Next Generation Broadband and Mobile Networks to take centre stage at CommunicAsia 2011

Singapore, April 15, 2011– Demandfor higher quality and faster broadband speeds is growing exponentially across the world, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. CommunicAsia 2011, the global platform for addressing emerging issues in information and communications technology (ICT) and the digital convergence landscape, will be spotlighting how Next Generation Networks (NGNs) and Mobile Broadband are re-shaping the Asian commercial ICT industry.

Held alongside CommunicAsia2011 at thebrand new Marina Bay Sands Convention Centoer   from Tuesday 21 June to Friday 24 June,the conference includes dedicated tracks such as: - ‘Next Generation Broadband: The Business Models’, ‘Next Generation Broadband Infrastructure’ and ‘Next Generation Mobile Broadband’ among others. The tracks will comprise key deliberations on new technologies, businesses and regulatory models which have the potential to initiate fundamental changes in the economic and communications landscape.

Commenting on the potential of investing in next generation broadband networks in the Asian broadband market, Lindy Wee, Director of PR and Conferences from show organiser Singapore Exhibition Services (SES), said: “We have the opportunity to learn from the experiences and challenges of business and industry luminaries from across the globe, about how different nations, in transitioning to new technology regimes, can access the commercial viability of NGN business models. The objective is to see how these technologies can be successfully deployed across countries.  Asiais at an important crossroad today, and the discussions at these tracks and valuable insights offered at CommunicAsia2011 Summit will have important implications on businesses and consumers alike.”

Regional governments are exploring new regulatory approaches for their national NGNs to ensure open access industry structures through functional separation, a process pioneered by the Singapore government.  The infrastructure for the new networks requires architectures that can handle massive traffic volumes while remaining cost effective.  Effective terrestrial back-up for existing submarine cables in the region is fast becoming a priority to minimise the disruptive effects of earthquakes and other natural hazards. Moreover, the back-up is aimed at ensuring ease of access for transport networks and other end-users, while simultaneously introducing competition to drive down costs.

The topics in the tracks include ‘Singapore NGN – Vision to Reality’, ‘NGN And Enabling Policies For Developing Countries’, ‘New Service Architectures and New Service Opportunities’, ‘Broadband In Asia – Challenges and Trends’ and ‘Broadband Trends and Broadband Access Technology Options’.

The line-up for the ‘Next Generational Mobile Broadband’ conference track includes case studies on mobile web's growth and its impact on emerging nations, discussions on mobile broadband networks such as HSPA, HSPA+, LTE and WiMAX. Participants will also discuss the factors and challenges associated with building an LTE ecosystem to enhance user experience by meeting industry demands, drive business gains, and encourage the rollout of new applications.

"Investments in communications infrastructure can yield significant economic benefits provided the right policy, regulatory and investment frameworks are in place. There are strong reasons to suggest that fresh investments in creating infrastructure for the NGNs will catalyse economic growth and boost productivity.  Asia's broadband landscape is witnessing significant evolution, with NGNs - both wired and wireless - transforming the way we live, learn, work and interact.  The CommunicAsia2011 conference tracks offer the ideal platform for industry experts, leaders and investors to exchange ideas, analyse and discuss issues of relevance to the sector, address challenges, make course corrections and plan for the future," said Stewart White, MESA Head of Telecoms, KPMG. 

Stewart will impart his insights on the current trends and challenges surrounding the broadband industry in Asia and elsewhere at the 'Next Generation Broadband Infrastructure' and 'Next Generation Broadband - The Business Models' tracks.

Other speakers for the tracks include Bill Barney, CEO of Pacnet; Supun Weerasinghe, CEO of Dialog Mobile; Joseph O’Konek, CEO of CSL; Robin Mersh, COO of Broadband Forum; Allen Lew, CEO of SingTel, and representatives from Acme Packet, Alcatel-Lucent, Alvarion, Andrew Solutions, Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh, BTI Systems, Broadlight, Ernst & Young, Eutelsat, Gilbert + Tobin Lawyers, ITU, LIRNEasia, Optus, Point Topic, SAP Asia, TM Forum, Telekom Malaysia, Telecom New Zealand, Telenor, TRPC, Webb Henderson and ZTE among others.

The tracks form part of the agenda of the iconic tradeshow that will be taking place from 21 to 24 June. Themed ‘Shaping Vision, Creating Reality, CommunicAsia2011 will feature a ‘first’ in the form of specialised Techzones at the exhibition. These will create a one-stop experience for visitors sourcing for related technologies, services and applications. Two of the five Techzones featured at CommunicAsia2011 – ‘Fibre for NextGen Services’, and ‘NextGen Services & Applications’ – will congregate related companies focused on NGN, and showcase the latest technologies, platforms and services available in today’s evolving ICT industry.

For further information, visit the official CommunicAsia2011 website at http://www.communicasia.com/, follow event updates on Twitter – @CommunicAsia– and Facebook – www.facebook.com/CommunicAsia.