Despite the global economic slowdown, IDC predicts that the telecom market in Southeast Asia (SEA) will remain resilient in 2009. While market players and end users will exercise extra caution in their spending on telecom products and services, certain technology areas will sustain momentum and pockets of opportunities will emerge from the crisis.
IDC projects the combined telecom services market of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, to reach US$35.7 billion in 2009, which is 10% higher than its 2008 performance. Telecom services encompass mobile services, Internet access services (IAS), corporate data services and fixed telephony.
Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand are expected to show modest growth at a 4% to 6% range. Vietnam and Indonesia, each expecting double-digit expansion rates, will be the higher growth markets as they are at the early stages of the technology adoption curve and currently addressing the digital divide in their markets.
\'IDC sees bright spots in the Southeast Asia telecom market that will yield great opportunities for both market players and end users in 2009,\' said Karen Rondon, research manager, communications research, IDC.
With the tightening of budgets, IDC expects end users will seek alternative telecoms devices and services in 2009. The selection of what is affordable and beneficial may range from choosing the better service option, to picking out the more practical telecom products and services. Broadband and mobile subscribers will find affordable ways to stay connected. Purchases of mobile devices with steep price tag will be delayed until the end of 2009. End users will select low-end and mid-end mobile devices over high-end familiar brands. There will be added interest in new brands that provide cheaper options.
Other predictions of IDC include: broadband market to benefit from the rise of mini-notebooks; wireless broadband will be one area that will withstand the economic condition in 2009; and continued investments in 3G/3.5G and WiMAX.
(Source: Thoi bao Vi tinh Saigon (ComputerWorld Saigon); reprinted with permission)