Telecommunications Middle East Summit 2006 opens at Etisalat Academy

The Corporation is on track to migrate 50 per cent of the network by the end of 2007, and 90 per cent by end 2009. This migration will see one complete network that can provide customers with voice, data and entertainment through a single source, allowing for more convenience and comfort.

These statements were made in the keynote speech by Nasser Bin Obood, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, at the first Telecommunications Middle East Summit being held at the Etisalat Academy from 29th October to 1st November 2006. The summit brings together the Middle East's leading industry organizations and focuses on the key issues concerning the telecommunications and broadband sectors.

Bin Obood said:

'Considering the competitive atmosphere in the telecom sector, we see the need to differentiate ourselves by providing value-added services to our customers. New and customized services and applications such as e-gaming, IPTV, Video-on-Demand, data sharing and e-learning are just examples of the advanced and high-bandwidth requirements of customers we now serve.'

'The Next Generation Networks bring benefits to customers and operators alike, as one network carries voice, video and data in a secure and efficient manner. In addition, customers can gain more convenience and options at lower costs' he added.

NGN is the first step towards IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystems) and fixed-line convergence.

Dr. Doaa Fares, General Manager- Etisalat Academy, said, 'This event has brought together telecommunications professionals, engineers, and officials from all over the Middle East to a platform to exchange information, views and ideas on the core aspects of this everyday technology. We are confident of a successful inaugural event, and its continued success.'