International Institute of Communications

MIDDLE EAST TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA FORUM

Qatar

Wednesday 10 February 2010

Kindly hosted by ictQATAR

at the Sharq Village & Spa (Al-Dasha Hall), Ras Abboud Street, Al-Khulaifait, Doha

Boosting Broadband in the Region – What are the Critical Drivers?

In spite of huge strides made in recent years, broadband development in the Middle East lags behind the North America, the Far East and Europe. Yet the region’s youthful demographic structure and local lifestyles would suggest fertile ground for its development and, as elsewhere, governments are acutely aware that they cannot afford to ignore the very significant social, economic, personal and cultural benefits that widespread broadband use could bring.

This one-day IIC Telecommunications and Media Forum will examine the outlook for mass broadband usage in the region in the light of current trends, demographics and lifestyle choices, and the associated commercial opportunities. Drawing on the experience of North America, the Far East and Europe, it will analyse the technology required to extend the reach of broadband to meet future user requirements as well as what is needed to create demand for broadband by way of content, new services and applications.

The IIC’s Telecommunications and Media Forum meets three times a year in different geographical locations including annually in Brussels and in Washington, DC. Its meetings are restricted to members and invited guests. The emphasis is on discussion between participants and free and frank exchanges of views. This means that a considerable amount of time is dedicated to debate, and discussions are confidential. For further information see www.iicom.org.

Programme Outline

SESSION ONE

Broadband Trends in the Middle East – What can be Learnt from Elsewhere?

What do the fixed, wireless and mobile broadband markets look like in the region and how are they developing? How do speed, penetration and take-up rates stack up in relation to other regions? What influence are demographics having on the market?
What does the experience of North America, the Far East and Europe reveal about broadband availability, speed and usage trends and requirements and what the future might hold for the region?
What will be the main drivers of consumer demand in the region?
What role for regulation and government policy?

SESSION TWO

Technology and the User Experience – What is the Regional Outlook?

Given current and next generation technologies on the horizon does the future for mass broadband use lie with wireless or mobile broadband or will fixed offer the best prospects in terms of user experience, expectations and general affordability? To what extent are future options limited by spectrum constraints or shortcomings in technology architecture, such as backbone, bandwidth and middle mile issues?
While mobile broadband would seem to be an attractive option, not least for lifestyle and demographic reasons, to what extent can mobile broadband technology be deployed for mass use? Will it meet user expectations for a mobile, seamless, always connected, rich media and interactive experience? Will smartphones predominate?
Is government intervention needed to build high speed, next generation broadband networks or can it be left to the market? What government or regulatory measures are required to enable the most efficient use of those technologies for which there is likely to be high demand?

SESSION THREE

Stimulating Consumer Broadband Demand – What will it take?

Given the experiences in other regions and local lifestyles, customs and cultures, what particular kinds of content, applications and services are likely to drive mass broadband uptake in the region and why? What is already available by way of compelling content and services in the region and what is lacking? What are the opportunities for local content origination and services?
What role for mobile operators in relation to content? Will they be purveyors or originators of content? What are the value chain and business model implications? What role for traditional broadcasters and for new broadcasters using digital over the air, mobile and internet TV?
What types of commercial offers (flat rate, pre-paid, service bundles) can mobile operators and other providers use to encourage mass broadband uptake and meet user expectations? Is customer perceived value based on content and price the key driver?
What role for regulators and policy makers in relation to demand stimulation? Are copyright issues a serious impediment to the development of the local digital content market? If so, where do the solutions lie?