No industry has expanded faster than telecommunications, gained so many new users, added so much value, spread so rapidly to the underdeveloped areas of developing countries, done so much to close the digital divide and provide access to e-learning, e-health, and e-commerce across the countries of the Asia Pacific. Telecommunications Development in Asia provides a completely new and comprehensive analysis of the policies adopted throughout the region that have led to the explosive growth of this sector. It is a sequel to the 1995 landmark publication, John Ure (editor) Telecommunications in Asia Policy, Planning and Development, and like the earlier volume will become a popular and indispensable guide for professionals, policy-makers and regulators working in telecommunications-related sectors. Part One of this new book is thematic. It reviews global best practices across a range of key issues facing the industry, from regulation, competition policy and the provision of universal service, to interconnection between competing networks, the management of radio spectrum for the all-important wireless communications sector, and an assessment of innovation in the telecommunications equipment market. Part Two examines markets across the Asia Pacific region, exploring the themes of Part One through in-depth country studies. Policy and regulations, industry trends and markets are uniquely placed in their historical, economic and political context. No other publication offers such comprehensive insights and understanding of the dynamic of these markets. And like the 1995 book, this one looks likely to stand the test of time.
About the Author: John Ure is Associate Professor and Director of the Telecommunications Research Project (TRP) which he founded in 1993 at the University of Hong Kong. He now lives and works in Singapore as director of the TRPC, the consulting and services arm of TRP. He holds bachelor, master and doctoral degrees in economics from Hull University, Birkbeck College, University of London and the Polytechnic of East London/CNAA. He has published and consulted extensively in areas of telecoms economics, policy and regulatory issues. His advocacy of a 3G royalty-based auction became Hong Kong policy in 2001. His consultancy work includes major country studies, thematic studies (such as universal service, interconnection and spectrum management), and feasibility studies for international bodies (for example, the World Bank, the ITU, various UN agencies, the European Commission, and regulators and consumer groups in the Asia Pacific, central and north Asia, and north Africa), as well as for the private sector. The authors of Part One are all internationally known academics and leading professionals in their field. Part Two is written by the Telecommunications Research Project team of the University of Hong Kong.