent year-on-year growth in mobile communication device sales in 2012 in Oman. In the Gulf region, Samsung recorded a 214 per cent increase, following the launch of the Galaxy S III, the Galaxy Note II and its comprehensive portfolio of mid-range feature phones, smartphones and tablets, a press release said. "The success of the Galaxy series, on the back of an improved distribution network and the expansion of our reach even to the interiors, has been the main driver of the phenomenal growth of mobile-device sales in Oman. We enjoy a 70 per cent market share in the smartphone segment in Oman. With yet to be launched products and the acceptability of existing ones, we expect to see a similar growth in 2013," said Ajay Ganti, CEO of SARCO, the official distributor of Samsung products in Oman. The company's global telecommunications business posted a revenue of US$52.43bn in the fourth quarter of 2012, up seven per cent quarter-onquarter. "2012 has been an eventful year, globally as well as regionally as customers across the Gulf have responded positively to the launch of our products, the Galaxy S III and the Galaxy Note II. Within the GCC we reported a robust 214 per cent growth yearon- year. We expect smartphones and tablets to continue driving the market share in 2013," said Young Woo Jun, director of telecommunications group, in the press release. For 2013, Samsung expects the demand for smartphones and tablet PCs to increase significantly, while the growth for feature phones is expected to remain static. Emerging markets and the continued market adoption of long-term evolution (LTE) wireless telecommunications technology will also contribute to the growth of the smartphone market this year. Muscat Daily
