The first African forum on voice over IP (VOIP) technology is set for later this month, with one of its chief aims being to establish an Africa-wide VOIP Association.
According to Sean Moroney, chairman of event organiser AITEC, the first African VOIP Forum will take place at the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, on 14 and 15 December.
"Kenya, like SA, has recently introduced a new regulatory regime to liberate the positive forces of VOIP technology, which is why we feel that Nairobi is the ideal venue to gather Africa`s ICT community to learn more about this trend," he says.
"We are being supported in this endeavour by the local regulator, the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) and the conference theme is the development and business imperatives of IP telephony."
He says that among other issues, the forum will look at how this technology can substantially cut an organisation`s phone bills; how to operate effective VOIP services; how to clearly understand recent regulatory changes; and how to capitalise on the cost-effectiveness of VOIP to make calls affordable for low-income groups, particularly those in rural areas.
"One of the proposed outcomes of this forum will be the founding of an African VOIP Association, to provide a structure for regular exchange of information among operators, ISPs and regulators in this specialised area," says Moroney.
Over a dozen international experts, as well as their local counterparts, will speak at the conference, including Sammy Kirui, director-general of the CCK, who will use the opportunity to clarify the new VOIP regulations in Kenya.
"By sharing knowledge, experience and ideas from throughout the continent and internationally, the pace can be accelerated, mistakes avoided and service excellence achieved," says Moroney.
He says the event will also include an exhibition focusing on VOIP equipment, solutions and services.
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