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Al-Ahram Weekly 27 Jan. - 2 Feb. 2000 Issue No. 466 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 27 Jan. - 2 Feb. 2000 Issue No. 466
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Features Profile Travel Living Sports People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Never too much tele
By Niveen Wahish
The latest in telecommunications, information technology, satellite and broadcasting systems could be found at last week's Cairo Telecomp 2000. The event, an annual trade fair which began in 1996, is a forum for the display of state-of-the art technology, and an important occasion for those working in the field to network. Dubbed the Arab world's top technology event, it showcases the latest developments in the field of telecommunications.
Official support of the four-day conference was revealed not only by the presence of the minister of telecommunications and information technology, Ahmed Nazif, but also by the participation of Esmat Abdel-Meguid, secretary-general of the Arab League, and Yoshio Utsumi, secretary-general of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
Yoshio Utsumi, in his speech to the conference, stressed the importance of bridging the gap between the Arab world and industrialised nations when it comes to telecommunications services and tele-density. While the tele-density of the region rose from below four lines per 100 inhabitants to above six, thus coming closer to the world average of 14 lines per 100 inhabitants, the speed of growth is in urgent need of acceleration. He recommended that Arab countries open up their markets to allow new players, including foreign investors, who will not only introduce a new supply of telephone services but will also institute the competition necessary to encourage established local operators to offer better, cheaper services.
"For the development of a nation's economy it is vital that it catch up quickly with the world telecommunication revolution," said Utsumi. He suggested that this be achieved through competition, private sector participation, independent regulation and the use of the newest technologies.
Exhibitors believe the fourth Cairo Telecomp has gained new momentum. Gamal Seif El-Jarwan, executive manager of business development at Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company, which has taken part in the event since it began, said that the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in Egypt and the impending privatisation of a slice of Egypt Telecom, has had a positive impact on the trade fair. "The growth of the economy has created demand for telecommunications services," he said.
Thuraya recently concluded an agreement with Alkan Communication of Egypt to be the service provider for its dual-mode, satellite and GSM terminals, which will be operative by September 2000. The company's service will cover 99 countries in Europe, north and central Africa, the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
