Hong Kong, February 4, 2009 - The search is on for Asia's best-run telecom carriers, with the launch of annual Telecom Asia Awards, the region's longest-running and most prestigious telecom industry awards.
The Awards, now in their 12th year, are aimed at rewarding outstanding performance by service providers and industry executives in Asia-Pacific telecom markets.
Online nominations are open now. Each person who makes a nomination will be eligible for a lucky draw to win one of two BlackBerry smartphones.
The awards are sponsored by Oracle Communications and will be presented at a ceremony in Hong Kong on March 27.
Winners in the 12 categories will be chosen from more than 100 fixed, mobile and convergence telecom operators from around the region, Telecom Asia Group Editor Joseph Waring announced today.
The awards are chosen from a shortlist of candidates nominated by Telecom Asia readers and editors. Final selection is made by an independent panel of industry experts, who will cast votes on the basis of financial performance, technology, market leadership and corporate governance.
Oracle Communications VP for Asia Pacific and Japan Raghav Sahgal said, "As the sole sponsor for the awards, we want to recognize and affirm the best and brightest in the communications industry, and to show our continued commitment to develop and drive success for an industry that thrives on service innovation."
Australian carrier Telstra Corp. topped last year's winners' list after being voted Best Asian Telecom Carrier and Best Mobile Carrier. Bill Barney, chief of regional service provider Pacnet, won the Telecom CEO of the Year category, and HSPA was awarded Best New Technology.
This year's judging team will be supported by analysts from the global IT, telecom and software research firm Ovum. Ovum analysts will also contribute by choosing two awards: Best Telco Transformation, for the carrier who has implemented the most effective and far-reaching change program, and Telecom Innovation of the Year, for most innovative service or application.
"The pace of change in the telecom industry and the uncertain economic climate require service providers to move quickly and creatively to meet customers' needs," Mr Waring said. "We are seeking those carriers who are rising to the challenge."
"The Awards are intended to acknowledge achievement and highlight leadership in technology, management and innovation in Asian telecommunications. We are pleased to host them once more this year," Mr Waring said.
Readers can make their nominations at the Telecom Asia website.