Article Abstract:
Financing Asia's planned telecommunications growth over the coming decade may be difficult, thanks to the sheer number and scope of projects. Lenders feel comfortable with their capabilities for analyzing proposals, but not all analysts think Asia alone can pay for the sector's growth, let alone all of its other planned infrastructure. Established Asian companies will raise some $4 billion by the end of 1996 through market issues. Direct investment, on the other hand, finds too many partners chasing too few good projects.
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Article Abstract:
Hong Kong director-general of telecommunications Alexander Arena claims his bureaucracy is helping to create a more open market, often despite the efforts of former monopoly Hongkong Telecom (HKT). Cellular services have been fully open since the 1980s, and fixed-line competition began on Jul 1, 1995, though several questions remain. These include whether HKT must lease its international lines to its competitors, and how revenues are to be split. New licenses for several cellular and cordless services will soon be issued.
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Article Abstract:
The average cost of international telephone calls is set to decline by 80% over the next few years as domestic telecommunications carriers face the liberalisation of markets. However, problems are likely to emerge in Asia, where the costs of local service are rising. Furthermore, relatively few customers in Asia will benefit from cheaper overseas rates. Higher prices will allow higher penetration, but it will be necessary to offer incentives if competition is to be stimulated.
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