China pushes ‘3-network convergence’ plan
China announced it will move ahead with its nationwide ‘3-network convergence’ project to deliver telecoms, radio, television and internet services over a single broadband infrastructure.

The project, approved by the country’s State Council on Friday, is aimed at integrating data transmission infrastructure and facilitating information sharing. Radio and television stations are now allowed to offer voice calls and internet services, while telecoms companies can create radio and television programmes, with the exception of political news.

The move to widen the scope of operations will be “implemented in a gradual way”, the State Council said.

Telstra to expand access in remote areas
Australia’s largest operator Telstra and the Northern Territory government agreed to jointly invest AUD30 million ($21.5 million) over three years to help remote communities gain access to the internet.

Telstra will expand its infrastructure across the territory to serve more remote communities with mobile and fixed broadband services.

It has also committed to investing an additional AUD4.05 million over three years to deliver digital literacy initiatives, cyber safety programmes and tele-health services.

Chip orders unlikely to rebound until Q2
IC demand isn’t expected to rebound until Q2 next year, despite the second half of the year typically being the peak season for the semiconductor industry, DigiTimes reported.

The sector is expected to register only flat growth sequentially in the second half, according to the chairman of the Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association (TSIA) Nicky Lu.

He said demand for ICs could pick up for the Christmas season, but a significant rebound in chip orders is unlikely until Q2 next year.

MediaTek makes offer to acquire Richtek
MediaTek, a fabless semiconductor design firm, announced plans to acquire analog IC maker Richtek Technology and expects the deal to be completed at the second quarter of next year, subject to relevant regulatory approvals.

MediaTek has offered TWD14.77 billion (about $450 million) for up to 51 per cent of Taiwanese Richtek and plans to acquire 100 per cent of its shares if the tender offer is accepted.

Ming-Kai Tsai, MediaTek chairman and CEO, said that Richtek’s comprehensive experience in power management will strengthen its Internet of Things segment.

Richtek chairman Kenneth Tai said that as specifications for end products continue to upgrade, the requirements for integrated power management solutions become more complex and diversified. “By leveraging MediaTek’s platform, Richtek aims to further optimise power management performance on the system level.”

KDDI to open office in Phnom Penh
Japan’s second largest operator KDDI said it will open an office in Phnom Penh next month to expand its customer base as the region attracts more foreign companies, which will boost demand for IT services.

The company said the move was driven by Cambodia’s fast growth, the establishment of the Southern Economic Corridor highway linking Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, and the steps taken by these countries to attract foreign investment.

KDDI has offices in 107 locations in 28 regions outside of Japan.