As the number of people in Laos with Internet
access has doubled in recent years, it has spurred business opportunities for
online media and advertising.
According
to a recent report from the World Bank, 8 per cent of Laos' population of 6.2
million people are now online. Laos ranks seventh in terms of Internet usage in
Southeast Asia, double the figure in 2008 thanks to the expansion of IT
infrastructure into rural areas.
Telecommunication
networks have been established in 7,000 villages, or about 76 per cent of all
villages. The 3G network is accessible in 155 districts in all provinces
nationwide, enabling people to use the Internet and other telecom services,
according to a report from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.
The
number of registered Internet users in Laos is estimated to be 24,000. The
number of young people using smartphones is also increasing rapidly, so they
too can access the Internet.
The
Ministry of Post and Telecommunications plans to connect its Internet cable
with the international gateway so that even greater access is provided. At
present, there are seven Internet service providers in Laos.
The Lao
Securities Exchange has signed an agreement with Enterprise Telecom Lao, which
provides a strong and stable Internet signal, so that it can launch online
stock trading this year.
The
ministry also plans to retake control of the ‘dot la' domain name, so that
individuals and companies in Laos can set up a website address to advertise
their products.
Growing
Internet access has provided more business opportunities for online media, trade
and advertisement.
Web
designers and developers welcome the trend as they believe it will spur the
growth of Internet and IT businesses.
BlueGrass
Design Group Co. Ltd. Group Director, Mr Praseuth Banchongphakdy, said he
believes increasing Internet use will help to boost online media and
advertisement services, adding that it is a global trend for people to
communicate via the Internet.
The
Ministry of Industry and Commerce's Trade Promotion and Development Department
has acknowledged the importance of Internet access and growth in Laos.
The
ministry has teamed up with the Japan-funded Asean Centre to establish a
website for Lao traders to post handicraft products for sale. Users can view
the products and post purchase orders using the address provided on the
website.
News
Desk
Vientiane
Times
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