Regional telecom operators convene

WINDHOEKDENVER ISAACS Regional players in the telecommunications industry are meeting in Windhoek to discuss standards, services and other issues that have a bearing on their individual and regional operations. Hosted by Telecom Namibia, the seventh Africa Service and Network Operators (SNO) Conference brings together representatives of service and network operators in the SADC region. Considered the only event in the sector which focuses exclusively on service and network operations, the conference allows participants a chance to influence industry standards bodies in considering their issues. Some of the topics under discussion at the Safari Hotel and Conference Centre include the operations of telecoms networks across fixed, mobile and next-generation networks, the service management of these networks, and challenges facing operators, carriers, internet service providers and next-generation telecoms companies. Sharing the Namibian experience, Telecom Namibia CEO Heinrich Bader yesterday provided a summary of the ICT infrastructure in Namibia, which he said was flourishing in especially the mobile telecoms market. He said 70% of Namibians live in rural areas, which are fertile ground for mobile connections but pose significant difficulties for the country's development. He said the country was faring well in its drive “to move full-force into next-generation networks”, adding that the country currently has access to four international cable systems. “Hardly a town is not connected to our network. Our challenge however is connecting individuals and households,” Bader told delegates. Besides sharing their national experiences, the participants are also to discuss a number of new telecommunications business models, industry best practices, and a review of their 2012 conference, which was held in South Africa.