SATNAC 2013 unpacks socio-economic benefits of broadband

Issued by Telkom Business
Johannesburg, 31 Jul 2013

The Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) will this year seek to align the technology debate with a socio-economic agenda, as the conference explores the theme: "Broadband - a catalyst for sustainable economic development and promoting digital inclusion".

The numerous keynote presentations and panel discussions are geared towards a deep dive into the relationship between broadband penetration and the impact on GDP growth as suggested by recent research.

Alphonzo Samuels, Telkom's Managing Executive for Network Infrastructure and Conference Chairman, says: "As the social and economic benefits of increased broadband penetration become more relevant than ever before, the focus of this year's conference will definitely prove to be pertinent and appropriate."

Hosted by Telkom, the three-day conference will run from 1 to 4 September 2013, and will take place at the Spier Wine Estate, in Cape Town. SATNAC has proved to be an excellent networking platform for the ICT industry and boasts a top shelf line-up of local and international speakers.

"SATNAC has set a precedent for innovative and creative plenary presentations and robust panel discussions. This year is no different and promises delegates a wealth of information and networking opportunities," adds Samuels.

This year sees the likes of prominent Futurist, Clem Sunter, deliver the first keynote address. Sunter was recently awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Cape Town for his work in the field of scenario planning. He was also voted by leading South African CEOs as the speaker who has made the most significant contribution to, and impact on, best practice and business in South Africa.

Dr Robert Pepper, Vice-President at Cisco, has also been lined up to deliver a keynote address. Dr Pepper leads Cisco's Global Technology Policy team working with governments across the world in areas such as broadband, IP-enabled services, wireless and spectrum policy, security, privacy, Internet governance and ICT development.

The conference starts with a welcome function on Sunday evening. The traditional icebreaker golf day will begin at 9am on Sunday at the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate.

All registrations have to be completed online (www.satnac.org.za). Information on hotel accommodation can also be found on the Web site.

Telkom

Telkom is a leading communications services provider in South Africa and on the African continent. It had consolidated operating revenue of R32.5 billion and profit after tax of R501 million for the year ended 31 March 2013, excluding a once-off impairment charge. Total assets amounted to R41.6 billion and equity attributable to the owners of Telkom to R17.9 billion as of 31 March 2013. The group generated free cash flow of R2.1 billion for the year ended 31 March 2013.

As of 31 March 2013, the company had approximately 3.8 million telephone access lines in service and 73 400 ports connected via MSAN access. Telkom offers business, residential and payphone customers a wide range of services and products, including:

* Fixed-line retail voice services using PSTN (public switched telephone network) lines, including ISDN (integrated services digital network) lines, and the sale of subscription-based value-added voice services and calling plans;
* Fixed-line customer premises equipment rental and sales services both voice and data needs and these include PABX, computers, routers, modems, telephone handsets and other ancillary equipment;
* Interconnection services, including terminating and transiting traffic from South African mobile operators, as well as from international operators and transiting traffic from mobile to international destinations;
* Fixed-line data services, including domestic and international data transmission services, such as point-to-point leased lines, ADSL (asymmetrical digital subscriber line) services, packet-based services, managed data networking services and Internet access and related information technology services;
* Data centre operations include e-commerce, application service provider, hosting, data storage, e-mail and security services;
* W-CDMA (wideband code division multiple access), a 3G next-generation network, including fixed voice services, data services and nomadic voice services;
* Mobile communication services, including voice services, data services and handset sales through its mobile brand called Telkom Mobile; and
* Other services, including directory services, through Trudon, wireless data services, through Swiftnet, and Internet services outside South Africa, through the iWayAfrica Group.

Convergence is one of Telkom's key strategic initiatives in building a sustainable future for the company. It will lead the provision of converged services in South Africa in support of its mission statement: seamlessly connecting people to a better life.

Editorial contacts