Weekly news roundup - Asia, 26 April 2008

Thailand Ministry unveils ICT strategies

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Ministry of Thailand has formulated ICT strategies for the next three years to promote the country as ICT hub of Asia. The strategy comprises the development of ICT infrastructure nationwide; the development of a standard for government management and integration; support and development of the ICT industry in the global market; human resource development; ICT policy research and development; innovation development; and the utilisation of ICT in the government sector. The Ministry will also launch various projects like creating an ICT Master Plan 2020 and plans to set up 800 ICT community centres that will provide ICT literacy.

India targets 500 million mobile subscribers by 2010

After reaching 200 million mobile subscribers, Indian Mobile Industry is expecting to reach 500 million subscribers by 2010. Currently, the level of subscribers is 240 million and it will be doubled within less than two years. After China, India is on its way to becoming the largest telecom market. While speaking at a conference on 'Connecting Rural communities Asia forum 2008', B K Syngal, Former Chairman, Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO), stated that India is becoming largest telecom market due to the policies implemented by the Union Government especially universal access in rural and suburban areas.

12,000 post offices to be computerised in Pakistan

All the General Post Offices (GPOs) of Pakistan have been computerised, while PC-1 for automation of 12,000 post offices has been sent to the government for approva. Automation of the institution under a new initiative would provide latest and modern postal services to the customers. Under this facility, the instant cash transfer facility will also be introduced in these offices. Initially, the plan will be launched in Karachi and later extended to other cities. Under micro-financing scheme, post offices will start disbursing small loans. The scheme will soon be launched in rural Sindh and southern Punjab. There is also plan to open mobile post offices in the country.

Indian Government approves Mobile Medical Units for small villages

In order to provide health services at the doorsteps of the public in rural areas, especially in under-served areas, the Government of India has approved one Mobile
Medical Units (MMU) per district under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

Intel launches WiMax, classmate PC projects in Saudi Arabia

Intel is supporting the Government of Saudi Arabia to build a high-speed wireless network in the country using a long-range wireless technology known as WiMAX. Intel has also dedicated a pilot project for e-Learning at a Saudi Arabian public school. The school pilot will run in two classrooms, and outfitted with notebook computers and the specially designed Intel-powered Classmate PCs.

Contact Name: Vignesh

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