Telecommunications Development in Asia

No industry has expanded faster than telecommunications, gained so many new users, added so much value, spread so rapidly to the underdeveloped areas of developing countries, done so much to close the digital divide and provide access to e-learning, e-health, and e-commerce across the countries of the Asia Pacific. Telecommunications Development in Asia provides a completely new and comprehensive analysis of the policies adopted throughout the region that have led to the explosive growth of this sector. It is a sequel to the 1995 landmark publication, John Ure (editor) Telecommunications in Asia: Policy, Planning and Development, and like the earlier volume will become a popular and indispensable guide for professionals, policy-makers and regulators working in telecommunications-related sectors.

Part One of this new book is thematic. It reviews global best practices across a range of key issues facing the industry, from regulation, competition policy and the provision of universal service, to interconnection between competing networks, the management of radio spectrum for the all-important wireless communications sector, and an assessment of innovation in the telecommunications equipment market.

Part Two examines markets across the Asia Pacific region, exploring the themes of Part One through in-depth country studies. Policy and regulations, industry trends and markets are uniquely placed in their historical, economic and political context. No other publication offers such comprehensive insights and understanding of the dynamic of these markets. And like the 1995 book, this one looks likely to stand the test of time.

John Ure is Associate Professor and Director of the Telecommunications Research Project (TRP) which he founded in 1993 at the University of Hong Kong. He now lives and works in Singapore as co-director of the TRPC, the consulting and services arm of TRP. He holds bachelor, master and doctoral degrees in economics from Hull University, Birkbeck College, University of London and the Polytechnic of East London/CNAA. He has published and consulted extensively in areas of telecoms economics, policy and regulatory issues. His advocacy of a 3G royalty-based auction became Hong Kong policy in 2001. His consultancy work includes major country studies, thematic studies (such as universal service, interconnection and spectrum management), and feasibility studies for international bodies (for example, the World Bank, the ITU, various UN agencies, the European Commission, and regulators and consumer groups in the Asia Pacific, central and north Asia, and north Africa), as well as for the private sector. The authors of Part One are all internationally known academics and leading professionals in their field. Part Two is written by the Telecommunications Research Project team of the University of Hong Kong.

“This book is a valuable resource that provides current information on global telecom’s fastest growing region, as well as important background on the context of each country, including a historical overview, and analysis of the policy and regulatory environment, and also strategic investment, pricing, and future prospects. It includes assessments not only of Asia’s giant dragon and tiger—China and India—but also key markets and innovators such as Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan; rapidly growing ASEAN countries; and the emerging markets of Southeast Asia.” —Heather E. Hudson, Professor of Telecommunication, School of Business and Management, University of San Francisco

“As China and India emerge as the world’s largest and fastest developing markets for telecommunications, and as the Asia-Pacific region holds the potential for much of the future growth in the industry, this important new book provides a timely overview of the dynamics that are shaping these markets. With a first class selection of authors, and a comprehensive coverage of the major markets, this book will quickly become the must-have textbook for students, policy-makers and industry-players alike.” —Tim Kelly, Head of Standardization Policy Division, International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T)

“Telecommunications Development in Asia makes an exceptionally useful and timely contribution to understanding the transformation of telecommunications markets in a wide range of Asian countries. It brings together a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and context for a comparative analysis of sector performance in these countries. It is a valuable resource for all those interested in looking at options for future development of telecommunications markets in the region.” —Peter Smith, former Lead Telecommunications Policy Specialist, Global Information and Communication Technologies Department, The World Bank