To commemorate the founding of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in 1865, countries and telecoms companies worldwide are celebrating World Telecommunications Day (WTD) yesterday.
This year, WTD is highlighting the importance of telecoms in social and economic development and the challenges society faces in ensuring the safety and security of networked information and communication systems, the ITU says on its Web site. The theme this year is "Promoting Global Cybersecurity".
In SA there are few activities related to WTD taking place. Albi Modise, chief director of communications at the Department of Communications, says a proposal has been put to the director-general to celebrate WTD in Kimberly in June. Further details will be provided in due course, he says.
Vodacom, Cell C and MTN say they will partner with the department with their respective initiatives to celebrate WTD.
Telkom and Sentech undertook small activities to celebrate today. Telkom hosted a media briefing in Sandton to discuss global cyber security.
Joshua Motjuwadi, Telkom`s managing executive of IT, says while new technology makes business practice easier, it also opens possibilities for criminal activities. To combat cyber-terrorism, companies must develop a comprehensive solution that includes policies and procedures, staff and technology, he says.
Sentech hosted 60 technology students at its broadcasting tower in Brixton today. The tour aimed to give the students first-hand experience of the country`s major broadcast centre, Sentech says.
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