Samena to support TRA Bahrain's 'Achieving Ubiquitous Broadband Networks' Conference

This conference will be held on behalf of the Arab Regulatory Network (ARGNET) and in conjunction with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

This two-day conference which will be held on 22-23 February 2010 at Diplomat Radisson Blue Residence & Spa Hotel in Bahrain, aims at facilitating a better understanding of both the policy decisions that have been taken as well as the various broadband access solutions currently available and being deployed in countries such as Singapore, Australia, UK, USA, France and Germany. The conference is supported by national policy makers, regulatory authorities, network operators and equipment vendors.

Announcing the conference partnership, Dr. Mohammed Al Amer TRA Chairman and Acting Director General said:

"The Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain has through its Economic Vision 2030 and the National Strategic plan identified ubiquitous, affordable high speed broadband connectivity as a corner stone for future economic development. This conference will bring together from all corners of the industry a unique level of expertise and experience to discuss the issues that we all face when considering how best to achieve a more diversified economic base and sustainable growth . Recent experiences in many countries have shown that numerous solutions have been deployed all with the similar common objective to achieve ubiquitous, affordable high speed broadband connectivity."

Highlighting the importance of this regional broadband conference and the objective behind it, Bocar A. BA, President of SAMENA Telecommunications Council said, "The global broadband industry has witnessed a number of technological advancements in the past few years, with a number of broadband access solutions being employed by various industry players. Although the economic and social demand for ubiquitous broadband networks has grown tremendously, the best possible solution that offers the most competitive, ubiquitously available and affordable high speed broadband access is still uncertain."

The 'Achieving Ubiquitous Broadband Networks' conference will feature policy makers who will address the key drivers for developing a successful broadband network and services followed by country-specific case studies by regulators and operators. A panel discussion will ensue to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the different solutions.

Speakers at this event will include a number of high profile industry experts such as Dr. Hamadoun Toure, Secretary General of ITU, Eng. Saud Al Daweesh, Chairman, SAMENA and Group CEO of Saudi Telecommunication Company (STC), Dr. Abdulrahman Al Jafary, President, AREGNET and Governor of CITC (Saudi) and Dr. Mohammed Al Amer, Chairman and Acting Director General of TRA, Bahrain among others.