Wrong number: Unicom was meant to herald the reform of China's telecoms sector and provide foreign players access to the market. But the company has failed to make much headway - in no small part due to its own ineptitude

Article Abstract:

The creation of Unicom in 1993 was meant to herald reform in China's telecoms sector. It was set to take a 30% share of the mobile communications market by the end of the decade, with investment of 300 billion renminbi. However, although the company is said to have signed joint venture agreements with foreign partners and has raised $1 billion, its subscriber base is less than 30,000 and is operational is only a few major cities. The company also faces competition from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, which is also its regulator. To foreign operators Unicom represents some of the worst aspects of operating in China.

Market share, Unicom Corp.

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Taming the beast: Japan mulls a break-up of stodgy phone giant NTT

Article Abstract:

Japan's Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications is considering breaking up the huge near-monopoly Nippon Telegraph and Telephone, which apparently resists such a move. Proponents of the change point to the dismantling of AT&T in the US, which led to several smaller but nimbler giants. NTT may suspect that the officials want several smaller companies to improve their control, and says many of the problems a breakup would supposedly fix are in fact caused by bureaucratic oversight. Corporate leadership is also an issue.

Management, Telecommunications systems, Nippon Telephone and Telegraph Corp., Monopolies

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No pain, no gain

Article Abstract:

Japan is in the third phase of deregulation of its telecoms industry. Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) has been privatized and its monopoly on the mobile phone service market has ended. Kokusai Denshin Denwa (KDD) has also lost its international telecoms monopoly. KDD and NTT are to be allowed to enter each other's activities. The break-up of NTT has also been studied. Jobs are likely to be lost in both NTT and KDD. Mergers and alliances may also be set up.

Deregulation

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