Wireless technology is the latest in global IT hype. Moving with the torrent, The Information Technology Association of Jordan, int@j, hosted international and regional wireless experts in a Wireless Technology Seminar, held under the patronage of HE. Eng. Muna Nijem, Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) – Jordan.
HE. Nijem commenced the seminar with a speech on the vital role of the telecom sector and predictions about wireless in general and in Jordan.
"It is very tempting to say that Information and Communication Technology is the way of the future; but it would be incorrect. We should remember the words of an Internet strategist who gave a lecture in Jordan a few years ago, that the Internet is not the way for the future – it is the way for the present. As for the future, we cannot even imagine what it may bring," she said.
The full day seminar encompassed seven technical presentations on the use and applications of wireless technology from leading local and international companies in the field: IDC, the global intelligence and advisory firm, Arab Advisors Group, Red Line Communications, Fastlink, SR Telecom, Motorola as well as TRC respectively.
Introducing wireless technology, keynote speaker Jyoti Lalchandani, regional director of IDC, provided a statistical overview of the present state of telecom and wireless technology in the region and pinpointed the challenges that lie ahead.
Regional research experts and int@j member, Arab Advisors, also gave an analytical overview of the present state of affairs in terms of technology within the region.
"Introducing competition in the Arab telecom sectors reaps great benefits for both the users and the operators, although it does not necessarily solve all the obstacles; as many depend on service demand and not necessarily on supply or cost," said Mr. Abbasi. "With over 30% cellular penetration, Jordan is now the most competitive Arab communications market."
The afternoon session had three technical presentations: WiMax Technology Applications by Dino Bakakis of Red Line Communications, premier Canadian wireless providers; Broadband Services in Jordan- Threat or Opportunity for Mobile Operators by Ra’fat Nawawi of Fastlink; and Low Risk Strategy of Wireless Deployment by Jalal Benbrahim of the Canadian giants SR Telecom.
The presenters predicted that by 2007/2008 there will be a widespread global use of WiMax technology. WiMAX is a wireless technology that provides broadband connections over long distances.
The final session comprised two presentations; the first on Broadband Wireless by Paul Budgen of Motorola and the second on Regulating Wireless by Muwaffaq Abu Aqola of TRC.
The seminar attracted more than 150 specialists and stakeholders from the financial sector, the industrial sector, IT companies, telecom companies, private entrepreneurs and the public sector.
The event was sponsored by Fastlink, Intel Corporation, Ideal Group, Saadi Communications, Arab Advisors Group, TRC as well as USAID.
