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http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/05/12/axiata-sees-data-as-key-growth-driver-various-developments-underway-to-improve-network/ KUCHING: Axiata Group Bhd (Axiata) sees its data business segment as a key growth driver for the group as its core business in voice and SMS have been declining. In its annual report, it said that data growth has been strong across all its markets and is currently a material part of its revenue, particularly in more mature markets. Celcom, XL, and Dialog in particular, have seen continuous growth in data contribution to revenue now at 17, 23 and nine per cent respectively, it said, and noted that Celcom's data revenue for smartphones and tablets saw a 35 per cent growth in 2013. "We have been proactively making significant investments and enhancements to our networks, support systems, organisation structure and business models to strengthen our data capabilities. "We have modernised our networks in Celcom, XL and Dialog to be optimised for data via the conversion of our core networks from all 'switchbased' network to 'IP-based' network, including transmission backhaul. "The new networks are not only more efficient for data, but also for voice, and will require significantly lower operating costs," said Axiata's managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Seri Jamaludin Ibrahim. He added that as such, the group is constantly investing in new technologies, and technology migration from 2G to 3G, and 3G to 4G LTE will provide better user experience with a much improved cost efficiency. "Celcom and Dialog are already expanding their 4G LTE networks to enhance ultra-high speed broadband network reach. XL is preparing to merge with the recently acquired Axis network and at the same time upgrade their network to capitalise on the newly acquired spectrum." On a regional basis, in 2013, the group have invested more than US$2 billion to acquire new spectrums in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka