Watch out Singapore, Australia's hot on your tail.
According to Richard Vincent, chief executive of WorldxChange, Singapore's communications lead within the region may be in jeopardy as more and more companies move down under.
Speaking at an industry luncheon, held in Sydney on Friday by the Australia-Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vincent said Australia is an attractive ground for off-shore ventures especially call centres.
Call centres in Australia are driven by "inexpensive communications, good staff and stable communications", Vincent said.
"Singapore has the lead . . . Australia may overtake until they deregulate," he said.
Deregulation combined with satellite and fibre capabilities which are coming on line will provide more opportunities for Australia.
"Telephone calls are going to become a commodity. Value-added is going to become prevalent," he said.
Vincent urged users of prime carriers to "try somebody else".
"Cherry picking is the key," he said.