TRA's General Director speaks at the Middle East Network Operators Group Meeting

Mr. Horne was invited to speak in his capacity as President of the Arab Regulators Network of Telecommunications and Information Technologies (AREGNET).

Mr. Horne addressed more than 80 participants drawn from across the region. In his presentation Mr. Horne stated 'The growth in the economy of each country and the region as a whole is significantly impacted by Regulators, Operators and Users working together in order to strengthen the ICT market and ensure high speed internet services are available to all on a competitive basis and at international best prices. The Regulators role is to act as a catalyst and ensure the regulatory environment is such that it encourages investment and sustainable and diverse competitive supply.' He went on to say that 'Incumbent operators who keep the price of international leased lines high either due to significant power or maintenance of a monopoly on international connectivity, are doing their nations a considerable disservice.'

Mr. Horne urged the incumbents to act responsibly towards new entrants and internet service providers in order to ensure each nation had diverse choices, high bandwidth and low cost international connectivity.

Mr. Fahad Al Shirawi, MENOG Chairman and Managing Director of 2Connect said 'In the fast changing Internet environment, the skills and knowledge of our regional workforce require constant reinforcement. This is essential if they are to compete and succeed in an international marketplace. These meetings provide the forum where this is directly facilitated.'

MENOG follows on the AREGNET meeting which was held in Manama last week when ICT Regulators came together from 15 Arab countries. It is interesting to note the gaining popularity of these regional groups which will considerably assist in the Regions cohesion and competitiveness on the world stage.