Markets, Telecoms, Global: It was encouraging to read that at last Research in Motion (RIM) had received permission after waiting several years to sell its Blackberry devices in China. The reasons go beyond mere bureaucracy but this factor has always played a part in preventing telecoms technology from enriching its intended market.

No-one would ever accuse China of being a market unsympathetic to telecoms, as the number of mobile subscribers testifies. China joins several countries which have performed so well in recent years that they can no longer be described as emerging. In this respect China makes common cause with India, Russia and Brazil, all of whom are putting behind them previous political and economic problems. The markets selected by Developing Telecoms for coverage reflect a range of telecoms activity. As well as the high flyers just mentioned, there are those markets that have achieved success in one particular field within the telecoms sector.

As an example, one may quote the success of mobile ownership in Chile, revealed in a study some months ago as being equal to that of the USA. The success of Gulf States in building up telecoms involvement has also been notable. This is faithfully charted and analysed by reports from the Arab Advisors Group.

After these two categories, there is a drop to those emerging markets which are only mentioned briefly. One key example here is the group of countries comprising ECOWAS, West Africa’s answer to the European Union (Zain’s investment in Ghana mentioned on this website is a welcome exception). On occasion a list of countries such as Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Niger follows the announcement of some policy decision but that is where the mentions end. Little if anything is heard of any progress in these and many other countries.

As if this was not enough, some countries generate absolutely nothing. The political climate, for example, may be hostile to foreign investment or to ordinary people forming their own destinies by purchasing mobiles, using the Internet etc. In other words, a country’s citizens are completely blocked off from the outside world – no communication, no inspiration whether received or given.

It is to these markets and those mentioned only in lists that these notes are dedicated. Developing Telecoms is asking anyone who has knowledge of these markets to let us know of any developments in telecoms, whether new restrictions on telecoms (one recalls the attempt by the Cambodia Government to block 3G) or for that matter any removals of restrictions. Perhaps there are some forthcoming contracts which will enhance telecoms in these countries.

Of course, Developing Telecoms appreciates that any such information forthcoming might be difficult to release in an electronic document forwarded to the world’s mass media. We will guarantee anonymity, if required…