Telco services to grow in 2009 despite recession: report

Stan Beer
Wednesday, 21 January 2009 12:43

IT Industry - Market

The Australian telecoms services market will continue to grow at a healthy clip for the rest of this year, according to a new report. The market will be driven by mobile and fixed-line broadband services and the continued growth in IP telephony.
 
The report from IDC, Australia Telecommunications 2009 Top 10 Predictions, forecasts key areas of opportunity and sustained growth in telecoms services of 3-4% in 2009, despite the economic downturn.
 
IDC's top three predictions from its top ten for 2009 include:

· sustained growth in telecommunications services of 3 - 4%

· continued intense politics relating to the National Broadband Network but build out is not expected to commence in 2009

· continued shift towards IP telephony and data services in the enterprise market.
 
"Australian macroeconomic conditions will change significantly in 2009, but we still expect growth opportunities in key areas in Australian telecommunications services," said David Cannon, Telecommunications Program Manager at IDC Australia.
 
"Opportunities will be particularly strong where cost savings or immediate ROI can be leveraged, for example IP telephony services in the enterprise market, IP voice trunking and 'rent a telepresence'.

"Although the net effect of the global financial crisis on the Australian market is yet to be fully known or understood, IDC believes the telecommunications services market will be able to weather the storm."