Regional Media and Telecom leaders join for first Middle East Media and Telecoms convergence Conference

The two day conference organized by the Arab Advisors Group and held under the Patronage of His Excellency Dr. Fawaz H. Zu'bi, Minister of ICT, will see the participation of 300 executives representing over 100 telecom and media enterprises. Leaders in the telecom and media sector will meet and network in Jordan to discuss and formulate opportunities and business models made possible by the convergence of telecom and media on global level.

"There is no doubt that the vast development of telecom services are playing a key role in the growth of businesses among various sectors. The convergence of those two vibrant sectors is considered a crucial move toward contributing in the development of national economies in different countries." Said Jawad Abbasi, Founder and president of Arab Advisors Group.

"The media and telecommunication convergence conference is an excellent opportunity for participants to outline the road map for the convergence of these sectors to merge in a bid to provide cohesive services to various sectors throughout the Arab World."

The Arab worlds media and telecoms landscape is massive. There are over 300 million people across 22 Arab countries. These are served by 41 mobile operators, 23 fixed operators, 36 datacomm operators and close to 300 ISPs, with a lot more new operators in the pipeline as a result of more liberalization. The Arab World's audience is also served by over 100 Satellite TV channels, and over 90 FM Radio Stations.

"We are very proud to be organizing this event where regional leaders representing telecom and media companies, are joining forces to discuss the future of these vital sectors and their impact on other businesses. Furthermore, we have designated an exhibition area for participants to showcase their latest products and services in a bid to further promote the necessity of converging those sectors. Companies present in the exhibition include: Kuwait's MTC, Jordan's Fastlink, Jordan Telecom, Jordan's new iDEN operator XPRESS, Wanadoo, Maktoob.com, CNBC Arabiya, Axiom Telecom, AME Info, Mena FN, Ciscom, Gulf Marketing Review, NAFES, Netsity, Spot On PR and Arab Advisors. We call on all interested parties to join us in this regional gathering to share their success stories and expertise." Mrs. Julie Karadsheh, Arab Advisors Events manager has commented.

Various vital issues and case studies will be presented during the two days conference: An overview of the Arab Telecom and media markets, media companies and telecom based revenue streams, investing in telecoms and media; required success factors, internet via satellite and Sat Pay TV operators, Online presence for traditional media companies, contents value for enhancing telecom services and revenues, strategy needed to successfully enter a telecom market, the contribution of 3G wireless services to telecom and media convergence, SP's and content ownership; Optional of a prerequisite for success, copyrights and trademarks in the digital age, setting the context for media excellence, the case for wireless broadband, satellite operators, a catalyst for telecom and media convergence?, TV operators strategies to capitalize on enhanced telecoms usage amongst its target market, online advertising n the Arab world, Media/ISP partnership model, is it applicable in the Arab World?

The main sponsors of the event are MTC the Kuwaiti Mobile Telecommunications Company and its Jordanian subsidiary Fastlink, the leading GSM operator in the Kingdom. In addition, the conference is sponsored by Xpress, Jordan Telecom, Maktoob, CNBC Arabiya and Axiomtelecom.