Kim said opportunities within converged ICT lie in the size of the region's population, the current lack of access to technology, a belief in the need to use mobile phones, the introduction of broadband, and new ICT services and applications.

The population of the Asia-Pacific region is a huge opportunity, in terms of the size of the market, he said. The top 10 emerging markets which are providing the most business opportunities include China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand and Burma.

In Thailand, of the total 62 million population in 2004, around 10.75 million had fixed-line telephones while 20.25 million were cell-phone subscribers. He said there was still room for new business. Lack of access to technology is another market opportunity, especially in developing countries. The craze for cell phones also represents an opportunity in developing markets.

Broadband, as well as new ICT services and applications, also opens up opportunities. Triple Play, a service that combines voice calls, Internet access and television programmes, which can be accessed through a single device such as from satellite, fibre-optic line or a mobile phone, has the potential to deliver rich multimedia services to a wider group people, even in remote areas.

Kim believes voice-over IP applications are another service that will play an important role in developing countries as the technology can offer people cheaper voice services. He also speculated that other potential services for the Asia-Pacific market could include single phone numbers that stay with the user, voice mail services, television messaging, and single and converged billing.

Kim said a new market could be developed with more applications and personalisation, with more freedom of mobility under a ubiquitous network. In addition, he said each country's policies and regulations would encourage an ICT-friendly environment.

The government, he concluded, should therefore play a greater role in promoting ICT competition, such as creating opportunities for entrepreneurs. with appropriate measures and enforcement, supporting public and private investment, developing an effective regulatory framework.

Importantly, he said, the government should encourage research and development and basic technologies with the necessary funding and support.

Asina Pornwasin

The Nation