The Tel.Com Africa 2002 exhibition and conference, which runs from 23 to 25 October, will focus on bridging the digital divide.
Tel.Com Africa, described as "the continent`s premier international telecommunications event", has a history going back about 20 years. This year`s exhibition and conference, which takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre - home to the historic Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) - will differ from its predecessors. It will focus on the new and growing commitment to bridging the digital divide between Africa and the developed world.
[VIDEO]This commitment is reflected in such declarations and policies as those adopted at the Johannesburg WSSD in September and The World Telecommunication Development Conference held in Istanbul in March. It is reflected in the Yaound'e Declaration and Nepad - the New Partnership for Africa`s Development.
Bridging the gaps in Africa`s infrastructure - including telecommunications infrastructure - is one of Nepad`s priority sectors. Telecommunications technology is recognised as one of the fundamental platforms for economic growth in Africa and one deemed essential by the South African government for the development of the nation and the building of the country`s economy.
According to Nepad founders, infrastructure is one of the major parameters of economic growth, and solutions should be found to permit Africa to rise to the level of developed countries in terms of the accumulation of material capital and human capital.
"With this year`s Tel.Com Africa exhibition set against a backdrop of unprecedented telecommunications industry development and change in Africa, the scope and nature of the event have changed," says Aldean Prior, GM of Reed Exhibitions SA`s ICT division, which is organising Tel.Com Africa 2002 on behalf of the Computer Society of SA and the Electronic Industries Federation.
The Tel.Com Africa 2002 theme, "Nation Building through Telecommunication Technology Solutions", reflects the critical role telecommunications will play in Africa`s sustainable development.
In addition to traditional fixed-line telecommunications, the 11th Tel.Com Africa exhibition will feature technologies and solutions involving mobile and wireless communication, satellite communication, broadcasting technology and information technology and networking.
"Over the years, Tel.Com has become an important platform for operators, broadcasters and suppliers to present new, innovative and appropriate solutions to the African market," says Prior.
"Tel.Com Africa 2002 provides an ideal platform for the telecommunications industry to demonstrate its commitment to the development of communications infrastructure in Africa."
Over 12 000 visitors representing African governments and network service providers as well as network managers and business users from the corporate and small and medium enterprise sectors are expected to attend.
The Tel.Com Africa 2002 exhibition will be complemented by a three-day conference which will focus on the latest trends and business applications along with new developments in technology and service delivery.
Andile Ngcaba, director-general of the South African Department of Communications will chair the conference plenary session, and Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, SA`s communications minister, will deliver the opening address.
The conference programme will tackle several critical themes including revenue management, leading-edge applications, policy regulation, Internet protocol, skills development and access solutions.
For a full conference programme and further exhibition details, visit www.teldotcom.org.za. Pre-registrations can be done online at the Web site to obtain free entrance to the exhibition.
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