Telecom meet to help uncover full potential of broadband

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) will hold the first annual “Telecommunications Regulatory Conference 2014” on March 26, in view of the challenges facing fixed broadband networks and services.

The conference, entitled “Next Generation of Fixed Broadband Network and Services: Challenges and Opportunities,” will offer “unparalleled opportunities to gain deep insights from the regulators, industry analysts and other international and regional experts to help uncover the full potential of broadband.”

Saleh al-Kuwari, deputy assistant secretary general, CRA, noted that the number of fixed broadband subscribers is steadily increasing amid reports that global broadband subscribers have already exceeded 500mn.

“File sharing, video downloads, online TV viewership and online games are attracting more broadband subscribers. Our conference is especially significant as it looks into the fixed broadband issues, highlighting opportunities and challenges in Qatar and the region, as well as the importance of access to passive infrastructure for all stakeholders in the value chain,” al-Kuwari said.

He added: “We hope that the conference is successful in helping decision makers in the Arab world make the right choices.”

The conference will also feature renowned speakers like Sorbonne University economics professor Dr Laurent Benzoni, who is also founder of TERA Consultant; Board member and former chief executive officer of National Telecom Regulatory Authority in Egypt, Dr Amr Badawi; SAMENA Telecommunications Council CEO, Dr Bocar A BA; Qatar National Broadband Network Technology CEO Ahmed al-Sulaiti; AKHET Consulting CEO Stewart White; and Consumer & Government Affairs manager (CRA) Dr Eiman al-Ansari.

The conference will feature three panels. The first will focus on identifying the needs of the telecom regulators while second will explore the views from service providers, covering topics like generating demand in the broadband market. The third panel, “Access to Passive Infrastructure”, will discuss how access to passive infrastructure affects all stakeholders in the value chain.

The conference will also attract speakers from Qatari public and private sectors such as the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning, Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Doha International Airport, Barwa, Ooredoo, Vodafone Qatar, and Qnbn.