Friday 26 Apr 2024
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KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 22): Telecommunications companies (telcos) in advanced Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets are likely to position 5G as a network differentiator to strengthen their competitiveness, said Fitch Ratings.

In a statement on its website Jan 17, Fitch said, in a special report entitled "What Investors Want to Know: Asia-Pacific Telecoms", the degree of competition and the pace of 5G investments will shape the outlook for the APAC telecom sector.

The rating agency expects a steady rating trajectory for most of the companies in its APAC telecom portfolio amid prudent capital preservation and a gradual EBITDA recovery in 2021.

It added that the impact of 5G capex will be uneven across the portfolio of rated companies due to asymmetrical development.

“Emerging markets like India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Philippines are likely to pace 5G investments over the next few years to support cash flow, and enable investments to meet proven demand.

“Meanwhile, incumbent telcos in advanced 5G markets such as South Korea, China, Taiwan, Singapore and Australia are likely to position 5G as a network differentiator to strengthen their competitiveness.

“Singapore's 5G investment will provide an indication of the standalone network costs,” it said.

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