Cisco MEA Connections to set the agenda for telecom future in Middle East and Africa

The by-invitation only event, hosted by Mark De Simone, Cisco Systems' Vice President for Middle East & Africa, is designed exclusively for Service Provider Incumbents, Challengers, Mobile Operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and will host key industry decision makers from the region and worldwide.

Aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the fledgling Middle East Telecommunications sector, MEA Connections 2006 will see high level decision makers from regional telecommunication giants in attendance debating on the evolution of the sector within the context of rapid technological advances and key liberalisation initiatives the sector is witnessing.

"With its deregulation, new opportunities are opening up for new service portfolios, enhanced service levels and operational efficiency, the Middle East and Africa Telecommunications sector is going through massive transformation in all aspects," said De Simon. "Cisco Systems is taking a pivotal role in this transformation process, leveraging its experience and technology leadership, and demonstrating value to our Service Provider customers across the world. Cisco is uniquely positioned to offer its customers the technology to help them optimise cost, increase efficiency and find new revenue streams"

"MEA Connections 2006 as a platform for debate and discussion will enable regional telecom leaders to carefully manage and embrace the changes that are occurring in the sector,"

he continued.

Over two days, MEA Connections 2006 will provide attendees a fresh perspective on the implications of liberalised markets and growth strategies that could offset increased competition. Key Cisco executives will be on hand to provide their insights on the future of the sector and to expand on the company's Service Provider strategy in the region. The key areas MEA Connections will focus on include: "Next Generation Service Providers", "Broadband" and "Fixed and Mobile Convergence".

The opening day will also host H.E. Mohammed Nasser Al-Ghanim, Director General, UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) as the key note speaker, delivering his address on 'Augmenting the UAE's economic development through the liberalisation of Telecommunications.'

"Regional telecom players need to reach a proactive framework that will guarantee their readiness to tackle the challenges posed by the future. Cisco Systems is playing a proactive role in ensuring that Service Providers are constantly evolving their networks and business models, to deliver innovative, scalable and efficient customer focussed products and services. With MEA Connections, we are striving to take that commitment several steps ahead," concluded De Simone.