Asian Telecom 2024

THE AWARDS ISSUE

CONNECTING THE CONTINENT: ASIAN TELECOM AWARDS RECOGNISES EXCELLENCE IN APAC’S DIGITAL LANDSCAPE

HOW 5G CHAMPIONS INDUSTRY DECARBONISATION

TELCO GIANT TURNS TECHCO AND AIMS FOR DIGITAL LEADERSHIP IN INDONESIA

NOKIA INVESTS IN AUTOMATION TO DECREASE ENERGY CONSUMPTION

XL AXIATA SEAMLESSLY UNITES HOME AND MOBILE WITH FIXED MOBILE CONVERGENCE

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tim Charlton

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*If you’re reading the small print you may be missing the big picture

FROM THE EDITOR

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchinson’s strategic pivot from a traditional telco to a technology-driven “techco” marks a significant transformation for the company. CEO Vikram Sinha outlines a vision for enhancing digital infrastructure and fostering innovation to stay at the forefront of Indonesia’s digital economy. Flip to page 8 for his comprehensive insights.

Globe Telecom’s shift towards addressing critical national issues such as healthcare and environmental sustainability is another highlight in this edition. CEO Ernest L. Cu shares the company’s strategies to leverage technology for greater societal impact. Learn more about Globe’s initiatives on page 10.

The integration of 5G technology remains a cornerstone of industry advancement, not just for improved connectivity but as a significant contributor to decarbonising various sectors. Our analysis on page 14 examines how 5G can drive energy efficiency and support sustainable practices across industries.

XL Axiata’s pioneering efforts in Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) services, particularly the launch of XL SATU, illustrate how seamless integration of home and mobile connectivity can enhance user experience and operational efficiency. Discover more about this initiative on page 13.

This issue also celebrates the achievements of leading telecom companies through the Asian Telecom Awards 2024. We honour the trailblazers who are driving the industry forward with their resilience and innovation. Detailed coverage of the award winners starts on page 16.

Read on and enjoy!

Tim Charlton

Asian Telecom is a proud media partner and host of the following events and expos:

News from asiantelecom.com

Daily news from Asian Telecom

MOST READ

Telkom transcends internet service providing

When the number of internet users in Indonesia grew to 210 million in June 2022, the competition amongst providers was taken to a higher level. For Telkom Indonesia’s IndiHome, their efforts led to collaborations with over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Netflix and HBO GO to build a complete digital ecosystem.

What drives data centre growth?

As demand for data centres surges, investors could support the growth by exploring investment opportunities in sustainable energy, cooling and energy consumption, data centre operations, and power and connectivity services. According to McKinsey’s analysis, demand for data centres is expected to reach 35GW by 2030.

How telcos can keep their customer base amidst a high churning rate

Telecommunication companies may have seen the demand and the importance of their services increase in the last two years, but this momentum declined post-pandemic. To keep their customer base, telcos should increase their attractiveness by developing innovative new services based on relevance and market potential.

SEA rises as data centre powerhouse amidst 5G shift

Buoyed by favourable governmental policies and cost-effective construction opportunities, Southeast Asian nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, are emerging as the most soughtafter destinations for data centre establishments amidst a rapid global shift to 5G connectivity.

Three key levers for improving telco B2C margins and valuation

Telecom operators have created enormous value with new applications and services, but have underperformed shareholders’ expectations. Some operators are separating their network operations from their customer-facing operations to expose the value of their network assets or attract external investment to fund expansion.

Accounting complexities seen in telco reorganisations in Southeast Asia

Telecommunication giants in Asia are betting big on organisational restructuring. Whilst Moody’s Investors Service predicts a promising future of operational efficiencies and heightened valuations, they also issue a stark warning: the potential for a web of accounting complexities that could derail these high-stake ventures.

OTT PLATFORMS

INDUSTRIAL

ORGANISATION

MOBILE DATA REVENUES IN ASIA TO HIT $388.7B BY 2028

The rapid expansion and increasing adoption of 5G services in the Asia Pacific is expected to boost the mobile services market in the region until 2028, data and analytics firm GlobalData said.

Based on the Asia-Pacific Mobile Broadband Forecast Pack (Q4-2023), GlobalData revealed that mobile data services will remain the largest revenue-contributing segment to the overall mobile services market in APAC during 2023-2028.

With this, the total mobile communications services revenue in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% from $321.9b in 2023 to $388.7b in 2028.

“With 5G services already launched in almost all the developed markets including Australia, China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea, and set to be launched soon in countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the revenue prospect for mobile data segment will remain strong through the forecast period,” GlobalData Telecom Analyst Hrushikesh Mahananda said.

Policy support

Government support for 5G expansion will also strengthen the mobile data services market in the region. Telecom regulatory bodies and governing authorities in countries like Australia, China, India, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, have launched national 5G strategies or action plans, outlining the vision and guidelines to establish 5G ecosystems and drive 5G coverage expansions, according to GlobalData.

These action plans include supporting initiatives such as public sector investment in 5G applications, favourable tax incentives, forums for industry-government collaboration, promotion of 5G led-technological innovations, and license arrangements to enhance spectrum use and reuse.

Customers

New laws target call and text scammers

Online scams have become increasingly prevalent across Asia, as cybercriminals exploit the rapid digital transformation and widespread internet adoption across the continent. From fraudulent SMS links to identity theft, scamming methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

False calls

Singapore receives approximately 1.6 billion calls annually, with a substantial portion coming from scammers operating overseas. This high volume of fraudulent calls has prompted authorities to enhance measures to protect the public.

Since January 5, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), along with telco partners Singtel, M1, Starhub, and SIMBA, have introduced a call-blocking option for international calls.

This service can be enabled or disabled through telco channels including call, SMS, or mobile app.

“From January to September 2023, more than 300 million scam calls were blocked by our telcos,” said IMDA.

The service identifies and blocks high-frequency calls and falsified calls with a +65 prefix resembling a call made from Singapore.

In addition, banks and telcos will be held accountable for measures to protect their customers from phishing attacks under the Ministry of Communications and Information’s (MCI) Shared Responsibility Framework (SRF) in 2024.

MCI said that the newly implemented framework “will provide more expedient recourse for victims, if financial institutions and telecommunication operators are found to have failed to fulfill their anti-scam duties.”

Anti-fraud initiatives

Recent initiatives also include the Singapore Police Force’s Anti-Scam Command (ASCom), which froze over 9,000 bank accounts and recovered about $50.8m in the first half of 2023, underscoring the critical need to address severe bank scams.

The government has also recently introduced facial verification as an additional safeguard for highrisk CPF e-services, which halted malware-enabled scams involving unauthorized CPF withdrawals.

“Since 2022, we have required users to conduct facial verification for higherrisk transactions through Singpass. In May 2023, we amended our legislation to impose harsher legal consequences on those who allow their Singpass or bank accounts to be misused by scammers. This includes actions such as selling their bank accounts or disclosing Singpass credentials to assist in criminal activities,” MCI added.

Since January 2023, Singaporeans must register all alphanumeric SMS sender IDs with the Singapore SMS Sender ID Registry (SSIR) to block spoofing and label messages from unregistered IDs as “Likely-SCAM,” which decreased SMS scam cases by 70% over three months.

From January to September 2023, more than 300 million scam calls were blocked by our telcos

To extend awareness towards neighbouring countries and safeguard cross-border transactions, Singapore also joined forces with Malaysia to combat scams across telco channels.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by IMDA and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), both countries will collaborate on regulatory assistance.

SINGAPORE

APAC

Clunky communication channels drive customers away

To this day, persistent communication challenges linger, only leaving customers with disappointment and an unsolved problem.

Vonage’s Global Customer Engagement Report 2024 revealed that the primary sources of customers’ frustrations include “long wait times to speak to an agent,” “contacting customer service multiple times to resolve an issue,”

“describing an issue to multiple agents, being transferred multiple times,” and “unable to answer the question, right person isn’t available.”

In the Asia-Pacific region, the diverse preferences for communications presents both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses aiming to cater to the broad spectrum of customer expectations.

Sunny Rao, senior vice president

of API Global Sales at Vonage, told Asian Telecom in an interview that preferences in the region range from traditional mobile calls to modern avenues like messaging apps, in-app calling, and video chats.

If companies’ services fail to deliver satisfaction, 80% of APAC customers said they are poised to switch brands, Vonage said. Globally, 74% said they are likely to take their business elsewhere after a negative experience.

Whilst this is understandable, my advice would be open channels that you can service well even if that means you give customers lesser channels

“There is a tendency among businesses to try and open as many channels of communication with their consumers as possible. Whilst this is understandable, my advice would be open channels that you can service well even if that means you give customers lesser channels,” he said.

AI-powered assistance

But how can companies effectively improve their service? This is where artificial intelligence (AI) plays an important role.

Rao highlighted the role of AI in mitigating customer frustration and enhancing overall experience.

Vonage identified ‘long wait times to speak to an agent’ as a top customer frustration

Sunny Rao

IOH targets 20% revenue from non-connectivity services by 2026

After the merger, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison now has more than 100 million customers.

In an era defined by the relentless march of technology, telecom giant Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) is transitioning from a traditional telecommunications powerhouse to a nimble and innovative “techco.”

The man at the helm of the company, CEO Vikram Sinha, says this shift from a connectivity-focused telco to a technology-centric techco is propelled by a broader vision of growth and innovation.

In this exclusive interview with Asian Telecom, Sinha explains the intricacies of this transformative journey, revealing the data-driven decisions, strategic shifts, and challenges that define Indosat’s progression.

Primarily, the techco aims to increase revenue from nonconnectivity services from 4% to 20% by 2026, manifesting its commitment to diversification and staying at the forefront of Indonesia’s digital economy.

As it is, this sector is set to surge from IDR1.4 trillion in 2022 to IDR3.2 trillion in 2027. The core connectivity market easily grows at 5% to 6% annually, and when you look at the digital sector, you can expect to see a growth of 18%.

This beckons Indosat to play a pivotal role. “The ambitious target is to see revenue from non-connectivity services rise from 4% to 20% by 2026, emphasising the company’s commitment to diversification and staying at the forefront of digital evolution,” Sinha tells Asian Telecom.

Strategic model shift

Sinha draws a sharp distinction between the limitations of being an asset-heavy telco and the potential of an assetlight techco. “The transformation is not merely a shift in nomenclature but a fundamental change in approach,” Sinha said.

He points out that the key differences lie in the pace of innovation, growth potential, and agility to explore adjacent opportunities. The core remains connectivity, but the techco model relies on a robust technology platform, strategic partnerships, and investments in R&D.

Indosat’s transition rests on five pillars: Empowering Indonesia, delivering a “Marvelous Experience,” fostering innovation, nurturing talent, and embracing Gotong Royong or mutual cooperation.

By creating a flexible, asset-light model, the company is poised to redirect capital towards technology and innovation. Initiatives like the Marvelous eXperience (MX) Center underscore a commitment to democratising innovation, with 30 ongoing projects aimed at enhancing various facets of the Indosat experience.

A higher purpose

Sinha tells the magazine that the merger of Indosat Ooredoo and Hutchison 3 Indonesia in 2022 was not merely a corporate maneuver but a strategic step towards a digital Indonesia. The company’s purpose extends beyond being a telecom enabler; it aspires to be a key player in Indonesia’s digital transformation.

The merger, providing scale and resources, strengthens the 4G network and addresses the urban-rural digital divide, he explains.

Post-merger, Indosat’s customer base has already surpassed 100 million, making it one of only 11 telcos globally with such a vast subscriber count. Expansion into rural areas is a pivotal focus, with plans to create 23 million new internet-connected customers in underserved regions.

“Strengthening the 4G network in Eastern Indonesia showcases the commitment to unlocking infinite possibilities for digital consumers,” Sinha says.

Whilst harnessing new scale and resources postmerger, Indosat faces the challenge of expanding network infrastructure into underserved rural areas. Investments in 5G technology require careful consideration of monetisation strategies.

The transformation is not merely a shift in nomenclature but a fundamental change in approach

The focus on creating a complete ecosystem before the 5G rollout signifies a thoughtful approach to adopting the technology.

IOH’s commitment

Indosat’s commitment to delivering a marvelous customer experience hinges on technological innovation. In this sense, the Marvelous eXperience (MX) Center acts as a hub for collaboration and innovation.

Vikram Sinha, CEO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchinson

INDONESIA | by Ibnu Prabowo

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Globe champions financial inclusion with innovative tech solutions

CEO Ernest L. Cu pivots to solving the national healthcare gap and poor sustainability initiatives.

Globe’s strategic shift from telecommunications giant to an all-around technology innovation company is one that sheds light on the alarming healthcare gap in the country.

“Healthcare… is a very big problem. Six out of 10 Filipinos have never seen a doctor because there’s just no access to healthcare or health information for that matter,” Globe CEO Ernest L. Cu told Asian Telecom

“The environment is also a big problem, with pollution taking over major metros in the Philippines. These are the kind of things we [in Globe] want to solve,” he continued.

According to a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and its stakeholders should prioritise increasing accredited hospital beds in Luzon and Mindanao, the regions with the lowest patient-bed ratio.

The study analysed PhilHealth’s facility coverage from 2018 to 2021, emphasising the widespread challenge of insufficient hospital beds in the country. Whilst some regions meet the recommended bed-to-population ratio, Luzon and Mindanao urgently need attention, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study also highlighted healthcare service trends and noted a disparity in hospital capacity, particularly in poorer provinces. Efforts to increase bed capacity are concentrated in provinces with 85% or higher population coverage, irrespective of poverty levels.

The institute strongly recommended the coordinated efforts by PhilHealth and the Philippine health department to implement reforms and enhance healthcare service delivery. Additionally, it suggested expanding services in provinces with low primary healthcare facilities and improving access to primary care in regions with low bed capacity and high admission rates.

More than just telecommunications

The transformation, aimed at addressing the maturation of the telco business, has seen Globe’s market share grow significantly over the years.

Cu detailed the strategic initiatives, emphasising the creation of 917 Ventures to tackle national issues and enhance financial inclusion.

Cu highlighted the maturing telco industry and the need for Globe to diversify its offerings beyond traditional services. “We missed the boat during the 4G era, allowing global tech giants to leverage our network infrastructure for significant shareholder value. We asked ourselves, why not us? The answer was clear; it should be us,” he said retrospectively.

To address national challenges, Globe established 917Ventures, a dedicated entity focusing on solutions for Filipinos. Cu stressed the importance of identifying problems first and then leveraging technology to solve them.

Financial inclusion and access to healthcare were cited as critical areas where Globe has made substantial strides,

We asked ourselves, why not us? The answer was clear; it should be us

particularly through the scale-up of its electronic money platform.

Future trends: Human health and environmental wealth

With healthcare and sustainability in mind, Cu said he believes these will become Globe’s upcoming strengths. He then detailed plans to grow Globe’s healthcare initiatives in the near term, particularly with KonsultaMD – its online medical consultation platform.

“We started out with a very basic data consultation. Of course, consultation leads to a prescription. And we have that now, and we have now the delivery of the pharmacy goods. And then next will be a referral to labs,” Cu said. “We may start our own lab or refer you to a lab. And then soon, referral to hospitals. So it’s come full circle.”

Globe is also committed to being an ESG-focused entity, with plans to cut its carbon footprint significantly. The promotion of electric vehicles, exemplified by the recent launch of Gogoro, aligns with the company’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges.

Back in April 2023, Globe’s subsidiaries 917Ventures, Ayala Corporation, and Gogoro Inc. launched Gogoro Smartscooters and battery-swapping in the Philippines. These entities aim to expand the country’s venture to energyefficient transportation.

Ernest L. Cu, Globe CEO

PHILIPPINES

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Nokia invests in automation to decrease energy consumption

The telecommunication cloud market is projected to be worth $22.4 billion by 2028.

Nokia is integrating automation and custom silicon technologies to reduce energy consumption, aligning with Industry 5.0 principles for a sustainable and secure telecommunications future.

In an interview with Asian Telecom, Terry McCabe, chief technology officer of Nokia Asia-Pacific and Japan, said the company is heavily investing in automation technology to drive down energy consumption while ensuring the security of critical communications.

“We say that there’s no green without digital,” McCabe said, “The development of sustainability across all branches of industry, not just networking, but all areas of industry involve digitisation.”

He mentioned that this philosophy underpins Nokia’s approach to sustainability, which is not limited to networking but extends across all industries. The company is committed to digitization as a means to achieve sustainability, placing a high emphasis on the security of communications.

“We drive down the environmental impact of the products we deliver by designing around energy efficiency and security from the outset, and adopting custom silicon technologies to make the most reliable and the most performance solutions which deliver the lowest energy impact,” he said.

McCabe stressed during the interview that this is crucial in applications ranging from smart grids for power transmission to automated vehicles.

He added that Nokia’s investment in automation technology is a strategic move to reduce its own energy consumption and environmental impact, including better control of the supply chain, reducing the logistical impact of product delivery, and designing products around energy efficiency and security.

Integrating Industry 5.0

Aligning with the principles of Industry 5.0, McCabe said Nokia has revealed its Technology Strategy 2030. This is part of Beyondn, the company’s way of thinking about the future of technology and the critical role networks play within it

The 2030 vision is the “roadmap to the future of networking,” Nokia said.

“Technology Strategy is intended as a guide for every single one of Nokia’s service provider, enterprise and industrial customers, helping them prepare for the new realities they will face in the next seven years,” it added.

Industry 5.0, as McCabe described, builds upon the automated processes of Industry 4.0, making them more human-aware. Furthermore, it takes into consideration how human beings and automated systems can come together, he added.

“Now we’re part of the global industry move to bring humans and robotics closer together. And that includes everything from human augmentation to enabling the

cooperative world to work alongside the human being in a safe and efficient way,” he said.

“Industry 5.0 is all about sustainable, reliable, and the human factor in developing production and industrial capabilities going forward,” he added.

Nokia said that Industry 5.0 supplements and expands Industry 4.0 by adding value to the digital technologies already present in the latter. This can be observed in terms of resilience, sustainability, and human-centric perspectives.

“Industry 5.0 integrates resilient, sustainable, and human-centric technologies, organizational concepts, and management principles to improve ecosystems, supply chains and operations across industries,” the company said.

In response to the growing telecommunication cloud market projected to be worth $22.4 billion by 2028, McCabe said this is both a challenge and an opportunity, but he suggested that organizations foster a culture of continuous innovation.

We say that there’s no green without digital

The convergence of cloud and network technologies, including the development of edge cloud and the adoption of cloud infrastructure technologies on-premise and in the hyperscale, are key areas of focus. This evolution is seen as a crucial part of adopting Industry 5.0 and the future of industrial automation.

Terry McCabe, Head of Strategy and Technology for Asia, Pacific, and Japan for Nokia

XL Axiata seamlessly unites home and mobile with fixed mobile convergence services

The telecom firm’s Fixed Mobile Convergence service penetration has reached 56% in H1 2023

XL Axiata, which has pioneered Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) services in Indonesia, recently introduced its XL SATU which is a stepup for seamless mobile data and on-the-go entertainment.

In a nutshell, XL SATU combines home internet (fixed broadband) and mobile connectivity (mobile broadband) in a single package. “XL Axiata has been paying close attention to the trend of these needs in the last few years,” said Yessie D. Yosetya, director and chief officer for Enterprise Business & Corporate Affairs at XL Axiata, when interviewed by Asian Telecom

“For the past two or three years XL Axiata has made FMC a strategy not only to increase revenue or as a new source of income but also to increase the company’s competitiveness now and in the future,” she revealed.

What is XL SATU?

Yosetya said the main idea is that whether at home or on the move, XL Axiata will keep you connected. So, XL SATU bridges fixed and mobile connectivity, ensuring you’re always online, she told the publication.

It has two variants: XL SATU Fiber, which was launched in June 2021 and offers lightning-fast internet with ample mobile data; and XL SATU Lite, which provides speedy wireless broadband and substantial mobile data.

At present, XL Axiata continues to strengthen the execution of its convergence strategy by encouraging the FMC business in all areas, including products, network and IT infrastructure, and even in management.

“By the end of June 2023 (1H) XL Home users reached around 154,000 customers, with a convergence penetration rate of 56% (XL HOME customers have converted to XL SATU customers), and it is planned to continue to increase until the end of the year and beyond,” said Yosetya.

The advantage for customers is that they get superfast and unlimited home internet using fiber optic technology, plus a large cellular quota that can be used by up to four family members,” the XL Axiata executive said.

In addition, XL SATU Fiber also offers additional services in the form of national TV shows to worldclass entertainment from VIDIO, CATCHPLAY+, LIONSGATEPLAY, VISION+, and many others with the XL HOME Entertainment box through the Google Play Store.

Introducing XL SATU Lite

Meanwhile, for XL SATU Lite, customers can also avail themselves of superfast home internet service using a wireless broadband technology connection, plus a large cellular quota, depending on the package chosen.

“With XL SATU Lite, this convergence service can reach all Indonesian families in 70 cities/districts,” said Yosetya, noting how cellular and data infrastructure and services is relatively more evenly distributed in various regions in Indonesia.

XL Axiata takes the effort to collaborate with the government to provide infrastructure and services in remote

With XL SATU Lite, this convergence service can reach all Indonesian families in 70 cities/ districts

areas, including 3T areas (Disadvantaged, Frontier, and Outermost Areas), through the USO (universal service obligation) mechanism. This ensures that residents in these remote areas have equal access to cellular and data services, promoting inclusivity.

Identify needs

Currently, XL Axiata serves 58 million customers across Indonesia through various variants: XL Prepaid, XL Prio, and AXIS for mobile services, XL Axiata Business Solutions for SME’s and Enterprise and also XL SATU for FMC services.

To become the top convergence operator in Indonesia, XL Axiata offers personalised digital services, including dynamic pricing, packages, and content tailored to customer interests. And to understand customer needs, XL Axiata employs digital IT and data analytics, allowing them to offer services that truly match each customer’s requirements.

“Data analytics… allows XL Axiata to evaluate KPIs (key performance indicators) in all aspects related to customers — marketing campaigns and customer loyalty — so that the company can design the right strategy,” said Yosetya. Through their digital transformation efforts, particularly with MyXL and AXISNet applications, Yosetya expects improved prediction of future trends and customer behavior, facilitating precise, timely offers to the right customers.

Yessie D. Yosetya, director and chief officer for Enterprise Business & Corporate Affairs at XL Axiata

INDONESIA | by Ibnu Prabowo

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5G drives energy efficiency by cuting emissions by 90%

Enabling a more optimised use of energy-saving modes reduces consumption during low-traffic periods.

As industries worldwide strive to mitigate their environmental impact and align with ambitious decarbonisation targets, the integration of faster and more innovative technologies such as 5G emerges as a powerful ally.

This groundbreaking technology stands out as the first mobile standard to prioritise energy efficiency right from its standardisation phase, embedding considerations related to emissions.

According to RHB Investment Research’s “Telecommunications - the Road to NZE” report, several key technological advancements underpin these efficiency gains. These include optimised use of available spectrum, energy-saving modes that reduce consumption during low data traffic periods, and advanced network management capabilities through enhanced virtualisation.

Tests conducted by Ericsson in Spain and Brazil revealed that 5G

It is the driving force behind energy optimisation and sustainability efforts, empowering industries to work towards cleaner and more environmentally friendly practices

networks achieved up to a 90% reduction in energy consumption per GB compared to conventional 4G networks. It also emphasised the potential to “break the energy curve,” indicating the possibility of decreasing overall mobile network energy consumption whilst meeting the escalating demands of 5G data.

Impact of 5G on industries

Beyond connectivity, 5G plays a pivotal role in aiding various industries in achieving their decarbonisation goals.

In the advanced technologies category, 5G plays a vital part in the development of smart cities, enhancing resource optimisation and sustainability. The technology also empowers widespread connectivity in the Internet of Things (IoT), allowing devices to optimise energy use across diverse settings.

Real-time remote monitoring of energy-related systems becomes

feasible, ensuring swift responses and fine-tuning of energy consumption. Moreover, in the transport and logistics sector, 5G enhances transportation systems like autonomous vehicles and optimises logistics networks, thereby reducing carbon emissions.

Industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transport, which are major emitters of greenhouse gases, stand to benefit significantly from the adoption of 5G.

A 2021 MIT Technology Review Insights report highlighted 5G as a potent enabler of decarbonisation.

“It is the driving force behind energy optimisation and sustainability efforts, empowering industries to work towards cleaner and more environmentally friendly practices,” the report noted.

Telcos’ climate commitments

Telecom companies contribute 2% to 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, roughly 1 gigaton of CO2 equivalent. By January 2023, 62 operators worldwide committed to science-based targets (SBTs) to cut emissions by 2030, representing 61% of industry revenue and 46% of connections.

Moreover, many operators aim for net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier, covering 39% of mobile connections and 43% of global revenue.

In Asia, progress towards reducing carbon footprint faces challenges related to grid access, but telcos are making strides in setting emission reduction targets.

A study commissioned by industry organisation CTIA and conducted by Accenture said that 5G technology has the potential to contribute significantly to US carbon emission reduction targets by 2025.

Specifically, 5G could account for up to 20% of the country’s carbon emission reductions, translating to a reduction of 330.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMtCO2e). This reduction is comparable to removing 26% of all U.S. passenger vehicles from the road for a year.

The Accenture study assessed 31 5G use cases across various sectors and found the highest potential for carbon reduction in transportation and cities, manufacturing, and energy and buildings.

5G enables the development of smart cities by enhancing resource optimisation (Photo from Ericsson)

EVENT: ASIAN TELECOM AWARDS 2024

Asian Telecom Awards recognises excellence in APAC’s digital landscape

The telecom industry continues to grow with innovation, constantly leapfrogging towards a hyperconnected future.

Recognising its trailblazers—the visionaries and disruptors paving the way—is not just a form of applause; it serves as fuel to inspire and accelerate progress in the ever-expanding world of telecommunication.

With this, the Asian Telecom Awards 2024 shines a spotlight on these success stories, honouring the industry leaders who push the boundaries of possibility and unlock the transformative power of technology.

Tracing back to its origins in the Asian Mobile News’ debut in 2003, the awards programme has continuously been elevating and celebrating exceptional accomplishments within the telecom industry. It lauds companies that not only drive progress but also ignite further innovation within the sector.

“I am really honoured and humbled today in terms of support. This award doesn’t belong to me, or to a few colleagues of mine in M1. This award really belongs to 300 M1 members of our family in Singapore

AsianTelecomAwards 2024Winners

1ENGAGE

B2B Client Initiative of the Year - Indonesia

Afghan Wireless Communication Company

Telecom Company of the Year - Afghanistan

ATOM Myanmar Limited

Telecom Company of the Year - Myanmar

Digital Initiative of the Year - Myanmar

Boldyn Networks HK Limited

Infrastructure Initiative of the Year - Hong Kong

中国电信（亚太）China Telecom (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd

Submarine Telecom Company of the Year - Singapore

Infrastructure Initiative of the Year - Singapore

Telecom Solutions Provider of the Year - Singapore

COMARCH

AI Initiative of the Year - Japan

Technology Innovation of the Year - Japan

Converge ICT Solutions Inc.

AI Initiative of the Year - Philippines

Technology Innovation of the Year - Philippines

Broadband Telecom Company of the Year - Philippines

Dhivehi Raajjeyge Gulhun PLC (Dhiraagu)

Broadband Telecom Company of the Year - Maldives

DITO Telecommunity Corporation

Digital Initiative of the Year - Philippines

Mobile App of the Year - Philippines

Ezecom Co,.Ltd

Broadband Telecom Company of the Year - Cambodia

Mobile App of the Year - Cambodia

Fiber@Home Limited

Infrastructure Initiative of the Year - Bangladesh

5BB Broadband Global Technology Company Limited

Broadband Telecom Company of the Year - Myanmar

and in Malaysia. I think all 300 of us, for the last four years, have been working very hard transforming this organisation into the digital route. Irrespective of pandemic, work-from-home situation, everybody’s gone through with shared hard work, determination, and discipline,” said Manjot Singh Mann, M1 Limited. Mann was awarded with the CEO of the Year award in this year’s instalment of the awards programme.

Entries to the Asian Telecom Awards 2024 were evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges comprising Yang Chi Chih, Technology, Media & Telecommunications Industry Leader at Deloitte Southeast Asia; Joongshik Wang, EY Parthenon Asean Leader and EY Asean Technology, Media & Entertainment and Telecommunications Leader; and Wilson Chow, Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications Industry Leader and China Artificial Intelligence Leader at PwC China.

Congratulations to all the winners for their exceptional contributions to the Asian telecommunications domain! See the full list of award recipients below:

Globe Telecom

ESG Initiative of the Year - Philippines

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Technology Innovation of the Year - China

Jio Platforms Ltd.

Telecom Company of the Year - India

Kacific Broadband Satellites Ltd

Satellite Telecom Company of the Year - Singapore

Kerala Fibre Optic Network Limited

Infrastructure Initiative of the Year - India

LightsUp Network Solutions Sdn Bhd

Technology Innovation of the Year - Malaysia

Lintasarta

Technology Innovation of the Year - Indonesia

M1 Limited

Mobile Operator of the Year - Singapore

Technology Innovation of the Year - Singapore

Mobile-Technologies

Digital Initiative of the Year - Thailand

Network Integrity Assurance Technologies Sdn Bhd

Satellite Telecom Company of the Year - Brunei Darussalam

Ooredoo Kuwait

Mobile Operator of the Year - Kuwait

Telecom Company of the Year - Kuwait

Ooredoo Qatar

Telecom Company of the Year - Qatar

PLINTRON

B2B Client Initiative of the Year - India

Cloud Initiative of the Year - India

PLN Icon Plus

Broadband Telecom Company of the Year - Indonesia

PT. Eka Mas Republik

Infrastructure Initiative of the Year - Indonesia

Data Management Initiative of the Year - Indonesia

PT Tower Bersama Infrastructure Tbk

Fast-Track Deployment of the Year - Indonesia

PT XL Axiata, Tbk

Customer Service Initiative of the Year - Indonesia

Marketing & Brand Initiative of the Year - Indonesia

PT. Dayamitra Telekomunikasi, Tbk (MITRATEL)

Wholesale Company Initiative of the Year - Indonesia

PT Telkomsel

Mobile Operator of the Year - Indonesia

Telecom Company of the Year - Indonesia

Digital Initiative of the Year - Indonesia

Singtel

B2B Client Initiative of the Year - Singapore

Cybersecurity Initiative of the Year - Singapore

Digital Initiative of the Year - Singapore

Smart Axiata

B2B Client Initiative of the Year - Cambodia

HR Initiative of the Year - Cambodia

stc KSA

Cloud Initiative of the Year - Saudi Arabia

Symphony Communication Public Company Limited

Infrastructure Initiative of the Year - Thailand

HR Initiative of the Year - Thailand

Tata Communications Ltd

Digital Initiative of the Year - India

TECNO MOBILE LIMITED

Marketing & Brand Initiative of the Year - China

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM)

Telecom Company of the Year - Malaysia

Wholesale Company Initiative of the Year - Malaysia

Telin

Submarine Telecom Company of the Year - Indonesia

A2P SMS Monetization of the Year - Indonesia

Vi Business

IoT Initiative of the Year - India

Vianet Communication Ltd.

Broadband Telecom Company of the Year - Nepal

Technology Innovation of the Year - Nepal

VIETTEL CAMBODIA PTE. LTD. (Metfone)

Telecom Company of the Year - Cambodia

ViewQwest

Network and Security Integration of the Year - Singapore

Manjot Singh Mann, M1 Limited

CEO of the Year

1ENGAGE

5BB Broadband Global Technology Company Limited

Afghan Wireless Communication Company

ATOM Myanmar Limited

Boldyn Networks HK Limited

China Telecom (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd

COMARCH

Converge ICT Solutions Inc.

Dhivehi Raajjeyge Gulhun PLC (Dhiraagu)

DITO Telecommunity Corporation

Symphony Communication Public Company Limited

Ezecom Co,.Ltd

Fiber@Home Limited

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Lintasarta

M1 Limited

Network Integrity Assurance Technologies Sdn Bhd

PLN Icon Plus

PT. Dayamitra Telekomunikasi, Tbk (MITRATEL)

PT. Eka Mas Republik

PT Telkomsel

PT Tower Bersama Infrastructure Tbk Singtel

Tata Communications Ltd

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) Telin

Vianet Communication Ltd.

ViewQwest

Revolutionising Satellite Communication in Brunei

NIAT is revolutionising satellite communication, bridging digital divides, and shaping the future with VSAT services, uninterrupted satellite connectivity, and geospatial technology.

In the realm of telecommunications, one company stands as a beacon of innovation and connectivity: Network Integrity Assurance Technologies (NIAT) Sdn Bhd. Renowned for its pioneering endeavours in the satellite communication industry, NIAT has emerged as a trailblazer, reshaping the landscape of Brunei’s telecommunications sector and beyond.

A cornerstone of NIAT’s service offerings is its VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) services, providing internet connectivity to remote locations, and enabling seamless communication for schools, businesses, and communities in hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, NIAT offers satellite phones, ensuring reliable communication in remote and disaster-prone regions where traditional networks may be unavailable.

Moreover, NIAT’s prowess extends to delivering uninterrupted satellite connectivity over Brunei’s vast waters, overcoming geographical obstacles with unparalleled efficiency. This achievement underscores NIAT’s dedication to serving even the most challenging environments with steadfast reliability.

Another of NIAT’s innovations and developments, OBSERVE, epitomises the company’s commitment to augmenting Brunei’s connectivity. This cutting-edge geospatial domain functions as a vital tool for acquiring situational and spatial awareness, empowering users to make informed decisions. NIAT regards OBSERVE

as pivotal to its mission of shaping Brunei’s technological landscape, providing a platform to integrate smarter solutions that boost overall efficiency and effectiveness across diverse domains.

Trusted Leader in Connectivity

NIAT’s dedication to excellence has garnered acclaim from global industry peers and discerning clients alike. Its innovative projects and unwavering commitment to service quality have cemented NIAT’s reputation as a trusted leader in satellite communication. The company’s contributions to enhancing connectivity and bridging digital divides have garnered recognition on both local and international stages.

The true measure of NIAT’s success lies in the resounding testimonials of its clients. Praising NIAT’s technical prowess and unwavering reliability, clients commend the company’s proactive support and exceptional services. NIAT’s specialised satellite internet solutions have revolutionised connectivity in remote regions, earning plaudits for their effectiveness and dependability.

Transformative Journey & Unwavering Commitment

Reflecting on NIAT’s journey, the company’s

CEO shares profound gratitude for the opportunities to effect transformative change in the satellite communication landscape. “Our journey has been nothing short of remarkable,” remarks the CEO.

“We are honoured to be recognised for our contributions to advancing connectivity and driving positive change globally. As we chart our course forward, NIAT remains steadfast in its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering excellence to our esteemed clients.”

As NIAT continues to lead the satellite industry, its commitment to excellence remains unwavering. The company’s transformative projects and initiatives not only revolutionise connectivity but also contribute to economic growth and societal development on a global scale. NIAT’s journey serves as an inspiration to all, epitomising the transformative power of innovation, dedication, and collaboration in shaping the future of telecommunications.

As we chart our course forward, NIAT remains steadfast in its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering excellence to our esteemed clients

Antennas at NIAT’s Technical Facility, Supporting Teleport Operations

Image featuring VSAT Gyro Equipment Installed on Vessel

EZECOM: Pioneering Digital Transformation in Cambodia

EZECOM, Cambodia’s leading provider of Internet and Solution services, is at the forefront of the nation’s digital transformation. As a premium internet and digital platform provider, EZECOM offers comprehensive solutions for businesses and individuals, including fiber optic internet, cloud services, and advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and cybersecurity. Through its

collaborations with global tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Cisco, EZECOM ensures its clients have access to cutting-edge solutions.

Empowering Users, Optimising Operations

EZECOM’s commitment to user empowerment extends beyond its offerings. The company’s revolutionary EZECOM operation system (EOS) mobile app empowers users with seamless service control, enhancing their experience and satisfaction. The app also optimises internal processes, boosting efficiency and data protection. This innovative solution exemplifies EZECOM’s adaptability to industry trends, consistently meeting evolving user needs.

Elevating Customer Service

The ISP Mobile app, an integral part of the EOS platform, empowers EZECOM’s field

service team to manage the network remotely, ensuring prompt responses and optimal performance. Integrated with the company’s CRM system, the app facilitates real-time interaction with customers and colleagues, driving a superior and personalised customer service experience.

Network Excellence, Leading the Way:

As one of the largest fixed broadband operators in Cambodia, EZECOM actively invests in network upgrades. By migrating its entire subscriber base to cutting-edge GPON and XGPON technologies, the company delivers unparalleled speeds and reliability. Additionally, EZECOM is the first in the country to adopt AirPON technology for fixed fiber access and Fiber to the Room (FTTR) for enhanced in-house Wi-Fi experiences.

EZECOM’s dedication to innovation, exceptional services, and continuous network improvement has solidified its position as a leading force in Cambodia’s digital landscape. The company continues to play an instrumental role in empowering individuals, businesses, and ultimately, the nation as it embraces the digital future.

SUMEET PURI

The Move to 5G: Enabling more resilient, event-driven supply chains in a new age of industrial manufacturing

The high-speed connectivity, low latency, and high bandwidth characteristics of 5G networks promise significant advancements in manufacturing and supply chain capabilities. For example, manufacturers on 5G networks will be able to connect billions of devices such as machine sensors and equipment, connected cars, and more with less network equipment, opening up a whole new world of applications and opportunities.

Some enterprises in Singapore are already eyeing 5G to re-engineer operations. Tuas Port, which will be the biggest port in the world once fully rolled out, is deploying a private 5G network to support 5G-enabled automated guide vehicles (AGVs) and Automated Cranes, while also exploring future use in Smart Grid5 and cargo handling operations.

The impending sunset on 3G networks offers the industry a widespread opportunity to revolutionise data-intensive processes, employ automated machinery, and establish real-time production and monitoring control – boosting the industry’s operations and service offerings.

But as the manufacturing industry embraces the full potential of 5G, the need for effectively managing and orchestrating real-time visibility across all levels of operations becomes paramount. The adoption of an event-driven operational framework – underpinned by an event-driven architecture (EDA) – will lay the foundation for a new era of agility and efficiency.

Unlocking opportunities unveiled by 5G in industrial manufacturing The advancements in 5G present both challenges and opportunities for manufacturers. By connecting more devices and sensors, huge waves of data are generated in near real-time, roughly 1000 times higher data volumes than are currently present on today’s mobile networks. The conventional architecture that funnels all data back to a centralised data centre will be insufficient for processing and responding rapidly to the ever-growing torrents of information delivered at 5G speed and satisfying end-user requirements.

This necessitates a change in how manufacturers architect their IT systems and manage their underlying infrastructure to deal with the extensive volume of real-time data. A faster, more capable, more bandwidth network backbone needs a complementing application data movement layer. A new approach is required to help manufacturers make the most of 5G – one that adopts EDA to allow them to reliably share data throughout the smart factory that spans edge, cloud and onpremise applications.

The role of an event mesh in 5G empowerment EDA – and by extension event mesh – is an application and integration architectural choice to fully leverage the 5G evolution. When networks become faster than disk, a radical shift in application development can bring about much better customer experience and insights into applications. We have already become accustomed to streaming music and movies, rather than downloading them, changing customer experience and insights in a never-before-seen way. This has also opened

SUMEET PURI Chief Technology Solutions Officer, Solace

a tremendous amount of business opportunities, while shutting down many businesses which did not see this shift coming.

For manufacturers to move at today’s speed of business, they must stream data from devices between the applications and microservices that process them in real-time so that insights can be gleaned and decisions made quickly. Take, for example, sensor data that indicates a faulty component on a machine. When that information is streamed in real-time, manufacturers can quickly schedule maintenance or repair work, ensuring that the problem is addressed with minimal production delays across the factory. In this case, the information exchanged between the sensor and application is called an event. This can also be a change, action or observation in a system that produces a notification. Other events can be more basic, such as a battery charge level threshold being met, or a periodic temperature reading from a sensor on a remote device.

Making use of the volume of events and the information in event streams requires an event-driven architecture, which promotes the production, detection, consumption of, and reaction to events. Adopting an event-driven approach to systems integration plays a crucial role in ensuring manufacturers effectively utilise 5G capabilities through timely, event-triggered interactions, which is particularly crucial given the intricacies of interconnected and data-intensive manufacturing operations. In this paradigm, manufacturers can plan how events are interpreted, transformed, published and subscribed, propagated across distributed networks so that the entire factory can be connected and reactive in real time.

Complementing this, an event mesh acts as a communication layer that facilitates smooth data exchange among various applications and microservices, aiding in expediting decision-making. With an event mesh, manufacturers can easily allow events from one application to be published and then subscribed by any other application – no matter where these applications are deployed – with the scalability, performance, and security required to support today’s real-time applications. To make it more efficient for users, organisations such as GovTech have also developed an event catalogue that enables the discovery and sharing of event data, such as status updates or event streams in real-time, across both the Internet and Intranet.

Singapore-based PSA is one enterprise leveraging this evolution of 5G by becoming event driven. As explained extremely well in this article by Ho Vee Leung, PSA CIO, most of the work at the port is performed by unmanned driverless vehicles, or AGVs, while creating new job opportunities. PSA plans to implement artificial intelligence, data analytics, robotics and other applications to bolster the nation’s maritime prominence.

The core of smart factory strategies is founded on a real-time event infrastructure that connects all elements, fostering end-toend integration, event-driven processes, and heightened visibility across the global value chain. For high-tech manufacturers aiming to remain competitive in the dynamic manufacturing landscape, the implementation of event-driven systems becomes imperative.