GSM>3G Middle East congress expects strong presence from high-growth markets

Taking place in Dubai on 15-16 December 2008, the conference and exhibition continues to be well supported by operators from the region's most developed markets; featuring presentations from official event endorser Etisalat, du, Zain, Saudi Telecom and Nawras.

"This year's event is taking place amid an incredible environment for the industry, as the Middle East has proven to be one of the world's fastest growing markets,"

noted Nick Jotischky, an analyst with Informa Telecoms & Media.

"Mobile subscriptions have reached 128 million by the end of the first half of 2008, representing a 47% year-on-year increase. The penetration of mobile subscribers reached 56%, and we expect to see a surge in wireless broadband usage in some of the more mature markets."

One aspect that is generating a high level of anticipation will be the strong presence from markets where huge growth opportunities are available for operators and their suppliers. The Islamic Republic of Iran will be represented by Mr Vahid Sadoughi, CEO of MCI, the mobile business of national incumbent carrier TCI. Iran is an excellent example of a market where expected future growth has attracted considerable attention from investors. A third national mobile license is expected to be sold in the country soon, with interest reported from a number of Middle Eastern companies in addition to Telekom Malaysia International and MegaFon of Russia. TCI is also set to be part-privatised in the near future and opportunities exist around the availability of RF spectrum suitable for the deployment of WiMAX across Iran.

Adding to the excitement of Iran, the presence of Iraq will give access to a challenging but potentially rewarding market. Iraq's large population remains relatively under-served and experts view the country as rich with opportunities for mobile operators. Iraq's delegation will include Dr. Diar Ahmad, CEO of GSM mobile operator Asiacell, and Dr. Hameed Akrawi, Deputy CEO of Korek Telecom. The delegation will also include Mr. Suleiman Lamaani, CEO of CDMA WLL operator Itisaluna.

Louisa Rogers, Informa Marketing Director, noted her high expectations for the event. "GSM is always a highly anticipated spot on the calendar for a host of investors and this year is no different," she noted. "We're extremely confident that this year's conference will offer even more access to a diverse range of industry leaders; representing both high-ARPU markets and those with very high growth potential."

The event will take place in the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Attendance is free to operators and regulators and early booking discounts apply to all others.