A major regional seminar on the Standardization and Development of Next Generation Networks (NGN) for the Arab Region has concluded successfully at the Gulf Hotel. The event, which ran from April 29th to May 3rd, under the patronage of Batelco Chairman Shaikh Hamad Bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, was held under the joint cooperation of Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco), the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) and The Standardisation Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union (TSB – ITU).
An adjacent two day Workshop on NGN Interconnection, held under the patronage of Batelco Human Resources & Government Relations General Manager Shaikh Ahmed Al Khalifa, also concluded May 3rd.
NGN technology is the new telecommunications reality, replacing old fashioned circuit-switched phone systems with a new packet-switched architecture, most commonly based on the internet protocol to deliver diverse services - from broadband internet to fixed, wireless and mobile voice and data over a single network.
The seminar and workshop, which was held in response to the needs of the Arab world in this field, gathered together experts from around the world to present their perspectives for Arab delegates and engage the participants in discussions on how to move into the new age as well as how to ensure unique local requirements are fully and effectively met.
“An impressive galaxy of specialists, experts and professionals gathered together to discuss matters relating to regulating policies and legislation for the NGN,” explained Shaikh Ahmed.
The ITU, the UN agency charged with developing global standards and policy guidelines for the world’s telecommunication and information and communication technology (ICT) resources, is currently leading an extensive standards-development project in an effort to build a global roadmap of the technologies and services that will define the shape of the increasingly digital age.
“Batelco extends much appreciation to the ITU and BTD for their invaluable contribution in the organisation and implementation of this event,” said Shaikh Ahmed.
“The response from all participants was excellent and we look forward to working in tandem with concerned authorities to further our knowledge, based on the outcomes of the seminar and workshop,” he concluded.
About Batelco
Batelco is proud to be celebrating its 25th Anniversary as Bahrain’s leading Telecommunication Company. Serving both the corporate and consumer markets in the most liberalised and competitive market in the Middle East, Batelco is committed to delivering cutting-edge telecommunications to its customers in Bahrain and MENA. Batelco is driven by an enthusiasm for delivering the best customer experience based on innovation, affordability and reliability of products and services.
With significant operations in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Egypt, the Batelco Group provides voice and data services over fixed, wireless, and internet platforms, systems integration and enterprise solutions to Government and Corporate clients.
Batelco’s specialised services cover the full spectrum of telecommunications solutions for residential and business customers and spans a comprehensive array of mobile services, international roaming, high-speed Internet connections, WiFi, MPLS IP-VPN network provisioning and management, Datacoms services and high-tech, reliable fixed line services. Batelco is currently migrating to an all IP network as part of its ‘Broadband Bahrain’ national project. This major investment reflects Batelco’s commitment for excellence which has reinforced Bahrain’s position as a leading communication hub. The Company’s shares are listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange. Batelco has a total capitalization of approx US$ 2.6 billion.
