Asia`s digital divide poses challenge

Apple`s iTunes music store - which has stamped its presence in the United States (US) and Europe as sales in traditional formats such as compact discs continue to fall - is still a limited service in many parts of the region.

Technology is the new rock `n` roll as smartphones and digital services transform the music industry. But for those companies helping change the way music is consumed, Asia presents big hurdles.

But together with the region`s sprawl of very different cultural sensibilities, complicated licensing issues between record companies, publishers and groups holding performing rights, and piracy hotspots, digital growth has been mixed.

Other global players and streaming services popular in the West such as startup Spotify, a privately held firm launched in Sweden in 2008, are in the process of launching digital platforms in Asia, say analysts.

BdST 2224  HRS, JUN 24, 2012

Edited by:
Sabbin Hasan, ICT Editor