A two-day conference will be hosted by Bahrain Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and Samena Telecommunications Council in the kingdom to discuss key issues related to broadband network.

The conference, to be held on behalf of the Arab Regulatory Network (ARGNET) and in conjunction with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), will begin from February 22 at the Diplomat Radisson BLU Hotel, Residence and Spa.

It is being held under the patronage of Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyatala Al Khalifa.

The event aims at facilitating a better understanding of both policy decisions that have been taken as well as various broadband access solutions currently available and being deployed in countries such as Singapore, Australia, the UK, US, France and Germany.

The conference is supported by national policy-makers, regulatory authorities, network operators and equipment vendors.

TRA chairman and acting director-general Dr Mohammed Al Amer said that Bahrain has through its 'Economic Vision 2030' and the National Strategic Plan identified ubiquitous, affordable high-speed broadband connectivity as a cornerstone for future economic development.

'This conference will bring together from all corners of the industry a unique level of expertise and experience to discuss the issues that we all face when considering how best to achieve a more diversified economic base and sustainable growth,' he said.

'Recent experiences in many countries have shown that numerous solutions have been deployed all with the similar common objective to achieve ubiquitous, affordable high-speed broadband connectivity.'

The 'Achieving Ubiquitous Broadband Networks' conference will feature policy-makers, who will address the key drivers for developing a successful broadband network and services followed by country-specific case studies by regulators and operators.

A panel discussion will ensue to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of the different solutions.

Speakers will include a number of high-profile industry experts such as ITU secretary-general Dr Hamadoun Toure, Samena chairman and Saudi Telecom Company group chief executive officer Saud Al Daweesh, ARGNET president Dr Abdulrahman Al Jafary and Dr Al Amer.-TradeArabia News Service