GSM>3G Middle East congress opens to record turnout, high expectations

This year's theme 'Towards a Broadband World' will be felt throughout the event, as the Middle Eastern market looks to expand its reach to a global level.

Considering year-on-year growth, three of the five fastest risers in proportionate equity subscriptions originate from the Gulf region. These three firms, Qtel, Etisalat, and Zain, are perfect examples of how the Middle East telecoms industry is reaching new global heights.

The two-day strategic conference features over 65 speakers delivering a variety of presentations, interactive panel sessions, case studies and Q&A sessions. The mostly C-Level operator speaker panel promises to deliver delegates more insights, best practice benchmarks and questioning opportunities than ever before.

Co-located with the conference is a 120 stand networking exhibition showcasing the leading international vendors and a two-day programme of vendor pitches, training courses and market analysis in the exhibition seminar theatre.

"We're already excited about the numbers we're drawing this year. Despite the global economic landscape, we've seen a remarkable level of interest in this year's event. We believe the industry's latent potential, and overall scale of this event have contributed to that. Right now, we see a situation where several Gulf-based operators such as Zain and Etisalat, are looking to extend their influence beyond their domestic markets, and enter the worldwide stage. This is an exciting new development that has generated optimism for the industry as a whole,"

stated Ian Hemming, CEO, Informa Telecoms & Media.

Scheduled to speak at the congress are a wide range of industry leaders and experts, all chosen to offer their unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

"With our panel you not only have some of the leading analysts in the world, but you also have the industry's top players," continued Hemming. "By featuring such a line-up, we're making sure attendees can hear crucial information straight from the most important sources. So many of our panelists are going to be the key players in the years ahead - the ones who will be making the key decisions that shape this market and the region. Having their insight is a great way for people to find out which exciting new directions the industry and its players are heading."

The conference today will open with a Middle Eastern Telecoms Leaders Summit. This will be followed by discussions on the evolution of wireless technology, effective fixed-mobile convergence strategies, and improved market strategies for more competitive markets. A special afternoon plenary on building future wireless broadband networks will top off the days events and underscore how much potential the industry has for growth.

The event will continue through tomorrow with discussions on bridging the digital divide, thriving in evolving market conditions and growing the market for digital VAS.