Consumers are set to benefit from significant changes in Brunei Darussalam’s telecoms market due to moves by the sector regulator to eliminate mobile termination and incoming call charges, amongst other measures. On March 3rd, the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI) announced plans to rationalise tariffs to ensure a level playing field between mobile operators. The changes,…
One of the most crucial components of Brunei Darussalam’s plan to transform itself into a knowledge-based economy by 2035 is the development of a modern ICT sector, utilising cutting-edge technology and practices to drive domestic growth. The sector has been singled out as a priority in the country’s long-term strategic development plan, Wawasan Brunei 2035, which has set an ambitious target of…
While developing the private ICT sector into a valuable contributor to the domestic economy, the government has also recognised the importance of integrating modern ICT systems into its own institutions as a means to stimulate the economy as a whole. By streamlining government bureaucracy through the implementation of new technology, the government hopes to slash red tape and create efficiencies that…
Interview: Suhaimi Hussain Where can telecoms companies grow, given Brunei Darussalam’s high level of mobile penetration? SUHAIMI HUSSAIN: Telecoms companies are currently looking at improving data utilisation. Due to the prevalent use of social media, there is an increased level of access to information for a wide variety of purposes. Relaying that information for online marketing is also increasing,…
In order to accommodate the rapid growth in the ICT sector in both the public and private spheres, the capabilities of Brunei Darussalam’s telecoms infrastructure are being bolstered in anticipation of even greater amounts of data traffic in the years to come. While so far the country’s fixed and mobile internet network has been able to accommodate the increasing data flows, a number of factors…
Interview:Haslina Taib In which specific niches within the information and communications technology (ICT) sector do local companies have the potential to expand? HASLINA TAIB: The ICT industry in Brunei Darussalam is nascent as it serves a small and unique market. However, we are now able to gain invaluable experience in particular with compact and efficient design to deliver solutions that…
The ICT sector has been singled out as a priority in Brunei Darussalam’s long-term strategic development plan, Wawasan Brunei 2035, which has set an ambitious target for the sector to contribute 5-6% to national GDP by 2015, compared to an estimated 2% in 2013. Although dial-up internet connections continue to dwindle, broadband connections witnessed a dramatic resurgence starting in 2013. Strong…
Commanding the second-highest GDP per capita among all ASEAN member nations at $39,700 in 2013, Brunei Darussalam remains one of the most advanced economies in the South-east Asia region. Historically, the hydrocarbons industry has dominated the Bruneian economy and allowed the country to amass considerable wealth. However, the nation is making an earnest effort to diversify its economy to ensure
Proposed regulatory reforms are set to give a boost to Brunei Darussalam’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector, an area of the economy that the government has targeted for growth. In mid-February, Hj Yahkup Hj Menudin, CEO of the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI), the state agency charged with both developing and regulating the ICT sector, said his…
Rural areas of Brunei Darussalam, which have long faced problems with information and communications technology (ICT) services, are set to benefit from a move to align the Sultanate’s bandwidth with that of its regional neighbours.The decision to replace mobile frequency bands comes as the Sultanate prepares to hand out 4G long-term evolution (LTE) licences. However, despite the wave of activity…
