Asia-Pacific Telecom Industry Update: Key Developments and Statistics

Strategic Insights -

Vodafone Australia has appointed John Casey as its new Chief Marketing Officer, focusing on driving growth and spearheading marketing campaigns to target business and achieve Australia's fastest 3G customer growth and usage. Meanwhile, Bakrie Brothers has decided to sell its telecommunication subsidiary in Uzbekistan, citing a lack of profit prospects due to the country's policy. In other news, National Australia Bank has boosted its internet banking security using mobile phone text message technology, and Reliance Infocomm is considering a change in ownership from Mukesh Ambani to Anil Ambani as part of a settlement between the two brothers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vodafone Australia has appointed John Casey as its new Chief Marketing Officer, focusing on driving growth and improving marketing campaigns.
  • Bakrie Brothers has decided to sell its telecommunication subsidiary in Uzbekistan, citing a lack of profit prospects due to the country's policy.
  • National Australia Bank has boosted its internet banking security using mobile phone text message technology.
  • Reliance Infocomm is considering a change in ownership from Mukesh Ambani to Anil Ambani as part of a settlement between the two brothers.
  • Indonesia will need at least eight telecommunications satellites in orbit by 2014 to meet growing demand for satellite services.
  • Motorola has invested US$450 million in research and development in China since 1993.
  • Oman's fixed phone subscriber numbers rose 0.3% from 2004 to 2005.
  • SK Telecom Co. is steadily losing its profitability due to stalled subscriber growth and rising marketing spending.
  • Sales of mobile phones that can receive digital television signals via a satellite, used by SK Telecom Co., are falling short of its expectations.
  • The Indian tribunal has quashed TRAI's order on price reduction of international bandwidth, citing concerns about its impact on the industry.
  • The Philippine government is set to launch a new job search facility through text messaging.

Statistics:

  • Indonesia will need at least eight telecommunications satellites in orbit by 2014.
  • Around 18 transponders were needed for V-SAT corporate and tunneling of cellular and fixed telephone operators in 2004.
  • Motorola has invested US$450 million in research and development in China since 1993.
  • Oman's fixed phone subscriber numbers rose 0.3% from 2004 to 2005, from 239,262 to 239,998.
  • SK Telecom Co.'s first-quarter net income dropped by 19% in 2005, below analysts' expectations.
  • About 24,000 handsets have been sold for SK Telecom's satellite-based digital TV service.
  • TRAI lowered international bandwidth prices by up to 70% in 2005.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse (http://www.asiapulse.com)
  • National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB)
  • Reliance Infocomm
  • Motorola
  • Oman National Economy Ministry
  • SK Telecom Co. (KSE:017670)
  • Indian telecom dispute settlement and appellate tribunal TDSAT
  • Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)