November 20, 2006

GULFCOMMS WELCOMES TELECOMS DELEGATES TO INAUGURAL GVF FORUM


“Multi-Platform Communications Sector In The Middle East Robust” - Experts

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Telecoms professionals from around the region gathered yesterday at GULFCOMMS for the inaugural GVF Communications Forum. The event organised by GVF provided a comprehensive focus on matters related to the robust multi-platform communications sector in the Middle East.

Speakers at the Forum, held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, examined the implications of the continuing evolution - and deployment - of new wireless communications services for provider and end-user businesses in the region.
“Visitors and exhibitors alike had the opportunity to explore current and future developments in the convergence of established and emergent communications platforms whether based on satellite, terrestrial or a mix of technologies,” said Dubai World Trade Centre Director General, Helal Saeed Al Marri.

“The range of topics discussed during the conference underlines the complexity of the challenges facing the market and we were very pleased to see the industry out in force at such an event,” added Mr. Al Marri.

Martin Jarrold, GVF Chief of International Programme Development speaking at the forum commented on the timely discussions taking place at the Forum as “Governments are clearing the way with enlightened regulatory reform enabling unfettered access to state-of-the-art satellite communications,”

Mohamed Youssif, GVF Correspondent (Arab States Region) added: “From nation to nation and from region to region, there are striking similarities. Indeed, patterns that have manifested in the way that successful harmonisation programmes are being applied. The first most fundamental similarity is the understanding

among Administrations that if the regulatory environment for satellite communications is not optimised, the private sector’s ability to provide vital services and infrastructure is undermined or prevented,” he said.

The dialogue covered issues including the varied and synergistic combinations of voice (and telephony features), data (and productivity applications) and video onto single, multi-application networks, the many contemporary advancements in leading-edge broadband wireless technologies and the real nature of the convergence phenomenon among other key issues