"The proliferation of EDGE, 3G UMTS and 3G HSPA enabled handsets has helped spur the demand for mobile multimedia services over the years; however, the next stage of growth will require mobile operators to invest in and upgrade mobile networks in the region in order to handle the explosive mobile packet data traffic growth," Chau noted.

In the markets where operators have already upgraded to HSPA 7.2, 14.4 Mbps and HSPA+ 21 Mbps, the take up of USB-dongle HSPA cards has been overwhelming, driving operators to ration the registration of new subscribers, he added.

As competition amongst the mobile operators intensifies across the region, IDC believes price will no longer inhibit the uptake for new services.