SINGAPORE, Dec. 12, 2012 (ANTARA/PRNewswire) -- Mobile Value Added Services (VAS) industries in emerging markets are under threat from rising smart phone adoption and the growth of global mobile players. The 7th Annual Mobile VAS Conference will thus gather mobile operators, VAS and content providers to discuss how they can rise to these challenges. The event will be held on the 5-6th March 2013 in Jakarta and is designed for VAS stakeholders in Asia.

As customers turn to smart phones and Over-The-Top Content from global players like Apple, Samsung and Facebook, mobile operators are being squeezed out of the VAS market. Silu Cao, Programme Director, Telecoms IQ said this cuts the need for mobile VAS and mobile operators in emerging markets need to beware. "The current situation for the mobile VAS industry is not rosy. Global magnates and innovators want to take a slice of the VAS pie in emerging markets so mobile operators need to step up their game," said Silu.

"The silver lining is that emerging markets are in the early stages of smart phone adoption, so there's a chance for things to turn around. The 7th Annual Mobile VAS Conference is an opportunity for mobile operators to discuss how they can provide valuable content to customers; deal with the rise of Over-The-Top players and ultimately increase customer loyalty."

The event has specific sessions catered to the challenges faced by mobile operators, including sessions on how to manage VAS as it moves to mobile internet and social platforms; create compelling content users are willing to pay, and how to capitalise on mobile commerce. Regulators from Indonesia and India will also share their vital insights on the regulatory developments within the market.

Mobile operators in emerging markets must avoid being left behind as technological convergence becomes the new norm. "The lines between mobile, internet, TV and telecoms are blurring in developed markets, and emerging markets in Asia Pacific will experience this soon. Therefore, mobile operators in these markets need to make every effort to avoid becoming a transmission pipeline."

Speakers at the event include:

-- Ashwin Sasongko, DG for Application and Content, Ministry of ICT Indonesia
-- Heru Sutadi, Executive Director, ICT Institute Indonesia
-- Erik Meijer, Chief Commercial Officer, PT Indosat Indonesia
-- Jason Lo, Chief Executive Director, Tune Talk Malaysia
-- Supaporn Preechakitanant, Content Partnership Management Manager, AIS (Thailand)

For more information about the 7th Annual Mobile VAS Conference, please visit the event website, www.mobilevasasia.com, call +65 6722 9388 or email enquiry@iqpc.com.sg.

SOURCE Telecoms IQ

Editor: PR Wire
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