Across the APAC region, mobile has emerged as the primary connectivity type for the majority of citizens accessing digital services.
A new report by the GSMA underscores the role mobile connectivity is playing in building digital societies across the region and urges policymakers to support the development of digital ecosystems.
The report encourages governments to adopt policies designed to promote rapid mobile network coverage expansion and service uptake, including an efficient allocation of spectrum.
“Digital policy in Asia plays a crucial role in regional development, both in terms of helping define and promote forward-looking national digitisation agendas, and in supporting a harmonised, cross-border approach to regional issues,” GSMA head of Asia Alasdair Grant said.
“With this report, we will be able to work even more closely with our members and regulatory partners to develop and implement policies that support national development objectives.”
The new report focuses on the digital society initiatives underway in seven Asian countries - Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, and Thailand.
As part of this analysis, each market is assessed on its levels of connectivity, digital citizenship, digital lifestyle and digital commerce. These markets are grouped into three categories reflecting the diverse nature of the region:
Emerging digital societies (represented in the report by Bangladesh and Pakistan) - In these markets, digitization is primarily a tool for accelerating socioeconomic development and social inclusion. The priority is the provision of essential services in areas such as healthcare, education and financial services.
Transition digital societies (represented by Thailand and Indonesia) - Digitalization in this category is focused on the personalization of services that facilitate engagement between individuals and institutions. There is also a need for digital services to tackle the social, infrastructural and environmental issues that arise as a result of rapid urbanisation.
Advanced digital societies (represented by Australia, Japan, and Singapore) - Having already achieved ubiquitous network access and capacity, markets in this category are currently focused on developing interconnected and interoperable digital technologies between sectors. These markets are also assuming a regional leadership role in defining standards and best practice in key areas such as the IoT.