Global Markets: In just over three years time almost 70% of the world’s telecoms connections will be in emerging markets - up from just over 50% at present. IDC makes this highly encouraging forecast in its latest report on key markets. Read our summary of the IDC report - or ignore the emerging markets at your own risk!

Analysis, Conferences, Exhibitions, ITU, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Global: At the Telecom Development Symposium (TDS) held as part of ITU Telecom World, leaders (including 180 from 90 of the least-developed and low-income ITU Member States) met to discuss how ICT can help bridge the digital divide and drive growth in their countries. The event was organised by the ITU with support from Cisco Systems. Cat Barton Reports.

Analysis, ICT, Global: Nobel Peace Prize winner and Managing Director of Grameen Bank Professor Muhammad Yunus announced at the ITU Telecom World 2006 opening ceremony that ITU would team up with several major telecoms companies to combine the power of these enterprises with micro-financing for the poorer members of the tele-community...

Internet, Global: Athens, Greece has just witnessed the first-ever Internet Governance Forum (IGF), where capacity-building has emerged as a subject for action and discussion, cutting across all areas of interest.

Over the last five years, the fixed telecoms sector in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has faced major challenges from mobile, which has appeared unstoppable. However, it is now believed that the decline in fixed-line penetration may show signs of slowing down – and that in some markets there may yet be some growth...

Markets, Technology, Saudi Arabia, MENA: The very fact that Saudi Arabia needs to consider the financing of its future growth and development is an indication of how much has changed in the Kingdom in the past few years. It’s not that the oil is running out. But other issues such as demographic change and regional instability are leading to a re-evaluation of future plans.