Several global telecoms are forming a new industry coalition to push for lower regulatory obstacles in Asian markets. Among the operators are AT&T and MCI of the US, BT Group and Cable & Wireless from the UK, and T-Systems of Germany's Deutsche Telekom.

 

The group, named Asia Pacific Carriers Coalition, claims that last mile fees in many Asian nations are higher than in the US and most of Europe. The coalition also points to the sustained dominance of incumbent operators, even when foreign players are granted access to the market.

 

The industry group has been patterned after the European Competitive Telecommunications Association, a similar group which lobbies for open markets in Europe. The Asia Pacific Carriers Coalition is expected to target both developed markets such as Singapore and Japan, as well as emerging markets such as China and India.