Telecommunication Economics & Financing Seminar as Part of Technology Month Opens This Week
September 09, 2007
ST. JOHN'S, Antigua
A four day seminar focusing on modern issues in telecommunication economics and financing begins on Monday at the Jolly Beach Resort.
The seminar, which is part of the programme of activities marking September as Technology Month, is expected to attract over fifty (50) participants from across the Caribbean Region and is being sponsored by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Hon. Dr. Edmond Mansoor, says that the choice of Antigua as a venue for this seminar is indicative of the leading position that the country has maintained in the development of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.
According to Minister Mansoor, the seminar will examine growth and investment trends in the telecommunications sector in the Caribbean Region including issues related to liberalization, growth prospects, financing and economic issues.
Also down for discussion are competition policies in the Caribbean, roaming charges and its regulation and policy issues in the usage of Internet protocol (IP) telephony.
Minister Mansoor says the telecommunications sector in Antigua and Barbuda has expanded dramatically over the last three years as a result of the development of the Island's fibre optic capacity as well as the explosion in the use of wireless technologies.
The activities to mark Technology Month also include a seminar on September 17 and 18 under the auspices of the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Organisations (CANTO). This two- day forum will precede ICTFEST 2007, a technology festival that features an interactive exhibition, computer assembly races and web search competitions.
ICTFEST 2007, the region's premier technology showcase, will be held at the Multi-purpose Exhibition and Cultural Centre on September 19 and 20.
