Publication Overview
This annual report offers a wealth of information on the Mobile Communications and Mobile Data market in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea and Taiwan. Subjects covered include:
Executive Summary
This Asia market annual report covers the eight economies in the North Asia sub-region. It takes an overall look at the various telecoms markets, together with a particular look at the mobile communications and data markets in each of the economies.
The markets covered include: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea and Taiwan.
After a period in which Asia’s mobile industry has been one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in the world, in relative terms a slowdown has occurred, especially in many of the leading national markets in the region. By March 2007, the region had amassed 1.1 billion mobile subscribers. Of these, a total of 645 million were to be found in North Asia. Of course, China dominates the North Asia figures, with its 465 million mobile subscribers.
North Asia mobile markets - subscribers, penetration and annual change - March 2007
Country | Penetration | Subscribers (million) | Annual change |
China | 35% | 465.2 | 18% |
Hong Kong | 118% | 8.2 | 8% |
Japan | 76% | 96.7 | 5% |
Macau | 145% | 0.7 | 21% |
Mongolia | 27% | 0.8 | 43% |
South Korea | 85% | 41.1 | 6% |
Taiwan | 96% | 22.1 | 4% |
Highlights in the individual mobile markets of North Asia include:
The development of the telecommunications sector in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is seriously impeded by the country’s parlous economic state and government repression of communication. It has been a difficult journey indeed for telecommunications in the DPRK. Though mobile services were finally launched on a limited scale in the capital Pyongyang in 2002, North Korean citizens were banned from using mobile phones as of May 2004. It has been suggested that the ban was imposed following the oil train explosion at Ryongchon in April 2004. It was further suggested that the blast was triggered using mobile phones in an attempt to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. North Korea’s obsession with secrecy continues to make it extremely difficult to get a clear picture of the country’s telecoms sector. For the country overview, see chapter 6, page 132.
Data in this report is the latest available at the time of preparation and may not be for the current year.
Table of Contents
1. | CHINA | |
1.1 | Overview of China’s mobile market | |
1.1.1 | Analysis – prevalence of mobile phones in China’s city centres | |
1.1.2 | Statistical overview | |
1.2 | Regulatory issues | |
1.2.1 | Price wars | |
1.2.2 | Subscriber registration | |
1.2.3 | Calling Party Pays (CPP) | |
1.3 | Mobile technologies | |
1.3.1 | Market overview | |
1.3.2 | GSM | |
1.3.3 | Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) | |
1.3.4 | Personal Access System (PAS)/Personal Handy System (PHS) | |
1.3.5 | Third Generation (3G) mobile | |
1.3.6 | Fourth Generation (4G) mobile | |
1.3.7 | Mobile handsets | |
1.4 | Major mobile operators | |
1.4.1 | Overview | |
1.4.2 | China Mobile | |
1.4.3 | China Unicom | |
1.4.4 | Other mobile operators | |
1.4.5 | Mobile multimedia alliance | |
1.5 | Mobile voice services | |
1.5.1 | Prepaid cards (SIM and PIM cards) | |
1.5.2 | Satellite mobile | |
1.6 | Mobile data services | |
1.6.1 | Market overview | |
1.6.2 | Short Message Service (SMS) | |
1.6.3 | Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) | |
1.6.4 | Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) | |
1.6.5 | General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) | |
1.6.6 | Push-to-Talk (PTT) | |
1.6.7 | Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution (EDGE) | |
1.6.8 | Broadband wireless data services | |
1.6.9 | BlackBerry | |
1.7 | Mobile applications | |
1.7.1 | Market overview | |
1.7.2 | Global Positioning Systems (GPS) | |
1.7.3 | M-commerce | |
1.7.4 | Mobile Video-on-Demand (VoD) | |
1.7.5 | Mobile gaming | |
1.7.6 | Instant Message (IM) search function | |
1.7.7 | Ringtones | |
1.7.8 | Push email | |
2. | HONG KONG | |
2.1 | Overview of Hong Kong’s mobile market | |
2.2 | Regulatory issues | |
2.2.1 | Mobile Number Portability (MNP) | |
2.2.2 | Spectrum licensing | |
2.2.3 | Personal Communications Services (PCS) | |
2.3 | Mobile technologies | |
2.3.1 | Third Generation (3G) mobile | |
2.4 | Major mobile operators | |
2.4.1 | Hong Kong CSL | |
2.4.2 | New World Mobility | |
2.4.3 | CSL New World Mobility Group | |
2.4.4 | Hutchison Telecom | |
2.4.5 | Peoples (China Resources Peoples Telephone Co Ltd) | |
2.4.6 | SmarTone-Vodafone | |
2.4.7 | Sunday | |
2.5 | Mobile voice services | |
2.5.1 | Prepaid cards | |
2.6 | Mobile data services | |
2.6.1 | Short Message Service (SMS) | |
2.6.2 | Multimedia Message Service (MMS) | |
2.6.3 | Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution (EDGE) | |
2.6.4 | Push-to-talk over Cellular (PoC) | |
2.6.5 | Mobile TV | |
2.7 | Wireless data | |
2.7.1 | Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) | |
2.7.2 | High-Speed Circuit-Switched Data (HSCSD) | |
2.7.3 | High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) | |
2.7.4 | General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) | |
2.8 | Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) services | |
2.9 | Mobile content | |
3. | JAPAN | |
3.1 | Overview of Japan’s mobile market | |
3.1.1 | Mobile statstics | |
3.2 | Market developments | |
3.3 | New entrants into the mobile market | |
3.3.1 | Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) | |
3.4 | IP mobile telephony to hit the Japanese market around 2008 | |
3.5 | Mobile technologies | |
3.5.1 | Personal Digital Cellular (PDC), | |
3.5.2 | Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) | |
3.5.3 | Personal Handy Service (PHS) | |
3.5.4 | Third Generation (3G) mobile | |
3.5.5 | Fourth Generation (4G) mobile | |
3.6 | Major mobile operators | |
3.6.1 | Brief company descriptions | |
3.7 | Mobile voice services | |
3.7.1 | Prepaid cards | |
3.7.2 | Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) | |
3.8 | Mobile data services | |
3.8.1 | Analysis – mobile data market | |
3.8.2 | Mobile Internet | |
3.8.3 | Short Message Service (SMS) | |
3.8.4 | Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) | |
3.8.5 | General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) | |
3.8.6 | Push-to-Talk (PTT) | |
3.8.7 | BlackBerry | |
3.9 | Mobile content and applications | |
3.9.1 | Content for mobile market | |
3.9.2 | Global Positioning System (GPS) | |
3.9.3 | M-commerce / m-cash | |
3.9.4 | Mobile gaming | |
3.9.5 | Mobile conferencing | |
3.9.6 | Mobile videoconferencing / mobile video | |
3.9.7 | Mobile TV and radio | |
3.9.8 | Mobile ringtone and music downloads | |
3.9.9 | QR code readers | |
3.10 | Mobile Internet services | |
3.10.1 | Overview | |
3.10.2 | Mobile Enterprise Alliance Japan | |
4. | MACAU | |
4.1 | Overview of Macau’s mobile market | |
4.2 | Mobile technologies | |
4.2.1 | Push-to-talk (PTT) | |
4.3 | Major mobile operators | |
4.3.1 | CTM | |
4.3.2 | Hutchison Telecom Macau | |
4.3.3 | SmarTone Mobile Communications (Macau) Ltd | |
4.3.4 | China Unicom | |
5. | MONGOLIA | |
5.1 | Overview of Mongolia’s mobile market | |
5.1.1 | Mobile statistics | |
5.2 | Major mobile operators | |
5.2.1 | MobiCom | |
5.2.2 | SkyTel | |
5.2.3 | Unitel | |
5.2.4 | G-Mobile | |
6. | NORTH KOREA | |
6.1 | Overview of North Korea’s mobile market | |
6.2 | Mobile technologies | |
6.2.1 | GSM | |
6.2.2 | CDMA | |
7. | SOUTH KOREA | |
7.1 | Overview of South Korea’s mobile market | |
7.1.1 | Introduction | |
7.1.2 | Mobile statistics | |
7.1.3 | Mobile growth forecast | |
7.1.4 | Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) | |
7.1.5 | Mobile phone ‘addiction’ in South Korea | |
7.2 | Mobile technologies | |
7.2.1 | Analogue (AMPS) | |
7.2.2 | Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) | |
7.2.3 | Personal Communication Service (PCS) | |
7.2.4 | Third Generation (3G) mobile in South Korea | |
7.2.5 | Fourth Generation (4G) mobile in South Korea | |
7.2.6 | One-Phone - fixed and mobile services over one device | |
7.2.7 | Mobile handset market | |
7.3 | Major mobile operators | |
7.3.1 | Overview | |
7.3.2 | SK Telecom | |
7.3.3 | KTF | |
7.3.4 | LG Telecom | |
7.4 | Mobile voice services | |
7.4.1 | Market overview | |
7.4.2 | Satellite mobile | |
7.5 | Mobile data services | |
7.5.1 | Market overview | |
7.5.2 | Mobile Internet | |
7.5.3 | Short Message Service (SMS) | |
7.5.4 | Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) | |
7.5.5 | Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) | |
7.5.6 | Push-to-Talk (PTT) | |
7.6 | Mobile content and applications | |
7.6.1 | Overview | |
7.6.2 | Video calls | |
7.6.3 | Position location system / Global Positioning Systems (GPS) | |
7.6.4 | Automobile telematics | |
7.6.5 | M-commerce / m-payment | |
7.6.6 | Mobile banking (m-banking) | |
7.6.7 | Mobile government (m-government) | |
7.6.8 | Mobile TV broadcasting / Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) | |
7.6.9 | Mobile Video-on-Demand (mobile VoD) | |
7.6.10 | Remote home monitoring | |
7.6.11 | Multi-lingual service | |
8. | TAIWAN | |
8.1 | Overview of Taiwan’s mobile market | |
8.1.1 | Mobile statistics | |
8.2 | Regulatory issues | |
8.2.1 | Impact of competition | |
8.2.2 | Low tier mobile licences | |
8.3 | Mobile technologies | |
8.3.1 | Third Generation (3G) mobile | |
8.3.2 | Next generation services | |
8.3.3 | Mobile handset market | |
8.4 | Major mobile operators | |
8.4.1 | Chunghwa Telecom | |
8.4.2 | Far EasTone Telecommunications | |
8.4.3 | KG Telecom | |
8.4.4 | MobiTai Telecom | |
8.4.5 | Taiwan Mobile (formerly Taiwan Cellular) | |
8.4.6 | Asia Pacific Broadband Wireless (APBW) | |
8.4.7 | VIBO Telecom | |
8.5 | Mobile voice services | |
8.5.1 | Prepaid cards | |
8.5.2 | Personal Handyphone Service (PHS) / Personal Access System (PAS) | |
8.6 | Mobile data services | |
8.6.1 | Short Message Service (SMS) | |
8.6.2 | Multimedia Messaging System (MMS) | |
8.6.3 | Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) | |
8.6.4 | General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) | |
8.6.5 | Mobile Internet | |
8.6.6 | Video calls | |
8.6.7 | Push-to-Talk (PTT) | |
9. | GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS | |
Exhibit 1 – Restructuring in China – scenario 1 | ||
Exhibit 2 – Restructuring in China – scenario 2 | ||
Exhibit 3 – MVNO licensees* in Hong Kong – 2006 | ||
Exhibit 4 – Overview of licences awarded to mobile carriers in South Korea | ||
Exhibit 5 – Wireless Internet services in South Korea | ||
Exhibit 6 – Comparison of S-DMB and T-DMB application in South Korea | ||
Exhibit 7 – Mobile data licence winners in Taiwan | ||
Table 1 – Mobile statistics in China – 2006 | ||
Table 2 – Mobile subscribers by operator and annual change in China – 2006 | ||
Table 3 – Mobile subscriber growth in China – 1995 - 2007 | ||
Table 4 – Little Smart subscribers – 2002 - 2007 | ||
Table 5 – Prepaid mobile subscribers by operator in China – 2005 | ||
Table 6 – Mobile statistics in Hong Kong – February 2007 | ||
Table 7 – Mobile subscriber growth in Hong Kong – 1995 - 2007 | ||
Table 8 – Mobile service revenue in Hong Kong – 1992 - 2006 | ||
Table 9 – PCS subscriber growth in Hong Kong – 1997 - 2006 | ||
Table 10 – 3G mobile subscriber growth in Hong Kong – 2005 - 2007 | ||
Table 11 – Mobile operators, technology, subscribers and annual change in Hong Kong – 2006 | ||
Table 12 – Operator market share by subscribers in Hong Kong – 2003 - 2006 | ||
Table 13 – CSL New World subscribers and annual change – 1998 - 2006 | ||
Table 14 – New World Mobility subscribers and annual change – 1998 - 2005 | ||
Table 15 – Hutchison subscribers and annual change – 1998 - 2006 | ||
Table 16 – Peoples subscribers and annual change – 1998 - 2006 | ||
Table 17 – SmarTone subscribers and annual change – 1998 - 2006 | ||
Table 18 – Sunday subscribers and annual change – 1998 - 2006 | ||
Table 19 – Prepaid SIM card growth in Hong Kong – 1997 - 2007 | ||
Table 20 – Monthly SMS volume in Hong Kong – 2002 - 2006 | ||
Table 21 – 2.5G subscriber growth in Hong Kong – 2002 - 2006 | ||
Table 22 – MVNO subscriber growth in Hong Kong – 2005 - 2007 | ||
Table 23 – Mobile statistics in Japan – May 2007 | ||
Table 24 – Mobile subscriber growth in Japan – 1995 - 2007 | ||
Table 25 – Mobile subscribers by system in Japan – May 2007 | ||
Table 26 – cdmaOne subscribers in Japan – 1999 - 2007 | ||
Table 27 – CDMA2000 1x subscribers in Japan – 2003 - 2007 | ||
Table 28 – WCDMA subscribers in Japan – 2003 - 2007 | ||
Table 29 – PHS subscribers by carrier in Japan – 2005 - 2007 | ||
Table 30 – PHS subscribers in Japan – 1995 – 2007 | ||
Table 31 – 3G mobile operators, technology and subscribers in Japan – 2006 | ||
Table 32 – NTT DoCoMo FOMA WCDMA subscribers – 2001 - 2007 | ||
Table 33 – Mobile subscribers by operator in Japan – December 2006 | ||
Table 34 – Prepaid mobile subscribers in Japan – May 2007 | ||
Table 35 – Mobile wireless Internet subscribers by providers in Japan – May 2007 | ||
Table 36 – Mobile wireless Internet subscriber growth in Japan – 2000 - 2007 | ||
Table 37 – Mobile statistics in Macau – April 2007 | ||
Table 38 – Mobile subscriber growth in Macau – 1990 - 1996; 1998 - 2007 | ||
Table 39 – Mobile operators, technology, subscribers and annual change in Macau – 2006 | ||
Table 40 – Mobile statistics in Mongolia – March 2007 | ||
Table 41 – Mobile operators, technology, subscribers and annual change in Mongolia – March 2007 | ||
Table 42 – Mobile subscribers, penetration and annual change in Mongolia – 1996 - 2007 | ||
Table 43 – Mobile statistics in North Korea – 2005 | ||
Table 44 – Mobile statistics in South Korea – March 2007 | ||
Table 45 – Mobile subscriber growth in South Korea – 1994 - 2007 | ||
Table 46 – Mobile subscribers and market share by operator in South Korea – March 2007 | ||
Table 47 – Mobile operators, technology, subscribers and annual change in South Korea – March 2007 | ||
Table 48 – Overall mobile ARPU by operator in South Korea – 2006 | ||
Table 49 – CDMA2000 1x subscribers by operator and system in South Korea – 2004; 2007 | ||
Table 50 – WCDMA* subscribers by operator in South Korea – March 2007 | ||
Table 51 – Mobile statistics in Taiwan – 2006 | ||
Table 52 – Mobile subscriber growth and penetration in Taiwan – 1995 - 2006 | ||
Table 53 – 3G mobile subscriber growth and market share in Taiwan – 2003 - 2006 | ||
Table 54 – Mobile services revenue in Taiwan – 1992 - 2006 | ||
Table 55 – Mobile services ARPU in Taiwan – 2G and 3G – 2005 - 2006 | ||
Table 56 – 3G mobile subscriber growth in Taiwan – 2003 - 2006 | ||
Table 57 – Mobile operators, technology, subscribers and annual change in Taiwan – 2006 | ||
Table 58 – Subscribers and market share by operator in Taiwan – 2006 | ||
Table 59 – Chunghwa Telecom mobile subscribers and annual change – 1998 - 2006 | ||
Table 60 – Far EasTone mobile subscribers and annual change – 1998 - 2006 | ||
Table 61 – KG Telecom mobile subscribers and annual change – 1998 - 2006 | ||
Table 62 – Taiwan Mobile subscribers and annual change – 1998 - 2006 | ||
Table 63 – APBW mobile subscribers and annual change – 2003 - 2006 | ||
Table 64 – VIBO Telecom mobile subscribers and annual change – 2005 - 2006 | ||
Table 65 – Prepaid 2G subscribers – market share in Taiwan – 2000 - 2006 | ||
Table 66 – PHS subscriber growth in Taiwan – 2001 - 2006 | ||
Table 67 – SMS message volume and revenue in Taiwan – 2001 - 2006 | ||
Table 68 – WAP subscriber growth in Taiwan – 2001 - 2006 | ||
Table 69 – GPRS subscriber growth in Taiwan – 2001 - 2006 | ||
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Number of pages 215
Status Archived
Last updated 16 Oct 2007
Update History
Analyst: Stephen McNamara
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