Convergence of ICT, media visible with Singapore in global forefront

THE government's decision to form the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) was based on the understanding that the info-comm technology and media sectors were converging and there was a need for one unified body to frame rules and regulations.

PwC's Global entertainment and media outlook 2016-2020, released earlier this week, gives a quantitative picture of just how intertwined these sectors are becoming. The study notes that demand for online delivery of content in Singapore continues to grow and overall spending on Internet access will increase, reflecting the higher data volumes especially via mobile.

The increase in demand for online content is a natural extension of the fact that Singapore is one of the most wired nations in the world. As at end-2015, 96.6 per cent of fixed broadband households were in the high-speed bracket; by end-2016, this figure is expected to touch 100 per cent. According to PwC data, high-quality access, along with TV programmes delivered over broadband and other value-added services, are expected to stimulate a 5.2 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in fixed broadband access revenue, to US$952 million, in the five years to 2020.