The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) last week hosted a one-day international conference entitled "Next Generation Networks: New Technologies, New Services, New Revenue Models" at the Westin Dragonara Resort in St Julian's.
MCA chairman Joseph V. Tabone welcomed those who attended and Communication Minister Censu Galea gave the opening address.
"Today, telecommunications represents one of the critical underpinnings of a nation's economic and social development," Mr Tabone said. "Throughout the telecommunications marketplace, a trend towards deregulation and liberalisation has prompted expectations of increased competition, with a resultant fall in prices and innovative new services for the consumer.
"The purpose of today's conference is to create a forum for discussion to address specific challenges and assess opportunities of the next generation of networking technologies. Our role as a regulatory agency is thus extending beyond its traditional remit and is focusing on stimulating increased investment and competition in the sector at a time when operators and service providers need to maximise efficiencies due to the severe challenges currently being faced."
The exhibitions and live demonstrations of the latest developments in technology by companies such as Siemens International, Alcatel and Euroweb together with the networking session proved successful. Participants were given the opportunity to interact informally and discuss proceedings or do business.
The keynote address was delivered by Kevin Baughan, founder of Ideas Network Ltd. He is a telecommunications industry veteran, having experienced work in operator, vendor, academic and consultancy environments.
A number of respected foreign speakers, all from leading telecommunications companies, presented their views on the subject. These included Andreas Enotiadis and Serge J. Adam, executives from Cisco Systems; Philippe Mouthon of Nortel Networks; the managing director of Market Development Int. Inc, Peter Balchin; and Marina Purtic representing Siemens Austria ICM-International.
A distinguished Maltese presence on the speakers' podium consisted of Godfrey Vella, CEO of DataStream Ltd within the Maltacom Group, and Tony Meilaq, CEO of Technivest Group. Ing Colin Camilleri, CTO, Malta Communications Authority; Professor Juanito Camilleri, CEO, Go Mobile; and Joseph R. Aquilina, CEO, Melita Cable plc, chaired the three sessions respectively.
The closing address was delivered by Information Technology and Investment Minister Austin Gatt.
The high degree of interest shown in this conference was clearly indicated by the large number of registrations, with people from all over Europe and even from as far away as California attending.
For more information about this conference visit www.mca.org.mt The presentations by all speakers will shortly be available online.