ICT

A series of ongoing development programmes in information and communications technology (ICT) have resulted in rapidly improving technology indicators across the board in Qatar. With guidance from the Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology, known as ictQATAR, the government’s industry regulator, the sector is primed to see future growth under a new national broadband network and development strategy.

News that a Malaysian IT start-up company was bought by a large US outfit is a landmark acquisition that represents a significant step forward for entrepreneurism in the country.

The Philippines is very gradually edging closer to the establishment of a dedicated government department charged with promoting and supporting the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, though it would take some time before the new agency can achieve its supporters’ lofty ambitions.

Large investments are being made in the Egyptian telecommunications industry as the private and public sectors look to boost capacity and increase the availability of new technologies.

Faced with an increasingly saturated market and crowded playing field, Indonesia’s telecoms operators are investing in data-based services such as 3G and smartphone apps to gain the competitive edge. However, delays to a fibre-optic project that aims to spread faster internet access throughout eastern Indonesia could impact on those plans.

The telecoms industry in Thailand has a new regulator, one the sector hopes will move quickly to speed up the processes required for launching latest-generation platforms and develop a master plan to manage frequencies and licensing, though there are lingering concerns over whether the new regulator itself is properly constituted.