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Asia-Pacific Telecommunications Industry Update: December 1998

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Asia-Pacific telecommunications industry was on the cusp of significant developments in December 1998, with major companies and governments announcing new initiatives, partnerships, and upgrades to their services. Globe Telecom, a leading provider in the Philippines, launched new cell sites and business offices, while the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) reviewed Telstra's Universal Service Plan. Indonesia's government considered a minority stake in PT Indosat, and HITACHI announced plans to offer digital satellite broadcasts to vehicles starting in 2001. Meanwhile, Japanese, European, and US telecom companies called for a global mobile standard, and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) announced plans to start mobile phone services in July 1999.

Key Takeaways:

  • Globe Telecom launched seven cell sites in the Philippines and opened a new business office in Bacolod City, signaling its expansion in the region.
  • The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) reviewed Telstra's Universal Service Plan to identify areas for improvement and ensure reasonably accessible standard services and payphones for everyone.
  • The Indonesian government considered a minority stake in PT Indosat, aiming to open up opportunities for the state telecom service provider.
  • HITACHI planned to offer digital satellite broadcasts to vehicles, starting with 20 channels and expanding to 100, in a service beginning in 2001.
  • Japanese, European, and US telecom companies, including NTT Mobile Communications Network, Japan Telecom, Nissan, British Telecommunications, and France Telecom, called for a global standard for the next generation of mobile phones.
  • Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) planned to start mobile phone services in July 1999, competing with existing private mobile companies in the country.

Statistics:

  • 7 cell sites launched by Globe Telecom in the Philippines.
  • 20 channels planned for initial digital satellite broadcasts by HITACHI in 2001.
  • NTT Mobile Communications Network, Japan Telecom, and Nissan planned to support CDMA format as the global standard for the next generation of mobile phones.
  • 100 channels planned for digital satellite broadcasts by HITACHI in 2001.
  • July 1999 targeted for start of mobile phone services by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL).

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse via COMTEX, Dec 21, 1998.
  • http://www.asiapulse.com.
  • The Australian Communications Authority (ACA), news release, Dec 1998.
  • Indonesian government statement, Dec 1998.
  • HITACHI press release, Dec 1998.
  • Joint statement from Japanese, European, and US telecom companies, Dec 1998.
  • Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), news release, Dec 1998.

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