Telecom Lead Asia: 3G handset users account for more than
70 percent of all mobile subscribers in Taiwan, which has one of the most
advanced telecommunications networks in Asia.
Increasing land and labor costs have forced Taiwan to
concentrate on technology, and it is now a leading high-tech center in Asia
Pacific.
Taiwan will drive both mobile and data communications
services due to excellent telecommunications infrastructure in place and the
innovative use of information technologies.
Annual telecommunications service revenues are around $12
billion and investment in telecoms infrastructure remains substantial.
Taiwan’s mobile operators had signed up close to 21
million 3G subscribers going into 2012.
The new operators Vibo and APBW gained close to 65 percent
of net additions during 2011, increasing the pressure on the three big players.
Chunghwa Telecom’s optical era project involves an
investment of $1.8 billion to construct fiber-optic network over five years.
The company provided fiber access to 2.4 million residential and business
subscribers.
In 2010, WiMAX networks became operational but slow
uptake resulted in the first industry consolidation towards end 2011 with the
original six players becoming five.
The NCC continues to delay awarding two mobile TV
licences.
