These challenges range from access to essential services and enhanced disaster management to improvement in service delivery and the efficient utilisation of limited resources.

These findings were shared at the ‘GSMA-ITU Digital Societies Policy Forum 2015,’ which took place today at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok.

The reports, developed independently by each organisation, share common conclusions and recommendations on the potential of digital and mobile technology to advance national economies and markets, as well as overcome challenges arising from rapid population growth and increasing rural-urban migration faced by Asian countries.

"With the development of high-speed mobile broadband technologies and the increasing availability and affordability of smartphones, mobile technology is well-suited to deliver the required connectivity and content for a digital society," said Chris Zull, the GSMA’s Spectrum Director for Asia.

"Today's wireless networks are able to cover a wide area with greater efficiency at lower costs than many other technologies, particularly in emerging countries with underdeveloped fixed network infrastructure and low levels of urbanisation."