Leading regional telecom operators support 2nd Media and Telecom Convergence Conference

The conference which was held for the first time last year has attracted regional key players in the media and telecom industries.

'The pace of development in the telecom sector has exceeded all expectations, both in Jordan and regionally. And yet there are huge opportunities to grasp,' said Michael Dagher, Managing Partner, Umniah Mobile Company, Jordan's newest GSM operator, and the main sponsor of the conference. 'The convergence of the media and telecommunications industries provides a huge opportunity for both industries to provide new and compelling services that will help people to communicate in new and exciting ways. We're delighted to be backing this important forum.'

The conference has also received extensive support from regional and local key players, including Jawwal, the GSM network of Palestine, Xpress, Jordan's iDEN operator, Batelco Jordan, a leading communications provider in Jordan, Motorola, the world-class global communications leader, Jordan Telecom, Jordan's leading telecommunications solution provider, and Oracle Corporation (NASDAQ: ORCL), the world's largest enterprise software company.

'We are very pleased at the strong support and commitment which the conference has received from local and regional companies' said Jawad Abbasi, founder and president of Arab Advisors Group. ' We hope that this event will demonstrate the opportunities available in these two crucial industries and will lead into further introduction of new services in both sectors. We call on all operators and media representatives to attend this event in order to shape the future of these sectors.'

During the two days conference various issues will be discussed through case studies and presentations. On the 11th June, participants will be discussing the following issues: An overview of the Arab telecom and media markets, Entering competitive cellular market: Content and VAS as a complete advantage, Triple Play fixed networks: Silver bullet for revival of fixed services?, Cellular Allure serving the young Arab mobile user, The promise of broadband Internet, Rich content services a differentiator for competitive operators, News and entertainment delivery via the mobile, TV Radio and Media operators' Strategies to capitalize on enhanced Telecom's usage amongst its target market, liberalization policies effects on market development. The speakers of the second day will shed the light on the following topics; Digital Terrestrial TV prospects in the region, Business -focused VAS in Cellular Networks, The future shape of fixed service operators in the region, The Arab SAT TV Industry, Establishing an Arab SAT TV station, Mobile portable handset features; driving content or driven by content? Liberalizing the media markets, E-commerce and online Internet advertising in the Arab world, Mobile Content and Telecom companies strategies for enhancing content.

On the sidelines of the conference, an exhibition will be held where participants will be showcasing their latest products and offerings.