CHINA: Telecoms leaders showcase new products and technology at a conference in Hong Kong

Thousands of delegates and content providers are attending the five day ITU (International Telecommunication Union) Telecom World 2006 conference in Hong Kong. The world's biggest players have convened to showcase their latest gadgets and technology services. Dating back to 1971, the conference has always been held in Geneva, Switzerland. Its move to Hong Kong highlights Asia's pivotal role in shaping the industry's future. "When it come to ITU and their programme, there are many issues that are important. But of course two aspects of it - one is to close the digital divide - that is up to the chairman of ITU and important to us all. So that broadband and internet doesn't become only for a few, but for the many. And also to make services easy to handle and affordable, these are the key issues," said Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and CEO of Ericsson. Visitors also commented on the fast pace of telecoms progress, in Asia and in other emerging markets. Also in focus is the growing role played by Asia in developing new telecom technologies. "The real challenge is to get to reach more people and to put all the services, all the content onto one platform," said John Katepa, Board Member of The Communications Authority in Zambia. Chinese mobile and fixed line operators also turned up in large numbers to display their latest products and services. But focus is on the Chinese government's plans to roll out the first 3G operating licence. The Beijing government wants to have 3G ready for the Olympics in 2008. And all providers are hoping to grab a chunk of more than US$10 billion in estimated spending once China begins rolling out 3G networks. The world's largest fixed line and mobile operators are also on the lookout to see what their competitors are offering at the venue and to build new business relationships. "ITU builds a bridge between operators and producers. The relationships are not only sellers and buyers, actually they become strategic partners," said Zhao Jibin, Chairman of the board of directors for China Tietong Telecommunication Corporation. Delegates were given an insight into how latest digital technology is transforming lifestyles across the world.

ITN Source | December 9, 2006

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