| Feature articles |
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Article no.: |
1 |
| Topic: |
Africa’s Wireless Internet Opportunity |
| Author: |
José Maria Figueres Olsen |
| Title: |
Chairman, United Nations ICT Task Force; Managing Director, World Economic Forum; and Ex-President, Costa Rica |
| Organisation: |
United Nations ICT Task Force/World Economic Forum/Costa Rica |
| PDF size: |
724KB |
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| About author: |
| Mr José Maria Figueres Olsen is the Chairman of the United Nations ICT Task Force. He is the Managing Director, World Economic Forum and responsible for the Centre for the Global Agenda. Mr Figueres, President of Costa Rica from 1994 to 1998, began his political career at the request of Costa Rica's President and Nobel Peace Laureate Oscar Arias, serving as Minister of Foreign Trade and then as Minister of Agriculture. As President, he was noted for his programmes on behalf of sustainable development and economic growth. Mr Figueres is the President of the Board of Leadership and Environment Development (LEAD) and has served on the boards of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), FUNDES Internacional and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI). He continues to serves on the board of the World Resources Institute and the Costa Rican Foundation for Sustainable Development. José Maria Figueres earned a degree in engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Masters in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He has lectured extensively on the subjects of Sustainable Development and Technology and is the recipient of many international awards in these fields. |
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| Article abstract: |
| Connectivity – roads, flight connections, or telephone lines – can economically empower people. Information connectivity unleashes human capital and increases productivity and knowledge sharing. In much of the world where, for geographical, technical and economic reasons, there are no wired telephones or Internet connections, wireless fidelity, Wi-Fi, may be the way to provide connectivity. In the developing world, wireless Internet provides an unprecedented opportunity for people who have been, until now, excluded from the global economy to join the information society. |
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Article no.: |
2 |
| Topic: |
Egypt's Telecom Regulatory Authority – A Model for Telecom |
| Author: |
Engr. Alaa El-Din Mohamed Fahmy |
| Title: |
Executive President |
| Organisation: |
National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority, Egypt |
| PDF size: |
668KB |
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| About author: |
| Engr. Alaa El-Din Mohamed Fahmy is the Executive President of Egypt's National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (NTRA) and the elected Chairman of the ITU WG-ITR, the International Telecommunication Union's Working Group for International Telecommunication Regulation. Previously, Eng. Alaa Fahmy served the government as the Director of the Armed Forces Main Information Centre (AFMIC), as vice-president of the Information Systems Department in the Ministry of Defense and as the manager of a number of telecommunication and IT departments of the Cabinet Information and Decision Support Centre (IDSC). In the private sector, Eng. Alaa Fahmy, was the General Manager of a well-known company, Chief Technical officer and stakeholder, in the company that built Egypt's first Internet and Public Data Network backbone. For many years, he has also led a number of important Telecommunication and IT Industry associations in Egypt. In recognition of his achievements, he was nominated, in 2002, for the prestigious World Technology Network international award in communications technology. Engr. Alaa Fahmy earned his BSc. from the Military Technical College and his post-graduate studies were from Ain Shams University, Cairo University and American Institute. |
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| Article abstract: |
| Egypt's telecommunications sector has seen a five-fold expansion in recent years stimulated, in great part, by the Egyptian telecommunications regulator – the NTRA. The NTRA is charged with regulating and monitoring the telecom industry, optimising the use of the radio frequency spectrum and the licensing of new services and service providers. The NTRA is responsible for a dramatic increase in the number of licences issued and, with the Ministry, for implementing Internet services for the price of a local phone call. |
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Article no.: |
3 |
| Topic: |
Full Connectivity – A Regulatory Challenge and a Social Hope |
| Author: |
Jean-Louis Beh Mengue |
| Title: |
Director General |
| Organisation: |
Telecommunications Regulatory Board of Cameroon |
| PDF size: |
656KB |
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| About author: |
| Jean-Louis Beh Mengue has been the Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board of Cameroon since it was founded in 1998.Before this, serving as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, he coordinated the reform of the telecommunications and postal sectors, which led to the creation of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board and two public corporations for posts and telecommunications. Mr Beh Mengue is also Cameroon’s representative to the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) Council, where his main responsibility is to ensure that the Cameroon's ICT sector participates fully in the CTO and benefits from its programmes. |
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| Article abstract: |
| Historically, telecommunications started in the form of telegraphy, which was soon overtaken by voice telephony. A century and a half later we are seeing telephony itself being overtaken by the migration to IP platforms. The convergence of networks and technologies is blurring the line between telephone, audio-visual and data services that were traditionally provided over separate networks. Although liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in Cameroon has brought significant changes, especially in mobile telephone service, full network connectivity is still a long way off. |
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Article no.: |
4 |
| Topic: |
Regulations for full connectivity in Botswana |
| Author: |
Twoba Boikaego Koontse |
| Title: |
Director, Communications and Consumer Affairs |
| Organisation: |
The Botswana Telecommunications Authority |
| PDF size: |
572KB |
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| About author: |
| Mr Twoba Boikaego Koontse is the Director of Communications and Consumer Affairs of the Botswana Telecommunications Authority. Mr Koontse joined the Botswana Telecommunications Authority (BTA) as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and was later appointed to his current post. Mr Koontse began his career in government with Botswana's Department of Foreign Affairs. There, he served as First Secretary to the Botswana High Commission, first in London then in Harare. He was later named the Deputy High Commissioner in Lusaka. He began professionally as a teacher and rose quickly to the post of Headmaster of the school. Mr Koontse holds a BA and a Diploma in Education from the University of Botswana. In 1996 he earned a Certificate in Diplomacy and International Relations from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. |
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| Article abstract: |
| Today, technology has developed to a point where single networks can provide all sorts of services, from fixed to mobile to Internet and broadcasting. Convergence of technologies is gradually making it difficult to comfortably differentiate between ‘telecommunications’ and other forms of communication. This has made the already complex regulatory function even more difficult and sometimes impossible. The regulatory framework is the single most important and difficult area in telecommunications policy today and it is likely to remain so for many years to come. |
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Article no.: |
5 |
| Topic: |
Rascomstar: A Pan African ICT Platform for Connectivity and Development |
| Author: |
Mustapha Elriz |
| Title: |
CEO |
| Organisation: |
Rascomstar-QAF |
| PDF size: |
928KB |
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| About author: |
| Mr Mustapha Elriz is the CEO of Rascomstar-QAF. As the Rascomstar Project Director, (1999-2002), he successfully coordinated the implementation of the Rascomstar-QAF Company, a private African joint venture set up to finance and operate the RASCOM System. Previously, Mr Elriz was Alcatel's satellite division vice- president for Africa and the Middle East until his election as Rascomstar-QAF's first CEO. Mustapha Elriz graduated in 1979 from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications in Paris and holds an MBA from the Open Business School in Great-Britain. |
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| Article abstract: |
| The world has entered an era of revolution where information transmission is the driving force of development and economic growth. However, the information revolution requires massive investment in infrastructure to connect populations. The Regional African Satellite Communications Organisation, RASCOM, is an all-African initiative to provide the African continent with a telecommunications infrastructure capable of giving telecommunications access at low cost to every citizen in Africa. This initiative will ensure telephone, information and entertainment access to rural populations at highly competitive rates. |
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Article no.: |
6 |
| Topic: |
Submarine Cables – Unlocking Broadband in the Middle East and Asia |
| Author: |
Walid Irshaid |
| Title: |
President, Middle East and Africa |
| Organisation: |
Flag Telecom |
| PDF size: |
680KB |
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| About author: |
| Walid Irshaid is the President for Middle East and Africa of Flag Telecom and is a member of the Executive Board of FLAG Telecom. Based in Dubai. Walid Irshaid is responsible for all FLAG’s operations in the Middle East and Africa. Before joining FLAG Telecom, he served as the Director General of Palestine Telecom Corporation (PALTEL), the emerging telecom services provider that has an exclusive 10 year licence for all voice and data services in Palestine. Before that he was Managing Director for the Investcom Group in Beirut developing data and business communication services in Lebanon. His experience in the Middle East also includes 17 years with Emirates Telecom (ETISALAT) as Corporate Manager. There, he was actively involved in the deployment and development of major projects and key services, including cellular, data, value-added services and multimedia. Mr Irshaid holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Electronics. |
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| Article abstract: |
| The submarine telecom cable industry has been suffering through one of the most difficult periods in its 150-year history. However, during the past two years the industry has been in the process of restructuring and, while some markets remain in the doldrums, others are powering ahead. A new cable system has been announced. It will run from Egypt through the Middle East and, from there, on to India to China. It is the first major submarine cable infrastructure investment of this century. |
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Article no.: |
7 |
| Topic: |
Closing the Technology Skills Gap for Sustainable Development in Africa |
| Author: |
Reza Mahdavi |
| Title: |
Vice-President, Europe, the Middle East and Africa |
| Organisation: |
Cisco Systems |
| PDF size: |
652KB |
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| About author: |
| Reza Mahdavi is Cisco Systems Vice-President of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. As a Vice-President of Emerging and Developing Markets he has helped create a culture that builds partnerships with government and business leadership teams. He is considered a trusted advisor to many senior government and business leaders and is a permanent member of the Presidential Advisory Council for President Mbeki of South Africa. Mr Mahdavi was named Vice-President of the Year 2002 by the Cisco’s board. Before joining Cisco, Mr Mahdavi was a Director at nCube, a provider of massively parallel architecture systems for interactive television, multimedia and data warehousing. Mr Mahdavi spent several years early in his career at Sequent Systems and at CLSI. Mr Mahdavi holds a BSc in Computer Science from Massachusetts University at Bridgewater and resides in Paris, France. |
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| Article abstract: |
| Technology is seen as the key to bridging the digital divide. International agencies, in strategic partnerships with businesses, have developed and funded projects to help train students in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). These programmes use e-learning tools to deliver Web-based educational content, provide online testing, track student performance and support hands-on labs and instructor training. Other such initiatives train government officials, provide an information-sharing network for schools, connect LDCs' agricultural institutes and provide hospitals with life-saving health education. |
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Article no.: |
8 |
| Topic: |
VSAT Networks: Changing Lives in Africa |
| Author: |
Oren Most |
| Title: |
President and CEO |
| Organisation: |
Gilat Satellite Networks |
| PDF size: |
728KB |
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| About author: |
| Mr Oren Most is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Gilat. He was a founder of Cellcom, Israel's largest and most successful cellular phone company, where he served as Deputy CEO and Head of the Customers Division. Before Cellcom, Mr Most led two successful corporate turnarounds, as CEO of Keter, one of Israel’s largest book publishing and printing companies and as Managing Director of Gibor-Sabrina’s Pantyhose Division. Oren Most’s experience also includes management positions in banking and venture capital in the United States. Mr Most, earned his MBA degree from New York University. |
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| Article abstract: |
| In many parts of the world communications infrastructure is either not available or is too expensive to deploy in areas outside the main city centres. This prevents large numbers of people from benefiting from everyday communications services such as telephone connectivity and Internet access. In these areas, satellite-based communication networks stand out as being the best, if not perhaps the only way, to provide communications services. Africa has many good examples of the advantages to be gained from satellite. |
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Article no.: |
9 |
| Topic: |
Changing the Way Africa Communicates |
| Author: |
Guy Clarke |
| Title: |
Director |
| Organisation: |
UUNET Africa Operations |
| PDF size: |
696KB |
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| About author: |
| Guy Clark is the Director of UUNET, Africa Operations and COO of the UUNET/Africa Online Joint Venture, in Nairobi. After restructuring the venture, Mr Clark returned to South Africa, where he is now responsible for all of the company's African operations. Mr Clark is currently the Executive Director on the board of the Joint Venture Company between UUNET SA and Africa Online, as well as the Director of UUNET companies within Mauritius, Kenya, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. |
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| Article abstract: |
| African businesses rely heavily on e-mail, Internet and VPN connectivity as key tools in conducting business, giving rise to numerous opportunities. However, the needs of Africa are very different from those in more developed regions and satellite solutions continue to be material in solving a number of business communication problems. The continent has many development opportunities and, by taking advantage of what has been learned throughout the world by ICT service providers, universal communication capabilities can soon be a reality for the continent. |
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Article no.: |
10 |
| Topic: |
The Road to Seamless Computing |
| Author: |
Mike Cathie |
| Title: |
Business and Marketing Director |
| Organisation: |
Microsoft South Africa |
| PDF size: |
568KB |
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| About author: |
| Mike Cathie is the Business and Marketing Director of Microsoft South Africa. He has an extensive consumer marketing background, Mike’s responsibilities included managing Microsoft’s consumer marketing operation, their business marketing portfolio and the local MSN portal. In this role, he focuses on developing Microsoft’s South African marketplace and their vision of an interconnected environment. Mike Cathie has a national higher diploma in marketing from Technikon Witwatersrand, the IMM AAA diploma and is currently completing his MBA. |
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| Article abstract: |
| Will PCs grow in importance to the point that they start to play an indispensable part in the lives of most people? By the end of this decade, will few want to live without one? The next great opportunity for the technology industry is to create software that breaks down the barriers between people, systems and information. This is the vision of seamless computing; but, if we are to change the way people think about computers, the focus must be on building systems that can be wholly trusted. |
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Article no.: |
11 |
| Topic: |
Wireless Broadband in Africa |
| Author: |
Zvi Slonimsky |
| Title: |
CEO |
| Organisation: |
Alvarion |
| PDF size: |
568KB |
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| About author: |
| Mr Zvi Slonimsky has been CEO of Alvarion since the merger between BreezeCOM and Floware. He was originally CEO of BreezeCOM, having served previously as its President. Before this, Mr Slonimsky served as President and CEO of MTS Ltd. and General Manager of DSP Group, Israel. Mr Slonimsky has held senior positions in a variety of telecommunication companies, including C.Mer and Tadiran. Mr Slominsky is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s foremost experts on fixed wireless systems. He advises carriers, ILECs and cellular operators on rolling out broadband networks in rural and urban areas with relatively poor telecoms infrastructures. Mr Slonimsky has a BSc.E.E. and MSc.E.E. degree from the Technion Israel Institute for Technology and an MBA degree from Tel-Aviv University. |
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| Article abstract: |
| The challenges facing telecom service providers are identical throughout the African continent: how to provide broadband connectivity in harsh and unforgiving landscapes. Unsurprisingly, wireless broadband (also known as broadband wireless access or fixed wireless access) emerges as ‘best in class’ for delivery of broadband services in these tricky environments. However, there is a vital new technology available, WiMAX, which is highly significant for operators in Africa. WiMAX may well be the key to removing the obstacles to broadband adoption throughout the World. |
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Article no.: |
12 |
| Topic: |
The Wireless Age in Africa – Embracing the Future |
| Author: |
Frank Opfer |
| Title: |
Vice-President |
| Organisation: |
Solutions Management, T-Systems, International Carrier Sales & Solutions |
| PDF size: |
568KB |
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| About author: |
| Frank Opfer is Vice-President of Solutions Management for T-Systems International Carrier Sales & Solutions (ICSS). He is responsible for solutions strategy and sales worldwide. He previously worked for Equant as the Director of the Regional Product Management Team for Data & IP in Europe, for Betrelsmann/mediaWays and Deutsche Telekom. Mr Opfer has an engineering degree in Information Processing and a dual MBA degree from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University in Chicago and the Otto Beisheim Graduate School (WHU) in Germany. |
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| Article abstract: |
| WiFi, Wireless Fidelity, is the current buzzword in Africa. It is bringing a host of new opportunities for communicating with anyone anywhere in the world. Thanks to wireless communication covering everything from mobile telephony to WiFi roaming, Africa is poised to make the leap from sporadic telephone service to full-time, worldwide, connectivity. WiMax, a trade organisation created by leading communications companies, aims to promote an industry-wide standard for the next level of wireless networking, creating more broadband access choices in Africa. |
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Article no.: |
13 |
| Topic: |
Converged Services Networks – Next Generation Network Architecture |
| Author: |
Laith Sadiq |
| Title: |
Director of Strategy |
| Organisation: |
Motorola Infrastructure, EMEA |
| PDF size: |
592KB |
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| About author: |
| Dr Laith Sadiq is director of strategy for Motorola’s Global Telecom Solutions Sector (GTSS) in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Before his current position, Dr Sadiq was Sales Director for GTSS Middle East. Before joining Motorola, Dr Sadiq held senior positions at Nortel. and British Telecom. Dr Sadiq holds a BSc in Communication, Computer and Information Services from the University of Manchester and a Masters and PhD in Telecommunications from Kings College, London. |
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| Article abstract: |
| To make convergence a valuable proposition for operators, the current network architecture needs to evolve. Current network architecture is not designed with convergence in mind and cannot deliver an optimal customer experience and cost structure. Given that operators have already made large investments in network infrastructure, the roadmap for the Next Generation architecture, which will support convergence, should incorporate a phased approach. Convergence is already happening in the home, office and outside world – but the ultimate convergence cannot happen without seamless mobility. |
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Article no.: |
14 |
| Topic: |
Convergence in the Access Systems |
| Author: |
Andrew Furner |
| Title: |
Managing Director |
| Organisation: |
Marconi Middle East |
| PDF size: |
704KB |
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| About author: |
| Mr Andrew Furner, the Managing Director of Marconi Middle East, has over twenty years experience in telecommunications, information technology services, software and management consulting in a variety of senior management roles. Before assuming responsibility for Marconi’s operations in the Middle East, he served as head of Technology Strategy for Marconi Corporation. In this role, he led the high level team that defined and developed Marconi’s Next Generation Telecommunications Network vision and Marconi’s technology investment strategy. |
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| Article abstract: |
| Throughout the world, fixed line operators are seeing voice revenues decline and the voice networks are showing signs of obsolescence. In many markets, even the basic, fast, Internet service offered by DSL is not generating sufficient revenues. Operators are discovering a real business need to make convergence happen. Operators working towards convergence find they need fewer edge platforms and have reaped major operating expense reductions. The need to plan evolution to packet voice technology is compelling. |
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Article no.: |
15 |
| Topic: |
Packet Voice Telephony Shines Brightly in Deregulating Markets |
| Author: |
Ingrid Simunic |
| Title: |
PhD., Marketing Director |
| Organisation: |
VocalTec Communications |
| PDF size: |
568KB |
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| About author: |
| Dr Ingrid Simunic is the marketing director of VocalTec Communications. She has led marketing operations for telecom companies in both developed markets, such as the US, as well as emerging markets in Europe. Her international experience of equipment vendors and service providers includes working with startups and established companies. She writes for and has been quoted in, many business and trade journals. Ingrid holds a doctorate in marketing science. |
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| Article abstract: |
| Deregulating countries in Africa present a huge opportunity for telecom service providers and equipment vendors. In Africa, the limited infrastructure results in repressed demand for telecom services. Nigeria, which has a recently deregulated telecom market, provides a vivid example of this. A number of competitive fixed line and mobile service providers have begun to offer economical services to the phone-starved Nigerian public over a cost-effective packet voice architecture. A scalable and granular VoIP solution allows companies to start small and grow over time. |
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Article no.: |
16 |
| Topic: |
Value Proposition for Speedy Telecoms’ Growth |
| Author: |
Kaul Sanjay |
| Title: |
Senior Business Advisor & Director of Service Area Advice |
| Organisation: |
Ericsson, Africa |
| PDF size: |
632KB |
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| About author: |
| Kaul Sanjay is a Senior Business Advisor and the Director of Service Area Advice for Ericsson Global Services in Africa with a focus on telecoms strategy and services operations. Kaul Sanjay has had broad international experience working with mobile markets around Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa. Before joining Ericsson, Mr Sanjay worked with BT and Telia for a number of years. Mr Kaul has a BE in Electronics & Telecommunications and an MBA in marketing and strategy. |
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| Article abstract: |
| Many operators on the African continent lack local competence, operational frameworks and financing capabilities. Penetration levels are low and the consumer is paying too much for what they are receiving. Businesses are suffering from the absence of a proper communications infrastructure. Yet research in one developing country shows that a one per cent growth in telecommunication services boosts the economy by two per cent. The case is clear, operators and governments need to overcome the problems and do so at speed. |
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Article no.: |
17 |
| Topic: |
Application Provisioning for the Mobile Workforce |
| Author: |
Pontus Axelsson |
| Title: |
Vice-President Product Management |
| Organisation: |
Appear Networks |
| PDF size: |
732KB |
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| About author: |
| Mr Pontus Axelsson, the Vice-President Product Management at Appear Networks, is widely experienced in the wireless and technology sector. He has been involved in major innovations in the market. He convinced Motorola and Swedish GSM network operator Tele2 to fund a project to build the world's first WAP unified messaging application. More recently, he has worked for the Swedish wireless startup Goyada AB as VP of Product Management and as Chief Technical Officer. Mr Axelsson holds a Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from KTH, the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm and was recently a delegate of the WAP Forum. |
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| Article abstract: |
| Web browsing is and will continue to be, a vital part of the way wireless services are used, but it needs a strong partner delivering applications that work both online and offline. Mobile workforces require true mobility and will often prefer powerful handheld devices to the traditional desktop computer in order to carry out assigned tasks away from their desks. Standardised software will inevitably lead to the development of more applications for handheld devices, such as application provisioning. |
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Article no.: |
18 |
| Topic: |
Long live the Network!!! |
| Author: |
Marco Daniel Signorini |
| Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
| Organisation: |
Econet Satellite Services Limited |
| PDF size: |
636KB |
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| About author: |
| Marco Daniel Signorini is the Chief Executive Officer of Econet Satellite Services Limited. Marco joined Econet Wireless Holdings and moved upward in the organisation through a series of increasingly important executive posts in several African subsidiaries and in the UK. Under Marco, the company has grown from a team of five to be a major African player in the international arena, with branch offices in France and South Africa and a global portfolio of clients and business partners. Marco also serves, currently, as the Sales director of Worldstream and as a member of its executive committee. Marco began his career as an engineering consultant specialising in jet engines. |
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| Article abstract: |
| We can expect more progress during the next ten years than during the last 100. Two areas, nanotechnology and the blue laser, will contribute to dramatic advances in information and communication technology by making digital processing and bandwidth more powerful and cost effective. With these advances, satellites will be able to provide enough bandwidth for everybody on Earth. This will accelerate the worldwide communications revolution and help bring affordable services to almost everyone in the Africa and Middle East region. |
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