The Governments of the United States and Thailand will co-host a major regional conference on communications and information technologies, addressing key public policy issues and private sector market opportunities in Southeast Asia.  Southeast Asia Connections: A U.S. - Southeast Asia Telecommunications and ICT Conference is sponsored by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) with the support of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Commerce.  Supporting industry organizations include the US-ASEAN Business Council and American Chambers of Commerce (AMCHAM) in the region.    As Southeast Asian countries strive to bring affordable telecommunications services to their citizens, advances in network technologies and applied applications for e-government and electronic commerce have paved the way for strong communications and information technology sector growth in 2005 and beyond.  Southeast Asian governments are working to expand telecommunications infrastructure, improve the delivery of government services, and promote an enabling environment for e-commerce.  Wireless mobile technologies have led to a dramatic increase in basic telephony in many countries, while the next generation of wireless Internet services are poised for dramatic expansion.  With improved data services platforms in place, a variety of e-commerce applications are expected to unfold.  Significant opportunities exist for U.S. vendors, service providers and investors eager to tap opportunities throughout the region.  To proactively assist U.S. companies in capitalizing on these rapidly developing markets, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the Government of Thailand will hold a conference in Bangkok, Thailand to highlight major trade opportunities Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.  Special emphasis will also be placed on sector development and policy issues in East Timor, Laos and Papua New Guinea.  The Southeast Asia Connections Conference will focus on telecommunications tec