Over 2,400 companies from 65 countries are exhibiting their products focusing on latest digital technologies across mobile networks and applications, network infrastructure and satellite communications at the four-day event at the Singapore Expo.

A key highlight of the event is an innovative solution called Village Connection by Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN), which helps build rural connectivity. The solution enables operators to reach remote villages, where a traditional technology and business model will not achieve profits.

Village Connection is based on a franchise business model between operators and local village entrepreneurs.

"An estimated two billion people live in approximately two million villages in emerging markets globally. While many villagers are in need of basic telephony-- to call doctors for instance -- the majority does not have access to the services," said Rajeev Suri, head of Asia-Pacific Region, NSN.

"While providing mobile connections can be a viable option for governments or operators in these communities, there is also a cost challenge as consumers can only spend two to three US dollars a month on communications. Through our Village Connection programme we hope to make mobile connections available to these markets at affordable costs for operators and consumers," added Suri.

Suri also said Bangladesh is one of the top four countries which has a high growth rate in the Asia Pacific region.