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10th year of publication

# 19/1, St, # 31, Off Khayaban-e-Shamshir, Phase V Ext-DHA, Karachi.

Qatar P.O. Box. 20927, Doha Ph: (+974) 66780756, 33279600 Letter to Readers

Welcome to the latest edition of Moving on, you will find 2 other Teletimes International. very interesting interviews in First of all I would like to wish you this edition, the first of Christelle all a very happy new year and I Toureille, Marketing Director, hope that you all enjoyed a joyous Gemalto MEA and the second of holiday season. Matthias Greve, Founder and CEO With the new year we look up to - ABOX42. many improvements to come. I You will also find many more am glad to announce that we have interesting articles and reports in opened a bureau in Doha, Qatar the edition include an article on and Mr. Ashraf Siddiqui will be the the ‘Predictions for 2015 in Tech bureau chief for Qatar. This is in World’. In addition to that you will respect of our growing readership find the latest news and updates and partnerships in the region. We on all the major companies in the see Qatar as a highly important Satellite, ICT and telecoms market region in the global telecoms, as always. ICT and Satellite market and Two very important events; GSMA accordingly we will be more active Mobile World Congress 2015 in the area. (02-05 March, ) and On a similar note, you will find CABSAT 2015 (10-12 March, Dubai) a very interesting exclusive are very near. Being a media interview with Mr. Kyle Whitehill, partner, Teletimes International the CEO of Vodafone Qatar. In his will actively participate in both the interview, he speaks in detail about events. February, 2015 and March, Qatar telecoms market, growth 2015 edition of Teletimes will be possibilities, Vodafone’s role in dedicated to GSMA MWC 2015 and development, its future plans CABSAT 2015 respectively. and much more. It is definitely an Please enjoy reading this edition of interesting read. Teletimes International.

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 3 Contents

Interviews “A flexible, technology neutral approach 27 to spectrum allocation is important as it allows us to use the best technology available” Kyle Whitehill CEO - Vodafone Qatar Khalid Athar Today’s consumer is inevitably at the 39 heart of the mobile customer experience Christelle Toureille, Marketing Director, Gemalto MEA Teletimes Interview ABOX42 is taking a new approach with 13 41 the ABOX42 Smart Platform Matthias Greve, Founder and CEO - ABOX42 Doris Kucera

Satellite Communications ITU Telecom World 2014 31 Eutelsat breaks new ground with -defined (Post Event Reports) “Eutelsat Quantum” class satellite 08 ITU Telecom World 2014 highlighted innovations, technolo- 32 Poland’s nc+ extends long-term Eutelsat relationship gies, and ideas shaping future of ICTs with HOT BIRD satellite capacity renewal 12 Cyber attacks left customers unscathed 33 “Azercosmos” OJC to operate and commercialize SPOT 7 satellite 13 Ooredoo, Nokia and China Mobile achieved 4.1 Gbps

34 Thuraya partners with the International News Safety 14 Ooredoo announces plans to launch Mobile Academy Institute to protect and prepare journalists 16 Smart Africa Alliance set to leapfrog the African Continent 34 Al-Jazeera now using Es’hail 1 Satellite 17 Vodafone showcased connections of the future 35 ASTRA satellite to provide 18 Vodafone launches Qatar’s first virtual store experience next generation services ready in orbit 19 Es’hailSat exhibited at ITU Telecom World 36 Inmarsat announces enhanced Maritime product roadmap 36 Korean STSAT 3 avoids in-orbit collision 19 iHorizons presented digital customer service solutions

37 O3b launched its latest four satellites 20 highlights a better connected digital lifestyle and calls for industry collaboration 37 ABS appoints Flavien Bachabi as the Managing Director for Africa Special Reports Research & Analysis 21 GSMA publishes new report outlining 5g future 48 Predictions for 2015 in Tech World 22 The largest ICT industry event of Caspian Abid Aziz Region celebrated its 20th anniversary 17

Telecom News Internet & Security

44 Etisalat UAE launches SMB dedicated call centre 07 Cyber Security Professionals predict their biggest concerns for 2015 45 Paris Saint-Germain Academy brought to you by Ooredoo Sue Poremba 46 Ooredoo Oman kicks off B2B series 50 Managed BrandHawk Service monitors DNS with government customer meet hacking for Govt. & Private Sector Organizations Zain South Sudan picks three Chambers Quality Awards 2014 47 50 Singapore to offer 30 new cybersecurity scholarships Medha Basu 47 Zain KSA concludes 2014 with significant growth 51 In cybersecurity speed of action is the name of the game?

52 Take the ISOC regional policy survey 2015 Vendors News News & Reports 26 Huawei announces 6 Plus 40 Russian Monastery goes global with Wireless at Global Anniversary event 49 Tonino Lamborghini Mobile unveils latest 40 InfiNet Wireless and Easy Networks demonstrate fusion of legendary design regional commitment at Secutech ASEAN 50 International Conference 43 Ericsson wins “ Best IT Vendor of the year’’ award on Open Source Systems and Technologies from Etisalat Misr

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With 2014 in the rear view mirror, it is cybercriminals to take advantage of a and (unfortunately often) nefarious cant wins against malware with the fun to look forward to the year ahead potential vulnerability in the system. purposes,” Nielsen said. “There’s a dismantling of several major botnets. and see if we can predict what may “We expect to see cybercriminals shift happening in how quickly we This type of takedown will be much happen over the next twelve months. focus more on new payment systems assume something to be secure, and harder in 2015 with malware becom- At the same time, predictions can as they are adopted and the potential we will continue to see the effects of ing stealthier,” said Andy Avanessian, prove to be very useful for business- for criminal financial gain thus this: more holes in critical software VP of Professional Services at Avecto. es that are planning budgets and increases. This will be in the shape of we assumed to be secure, and more “In the coming months, we will see spending. So every December, cyber attacks against banks/virtual currency efforts taken by companies and increased use of p2p, darknet and security experts begin to make their operators, the end users and their organizations to make sure that their tor communications, forums selling predictions on the future of informa- devices, and everything in-between. products have been properly audited malware and stolen data will also tion and network security. In fact, we already have some and scrutinized.” retreat further into hidden corners “While no one can totally reliably examples of malware stealing virtual Data Loss Prevention (DLP) will be- of the internet in an attempt to avoid predict the future, there are often wallets from users’ devices, and very come a hot issue for business leaders infiltration.” good indications in what we see high-profile incidents of banks them- Businesses need to know where their Raw security incidents will continue that provide likely directions for selves being infiltrated,” he said. business critical information is at all to rise the coming year,” said Geoff Webb, More old security holes surface in times. Flagging content and commu- The recent Sony attack is a warning senior director, security strategy with open source software nication before it leaves the office is a of just how devastating a cyberse- NetIQ. “For example, it was pretty One of the most talked about secu- good start but it is not enough. “Ma- curity incident can be, and that we clear at the end of last year, after rity problems of 2014 was the Heart- chine learning, pattern recognition need to be prepared for just about the details of the Target TGT +0.47% bleed bug. However, Heartbleed and and ‘post-send’ message controls are anything. As Sungard AS’s Matthew breach become public, that it wasn’t other vulnerabilities found in open the next wave of DLP functionality Goche stated, “There are more bad going to be a one-off incident. Rath- source code have been lurking there that will protect employees, clients actors who are more organized with er, it was the opening salvo in what for years before they were discov- and increasingly the brand,” said better tool and have more upside has proven to be a year-long attack ered. Nielsen said we should expect Cameron Burke, SVP of Business than ever before.This trend does not on the retail industry.” to see more of these old security Development for Cirius. show signs of subsiding. Our internal Webb added that by being able holes causing problems in 2015. Malware will be harder to detect and data gathering shows a significant CONNECTING to look across multiple sources of The reason why these old vulnera- shutdown increase in cyber events.” information, evaluating the patterns bilities are just now coming to light It’s time we stopped thinking about Thinking beyond individual threats of attack and defense, and providing is because, for the first time, people malware as a nuisance that has to Organizations today face unprece- commentary to a broader market can are taking more time to look at the be kept off computers and started dented security challenges, Stephen LIVE CONTENT help set the security conversation for potential security problems. But just recognizing what it actually is – big Pao, GM Security at Barracuda, BROADCAST EQUIPMENT, CONTENT the coming year. “After all, the more as this is good for those who want to business. And just like any business pointed out. Attacks often are tar- BROADCAST SATELLITE we can share information, the better make the Internet safer, it is also an wants to grow stronger and increase geted and increasingly sophisticated, & PRODUCTION DELIVERY OPPORTUNITIES & SATELLITE we all are at responding quickly and opportunity for bad guys. its earnings in the coming year, and security professionals are being preventing successful attacks. And “As serious holes are found in malware developers will continue to asked to address these risks across that has huge value for everyone.” critical pieces of software that we’ve put out products that will be sneakier an ever more complicated environ- Be part of Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s largest broadcast, With that in mind, here are five things assumed to be secure for years, and harder to detect, all in the name ment. satellite & digital media event. Contact us NOW [email protected] that security professionals believe we other curious people are likely to of higher financial gains. “Focusing on the individual threat is need to think about in 2015. try to find their own holes, for good “In 2014 we saw a number of signifi- a common approach to IT security; Attacks against virtual payment however, this doesn’t work in today’s systems threat environment,” he added. In light of the recent retail breaches “With the move to virtualization, the involving credit and debit cards, there cloud and the mobile internet, the +971 4 308 6077/6282 CABSAT OFFICIAL CABSAT OFFICIAL CABSAT CABSAT OFFICIAL www.cabsat.com are many who think that the move to (SUPPORTING MEDIA PARTNER) attack surface is expanding. Organi- mobile payment solutions will help Teletimes team sincerely invites you to zations must make that shift as well solve the security problem. Patrick visit Teletimes stand at CABSAT 2015 to cover all areas of exposure – email, Organised by Proudly on Official Travel Partner Supporting Associations TECHNOLOGY INTELLIGENCE FOR THE SATCOM MARKET Nielsen, Senior Security Research, web applications, remote access, with Kaspersky Lab, however, web browsing, mobile Internet, and believes that it won’t take long for network perimeters.”

Conference Knowledge Partner Official Publications Official Media Partner January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 7

TECHNOLOGY INTELLIGENCE FOR THE SATCOM MARKET Khalid Athar

ITU Telecom World 2014 closed its doors on 10th December 2014 held at Doha, Qatar following four busy days of high-level debate, networking, knowledge sharing and showcasing. A dynamic and truly diverse line- up of participants from around the world attended the event, including Cisco, Huawei, Intel, LS telcom, Nokia, Ooredoo, Rohde & Schwarz, Vodafone and ZTE, with pavilions from Ar- gentina, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Chad, China, , Nigeria, Malaysia, Qatar, Tanzania, Thailand and Zimbabwe, while Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Rwanda came together Dr. Hamadoun I. Touré, Secretary General - ITU (middle) along with within the Smart Africa zone on Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani, Chairman - Ooredoo Group (left) the show floor. and Dr. Hessa al Jaber, Minister - ICT Qatar at the inaugural ceremony of ITU Telecom World 2014 “Over the last few days I’ve seen the evolution of a road- been evident in the Leadership in The Lab. I was also deeply Nations Specialized Agency map that provides an immer- Summit and Forum, bringing impressed by the bright sparks for ICTs, the event was hosted sive, interactive and deeply in- insights into industry shifts and who are building the future of by the Government of Qatar, formative view of the future of macro trends from top names technology and business, in the with the support of leading ICTs,” said ITU Secretary-Gener- on the show floor and looking Young Innovators Programme.” international communications al Hamadoun I. Touré. “This has at new technologies developing Organized by ITU, the United company, Ooredoo.

Chairman Ooredoo, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani addressing the audience at the inaugural ceremony of ITU Telecom World 2014 in Doha

8 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 Dr. Nasser Marafih Ahmed A. Julfar Karim Michel Sabbagh Steve Collar Group CEO - Ooredoo Group CEO - Etisalat President & CEO - SES CEO - O3b

Gabrielle Gauthey, EVP Global Greg Young J. Tan, President Global Media Itidal Hasoon, Alcatel-Lucent CEO - Ooredoo Oman and Comms. - Huawei Tech. President IPv6 Task Force - UAE

“Ooredoo was delighted to nologies, ubiquitous broadband work with ITU to organize connectivity, connected smart ITU Telecom World 2014, on cities and smart homes to the behalf of the Government of global audience convened at Qatar,” said Sheikh Abdullah Bin ITU Telecom World 2014.” said Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani, Mr Ken HU, Deputy Chairman Chairman of the Board of Direc- of the Board and Rotating CEO, tors Ooredoo Group. “Helping Huawei. “At the event, Huawei host this unique platform, for also shared views and insights global experts to share views on technology, business and in- and insights on how we can use vestment model innovation and ICTs to enhance lives, is in line called for collaboration among with Ooredoo’s and Qatar’s stakeholders to rejuvenate glob- strategic vision, and it has been al broadband development.” an inspirational experience. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani, The event showcased spon- We were also very pleased to Chairman - Ooredoo being greeted by Mr. Miklos Sesztak sored sessions from Alcatel-Lu- be able to showcase our latest Minister for National Development - Hungary cent, BBC, CNN, ESOA, Geddes technologies to this global au- Smart showcases and ing a Better Connected World”, Consulting, Huawei, IPv6 Fo- dience, and to shine a spotlight networking outlining a more convenient rum, ITU-D, Nokia, TDIA, TCCA, on Qatar as a global technology “Huawei was delighted to and smarter lifestyle featuring and tm-forum, and covered a hub.” showcase its visions of “Build- futuristic 5G connectivity tech- range of different areas from

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 9 Dignitaries and Ministers at the panel session: ICT for Development and Saving Lives ‘Big Data to universal broad- away from linear changes, as band’, ‘enabling the digital fu- the pace of development means ture’, ‘hidden risks’, ‘unexplored that things we thought were opportunities from circuits to science fiction a very short time packets’, ‘LTE for public safety’, ago – such as an app for auto- ‘ICTs for saving lives’, and more. matic translation from Japanese Forum focus on industry to English – are now happening transformation every day.” Forum discussions at the event Some 205 speakers from 52 covered the key trends and countries contributed to the developments in technology, discussions in Doha and extend- regulatory and policy issues, ed around the world with 2400 business models, services and tweets from 841 contributors applications – focusing on three with a reach of over 8 million (R-L) Miklos Sasztak, Minister National Development - Hungry, major scenarios of disruption, Dr. Hessa Al Jaber, Minister, ICT - Qatar, Dr. Hamadoun I. Toure people. cross-sector partnerships and Secretary General - ITU at stand Show floor the intelligent future. Leading players showcased new Sessions took a variety of dif- academia, research, and inter- planet.” developments. Nokia Networks, ferent formats from top-media national organizations, with The Leadership Summit on the moderated Big Conversations audience members encouraged Future launched debates in an to Ministerial round tables and to join in, share their insights eye-opening and inspiring jour- panels. and experience and quiz the ney into the future of the ICT The underlying focus of discus- panels on their views. industry and of our businesses sions was around the radical “ITU Telecom World events con- and societies. Renowned futur- transformation of the ICT in- vene the right mix of industry ists and international experts dustry, and hot topics included players as well as highest-level from a range of disciplines came the different uses for Big Data, reps from governments and together to explore potential including ‘Big Data for develop- regulators,” said John Davies, scenarios of the future with ment’, ‘Mobile networks in the Vice President and General Man- leaders of public and private cloud’, the ‘softwarization of ager, Intel. “This year Intel has sectors from across the global network elements’, ‘bringing IT shared visions with this import- ICT sector. H. E. Anusha Rahman Khan into ICT’, cross-sector partner- ant audience on crucial issues, Led by moderator and futurist Minister of State for IT & Telecom- Pakistan ships, collaboration and coop- from the scarcity of spectrum Gerd Leonhard, the Summit eration and broadband rollout to the challenges posed and gave a unique perspective into Ooredoo Qatar and China Mo- in emerging markets. Discus- opportunities offered within where the industry was heading bile chose the global platform sions convened a unique mix cross-sectoral partnerships. in the next 3-5 years. According offered by ITU elecomT World of informed speakers from the By working together, our goal to Leonhard, “We are moving 2014 to achieve a record-break- worlds of government, industry, is to connect everyone on the into an exponential future and ing speed of 4.1

10 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 Dignitaries at the panel session: The Essential Case for Hybrid Solutions

Gbps over TDD-FDD LTE, in an cessful start-up. It won’t be easy, experiment to demonstrate but I have a good start.” future user demand. Vodafone Further examples of innovation unveiled Qatar’s first virtual in action could be seen in The store experience. Lab on the show floor, including The show floor also included MineKafon, a wind-powered first time pavilion Smart Africa mine detector; Perpetual Plastic (represented by Kenya, Uganda, Project, an interactive recycling South Sudan and Rwanda) installation that transforms which highlighted the Smart Af- plastic into new products rica initiative focusing on making through 3D printing; Parametric Internet access affordable to all Hybrid Wall, a responsive surface African citizens and the role of able to re-model its own shape; the private sector in ICT develop- and Bhoreal, an open source ment partnerships. Dr. Nasser Marafih, Group CEO - Ooredoo congratulates and hands interface that can be used to Tanzania shone a spotlight on over the ITU Telecom World “Baton” to the representative of Hungary control all types of hardware its global ICT sector. Its National and software. Also in The Lab ICT Broadband Backbone project in Saving Lives and Small Island showcased in the Lab and by was the humanoid Roboy, who has seen Tanzania evolve into a Developing States (SIDS). The winners of the Young Innovators presented a new face to human regional ICT hub, providing vital Government of Qatar also high- competition. Social entrepre- robotic interaction and delighted telecoms infrastructure to eight lighted ICT development. neurs between ages 18 and 30 participants from across the neighbouring countries. The event also saw the launch of from around the world highlight- globe with his ability to interact First time participant, Chad took the Global Cybersecurity Index ed innovative digital solutions and move, his anthromorphic, the occasion to showcase its 2014. A joint project undertaken with positive social impact. tendon driven arm, as well as major ICT projects, such as the by ABI Research and ITU, the GCI “ITU Telecom World was a his charming blushes, winks and African Centre of Information provides insights into cybersecu- great opportunity,” said Young waves. technologies (CATI). rity engagement in countries. Innovator, Hemant Purohit. “I Next Stop ITU Telecom World Nigeria also showcased its ICT Networking was a key compo- was able to make contacts and 2015, Budapest achievements during the event, nent of the event, with dele- receive advice that will be a huge As the event concludes in Doha, under the theme Broadband gates from public and private help in taking my work forward. Qatar, the ITU Telecom World Nigeria: Enabling Access, Trans- sectors using the Event App This kind of thing, getting this “baton” was ceremonious- forming Communities. to actively network with other level of incubation and inter- ly handed over to Hungary. Thematic pavilions showcased participants and share their national exposure, has been Conversations that began at ITU latest innovations in in ICTs to experiences. a dream for a long time. Now, Telecom World 2014 are set to address specific issues related to Innovation though, the hard part begins. I continue in Europe next year in emergency telecommunication The future of innovation was have to turn all this into a suc- Budapest, 12-15 October 2015.

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 11 Qatar-based global telecom company Ooredoo was successful in repelling intrusions amid the series of cyber attacks launched against Qatar’s hydrocarbon sector and other critical organisations in 2013, chief operating officer Waleed Mohamed al-Sayed told while talking to media. Al-Sayed was speaking on the side lines of a press conference announcing the opening of ITU Telecom World 2014, which was held from December 7 to 10 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). Computer Emergency minimise its dependence on “Ooredoo customers had not suffered a single Response Team (Q-CERT) hydrocarbon by introducing problem caused by these cyber threats and reiterated al-Sayed’s opportunities that would help attacks because of the solutions that we had statement and stressed, entrepreneurs invest in ICT- provided” “Cyber security has become related businesses,” al-Hashmi a significant pillar in any added. “Ooredoo customers had completely safe.” economic development ITU secretary-general Dr not suffered a single problem Al-Sayed noted that Ooredoo of nations. ictQatar is also Hamadoun Touré stressed caused by these cyber is working with government treating cyber security as a that the Internet of things, threats and attacks because in developing applications and fundamental component to artificial intelligence, of the solutions that we had solutions for security. improve the economy.” biotechnology, mobile provided,” said al-Sayed. The company, he added, is He noted that Qatar networks, cloud computing, Earlier the Minister into “faster and smarter” has “invested heavily” the “softwarisation” of of Information and technologies in collaboration on Information and networks, big data, and data Communications Technology analytics Dr Hessa Sultan al-Jaber’s Ooredoo is into faster and smarter technologies “are the backbone keynote address at the Cyber in collaboration with app developers, OTT infrastructure behind of all Security Summit – Middle East (over-the-top) application players, and device technological developments revealed that last year’s wave manufacturers to make the next generation of worldwide that are rapidly of cyber attacks “caused innovation accessible to all. changing our world today.” some significant disruption at He said ITU Telecom World the national level.” with app developers, OTT Communications Technology 2014 provides a unique Asked if Ooredoo was among (over-the-top) application (ICT) as part of the solution to platform to bring together “critical organisations” players, and device mitigate challenges in sectors public and private sector, affected by the attacks, al- manufacturers “to make the such as transportation, leaders of government, Sayed said, “No…those who next generation of innovation education, energy, education, industry, international had been attacked were not accessible to all.” and health, among others. organisations, and media using the solutions provided Cyber Security Division “As for the country’s experts to explore by Ooredoo. All the customers executive director Khalid digital economy, ictQatar developments in that we were serving were al-Hashmi of the Qatar is trying to help Qatar technology.

12 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 At the ITU Telecom World Institute and Secretary 2014, Ooredoo Qatar, Nokia General of Global TD-LTE Networks and China Mobile Initiative (GTI) said: “This showcased a record-breaking groundbreaking throughput speed of 4.1 Gbps over is a milestone that boosts TDD-FDD LTE. Supported by our efforts as we drive the the Global TD-LTE Initiative, commercialization and the speed was achieved by globalization of TD-LTE combining TDD- and FDD-LTE and TDD-FDD converged spectrums and aggregating technology across the globe. 10 carriers with 200 MHz In collaboration with Nokia bandwidth. Networks, our long-standing At this speed, operators and trusted partner, we can match and exceed the continue to exploit the expectations of even the immense capacity potential of most demanding mobile users TD-LTE.” who would be able to, for Zhang Qi, vice president of example, download a full- TD-LTE at Nokia Networks, length 5 GB high-definition said: “We just broke our (HD) movie in just 11 seconds own speed record which and simultaneously upload shows our capability to a 5-minute 30 MB video clip help operators address the from a concert in less than a ever-increasing demand for second. Waleed Al Sayed, Chief Operating Officer - Ooredoo Qatar faster data dowload and The record was achieved upload speeds. TDD-FDD LTE using: not only delivers high uplink • Nokia Networks’ and downlink throughput, commercial Single RAN but also helps balancing Advanced hardware the load between two • including the Flexi networks, efficiently using the Multiradio 10 Base Station for spectrum.” high-capacity throughput Nokia Networks was the first • Software to aggregate to show 8 MU-MIMO uplink carriers on both TDD- and and has deployed a number FDD-LTE spectrums of TDD-FDD networks while • LTE-Advanced Multiple working closely with 3GPP Input Multiple Output and operators to make TDD- (MIMO) technology FDD convergent networks Waleed Al Sayed, Chief a commercial reality. This Operating Officer, Ooredoo demonstration pushes Qatar, said: “We are building the boundaries of carrier Zhang Qi, Vice President - Huang Yuhong, Dy. GM - the biggest, fastest network aggregation by doubling TD-LTE - Nokia Networks China Mobile Research Institute in Qatar, so that customers the number of carriers and across the country can access showcased this record- laying the foundation for the the amount of bandwidth next-generation wireless breaking success with the future.” specified by 3GPP, which data services. We are very support of Ooredoo. By Madam Huang Yuhong, foresees the aggregation proud that the first-ever ITU deploying our advanced LTE Deputy General Manager of 5 carriers up to a total Telecom World held in Qatar network in Qatar, we are truly of China Mobile Research bandwidth of 100 MHz.

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 13 Ooredoo has announced its on any mobile device from the world or live-streaming Qatar’s public sector employ- plans to launch Mobile Acade- any location, and to complete business courses on your ees, with Qatar’s government my, the world’s first subscrip- coursework online at their tablet.” agencies rapidly deploying tion-based mobile learning own pace. Illustrating the game-changing mobile government and Smart service. Demonstrating how the potential of Mobile Academy, City services, leading Qatar to The announcement at ITU people of Qatar are rapidly the service recently won the ranking an impressive 44 in the Telecom World 2014 was adopting mobile devices, from “Best Consumer Service” world in the United Nations described as another major to tablets, Qatar award at the World Communi- eGovernment Survey 2014. breakthrough for Ooredoo, ranks 17 in the world and third cation Awards 2014. The jury Supporting mobile broadband following its successful launch- in the Middle East and Africa in was so impressed with Mobile innovation, Ooredoo recently es of 4G Plus (advanced LTE) active mobile broadband pen- Academy that one member launched 4G+, making Oore- and a range of smart lifestyle etration, at 76.8%, according to said the service would “pos- doo’s biggest and fastest-ever services over the past week. the ITU’s State of Broadband itively impact national and network even faster, and Once launched, Mobile 2014 report. global economics with new enhancing Qatar’s standing Academy will provide an “all- Waleed al-Sayed, chief operat- access to education”. in having one of the world’s you-can-learn” experience, ing officer at Ooredoo Qatar, The upcoming launch of highest mobile broadband offering more than 50 differ- said: “By launching Mobile Mobile Academy is in line with speeds. ent courses on a wide variety Academy, we’re leveraging the Qatar National Broadband Qatar’s advanced ICT of subjects, from language Qatar’s strong mobile device Plan, which aims to expand infrastructure is supporting learning to business skills. take-up to unlock human digital literacy to the whole the rapid growth of the In comparison to traditional potential and enhance 21st population by 2016, and Qatar Internet of Things in the educational courses, which century skills needed in the National Vision 2030, which country – in which sensors are at set times in on-campus interconnected economy. aims to train the next-gener- embedded in everyday classrooms, and with final We’re only starting to tap the ation workforce in advancing objects are connected to Wi-Fi deadlines for coursework, the potential of mobile services to the country’s sustainable networks and generate vast cloud-based Mobile Academy transform daily lives – imagine knowledge-based economy. amounts of data that can be will enable users to access ed- learning a language with na- Mobile Academy has the analysed by mobile services ucational material at any time tive speakers halfway around potential to boost the skills of like Mobile Academy.

Ooredoo Qatar has been Ooredoo is working with top named at ITU Telecom World enterprises in Qatar to support 2014, as a lead partner in the the development of smart cities Smart Cities Council, an industry in the country, and has signed coalition formed to accelerate an alliance with KT Corporation the move to smart, sustainable of South Korea to introduce cities. Ooredoo joined global new concepts. As lead partner, leaders in the smart cities sec- Ooredoo will have the opportu- tor, including IBM, , nity to aid the direction of the MasterCard and Cisco, who are emerging smart cities sector committed to providing the in Qatar, the region and the next generation of services world. It will also contribute to to Qatar’s expanding smart the council’s knowledge, includ- cities business and technology ing city tools and resources, sector. mentoring and workshops.

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Nine African States and other Each member country is Smart Africa Flagship Initiatives as a whole.As the world puts ICT partners have embarked on committed to developing and are championed by individual the ‘Future in Focus’ at the a shared vision under the Smart implementing Smart country member countries ranging 2014 ITU Telecom World, Africa Africa initiative to make total programs with clear targets and from ICT Industry development, is enjoined as it defines its ICT connectivity in Sub-Saharan milestones which will be strong- SMART cities, Youth Innovation priorities to help accelerate Africa a reality. Through the ini- ly aligned with the Smart Africa and Job creation, Digital Econ- sustainable socio-economic de- tiative, these countries are now Manifesto. The manifesto omy, Green economy to Digital velopment across an entire con- poised to unlock the potential hinges on five (5) pillars : Policy, literacy. tinent through Smart Africa. of ICTs and help countries Access, E-government, Private Africa is now recognized as an We, members of Smart Africa experience the impact of digital sector/Entrepreneurship and emerging market with huge alliance, thanked partners that media, big data and the general Sustainable development. potential with six of the top have demonstrated their sup- value that ICT brings along The SMART Africa manifesto 10 fastest growing economies port as founding members. We whilst ensuring sustainable de- has the full support of African coming from Africa. In ICT, also thank the ITU for its com- velopment for the continent. Heads of State and Government with mobile telephony, Africa mitment to see Africa progress Smart Africa was borne from who endorsed it under the has established itself as the through ICTs. Smart Africa is the Transform Africa Summit umbrella of the African Union. leading platform of choice for inspired by the power of work- in Kigali in 2013. It brings The Heads commit to support the citizens.. The combined ing together, sharing knowl- together African governments, the socio-economic transfor- emerging and developing edge, ideas and experience to the private sector and interna- mation of Africa through smart countries market boasts of move forward into the digital tional organizations to promote implementation and application over 5 billion mobile users. Two future. We therefore welcome and ensure affordable access to of ICTs. thirds of adults in sub Saharan more partners on board in our broadband and ICTs in general, The Smart Africa Manifesto is Africa have a mobile phone with endeavor to connect, innovate ushering Africa into the knowl- embedded in five principles. It is a projected 360 million smart and transform Africa. edge economy. the resolve of Africa to: phones by 2025. The pace of The Smart Africa platform will Founding partners of the 1. Put ICT at the centre of na- mobile phone is unmatched in be used to raise funds that will Smart Africa initiative include: tional socio-economic develop- the history of technology. It is be used to deliver the smart Burkina Faso, Gabon, Kenya, ment agenda therefore no doubt that Africa’s initiatives/flagships with a Mali, Rwanda, Senegal, South 2. Improve access to ICTs espe- mobile market is driving eco- target of 300 billion USD by Sudan, Tchad, Uganda, as well cially broadband nomic growth. 2020. Since 2006, the Connect as GSMA, AU Commission, NE- 3. Improve accountability, ef- We are seeing real transfor- Africa initiative raises over 70 PAD Agency, UNECA, AfDB, the ficiency and openness through mation of sectors through the billion USD that has been used World Bank and ITU. The Smart ICT use of ICTs. It is therefore our to fund infrastructure projects Africa secretariat has been cre- 4. To put the private sector first goal to empower users, enrich on the continent with the ated under the auspices of the 5. To leverage ICT to promote people’s lifestyles and liveli- objective of connecting the government of Rwanda. sustainable development. hoods, and boost the economy unconnected.

16 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 The city of the future is one Vodafone Qatar brought said: “Vodafone is perfectly their conditions, from their where citizens are not only to ITU Telecom World 2014 placed to strongly contribute homes. The mHealth diabetes connected to each other, but a showcase of how smart to smart cities initiative and solution patient can use to the information and systems mobile solutions in healthcare standards and bring much these sensors to make their that matter to them. The city and energy management needed expertise from the measurements available to of the future is underpinned heart of a country that is medical staff and communicate by connectivity. Mobile is becoming one of the most with them easily and remotely, driving the vision of the smart connected places in the using only a smartphone or city by enabling whole new world. With the advent of a tablet. Vodafone is also developments to be built from smart mobile communications showcasing a blood pressure the ground up using the latest and connected devices, the monitor and an oxymeter to technology to connect devices, world of technology is set show how Vodafone M2M systems and infrastructure to revolutionise a number of services helps capturing data directly to their inhabitants. industries. In healthcare for from medical devices and The commitment was made example, we are showing improve care and medical by Vodafone Qatar is making the possibilities of the future device management. today to support the Qatar and new ways of getting Vodafone is also showed how National Vision 2030 at ITU access to healthcare. Mobile M2M technology can help Telecom World 2014. connections are enabling the drive sustainability through Vodafone boasts the professionals of the practice to smart energy production credentials of the world leader deliver life changing services to Mahmud Awad added: “With Mahmud Awad, Chief Business with over 20 years in Machine people remotely, cutting down global energy demand set Officer - Vodafone Qatar, to Machine (M2M) technology. the costs and time spent to see to double by 2050 concern It has been recently positioned helps to create the city of the healthcare professionals.” about climate change and as a leader in Gartner’s first future and makes the Qatar At ITU 2014, Vodafone’s carbon emissions is driving ever Magic Quadrant for National Vision 2030 a reality, smart technology solutions new pressures in the utilities Managed Machine-to-Machine connecting every machine to for Diabetes include sensors industry. Taking the production (M2M) Services, placing improve lives and businesses. which can be used by patients of solar energy as an example, highest in both ability to M2M Technologies to monitor their conditions, Vodafone will showcase how execute and completeness of Mahmud Awad, Chief Business and get access to nurses and intelligent solar vision. Officer at Vodafone Qatar, doctors trained in monitoring Contd. on P-18

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 17 Vodafone unveiled the Qatar’s For us, innovation does not first virtual store experience necessarily mean reinventing at ITU Telecom World the wheel. It is actually more 2014. Attending the official of an evolutionary process. We inauguration of ITU Telecom take something that already World 2014 was His Excellency exists and try to turn it into Sheikh Faisal Bin Thani Bin something better, easier and Faisal Al Thani, Vice Chairman simpler. This is exactly what of Vodafone Qatar and a we’ve attempted to do when number of the company’s we conceptualised the virtual officials. store shopping experience Named Scan&Go, Vodafone’s from a telecom operator. virtual store, showcased at With this proof of concept in ITU Telecom World 2014 as Doha, we can now take the a proof of concept, will roll shopping experience unlike Qatar, said: “We’re very Vodafone experience to places out in Doha, Qatar by mid- any other. proud to be the first in Qatar we’ve never been before. Our December allowing everyone Khalifa Al-Haroon, Head to offer such a unique and virtual pop-up stores can be in the country to enjoy a of Innovation at Vodafone simple shopping experience. set up almost anywhere.”

Contd. from P-17 Vodafone showcased connections .... panel management helps to minutes every year, we are the remotely to keep devices The platform is design to improve efficiencies and drive only company that can serve secure, update and provide help citizens learn about how sustainability.” Businesses’ mobile as well as support through an easy to use exciting new technologies Vodafone is working with fixed requirements across the console. can improve life in their city world leader, ZELITRON SA, world. Our global IP network Vodafone engages with Qatar and create unique insights for which offers Photovoltaic (PV) reaches 34 countries. All this is citizens and residents to shape government and enterprises installations energy production connected via a fibre network the city of the future by crowdsourcing ideas, telemetry services to the that covers One Million Km.” In May 2014, Vodafone Qatar bringing the voice of citizens, producer of the energy either Mahmud Awad stated. launched a digital platform helping them dream big, and for home or park installations. Vodafone today offers range of to enable citizens of Qatar to make their mark on the future. All the technological cloud services for businesses participate in building Qatar As an outcome, Vodafone will infrastructure / platform/ in Qatar with cost effective into a Smart City through a produce a report with ideas applications used for the solutions to help companies web site, mobile site located and insights that can help provision of the information operate efficiently. Vodafone on www.designyourqatar. Enterprises and Government to the energy producer are cloud offerings include range qa and through their own learn about the needs and installed in the Vodafone of security and conferencing Social media via a hashtag: preferences of your customers Datacenter in ensuring suites to help companies work #DesignYourQatar. Bringing and constituents. reliability and high availability. the way they want, either their voice out by helping Vodafone Qatar joined Enterprise inside the office or when them dream big and make ITU earlier this year as a Vodafone is also discussing employees are on the move, their mark on the future. The sector member in ITU’s its world-class suite of locally or internationally. program will run for over 1 year Telecommunication enterprise grade products Vodafone’s secure device and will be included as part Standardization Sector (ITU-T), and its un-paralleled global management – a cloud based of Smart City events. At ITU which assembles experts from footprint, which is here to security solution enables IT Telecom World 2014, Vodafone around the world to develop help Businesses in Qatar managers or administrators launched the Arabic version standards and protocols for operate globally. “As the 2nd within an organization to of its platform allowing more the global information and largest global voice carrier, manage their employees people to join, interact and communication technologies delivering 52bn international smartphones and tablets engage. (ICT) industry.

18 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 Es’hailSat - the Qatar Satellite Jazeera and beIN SPORTS . National Vision 2030 and the fully providing high-quality Company is exhibiting at the Es’hailSat was established in commitment to meeting the broadcasting and communi- ITU Telecom World exhibition 2010 and brings a new dimen- sophisticated infrastructure the cations services for Qatar and hosted in Doha. sion to Qatar’s diversifying country is putting in place to the Mena region and we have ITU Telecom World is the global economy with the creation of host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. already started to plan, design platform for high-level debate, a world-class satellite operator Es’hailSat CEO Ali al-Kuwari and manufacture Es’hail 2. networking, innovation-show- and centre of excellence in the said, “As an important pillar in Scheduled for launch in 2016, casing and knowledge-sharing region. the ICT infrastructure devel- this second high-powered across the ICT community. The event is focused on the current developments in the ICT sector and its implications for industry and the world. Satellite communications play an important role in the devel- opment of ICT in Qatar and the creation of next-generation infrastructure as a foundation for advancement. Es’hailSat showcased Es’hail 1, the first satellite for Qatar, which commenced operations on December 18, 2013, on Qatar National Day. Es’hail 1 is already providing satellite connectivity and The company’s satellite fleet opment in the region, we are advanced satellite further high-quality, premium DTH tele- will enable customers to sub- delighted to participate in boosted broadband delivery, vision content from the 25.5/26 stantially increase their broad- the Qatar National Pavilion at broadcasting and global con- degrees East neighborhood casting and communications ITU Telecom World. Our first nectivity in Qatar, the entire for leading channels such as Al capabilities and supports Qatar satellite, Es’hail 1, is success- region and beyond.”

iHorizons, a leading Qatari tech- viding our solutions to various nology innovator and provider enterprises in Qatar and the of business solutions and IT Arab world and to supporting services presented its digital them achieve their critical and customer service solutions and ambitious objectives.” telecom practices at ITU Tele- iHorizons has also presented com World 2014, from consul- its latest turn-key solutions for tancy and formulating telecom platforms that enable all digital operators’ digital strategies to customer touch points, including designing and implementing Internet portals, mobile apps, electronic customer service online shops, e-care services and platforms as well as integrating in-store self-service systems. them with various back-end iHorizons provides its solutions systems and maintaining and and services to leading telecom supporting such diversified CEO Mohamed Takriti and marcom executive Mona El Zoghby operators in the region, includ- and complex solutions. This is operators in their transition to iHorizons’ CEO Mohamed Takriti ing Ooredoo Qatar, Ooredoo a critical service that supports full-scale digital service offering. said, “We look forward to pro- Group and Ooredoo Algeria.

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 19 Sarah Mheidly

Huawei showcased its customers, enterprises, and Ubiquitous broadband vision of “Building a investors.” has increased government Better Connected World” Mr. Hu also called for support efficiency, transformed at the International from the regulators, “I hope business models, and Telecommunication Union that the regulators can improved people’s lives. (ITU) Telecom World 2014 keep up with the pace of Cross-industry collaboration in Doha, Qatar held on change in the development and innovation are crucial December 7-10, 2014, outlining of technology and business to achieving digital inclusion a more convenient and models, while striking a for all. Huawei has actively smarter lifestyle featuring balance between protecting partnered with governments futuristic 5G connectivity the interests of various and operators to modernize technologies, ubiquitous parties involved in the value networks, accelerate broadband connectivity, and chain. Looking forward, broadband access, and build connected smart cities and I anticipate regulators to networks in remote areas. smart homes. encourage technology, In addition, Huawei has During ITU Telecom World business model, as well as supported the ITU in building 2014, Huawei and ITU co- of innovation in the future investment model innovations a connected world and hosted the “Broader Way would be featured by mesh- related to broadband making lives better. At this Forum” themed “Enabling shaped new partnerships, network deployment and year’s annual meeting, the ITU the Digital Future”. The enabling any party along the utilization, paving the way named Huawei as a Strategic forum gathered over 200 value chain to participate and to rejuvenating global Partner in recognition of its guests from 35 countries and regions, including heads of governments, industry leaders, and experts. At the forum, Mr. Ken Hu, Huawei Deputy Chairman of the Board and Rotating CEO, delivered a keynote speech that outlined the digitized future and broadband network development trends. He encouraged regulators to balance the interests of various stakeholders and foster cooperation and business model innovation. “In the future, broadband networks will continue to be the critical infrastructure that innovate. I would suggest all broadband development.” significant contributions to enables content providers, stakeholders to focus less Mr. Houlin Zhao, Deputy and achievements in telecom app developers and network on competition, but more Secretary-General and next initiatives worldwide. We operators to collaborate on cooperation. The future Secretary-General, ITU, noted, look forward to broader and engage in joint business of innovation for broadband “Broadband networks form collaboration in the industry innovation.” said Mr. Hu. can create diverse value for a key driver for a country’s to take society into a digital “I believe that the model multiple winners including socioeconomic growth. future.”

20 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 Teletimes Report

The GSMA has released a major and availability, higher network the network innovations being ments (greater than 1 Gbps down- new report at the GSMA Mobile density in terms of cells and undertaken by operators today. link and sub-1ms latency) can be 360-Europe event held in Brus- devices, and the ability to provide For example, technologies such considered a true 5G use case. sels, outlining its perspectives the connectivity that enables ma- as network functions virtualisa- Because 5G is at an early stage on the development of 5G. The chine-to-machine (M2M) services tion (NFV), software-defined net- there may be many use cases new GSMA Intelligence report, and the Internet of Things. works (SDN), heterogeneous net- that will emerge over the coming ‘Understanding 5G: Perspectives years that we cannot anticipate on Future Technological Advance- today. However, the report high- ments in Mobile’, provides an lights a number of use cases that overview of network technology will offer an optimum experience innovation today and how this within the 5G environment: is setting the agenda for the 5G • Virtual reality/augmented real- future. It outlines the technical ity/immersive or tactile internet, requirements of future 5G net- such as gaming, wearable tech or works and explores potential use health services cases as well as the implications • Autonomous driving/connect- for operators and other mobile ed cars ecosystem players. • Wireless cloud-based office/ “Already being widely discussed, multi-person videoconferencing the arrival of 5G will help deliver a Collaborating to Set the 5G fresh wave of mobile innovation Agenda that will further transform the As the association representing lives of individuals, businesses the mobile industry, the GSMA and societies around the world,” Anne Bouverot, Director General - GSMA will play a significant role in shap- said Anne Bouverot, Director ing the strategic, commercial and General, GSMA. “Of course, 5G View 2 – Next-generation radio works (HetNets) and Low Power, regulatory development of the 5G is still to be standardised by the access technology: This perspec- Low Throughput networks are ecosystem. This will include areas industry and it has not been fully tive outlines 5G in ‘generational’ being bundled under the title such as the definition of roaming agreed what 5G will look like or terms, setting specific targets of 5G despite the fact that they and interconnect in 5G, and the what it will enable. However, the that new radio interfaces must are already being brought to identification and alignment of GSMA is already collaborating meet in terms of data rates market by vendors and deployed suitable spectrum bands. Once a with operators, vendors, govern- (faster than 1Gbps downlink) and by operators. Meanwhile, there stable definition of 5G is reached, ments and other industry organi- latency (less than 1ms delay). remains considerable opportunity the GSMA will work with its sations in ensuring that the future These two views identify eight for growth in 4G, which still only members to identify and develop 5G standard is both technically core technical requirements for accounts for 5 per cent of the commercially viable 5G appli- and economically viable.” 5G that set targets for: data rate; world’s mobile connections. 4G cations “Our new report aims Understanding 5G latency; network densification penetration as a percentage of to reset the discussion on 5G, The new GSMA report provides (both number of connections connections is already as high as drawing the distinction between clarity on the industry’s evolu- and number of cells); coverage; 69 per cent in South Korea, 46 a true generational shift versus tionary path towards 5G and availability; operational expendi- per cent in Japan and 40 per cent the on-going evolution of existing addresses many of the miscon- ture reduction; and the field life in the US, but 4G penetration technologies that are already de- ceptions around 5G. It examines of devices. However, only two in the developing world stands livering a next-generation mobile the two main views on 5G that of these - data rates and latency at just 2 per cent. According to experience,” added Bouverot. exist today, which are frequently - relate to a true generational the report, mobile operators will “The GSMA will support the mixed together to form the basis shift, with the remaining six being invest US$1.7 trillion globally in industry to continue to innovate of the 5G definition: either economic objectives or as- network infrastructure over the and grow, working in close View 1 – The hyper-connected pirations applicable to all network period 2014-2020, much of which collaboration with our members, vision: In this view, 5G is seen as technologies. will be spent on 4G networks. the wider mobile ecosystem, a blend of existing technologies The Evolution From 4G to 5G Exploring 5G Use Cases Applica- governments and other industry (2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi and others) Many of the 5G technical re- tions that require at least one of organisations to deliver a digital that can deliver greater coverage quirements already form part of the two key 5G technical require- future for all.”

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 21 Teletimes Report

The regions largest event in the ICT industry celebrated its 20th anniversary on the 2nd of December 2014 at the Baku Expo Center - Bakutel 2014, the 20th Azerbaijan International Exhibition and Conference on Telecommunications and Information Technologies. Over the years, the exhibition has become the leading ICT forum in the Caspian region, attracting the attention of the global community every year. The status of the exhibition is shown by the official visits of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in recent years. The Ministry of South Korea, France, Canada, LLC, R.I.S.K. Company, SINAM 250 companies from 23 Communications and High and Lithuania have presented Ltd., Smart Systems Technolo- countries exhibited at Bakutel, Technologies of the Republic their national pavilions at this gy LLC, Softline International, including leading ICT compa- of Azerbaijan provides valuable exhibition. Major local com- Teleradio Pu and Ultra Tech- nies, mobile operators from support for the exhibition and panies that are now enjoying nologies. Now, the exhibition Azerbaijan, communications has played a special role in the great success on the market is one of the indicators of the operators, internet service pro- development and establish- began their journey with the implementation of a pro- viders, systems integrators and ment of the event. Every year, Bakutel exhibition. Repeat gramme of ICT development distributors of famous brands. the exhibition and conference exhibitors include Avirtel LLC, in the country, contributing The exhibition and the confer- plays host to important guests Azercell Telecom LLC, Azerfon to integration into the global ence venue take up three halls of honour that take part in the LLC, Azqtel LLC, Aztelekom PU, information space, production and the foyer of the Baku Expo grand opening ceremony. BAKCELL, BestComp Group, of national ICT products and Center. The foyer will be the Over 2000 companies from 50 Baku Telephone Communica- the creation of a modern in- location of the national pavil- countries have exhibited at tions Production Association, formation and communication ion of Azerbaijan, which will Bakutel over 20 years, attract- Caspel, Сaspian Navtel, Con- infrastructure. present complete information ing over one hundred thousand nect, Delta Telecom LTD, HP, THE WEEK OF HIGH TECHNOL- about the work carried out by visitors. 19 countries, including Iskratel, Microsoft Azerbaijan OGIES AT BAKUTEL 2014 the Ministry

22 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 of Communications and High Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan in recent years, as well as about future plans for the development of the industry. This will also be the location of the pavilion of the United Nations (UN), where their ICT related projects will be demonstrated. The International Telecommu- nications Union (ITU) also had a stand at the Baku exhibition for the first time. Last year Azerbaijan has been elected as a member of Council of ITU at the conference in Busan, Korea, for being highly active in contributing to the devel- opment of the ICT industry. In 2015, ITU will celebrate their 150th anniversary and the stand will display the tech- and continues to progress, There were presentations of machines for joining optical nological development over which is very noticeable at the platform in the Azerbaijani cables, integrated FTTH (Fiber- these years. The Ministry of the Bakutel exhibition, where language which allow any user to-the-home), quality satellite Communications and High the latest products and ways to create their own website in and land based systems and ac- Technologies of the Republic to integrate them are demon- only a few minutes, new online cessories, from offset parabol- of Azerbaijan is one of the gold strated. The 2014 exhibition TV for any type of device, appli- ic and planar antennae, ground sponsors of the 150-year anni- antennae, main stations and versary celebrations. equipment for mobile radio The active involvement of na- communications. Visitors to tional pavilions organised with the exhibition are sure to be the support of the Ministry interested in the Epson Mov- of Communications and High iero smart glasses - a unique Technologies of the Repub- device for watching videos lic Azerbaijan has become a and for various fields, from tradition at Bakutel. This time, medicine to museums and also the , Israel, the Oculus Rift virtual reality Italy, Canada, , Estonia headset that will let them step and several other countries directly inside the world of vid- presented interesting pro- eo games and other computer grammes, product presenta- entertainment and many other tions and ICT services which innovative devices. were new for the region. presented telecommunications cations for mobile telephones The visitors to the exhibition Intel (USA) was the General and networks, broadband com- that allow for the watching also had a chance to see the Sponsor of the Bakutel exhi- munication and technologies, of TV channels even with a high tech solutions, modern bition. Exhibition sponsors in- cable and wireless communica- bad internet connection, LED technologies and solutions clude Eurodesign (Azerbaijan) tion, satellite communication video walls that demonstrate that will enter the market in and Tecnotree (Finland). and technologies, equipment art installations, the latest Azerbaijan in the near future. NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN ICT and technologies for radio vehicular GPS tracking systems The thorough introduction The telecommunications and transmission, software and and systems for vehicle fleet of modern communication ICT market in Azerbaijan has automation systems, IT and control as well as mobile wallet technologies has raised the gone through significant office technologies. 45% of the solutions. The exhibition also effectiveness of implementing change over the last 10 years exhibitors made presentations. featured fibre optical cables, priority national projects and

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 23 and Social Innovations of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Other participants were representatives of the leadership of the Ministry of Communication and Mass Me- dia of Russia, Skolkovo techno- logical park, Microsoft, Heads of related departments of the World bank, Federal Chancel- lery of Austria, Administration of the Prime Minister of Turkey and specialists in electronic government from South Korea, , Kazakhstan, Moldova and other countries. The conference on “Computer Science Education - Today’s Challenges” covered the subject of education in the ICT field, which currently requires modernization and new meth- the quality and accessibility of Development trends and new cations and High Technologies ods in Azerbaijan. The confer- social services to the popula- possibilities” organised by the of the Republic of Azerbaijan ence was organised with the tion on the whole territory of Ministry of Communications Elmir Velizade and Representa- participation of ACM Chapter, the country. and High Technologies of tives of the Ministry of Labour an organisation involved in BUSINESS PROGRAMME The anniversary Bakutel exhibi- tion also allowed specialists to discuss the latest trends in the ICT industry around the world as well as the prospects for the development of ICT in Azer- baijan. The “Internet of things: beyond connectivity” confer- ence, organised by the Ministry of Communications and High Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan addressed issues related to a new stage in the evolution of the internet. Speakers included, Hamadoun Touré, Secretary General of the International Telecommu- nications Union (ITU), Minister of Communications and High Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Abbasov, Intel Vice President John Davies and the Republic of Azerbaijan in and Social Protection of the educational programmes in many others. Panel discus- partnership with the United Republic of Azerbaijan, State the ICT sphere. The opening of sions and numerous sessions Nations Development Pro- Committee on Property Issues, the first “Femmes Digitales” were organised as part of the gramme (UNDP) and Microsoft State Customs Committee, club for women in Azerbaijan conference. featured the participation of State Agency on the Provi- also took place as part of the The international “eGov 3.0: Deputy Minister of Communi- sion of Services to Citizens Bakutel exhibition.

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At a launch event in Beijing celebrating the Huawei Honor’s first anniversary, Huawei launched the newest additions to its flagship device line-up, showcasing the Smartphone alongside the Spree 4X smartphone and its Honor TV Box. ‘Honor’ was first showcased as a new line of devices from Huawei last year and has since experienced impressive sales results, which were presented to hundreds of foreign and domestic media organizations at its anniversary event in Beijing, China. The past year saw phenomenal growth within the Honor category, with unit sales of over 20m and a sales revenue of US$3bn, representing a nearly thirty-fold increase. The Honor 6 Plus features a cutting-edge dual 8 MP rear camera set to revolutionize smartphone photography. The Spree 4X, is high-end Honor handset, which boasts the new 64-bit Kirin processor and supports 6 Plus is unrivaled for its revolutionary 7 million free Wi-Fi hotspots inside and a wide range of network spectrums breakthrough in developing the dual rear outside China are available on the Honor 6 worldwide. The Honor TV Box provides cameras. The dual-camera with dual 8 Plus. All of the preceding specifications are consumers with 4K Ultra HD clarity. mega pixel, along with Huawei’s dedicated designed to bring a revolutionary flagship Jeff Liu, president of Huawei Honor said triple IE algorithm engine, deliver a single- smartphone experience for consumers. that this was just the first step: “In the lens reflex grade capture experience for The smartphone also showcases Honor future, Honor hopes to cater to different users, bringing a camera revolution to Wallet, which is a life assistant for users. consumer demands and seek partnerships smartphones by enabling users to see the The Honor Wallet cooperates with banks with like-minded companies. We seek to world through dual cameras. and supports payments in 1 second for construct honor circle. Our 2015 target is The Honor 6 Plus uses the Kirin 925 octa- stores where the Quickpass service is to achieve 40 million units shipment and core chipset and provides 4G LTE CAT6 available. Using the ESE solution and based 5 billion dollars in revenue; and in 2016, connectivity with a download speed of on the in-depth interaction with banks, the Huawei Honor will sprint 10 billion dollars up to 300 Mbps that is the fastest in the Honor Wallet provides a secure financial in revenue.” industry. The premium edition supports payment environment. Multiple online The Honor brand was established on dual SIM cards (4G cards issued by China payment methods and the mainstream December 16, 2013 and has achieved unit Mobile and ). It provides a platforms in the industry are supported. sales of 20m in the space of just one year. dual-channel ultra-large RAM with the 3 GB Honor users are entitled with many In 2014, on average, the brand sold 38 units LPDDR3 module, a CPU frequency of 800 exclusive discount services. every minute or 1 unit every 1.5 second. MHz, a 16 GB/32 GB ROM with the eMMC The release of the Honor 6 Plus marks the Moreover, sales rocketed from US$100m 5.0 module, and a microSD card support of beginning of the competition between to US$3bn over this period. This is 100 up to 128 GB. Honor products and Samsung and Apple times the 2014 industry growth figure in It also sports a 5.5-inch 1080p JDI negative products in the global market. With China. liquid crystal screen, a 3600 mAh battery, its innovative breakthroughs of the As it approached the end of its first SmartPower 2.5, SmartControl 2.5, simple Honor 6 Plus in camera and applications successful year 2014, Huawei Honor made but elegant operating system, EMUI 3.0, outperform Apple and Samsung its latest impact by releasing the Honor 6 as well as new features including the smartphones and bring the optimal Plus in honor of its Anniversary. The Honor Honor Wallet and geo-fence. As many as experience that is “Not Just Bigger”.

26 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 “A flexible, technology neutral approach to spectrum allocation is important as it allows us to use the best technology available” Kyle Whitehill CEO - Vodafone Qatar Exclusive Interview: Khalid Athar

Kyle Whitehill joined Vodafone UK in 2001 as head of the Enterprise business. In February 2008 he moved to Vodafone India as Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure as Chief Operating Officer, the subscriber base of Vodafone India’s business grew from 47 million to over 100 million. His early career was spent in fast moving consumer goods with L’Oreal and Jeyes before he entered general management with the Soft Drinks division of PepsiCo. Before joining Vodafone Qatar, Kyle Whitehill was the Chief Executive Officer for Vodafone Ghana from June 2010 to June 2013. Under his leadership, Voda- fone Ghana became the second largest telecom operator in Ghana and grew the subscriber base from 2 million to over 5 million. Kyle was educated in Scotland and has a degree in marketing and economics. Teletimes recently got a chance to have an exclusive inverveiw with Mr. Whitehill in which he talks about Vodafone’s operations, future plans, spectrum liberal- ization, the Qatar ICT market, Net Neuterality and much more.

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 27 Khalid Athar: What is the best technology available. In current progress towards the Qatar spectrum is allocated by Smart Cities development in the Communications Regula- Qatar? How do you think Smart tory Authority on a generally Cities could support strong technology neutral basis. and healthy economic, social KA: Due to spectrum liberaliza- cultural development in Qatar tion, availability of frequency and what is your contribution does not seem to be a problem towards this development? when it comes to expansion of Kyle Whitehill: We look at smart 4G networks anymore. What from a telecom operator’s are other challenges that could perspective, as the evolution of possibly inhibit 4G network M2M and IoT technologies and growth in Qatar? so for us, smart is the interpre- KW: The main challenge for 4G tation, presentation and action growth anywhere in the world on data collected by lots of is access to fibre ducts, which connected things and how you is key to implement elevated then mediate that between the backhaul speeds required for different things that need to 4G and 5G in the future. know what that is. Vodafone Qatar is installing The major developments in additional microwave capability Qatar are taking shape and they and capacity to overcome that. are certainly going to be smart. This is feasible for the short With the diversification of the term, however with the expect- economy away from petro- ed uptake and increase of data chemicals, smart cities will defi- traffic we willeed n to have ac- nitely play an essential role in cess to fibre to ensure the same supporting a healthy economy great customer experience in through introducing technology when you start layering services through sharing their ideas the future. to make the lives of the citizens together can you build a city about the future of Qatar. Device penetration is anoth- living in the city better, happier that is smart. Over five thousand users have er factor that could limit the and more efficient, in turn this In addition to that, we have also signed up to contribute to the growth of 4G. Vodafone Qatar has tremendous benefits when tried to make the definition and platform with the most interest- makes sure to use its global ing output addressing roads, purchasing power to bring “At Vodafone Qatar, we have aligned our goals environment, infrastructure, competitively priced devices to those of the QNV 2030, and it is clear that traffic and safety. to Qatar. This will enable more supporting the Smart City deployments in Qatar is a KA: Would you associate customers to afford a 4G device key pillar of its success.” spectrum liberalization with and get access to higher data network growth and infrastruc- speeds and a better experience. fostering a highly educated concept of what a smart city ture quality? In addition to an entire suite of workforce as laid out in the really is closer to the hearts and KW: The availability of appro- the latest 4G-enabled devices, Qatar National Vision 2030. minds of people and give them priate spectrum is critical for we have for example intro- At Vodafone Qatar, we have an opportunity to contribute our ability to meet the growing duced Vodafone Smart 4 Power aligned our goals to those of with their own thoughts as to demands of our customers in and Vodafone Smart 4 Fun, the the QNV 2030, and it is clear what their ideal smart city will that supporting the Smart City look like. To that effect, we “Vodafone Qatar makes sure to use its global deployments in Qatar is a key have created a bilingual innova- purchasing power to bring competitively priced pillar of its success. tive digital platform, #design- devices to Qatar.” We are taking our track record yourqatar. from everything we have done We have launched this platform terms of network speed and most affordable 4G-enabled around the world in M2M from in May 2014 to engage citizens quality. Therefore a flexible, devices in the market to ensure for example connecting cars and residents of Qatar to learn technology neutral approach to that a wider segment can avail to electricity grids and even about what a smart city is and spectrum allocation is import- of this service. the most trivial of things. Only to interact with each other ant as it allows us to use the KA: How has mobile

28 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 penetration in Qatar affected way that suits them. Our aim is uting towards the Qatar Vision ‘Hukoomi’, the Qatari Govern- GDP and what measures can be to implement the right technol- 2030 for Doha? ment information portal, which taken to further boost Mobile ogy ensuring that our custom- KW: Vodafone Qatar wholly is the official gateway to an Penetration in less populated ers can access the internet on supports the aspirations of assortment of public services, areas? What is Vodafone doing their mobile or fixed device in the Qatar National Vision 2030 managed by the Ministry of to improve mobile penetration a way that suits them and can and in particular, the pillar for Information & Communications in these areas? know how much they are going Sustainable Economic De- Technology. KW: There’s no doubt that mo- to pay for it. velopment that will create a Vodafone Qatar has been ac- bile penetration has positively tively involved in support of the impacted GDP. “Qatar is one of the fastest growing economies in implementation of the National Qatar is one of the fastest the region, which is driving construction and build Development Strategy 2011-16 growing economies in the of new cities and projects everywhere.” and related projects, that foster region, which is driving con- good governance. These proj- struction and build of new cities KA: In your opinion, how diversified economy capable of ects include: and projects everywhere. We important is the role of 4G ser- meeting the needs of society in i. Implementation of Qatar’s have almost full mobile 2G/3G vices for Vodafone in growing the long-term. National Broadband Policy in penetration on 100% of Qatar’s its average revenue per user We have led many initiatives in conjunction with the Ministry of geography. We have annual (ARPU)? the implementation of Qatar’s ICT and Qatar National Broad- programs for network densifica- KW: 4G services and high first National Development band Network; tion that follow rapid growth in speed internet connections are Strategy 2011-16, and in partic- ii. Support for the rollout of the country as well as expan- important to customers which ular, its aim to support private the Public IParks project, an sion of 4G penetration. makes them very important sector development, entrepre- endeavor to increase free ac- KA: What is your opinion on to Vodafone. 4G makes the neurship and the seamless tran- cess to Internet in public spaces the Net Neutrality and Open mobile video experience flaw- sition to a Knowledge Society. covering all municipalities in Internet debate? Please talk in less. This is the primary driver We, at Vodafone Qatar, are a Qatar. detail. for increased internet use and passionate advocator for the iii. eNumbering Trial (ENUM): A KW: This is definitely a topic of corresponding ARPU growth promotion of fair competition, study to identify the readiness debate between the Telecom & among data customers. The creative enterprise, and SME of operators and the market Internet industries. entry price of 4G smartphones development in the Qatari tele- infrastructure for a new e-num- It is important that those who is reducing all the time and cus- communications sector. bering scheme – An initiative invest in the networks are able tomers with access to 4G is only KA: Qatar has taken many to modernize the governance to make an adequate return on increasing. Constantly building initiatives to promote eGover- structure and supporting legal those investments so that they our footprint of 4G services nance. How is Vodafone Qatar & regulatory framework in can continue to invest to meet ensures this growing base get contributing to this develop- Qatar. the needs of consumers. This the best possible experience ment and do you have any iv. MPA for Numbering and Por- needs to be balanced against a makes commercial sense for major plans for the future in tability: Project to support the need to ensure that consumers Vodafone. this regard? delivery of a National Number- are able to use the internet in a KA: How is Vodafone contrib- KW: Vodafone Qatar supports ing Plan - an important element

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 29 in support of market improve- promote Qatar’s economy in ments through competition and the medium-term. choice. So with this new omnipresence v. eAccessibility Policy: A of the private sector in terms of development program that will both fiscal revenue generation significantly improve access and political influence grants to ICT technologies, services vast opportunities for the and websites for those with telecommunications sector as disabilities. a contributor to both the real vi. Ongoing strategic engage- economy and the medium term ment with Universities (such as sustainability of Qatar’s national Qatar University) to enhance development objectives and learning, internships, career targets. development and knowledge In fact, the telecommunications transfer. sector – if regulated and legis- Additionally, we also support lated transparently - might well Qatar’s robust governance provide the primary foundation initiatives through the devel- and stimulus for a successful opment of its primary service 2nd National Development and product provisions, for the region and globally. In fact the telecommunications Strategy, due to be initiated in example: mHealth and mE- These include: & transport sector in Qatar’s na- Fy2015/16. ducation services provision, • Comprehensive transforma- tional accounts is contributing To conclude, at Vodafone Qatar, SMART communities and digital tion to 100% data; 0.8% to overall real GDP growth we are convinced that the ICT transformation. • Dedicated migration to (6.3%) in 2014, with the sector market must both recognize KA: Vodafone is growing both superplatforms: Disruptive growing by approximately 10% and adapt to the economic locally and internationally. technology & competition; in that period. realities and opportunities that Where do you see the Voda- • Adapting to more knowl- Furthermore and in a recent exist in the country, which fone group in the near future edgeable, demanding and speech (opening ceremony of include: and Vodafone Qatar’s role in it? diverse digital customer base; the ITU Telecom World 2014) • The telecommunications KW: We are currently observing • Managing the colliding para- H.E. Dr. Hessa Al-Jaber, Minister and transport sector will play a changes in the international digms of revenue and cost; market landscape and circum- • Moving beyond the core Qatar is currently experiencing a titanic shift in its stances that specifically impact business provision to capture macroeconomic landscape, in essence it is moving the telecommunications sector value. away from hydrocarbon production (oil and gas) and our role here in Qatar, KA: Please give us an overview towards private sector development these include and are not of the Qatar ICT market and limited to: your predictions for what are of Information and Communica- dominant role in the future of The provision of data is chal- going to be the most important tions Technology reiterated this the economy where the private lenging traditional revenues elements for this market in the situation, by stressing that the sector plays an increasingly and other sources must be coming years. world is witnessing a second important, and dominant role – identified; KW: This is an important and digital revolution and a time 10.5% year on year growth. • Competition is intensifying timely question given that of industry transformation in • Infrastructure projects are and our business model and Qatar is currently experiencing information and communica- driving continued population product and service provision a titanic shift in its macroeco- tions technology (by utilizing growth in the country – 9% year will adapt; nomic landscape, in essence it cloud computing, the internet on year growth in 2014 - and • New revenue streams and is moving away from hydro- of things and big data analytics telecommunications sector new business models must be carbon production (oil and technologies) must be ready to support that recognized and implemented gas) towards private sector It is therefore relatively easy to increasing demand and custom- expeditiously. development. Obviously the ICT predict that pure economic di- er base (in particular the “high These observations are being market segment in Qatar must versification and private sector vale customer HVC segment). accentuated by emerging not only adapt to this changing development – which identifies • A speedy transition to a trends which will require a re- environment but share and the ICT sector as a primary cat- Knowledge Society where ICT shaping of the of the telecom- contribute in this economic alyst and driver – will provide will be the principle munications business in Qatar, transformation. both the fabric and direction to compound.

30 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 Eutelsat Communications has Technology Ltd. (SSTL). Both announces a ground-breaking developments are supported programme that will raise by the UK Space Agency. the bar for service delivery The new design will by enabling its clients for represent a first in the the first time to actively commercial satellite industry define the performance and by enabling the complete flexibility they need from electronic synthesis of a satellite. The innovative ‘receive’ and ‘transmit’ software-defined “Eutelsat coverages in the Ku-band, Quantum” class of satellites including on-board jamming will set new standards in detection and mitigation. It terms will give customers access to of coverage, bandwidth, premium capacity through power and frequency footprint shaping and configurability for users steering, power (Mbps) and operating in government, frequency band pairing that mobility and data markets. they will be able to actively The development of the core define. technologies integrated into By adapting dynamically to the “Eutelsat Quantum” all frequency bands in each design will be supported by ITU region, the “Eutelsat ESA following the approval Quantum” class satellite will Michel de Rosen, Chairman & CEO - Eutelsat by its Council on December also be the first generation “We are delighted to industry on the design and 2 of this new programme of universal satellites able initiate this groundbreaking technological development within the framework of a to serve any region of the programme with the support of flexible payloads has Public-Private Partnership world. This ability to mirror or of ESA, as well as our reached this point. This new with Eutelsat. The first complement another satellite longstanding partner, Airbus generation of payload will satellite, to be launched in anywhere in geostationary Defence and Space. pave the way for increasingly Developing solutions that innovative missions in the give our customers control future.” over the performance and “Following on from KA-SAT adaptability they need and the all-electric EUTELSAT from our satellites is a key 172B satellite, we are pleased ambition for Eutelsat. With to partner with Eutelsat once the “Eutelsat Quantum”’ more on this breakthrough class of satellite we will programme. Benefiting from deliver on this goal, our extensive offering an incomparable experience and capability level of efficiency and for flexible payloads, flexibility in data, mobility the “Eutelsat Quantum” and government services design will mark a break 2018, will be primed and orbit will offer a level of markets.” from conventional payload manufactured by Airbus flexibility that will transform Magali Vaissiere, Director architectures and feature Defense and Space (ADS) in fleet management and of Telecommunications and unprecedented levels of in the UK using its innovative enable a significantly more Integrated Applications of orbit reconfigurability,” flexible payload technology efficient use of resources. ESA, said: “ESA is delighted added Eric Béranger, Head of and a new platform from Michel de Rosen, Chairman that the work initiated with Programmes, Space Systems/ its affiliate, Surrey Satellite and CEO of Eutelsat, said: Eutelsat and European Airbus Defence and Space.

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 31 Eutelsat Communications and nc+, is a very important satellite-driven a driving force in pay-TV services in broadcasting market. Poland, have announced the signature Thanks to satellite transmission of a major contract for the renewal of we are able to provide exceptional nine transponders at Eutelsat’s HOT image quality with today’s best HD BIRD video neighbourhood. quality and in the future with the 4k The agreement equips nc+ to pursue standard. nc+ is at the forefront of the expansion of its platform of digital technological changes and we are services that broadcasts to 2.2 million proud to cooperate with such a strong subscriber homes equipped for and reliable partner as Eutelsat. We Direct-to-Home reception in Poland. look forward to strengthening this nc+ entered the market in 2013 when cooperation.” the Canal Plus-owned CYFRA+ platform Michel Azibert, Chief Commercial that was launched from the HOT BIRD and Development Officer at Eutelsat, position in 1995 joined forces with added: TVN’s “n” platform, also broadcasting “Almost 25 years since the launch of through the HOT BIRD satellites. multi-channel broadcasting in Poland The platform today offers viewers more through Eutelsat satellites, that was Michel Azibert, Chief Commercial & than 160 channels, of which almost 50% followed by the transition to digital and Development Officer - Eutelsat are already in HD, as well as access to the launch of High Definition, we are over 400 free-to-air channels, including proud that nc+ has today renewed its HOT BIRD position as Poland’s 20 in Polish. trust in us. This new agreement further neighbourhood of choice for free-to-air Julien Verley, CEO of nc+, said: “Poland consovlidates and confirms Eutelsat’s and pay-TV broadcasting.”

Eutelsat Communications is satellite, the terminals will be able to areas is a significant obstacle to relief. collaborating with NetHope to deliver 1.2 terabytes of data over the Improving communications between improve connectivity solutions for coming six months. They will enable organisations and their field offices humanitarian organisations doctors and healthcare workers to in remote parts of the world where mobilised in West Africa since the benefit from a robust communications infrastructure is outbreak of the Ebola crisis. network that can be self-installed, is limited or absent is a key strategic Satellite broadband equipment up and running in less than two hours focus for NetHope. that will deliver videoconferencing and can be easily relocated to follow “Communications is an essential services, Internet access and voice relief organisations working on the resource during times of crisis,” said communications has arrived in Accra, frontline. Frank Schott, NetHope Managing Ghana, where the U.N. has located Established in 2001, NetHope’s Director of Global Programs. its Mission for Ebola Emergency mission is to help humanitarian “Eutelsat’s contributions of Response. The terminals are now organisations benefit from the equipment and technical headed to Liberia, Sierra Leone and best information communication expertise will help emergency Guinea to be deployed in areas with technology so they can focus on their responders working in West Africa to little-to-no-existing communications mission of serving people during coordinate the delivery of lifesaving capacity with the intention of helping crises such as the Ebola epidemic patient and family care services. Our aid workers curb the spread of Ebola. where aid workers say limited Internet work wouldn’t be possible without Communicating direct to a Eutelsat and data connectivity in isolated partners like Eutelsat.”

32 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 Aysel Soltanova

Within the strategic and security, emergency cooperation framework response, exploration of between Azerbaijan and natural resources, maritime France in the space industry, surveillance, sea faring, “Azercosmos” OJC, national environmental protection, satellite operator of Azerbaijan, urban planning, cartography, signed a strategic cooperation agriculture, and tourism. During agreement with Airbus the next 1.5 years, more than Defence and Space to take 25 Azerbaijani professionals will over the rights to operate and be trained in France on optical commercialize the SPOT 7 satellite operations, product high resolution (1.5m imagery development, sales, and products) optical Earth marketing of Geo-Information observation satellite, which was services. This agreement also successfully launched on June marks Azercosmos’ entry into 30, 2014 and to be renamed the commercial business of as Azersky. The agreement, image from the satellite. be constructed will allow Earth observation services, which is an important step in The long term strategic Azercosmos to access images including Geo-Information the development of relations cooperation between two acquired from Pléiades 1A services. This will strengthen between Azerbaijan and parties also includes joint and 1B, very high resolution Azerbaijan’s position among (0.5m imagery products) the limited number of countries optical Earth observation rendering satellite services. satellites commercialized by Rashad Nabiyev, Azercosmos Airbus Defence and Space. CEO, noted: “This agreement This satellite constellation is an important step taken by opens up opportunities for Azercosmos to diversify our many applications, providing satellite services and bring the latest images within an additional value into the unprecedented time frame. The economy of Azerbaijan; and we combined acquisition capacity are glad that Airbus Defence of Azersky and SPOT 6 is equal and Space is with us for this to six million square kilometres challenging journey.” per day – an area ten times the Evert Dudok, Head of size of France. This means that Communications, Intelligence every day, every point on the and Security (CIS) Business Line globe can be viewed in high- at Airbus Defence and Space, resolution by the Azersky and said: “It is a great success to France, was signed at Bakutel operations of Azersky of SPOT 6 satellites. have such an agreement with 2014 Telecommunications and Azercosmos and the SPOT Azersky was successfully Azercosmos, in a region offering Information Technologies 6 high resolution (1.5m launched on June 30, 2014 on a a high potential for satellite Exhibition in the presence imagery products) optical PSLV Indian launcher and was imagery and geo-information of His Excellency President Earth observation satellite designed to survive harmful applications. This cooperation Ilham Aliyev. Mr. President of Airbus Defence and Space space conditions for at least will allow a business and commenced commercial in a constellation to provide 12 years. Azersky has a broad operational model which is operation of Azersky by superior service. Moreover, range of applications including brand new and very innovative acquiring the first symbolic the ground segment to but not limited to defence for us.”

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 33 Thuraya Telecommunications & Broadcast at Thuraya, Meyer’s Metrography in Iraq improve their safety is by having Company has announced its said: “News organizations and Global Voices through a solid communications plan partnership with the highly are looking towards more our relationship with News in place, which outlines what regarded, International News innovative, portable and Xchange. We believe that they should do in emergencies. Safety Institute (INSI). The easy to use solutions to help media safety and security is In areas of the world where partnership addresses the them deliver news no matter paramount and that preparation phone networks aren’t reliable rising need for providing where they are. Thuraya’s helps mitigate the risks to or available, satellite phones safety training to protect sponsorship of the SatSleeve journalists in the field. Thuraya and their technology are journalists working in difficult illustrates news organizations’ is proud to support INSI’s absolutely key to safety. By and dangerous environments reliance on highly reliable, mission to drive this.”Hannah having access to Thuraya’s around the world. Sealed at easy to use and lightweight Storm, Director of INSI said: satellite equipment, INSI can ’s News Xchange mobile satellite products that “Safety for journalists starts help journalists understand conference, the partnership will protect journalists while with thorough preparation, an the importance of having includes sponsorship of a accommodating the breaking understanding of the risks that robust communications plans Thuraya SatSleeve and airtime news cycle. Over the last three might be faced and how best in place, showing them how that will be used in INSI’s safety years, Thuraya has supported to mitigate those risks. One of such equipment works, why it is preparation workshops. non-profit organizations such as the key ways that journalists important and how it can in turn John Huddle, Head of Media the Rory Peck Trust, Sebastian and media organizations can help them stay safe.”

Thuraya Telecommunications Thuraya’s comprehensive will provide them with the natural disasters can render Company has launched the satellite network. most reliable and cost-effective terrestrial communications industry’s best-value satellite Rashid Baba, Director of way of doing this.” Thuraya unavailable. Thuraya XT-LITE phone, Thuraya XT-LITE. The Products at Thuraya, said: XT-LITE allows users to enjoy can be used across the Thuraya entry-level satellite phone “Thuraya XT-LITE addresses the ubiquitous coverage in most network covering more than provides users with instant demands of users who need a remote areas that are not 160 countries or two-thirds of satellite connectivity at an simple satellite phone for work served or are under-served the globe. It can be used either unbeatable value. The Thuraya or travel in areas unserved by by terrestrial networks. The with a Thuraya SIM card or a XT-LITE is built to make phone terrestrial networks. People device also works as a security SIM card from any of Thuraya’s calls and send SMS messages in need to stay connected no backup for people who are 360 worldwide GSM roaming satellite mode anywhere under matter where they go and we located in remote areas where partners.

Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite using Es’hail 1 satellite capacity Kuwari said: “We believe that further demonstrates the Company, has announced that and uplink facilities, Es’hailSat we have the optimum solution value of our broadcasting Al-Jazeera Media Network and AJMN have announced for AJMN not only in terms independence, quality of (AJMN) is now using the Es’hail that the formal switch over of of technical capabilities and service, and our market 1 satellite located at the 25.5⁰ broadcast services to Es’hail 1 performance, but also in terms penetration.” Es’hailSat, The east hotspot neighborhood to will take place on January 1st of independence and security Qatar Satellite Company was broadcast content to the full 2015. All existing channels and of the content we broadcast. established in 2010. Based in Middle East and North Africa potential new channel bundles We have designed Es’hail 1 and Doha, Qatar, the company (MENA) region. will be available from this date our second satellite Es’hail 2 owns and operates satellites to Following one year of on Es’hail 1. with advanced anti-jamming serve broadcasters, businesses successful dual illumination Es’hailSat’s CEO, Ali Ahmed Al capabilities. Selecting Es’hailSat and governments.

34 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite currently broadcasting on Company was established in Company, has announced Es’hail 1. 2010. Based in Doha, Qatar, that Al Bidaa Satellite TV is Es’hailSat’s CEO, Ali Ahmed the company owns and now available via the Es’hail Al Kuwari said: “We are operates satellites to serve 1 satellite located at the 25.5⁰ delighted that Al Rayaan broadcasters, businesses East hotspot neighborhood Media & Marketing has and governments. Es’hail 1, covering the Middle East and chosen the Es’hail 1 satellite. which shares a spacecraft North Africa (MENA) region. With premium news and platform with the European Al Bidaa is part of the Al sports channels and a satellite operator Eutelsat, Rayaan Arabic Satellite TV growing bouquet of content, was successfully launched channels launched in 2012 we believe that we have on 29th August 2013. The to focus on Qatari culture the optimum solution for satellite provides television, and national identity. With a broadcasters and viewers voice, Internet, corporate and mission to make the authentic Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari in the MENA region. government communications Qatar known to the rest of the CEO - Es’hailSat Choosing Es’hailSat further services across the Middle East world and highlighting typical demonstrates the value of our and North Africa region and Qatari aspects, the channel Al Bidaa Satellite TV, currently broadcasting independence, beyond. Es’hail 2 is currently supports the Qatar 2030 vision in soft launch, is available in quality of service, and under development and will be and is seen as a guardian of HD and further adds to the our market penetration.” located at the 26 degrees East Qatari culture. attractive line up of TV content Es’hailSat, The Qatar Satellite TV broadcasting hotspot.

Airbus Defence and Space Orbit Phase operations 62 Ku-band transponders ASTRA 5B in May 2014. has successfully completed have been conducted from as well as 4 Ka-band Three more E3000s are the initial in-orbit testing of the Airbus Defence and transponders. currently in production for ASTRA 2G and has handed Space spacecraft control It will provide next SES. over the control of the centre in Toulouse. A series generation broadcast and Airbus Defence and Space satellite to SES who will now of manoeuvres enabled broadband services to the is a division of Airbus Group validate the performance of the satellite to reach UK and Ireland, Europe and formed by combining its communications payload. geostationary orbit on 2 West Africa. the business activities Afterwards, it will begin January, the solar arrays and It had a launch mass of 6 of Cassidian, Astrium operational service at its antenna reflectors have been tonnes, has a wingspan and Airbus Military. The 28.2/28.5°E orbital location successfully deployed and of 40m in orbit, and a division is Europe’s number in order to provide next the satellite has acquired spacecraft power of 13kW one defence and space generation broadcast and final Earth pointing. All until the end of its 15-year enterprise, the second broadband services. spacecraft functions are design lifetime. largest space business The ASTRA 2G performing as expected. ASTRA 2G is the ninth worldwide and among the telecommunications satellite Designed and manufactured Eurostar satellite in the SES top ten global defence was launched by an ILS by Airbus Defence and fleet, following the recent enterprises. Proton Breeze M launcher Space for satellite operator successful launches of It employs some 40,000 from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, SES, ASTRA 2G is based on ASTRA 2F in September 2012, employees generating on 27 December 2014 at the highly reliable Eurostar SES-6 in June 2013, ASTRA revenues of approximately 21:24 GMT. Launch and Early E3000 platform. It carries 2E in September 2013 and €14 billion per year.

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 35 Inmarsat has announced its enhanced complete, Fleet Xpress, we are providing Maritime product roadmap consisting of customers with consistently higher two new services designed specifically for bandwidth communications which will Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network: Fleet increase operational efficiency whilst also Xpress and FleetBroadband Xtra. providing exclusive access to specialist Fleet Xpress is a hybrid solution, which maritime applications and content will operate over the Global Xpress through our Inmarsat Gateway.” Ka-band network, and incorporate Once I-5 F2 and I-5 F3 are fully operational, Inmarsat’s L-band FleetBroadband service expected to be early in the second half of as back-up, providing a truly global 2015, FleetBroadband Xtra will be phased and advanced connectivity service for out. All customers will have a transitional maritime customers anywhere in the period as they migrate onto the Fleet world. The solution will be available when Xpress service. Global Xpress (GX) commences global Ronald Spithout, President of Inmarsat commercial services early in the second Maritime said: “We are proud to bring half of 2015. Fleet Xpress will be an Ronald Spithout President - Inmarsat Maritime the benefits of Inmarsat’s GX network Inmarsat managed service sold through Global Xpress satellites are launched, to the maritime market. Based on great the company’s experienced GX Value covering the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific test results so far using Inmarsat-5 F1, our Added Resellers (VARs). Ocean regions, FleetBroadband Xtra partners and customers have requested To allow maritime customers to benefit will expand to include the additional new maritime services to allow them from high-speed broadband connectivity Ka-band capacity as each satellite enters to take advantage of the high-speed between now and global commercial commercial service. Ka-band alongside their existing L-band introduction of the Global Xpress “Our services are designed to services. The FleetBroadband Xtra service network, Inmarsat has announced an provide seamless mobility and will allow customers to do just that and, additional service, FleetBroadband Xtra. high-speed broadband for ship to as coverage becomes available with the This service will overlay capacity from the shore communications,” said Peter launch of our next two GX satellites, first Global Xpress satellite (Inmarsat-5 Broadhurst, Vice President Service they will be able to take advantage until F1), which is already operational, in the Development, Inmarsat Maritime. “With they ultimately progress to the full Fleet Indian Ocean region, with the existing the introduction of FleetBroadband Xpress service when GX is commercially L-band connectivity. As the next two Xtra and, when our GX constellation is introduced on a global scale.”

The Korean Ministry of Science, ICT and “The space object had been expected to Future Planning has announced that the approach within 23 meters of our satellite nation’s satellite avoided collision with over the Greenland Sea around 9:31 p.m. a space object, reversing its previous on 4 January (KST). But the United States expectations according to Korea Times. Joint Space Operation Center updated us The newspaper reported that the Korean that the expected distance of the object science ministry said that the space object, has left the danger range. Korea Aerospace part of the debris created during a crash Research Institute also analyzed orbital between telecom satellites of the United data and now expect the distance to be States and Russia in Feb. 2009, would more than 1 kilometer,” the ministry said in approach Korea’s Science and Technology a statement. “It has been determined that Satellite (STSAT) 3 and would likely collide the Science and Technology Satellite 3 and with it. the space object are not likely to collide.”

36 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 O3b has launched its latest bring customers up across the an altitude known as Medium four satellites from the Space world. Earth Orbit (MEO). From Center in French Guiana. The The O3b business model this low altitude latency is newly launched satellites will focuses on three key dramatically reduced, bringing be the latest addition to a deliverables: high capacity, it on par with a long haul network designed to connect fiber-like latency, and fiber transmission. Operators the “other 3 billion” (hence bandwidth that is significantly can now consider satellite the name O3b) people on lower in cost. technology for applications earth who have historically O3b’s satellites utilize multiple that are latency sensitive such lacked proper access to the spot beams, which significantly as cloud apps, streaming HD internet, connecting, enabling increase each satellite’s video or multiplayer gaming. and transforming parts of capacity and decrease the cost O3b CEO Steve Collar said: the world that are currently per Megabit of bandwidth. “This launch represents unconnected or underserved. O3b’s vast coverage area another important milestone Once launched, the satellites includes emerging and for O3b. Steve Collar, CEO - O3b will go through a period of insufficiently connected We believe in a world where Communities”, in line with our in-orbit testing before being markets in Asia and the Pacific, affordable, high speed goal of bringing the “other 3 fully integrated into the O3b the Middle East, Africa, and the connectivity is always within billion” unconnected people network. In the meantime, Americas. O3b’s satellites orbit reach for everyone. The theme in the world into the digital the company continues to at 8,062km above the earth, of the launch is “Transforming age.”

ABS has announced the including the International appointment of Flavien Telecommunications Bachabi as the Managing Union (ITU), the African Director of Africa. Flavien will Telecommunications be responsible for leading the Union (ATU) and the sales and business operations Regional African Satellite for the African continent. Communications Tom Choi, Chief Executive Organization (RASCOM). Officer of ABS said, “We are He is also a sitting board excited to have Flavien on member of the Advisory board at ABS, heading up Board of the Smart our African operations. As Flavien Bachabi Tom Choi Sustainable Development the regional Head of Sales, New MD - ABS Africa Chief Executive Officer - ABS Model (SSDM) of ITU. He he will be responsible for holds a Bachelor of Science managing and developing and leadership skills will management roles at degree in Mathematics and new business for the market. contribute to our expansion Intelsat, including Regional Physics from the University Flavien has over 30 years of for this growing continent.” Vice President for Africa. of Benin, as well as a experience in the satellite Prior to joining ABS, Flavien He has also spent 15 years Master of Science degree and telecommunication was the Vice President in senior positions with of Telecommunications industry and has extensive of Business Operations Benin Telecommunications Engineering from the knowledge of the Africa and Intergovernmental and served on international Polytechnic Institute St. market. His expertise Initiatives and held various councils and committees Petersburg.

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 37 ding*, the world’s largest mented: “Reflecting President “Yesterday’s announcement wealth of information. I believe international mobile phone Obama’s belief in ‘the power is great news for our cus- this development will quickly top-up provider is already of people-to-people engage- tomers and partners in Cuba. have a tangible positive impact one of Cuba’s biggest trade ment’, international top-up We’ve seen first-hand how on the lives of Cubans.” partners. Directly connected Although growing fast, com- to ETECSA, the government munications in Cuba remain owned telecommunications extremely limited when service provider, ding* helps compared with neighbouring the Cuban Diaspora stay close islands. Currently only 15% of to their loved ones offering a Cubans has a mobile phone and simple, safe way for them to internet usage is at around only send support to friends and 26%, ranking 79th in the world. family back in Cuba. Delivering almost 10,000 top- As President Barak Obama an- ups a day, ding* helps people nounces unprecedented moves get the most out of the phones to restore diplomatic ties with that are currently in use. Cuba, ding* CEO Mark Roden, Mark Roden added: “The US hosted the Cuban Ambassador has highlighted improved tele- to Ireland, Mr Hermes Herrara communications as a key focus Hernandez at their global head- of their new policy and have quarters in Dublin to discuss also committed to a reduction further ways in which the in limits on remittances being Company can help the Cuban remains a lifeline for Cubans mobile top-up can improve sent home by Cubans around Diaspora fuel the development abroad to support loved ones the daily lives of people across the world. As Cuba gets more of telecommunications on the back home and never more so the country from being able to connected, ding* will continue island. than now as US-Cuba relations stay in touch with their loved to make it easy for the Cuban Welcoming these develop- improve for the first time in ones, bring more productive in Diaspora to fuel the power of ments, Mark Roden com- over 50 years.” business and having access to a mobile phones in the island.”

One of the leading telecommu- to Vladivostok, will be able tuitive overview. This includes unique project that provides nications operators in Russia to receive the digital signal. easy navigation with bub- a completely new product and CIS countries has recently The DataMiner solution at the ble-up and drill-down maps, for Russia, combining the announced the launch of a earth station spans across a block diagrams of all system advantages of satellite TV and new satellite TV brand. 160 TV wide variety of products from components with alarm color mobile communications,” said channels in six languages will various industry vendors (such coding, and real-time display Bart Reynaert, Sales Manager be available to the subscribers, as CPI, Symmetricom, Newtec, of key metrics. The entire UI is at Skyline Communications. with support of advanced func- Vertex, etc.) and provides fully designed in DataMiner Visual “Customers in remote areas tions such as pausing, video unified remote monitoring and Overview, which enables oper- will receive high-quality TV on demand, etc. The satellite control of all system compo- ators to create and edit their content that was previously television broadcast signal will nents, along with comprehen- UIs instantly with Microsoft available only to IPTV users be carried by the spacecraft sive fault and performance Visio®, and to apply changes in large cities with a well-de- ABS-2. 95% of the population management. All equipment on the fly without affecting the veloped telecommunications of Russia, from Kaliningrad is now consolidated in one in- ongoing operation. “This is a infrastructure.

38 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 Teletimes Interview

The rise of digital, mobile and social media has put customers at the centre of telecom experiences and service providers must align their technology innovation with their real time needs by investing in solutions that can provide superior customer experience. Christelle has analyzed the latest trends. Q- Do you think the focus erators to get closer to their cus- is shifting from network to tomers than any other channel. customer experience as a To ensure customer satisfaction key differentiator in telecom and loyalty, Mobile Marketing industry today? is Key in customer experience A- Absolutely! Mobile phones, management leveraging contex- Smartphones, tablets, have be- tual relevance. This is why we come the most pervasive form designed Gemalto SmartMes- of media ever. This phenome- sage solution. This permission non has in turn resulted in the based interactive messaging rise of the empowered consum- channel truly engages custom- er, particularly the Digital Na- ers: Up close and personal and tives who grew up ‘online’. The comes as the perfect channel to digital savvy, use their digital enhance customer experience. multifunction devices for enter- Q- Is personalization the key to tainment, work, shopping and take customer experience to daily life events. Operators need the next level? to rethink how they engage A- Recent IFOP surveys have with their customers to deliver shown that an overwhelm- marketing, provide services and ing 80% to 90% of customers encourage lasting loyalty. were annoyed by mobile text Today mobile technology messages received for which tinuously evolves, mobile users’ operators’ business. effectively offers a wealth of -op they hadn’t given their prior education and expectations Beyond promoting their core portunity for mobile operators permission. However, 85 to 95% exponentially expand. There- services, mobile operators are to create a more personalized interviewed, valued permission fore, feedback loops between urged to grow their capabilities interactive relationship with based and personally tailored technology and marketing are to monetize their network, their customers. mobile messages. Contextual critical for optimized customer audience and data. Q- Can CEM tools available in and permission based mobile experience. These three streams are part of the market today transform marketing not only focuses on Q- What advice would you give the tools available to differen- customer experience? individual consumer preferenc- to operators who are looking at tiate their services long term. A- Today’s consumer is inevita- es but also respects consumer differentiating their services to Mobile Marketing Services that bly at the heart of the mobile privacy imperative. compete in today’s fast paced enhance Customer Experience, customer experience. Mobile Q- How important is it for market? increase loyalty & retention, sup- is the key media with over 7 technology and marketing de- A- Operators, without a doubt, port a sustainable differentiation Billion active mobile connec- partments to work together for are facing increasing pressure in a fast paced market. tions worldwide today. 91% effective customer experience on their business models, and Mobile operators should also of telephone users have their strategies? need to seek new revenue consider that, as trusted players, mobile phone with them 24/7! A- The collaborative approach streams. Also, in that space, there may also be space for Messaging stands out as a form between technology and mar- OTT (Other The Top) players them in the mobile commerce of direct, personal and real-time keting departments is dynamic. are rapidly making their mark, and mobile payment communication that allows op- While mobile technology con- challenging traditional mobile segments.

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 39 Encouraging and reaching a to technology and began to online goals. InfiNet Wireless bandwidth and speeds required congregation in this modern era explore the opportunities that identified that to perform the over the distance. Furthermore, is always going to be a challenge it could provide to help them broadcast successfully would increasing the capacity of for any religious organisation. reach their congregation. They require a direct communications the link over time would be a However, today’s modern concluded that broadcasting link from the monastery to simple matter of ‘switching on’ technology can also offer their daily religious services the main infrastructure hub, a additional wireless link capacity great opportunities to touch and seminars for their distance of over 15km across in the base station units’ a broader, ever-diversifying congregational members difficult terrain. Provisioning software - a relatively simple audience as well as reaching through the world wide web of this link would enable the upgrade compared to laying out to members of the wider would not only help them reach monastery to broadcast video additional physical cabling or community who may find back out to lost members of and content with a consistent deploying additional wireless it difficult to attend church their congregation, but also throughput of at least 200 Mb/s. base units as the bandwidth services in person. touch a brand new audience. The solution would also need requirement increases over The Monsegur monastery of The online broadcast would to be able to endure Moscow’s time. the Russian Orthodox Church of also mean that the local very harsh climate, including the Theotokos lies in a remote congregation could enjoy temperature extremes in excess Reaching new audiences area of the Dmitrovsky district the service from the comfort of -18 degrees Celsius in the The wireless link for the monas- in Moscow. Its location is some of their own home or local winter months. tery is now fully operational and distance from any populated community hall, without having InfiNet Wireless proposed a coping admirably with the harsh area, and attendance of its to endure the long trek to the wireless solution using their climatic challenges - not only services has been subject to a remote monastery. InfiLink 2x2 Point-to-Point (P2P) those of extreme temperatures, slow decline over recent years wireless broadband system. but also problems that extreme primarily due to the monastery’s Turning to technology A wireless implementation weather creates for wireless secluded location. To achieve this bold initiative, would save both time and line-of-sight systems such as sig- In an attempt to boost the the Monsegur monastic cost in terms of deployment, nal dispersion, signal degrada- numbers of its congregation, community called on InfiNet whilst still operating with tion or interference from heavy Monsegur decided to turn Wireless to help it achieve its minimal intervention at the high snowstorms and freezing fog.

InfiNet Wireless has announced of the South East Asia Region, InfiLINK XG product portfolio is its most recent addition to its this event was a unique platform set to transform the marketplace wireless broadband portfolio, for Infinet Wireless to show- in the South East Asia Region the InfiLink XG series, which was case its continued commitment and continues to position us as instantly a big hit at the 2014 and investment in the markets the leading carrier-grade wireless Secutech ASEAN event in Bang- of South East Asia, as demon- manufacturer of choice”. InfiLink kok, Thailand. The series was strated by the implementation XG is the fastest point-to-point showcased by InfiNet’s local dis- of a wide number of wireless wireless broadband solution Kamal Mokrani, Global VP -InfiNet tribution partner, Easy Network, infrastructures, with the help of available in the marketplace the XG is also proving to be an and attracted a large attendance its extensive partners network, today, reaching an unprece- ideal solution in other vertical during the event. including deployments across dented peak of 480 Mbps of net sectors such as the education Secutech ASEAN, is the largest market sectors such as oil and throughput in 40 MHz of spec- and the energy ones. Its proven professional security exhibition gas, energy, mining, govern- trum, and more than 100 Mbps in high throughput and extremely in the SouthEast Asia region. mental and education. Kamal just 10 MHz. Designed primarily low latency also make it an ideal With the spotlight on improving Mokrani, Global Vice President for use in large-scale telecommu- choice for video surveillance and connectivity across the whole of InfiNet Wireless, said, “Our nications backbone networks, public safety applications.

40 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 Doris Kucera

IPTV is moving from a pure linear product to a complete TV experience with Live, OnDemand and 3rd party content. This new world of connecting the TV to the Internet brings many opportunities and challenges to operators, developers and integrators all over the world. ABOX42 is taking a new approach with the ABOX42 Smart Platform and its advanced customized IPTV, OTT and Hybrid Smart STBs to solve the most important key challenges by providing the solid hardware foundation and the software features to get to a unique TV proposition with least cost and effort. ABOX42´ Founder and CEO Matthias Greve answers emerging questions about a rapidly changing market.

Q- What role STBs are playing screen TV experience of paying screen TV in the household do virtual STBs as Apps? now and in the future in consid- users. Smart TVs offer a certain not support these new applica- A- With the virtual STB Apps eration of Smart TVs and cloud range of OTT applications, but tions, the operator still needs to within SmartTV, the operator based services? will not replace the main Set Top focus on its core STB. This is the does not have the same free- A- Modern Set Top Boxes like Box device in end-users home, device, which can be shipped to dom on the user interface. Also the ABOX42 M-series are de- which provide a unified TV ex- all subscribers regardless of the the quality of service cannot be signed for local TV applications perience on the first and second type or age of the TV set. guaranteed over the live time of as well as for emerging cloud screen. Q- What view should an the App. It is out of the operator based TV services. Since on one Q-Do you see a SetTopBox less operator take on the virtual control, how e.g. future soft- hand the operators need to con- future for operators? STB? ware updates of the SmartTV trol the user experience, on the A- There is currently some talk A- The best way to view these manufacture affect his service. other hand need to be ahead of from operators about virtual issues is to treat the virtual STB Also Virtual STBs Apps are not competition with the introduc- STBs as SmartTV apps or STBs like the operator would treat an free of charge and need also tion of new TV features, it is and via CI+ modules. Since there is App on iPad, XBOX or PlaySta- costly maintenance. If you will remain mandatory to have a today no standard for the virtual tion. It is an add-on but not the support different manufactures modern, flexible and scalable Set STB applications and the vast core of it TV solution. and different version of TV Sets Top Box platform for the first majority of the installed flat Q- What are the challenges of you quickly come to 5 to 10 new

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 41 platforms which have to be delivery of HD live TV channels new features. ABOX42 has been streaming formats, different supported each every year. over the Internet with OTT an innovator in the advanced Set DRM systems side by side on the Q- What is the major shift in the technologies is a market proven Top Box platform field for quite platform. More efficient stream- STB market? technology ready for mass a while and we see that our solu- ing with H.265 will for sure boost A- Traditional closed STB plat- deployment. A new concept of tion is picked by both traditional the video quality especially for forms are not any longer able OTT DVB, allows not only Live TV operators who want to move OTT and will allow more efficient to handle the complex require- signal delivery over the Inter- to a future proof, modern and content delivery for operators. ments of innovative operators. net, but to also include multiple complete solution, as well as we Q- Do SmartSTBs and especially The market will move from old audio tracks, classical TeleText, are serving new OTT operators ABOX42 solutions meet the integrated, proprietary STBs to DVB Subtitle combined with who are entering the TV field customers´ demands? SmartSTBs where the focus is modern HbbTV application via with compelling new products A- ABOX42 is supporting all moving to the software layer. HLS streaming. and disruptive business models. demanded new features with This is a similar shift like we Q- Will also future trends in the We see a major increase of our its Smart SDK and Smart mobile experience in the last few years operator area be in favour of business and getting more and Toolkit for the advanced ABOX42 with the move from traditional STBs? more request from traditional STB platform. We see this as one feature phones to modern Smart A- There are two major trends operators. of our competitive advantages phones. The same trend we see increasing the demand for STBs. Q- What distinguishes the new to provide a broad compatibil- in the TV middleware segment, Operators who already run an STB generation from the pre- ity to OTT services, streaming where operators want to move older generation IPTV service ceding models? formats, DRM systems as well from closed propriety systems to plan to upgrade to a latest A- The new SmartSTBs will be as the support of various TV open solutions based on modern generation IPTV & OTT solution able to handle many different Middleware solutions. internet technologies and open This way a network operator can standards. flexibly and easily upgrade all ex- Q- What are the specific opera- “The biggest challenge for operators today is to isting customers (digital and an- tors´ challenges solely advanced understand what the difference of new IPTV & OTT alog TV watchers) with new OTT STBs are able to match? solutions is and how they can in a most effective and interactive services such as A- The biggest challenge for Catch-Up TV, Video on Demand operators today is to understand way get to their target solution in least time.” and many more. ABOX42 offers what the difference of new IPTV short project cycles, short pro- & OTT solutions is and how they duction lead times and includes can in a most effective way get which is modern and scalable, standards side by side, such as lifecycle management, ongoing to their target solution in least which can be integrated seam- streaming protocols, DRM and software maintenance and time. lessly and offers new compel- CAS systems. This new SmartSTB service updates. Basically Cable and Satellite Pay ling features (additional OTT generation is HTML5 browser Q- What are currently the TV operators want to deliver services, HbbTV, nPVR, Smart based and much more easier for typical demands of ABOX42´s new services like network PVR, TV applications) & Multi-Screen development. A new focus will customers? VOD and OTT delivery of specific capabilities. become the management of the A- Depending on legal require- channels to free up bandwidth in Operators without an existing software lifecycle and cloud ser- ments in a certain country, cloud their traditional DVB networks. installation who want to move vices to manage the SmartSTB based recording (network PVR) IPTV operators who started sev- into the TV space with a modern during the entire lifecycle, like is the most compelling feature. eral years ago need to upgrade IPTV (or even more often OTT) we are all used nowadays with But also HbbTV offers a great set their user experiences from solution which is easy to role e.g. the iPhone. of additional features and on de- inflexible first and second-gen- out, does not require long Q- What are characteristic inno- mand content which is support- eration STB platforms to latest integration work and offers a vations in the area of OTT and ed by more and more countries (3rd) generation. This new gen- great first screen experience IPTV technologies? / operators. Last but not least eration platforms allow the fast combined with Multi-Screen A- ABOX42 as innovator in the ‘Multi-Screen’ applications are development of modern user capabilities. IPTV & OTT segment is already getting more and more popular interfaces, compelling services Q- What are the unique possibil- delivering products which offer since it is not only about ‘on and the integration of 3rd party ities given with OTT solutions all the latest innovations. This demand’, but about ‘any place, services based on HTML5. and STBs? includes support of all major any time’ nowadays. In general it Q- Do SmartSTBs already match A- OTT is a great opportunity DVB features in both IPTV & is all about high quality content operators´ current and future for new players to enter the TV OTT, supporting HbbTV services, and an intuitive user interface. demands? market, or for existing operators other OTT services and 3rd This is what end-users like on the A- SmartSTBs have arrived and to reach new customers and add party applications with different new TV experience.

42 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 Ericsson has won highest Misr vendor recognition decided to organzie this category award, “Best IT program. This is the first event for the first time and Vendor of the Year”, at the IT time for Etisalat Misr IT it gives us great pleasure department of Etisalat Misr Department to organize to present the “Best IT I-Award 2014 event held in such a contest between their Vendor of the Year” award to Cairo on December 21st, 2014. different IT vendors such as Ericsson due to their excellent The award was received by IBM, TERADATA , EMC, HP , services that they continue Isil Yalcin, President Ericsson Oracle, Accenture, Microsoft, to provide to us,” said Khalid North East Africa. Huawei and others. AlMansouri, Chief Information The event was hosted by The IT department of Etisalat Technology Officer of Etisalat Khalid AlMansouri, Etisalat Misr’ had a set of awards Misr. Misr, Chief Information covering performance “Our strategy, combined Technology Officer and metrices, service quality, risk with Ericsson’s expertise Khalid Alkaf, Etisalat Misr IT management, innovation in consulting, systems

Saeed Al Hamli CEO - Etisalat Misr are continuing the process of transforming our business,” added Khalid Alkaf, Etisalat Misr IT Director and Head of Vendor Management Office. “We are very honored and proud to receive this special award. This award is indeed a great accomplishment that goes in line with our strategy to become the world’s leading ICT transformation partner,” said Isil Yalcin, President Ericsson North East Africa. It is worth mentioning that the selection criteria for the awards was based on the vendor’s strategic Director and Head of Vendor and social responsibility and integration, delivery alignment with the IT Management Office. In the highest award among platforms and best in class department of Etisalat vision addition, senior managers the listed awards was the “IT system support, continues and strategy in addition from vendors who offer Vendor of the Year Award” to ensure that we are able to flexibility in commercial services to Etisalat’s IT that was won by Ericsson. to provide our customers models, support and quality Department were invited to “Coming from believing in with a broad selection of during implementation and the event. our vendors’ reliability and customized services with best presales, product and services This event was held as part of significant role in contributing in class service quality. With quality as well as business the IT department of Etisalat to Etisalat’s success, we the Ericsson partnership we partnership understanding.

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 43 Aasem A Alali

Etisalat has announced the sitions, back-end support or region’s leading business hub, launch of its dedicated call customer service”, Anglada we are committed to partner centre to cater to the unique added. SMBs every step of the way business needs of its small The dedicated call centre for by addressing their distinct and medium sized business SMBs is now in operation and business needs. We aim not (SMB) customers in the UAE. is an extension to Etisalat’s only to equip them with ad- Etisalat’s state-of-the-art call existing customer care team vanced telecom and technol- centre service - 800 5800 that caters to nearly 11 million ogy tools that improve their – will serve this segment customers in the UAE. Earlier competitiveness, but also by offering convenient and this year, Etisalat embarked provide them with requisite comprehensive ICT services on an extensive drive to professional support to help and support, allowing SMBs recruit and up-skill suitably them grow.” to focus on their core compe- qualified business agents In addition to Etisalat’s tencies. and technicians to meet the dedicated call centre, SMBs As per industry estimates, Etisalat, we recognise that unique telecom needs of can contact their account increased focus on promoting SMB’s business needs vary SMBs. Trained customer care managers, channel partners the SMB sector is likely to add drastically from those of larg- professionals will offer SMBs or visit Business Centres over 100,000 new businesses er enterprises. Therefore, we specialised, round-the-clock located throughout the UAE in the UAE over the next three have designed a state-of-the- technical support, ranging for required service and years. art SMB dedicated call centre from general queries about support. Over and above the Salvador Anglada, Chief to lend our telecom expertise business services to billing facility to respond to custom- Business Officer at Etisalat, in helping this segment grow enquiries and service disrup- er requests, the call centre said, “Small and medium and backing the UAE economy tions. also allows Etisalat’s customer businesses are important at large.” John Lincoln, Senior Vice Pres- care executives to receive contributors to the UAEs “We believe in making our ident of Small and Medium feedback on current proposi- economy helping develop technology work for business- Businesses at Etisalat, said, tions and offer new business national entrepreneurial spirit es of all sizes, be it through “Unilateral to the UAE’s vision services and solutions to in younger generations. At our targeted business propo- to foster the country as the businesses.

Aiman Abuzaitoun

Etisalat Group has announced extensive international experi- ability to thrive in his new role today the appointment of ence serving in Etisalat Group’s as acting CEO of Canar.” Sulaiman Salim Al-Kaabi as act- operating companies in Saudi Al Sawaleh highlighted that this ing CEO of Canar – an Etisalat Arabia, Nigeria, Tanzania and, appointment is indicative of subsidiary in Sudan. most recently, in Côte d’Ivoire, the group’s outlook on national Sulaiman brings to the role 16 where he served as Chief Oper- leadership development for its years of professional expe- ating Officer. industry professionals: “Etisalat rience within Etisalat Group. “Sulaiman has demonstrated Group believes in nurturing the He joined the Etisalat after the kind of aptitude and skill abilities of future leaders by his graduation from Etisalat that we are keen to further offering best-in-class leadership College of Engineering in develop,” said AbdulAziz Al- development programs and 1998 - where he obtained his sawaleh Alshehhi, Chief Human unique international learning Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Resources Officer at Etisalat and growth opportunities to Telecommunications. Group. “He has succeeded in young, talented employees Over his 16 years within the a variety of challenging roles, AbdulAziz Alsawaleh Alshehhi who demonstrate high poten- Group, Al-Kaabi has gained and we have every faith in his CHRO - Etisalat Group tial.”

44 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 Ooredoo’s coaching clinic ini- The programme will continue tiative with Paris-Saint Germain across the region in the coming has rolled-out across the MENA months, with clinics planned region over the past month, for Oman, Kuwait and Algeria. delighting and engaging young Dr. Nasser Marafih, Group CEO, footballers with sessions in Ooredoo, said: “Sport makes a Tunisia and Qatar. difference, both physically, by “Paris Saint-Germain Academy providing healthy activity and brought to you by Ooredoo” emotionally, by giving children went to Tunisia in November an area of focus and discipline. and then took place in Doha, Ooredoo works hard to sup- Qatar twice in 2014. port the aspirations of young In total, more than 600 young people across our markets, people aged between six and and our initiative with Paris sixteen had the chance to Saint-Germain has delivered participate in technical training a real and positive impact on sessions led by Paris Saint-Ger- their lives.” main coaches and supported Paris Saint-Germain Academy Dr. Nasser Marafih, Group CEO, Ooredoo by UEFA-qualified coaches in brought to you by Ooredoo the two countries. offers education and motiva- defensive playing, stamina strong emphasis on engaging The Academy sessions in tion for aspiring young football training and the basic rules of people through sport and en- Tunisia included young people players, and helps them in a football. couraging them to live healthy, selected by the Tunisian “Sport range of key areas, including Ooredoo and Paris Saint-Ger- active lifestyles. In addition to for All” Federation, to ensure match preparation and effec- main signed a sponsorship the Academy, Ooredoo’s work that the benefits were felt tive training methods. agreement in September 2013. with Paris Saint-Germain has in traditionally under-served Children learn a range of key Ooredoo’s partnership with brought the brand to a global communities. skills, including tactical and Paris Saint-Germain places a audience.

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 45 Ooredoo Oman has organised its first sector can benefit from the shift in in a series Business to Business (B2B) trends from CAPEX to OPEX models meetings with the inaugural session where enterprises are focusing on their held in collaboration with the Informa- core businesses with non-core leverage tion Technology Authority (ITA). Hosting by partnering with trusted providers more than 65 government decision who can accommodate the increase in makers, the event addressed the major telecommunication demand and ensure IT trends that the public sector needs to business continuity. adopt in order to enhance their commu- Al Shanfari went on to say, “Ooredoo nication capabilities. It further highlight- in Oman is a leading communications ed the importance of network reliability provider offering customers both fixed and business continuity in light of the and mobile services together with our recent surge in demand and consequent very own fully redundant independent telecommunication challenges. fibre network and a world class mobile During the session, Khlaid Al Siyabi, 4G LTE network. We pride ourselves in Director General of e-Services at ITA, being the local provider of choice with Said Al Shanfari presented a paper on e-government Director Business Marketing international experience offering conve- initiatives in Oman and called the public nience, flexibility, speed and choice of sector to embrace new trends such as newly rebranded Ooredoo umbrella, doing more for a better communication BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), cloud Said Al Shanfari, Director of Business experience.” services and M2M (machine-to-machine) Marketing at Ooredoo showcased The meeting concluded with an interac- applications to improve their perfor- the new Ooredoo B2B set-up and its tive open floor session with the attend- mance. commitment to serve the government ees, which addressed key concerns for Meeting for the first time under the sector. He explained that the public discussion with the ITA and Ooredoo.

Ooredoo has launched a new service, IP VPN branches, whether nationally or internation- day by Ooredoo to give peace of mind and (IP Virtual Private Network) which offers an ally, can have a system hosted in one location allow customers to focus on their business MPLS based multi-point connectivity within or country, which can be fully accessed and while leaving the technology to us.” Omani Oman. This enables businesses to exchange used from any other location or country, Qatari Telecommunications Company SAOG business communication and application data which ensures different levels of business (“Ooredoo”) was founded and registered in between different users and nodes across traffic are treated with the necessary levels the Sultanate of Oman in December 2004. It multiple locations over Ooredoo’s secured, of priority. launched its service in March 2005 as the chal- reliable and redundant next generation This service adds to Ooredoo’s portfolio of lenger mobile operator in Oman, originally network. The breath of Ooredoo’s network services for business as an integrated man- operating under the name Nawras. The Com- covers all strategic business locations within aged fixed service provider. pany was awarded the second fixed licence in Oman and extends internationally through Said Al Shanfari, Director of Business Market- Oman in 2009, and launched its international Ooredoo’s Global MPLS network. This fully ing said, “It’s like having a connectivity cloud, gateway in April 2010, its corporate fixed managed connectivity service is backed up where a company can have businesses in and broadband services in May 2010, and its by business grade service level agreements multiple locations but access everything from residential fixed and broadband services in (SLA) and 24 x 7 proactive monitoring from any one of those locations. Ooredoo’s MPLS June 2010. Since 2010, Ooredoo has been an Ooredoo’s state of the art network monitor- connectivity allows businesses to stay con- integrated services telecommunications op- ing center for businesses. nected with a secure and reliable network. erator and is currently serving over 2 million So, for example, a business with multiple Plus, the service is fully managed 24 hours a customers across the Sultanate.

46 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 Zain has announced its winning best Corporate Social Respon- of three awards at the presti- sibility Contributor of the Year gious annual Chambers Quality were received by Zain South Su- Awards 2014 organized by the dan CEO Basel Manasrah, and South Sudan Chamber of Chief Operating Officer, Andre Commerce Investment and Ag- Claassen, respectively. riculture (SSCCIA). Zain South Commenting on the awards Sudan was singled out as the bestowed on Zain South Sudan, winner of Best Telecom Com- the judging panel stated, pany of the Year accolade; the “Zain has made it clear that it Best Internet Provider of the believes in the long-term future Year; and the Best Innovative of South Sudan, and this can be Campaign of the Year. Taken witnessed by the investment together, these awards confirm the company is making in the Zain South Sudan’s status as infrastructure it is deploying the leading communications Sudan economy including Jarvas Yak, in place of South Su- in the country, the people it provider in the country. government, NGOs, and dan’s Vice President, Mr. James is training and working with, The gala event was held at private sectors including the Wani Igga, who was unable to and the wider South Sudan the Crown Hotel in Juba in the Deputy Minister from South attend. population, which it continues presence of representatives Sudan’s Ministry of Finance and The awards together with a cer- to support through far-reaching from all sectors in the South Economic Planning, Hon. Mary tificate of appreciation for the CSR activities.”

Antoine Aboukhalil

Zain KSA posted improved In terms of operations, mobile of improving the company’s parent manner, even under financial results for the fourth broadband service customers position, including the Board difficult circumstances. Many quarter of 2014, ending 31 grew by 147% in the twelve- Of Directors’ recommendation new customers are using Zain December, 2014, recording a month period in 2014. Mobile to convene an Extraordinary to provide them with Internet significant 33% increase in EBIT- Internet data traffic continues General Meeting (EGM) to seek services; thanks to the quality DA to reach SAR 275 million to increase significantly, attain- the approval for a reduction and reliability of our state-of- (USD 73.3 million) up from SAR ing an incredible growth rate in the company’s capital from the-art 4G LTE network.” 206 million (USD 54.9 million) of 621% Y-o-Y for the full-year SAR 10,801,000,000 (USD 2.880 “We consider ourselves the in Q4 2013. Zain KSA’s EBITDA 2014, and 45% Y-o-Y increase in billion) to SAR 5,837,291,750 operator that puts the cus- margin rose to 17% in Q4 2014, Q4 2014. (USD 1.557 billion), resulting tomer first, the operator who up from 14% during the same Commenting on the results, in a reduction by 45.96%. This really cares for their custom- period of 2013. Eng. Farhan bin Naif Alfaisal came after a study prepared ers. We are still committed to Net losses narrowed by 34% Aljarbaa, Chairman of the by the company’s executive enhancing our services and our year-on-year during the quarter Board of Directors of Zain KSA management and external con- network’s coverage & capacity. to SAR 306 million (USD 81.6 said, “All indicators show that sultants; to write-off all of the Customer feedback regarding million), down from SAR 462 the company is moving steadily company’s accumulated losses our new look shops has been million (USD 123.2 million) a towards improving its financial to 30 September 2014.” particularly positive.” year earlier, and reflect a 23% results, backed by the transfor- Mr. Hassan Kabbani, Chief He concluded, “We achieved drop in net loss for the year. mation plan that was imple- Executive Officer of Zain KSA, these positive results thanks to The company also recorded mented by the management commented: “We reported the full support of Zain Group, an increase in gross margin to early last year.” tangible growth on all fronts the Board of Directors, as well reach 52% in 2014, up from 48% He continued, “Many deci- during 2014. We continue to as the combined efforts of all in 2013. sions were taken with the aim conduct business in a trans- of the Zain team.”

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 47 Abid Aziz

With the beginning of new year mobility and cloud computing, to develop platform- and (IaaS) will grow briskly (36%) as many industry analysts and its reach is spread over billions API-based services that add market leader Amazon comes pundits have started glaring at of users. value and attract developers under attack from all directions the crystal ball and bring out “It is this 3rd platform that to their networks. They will as challengers attempt the their forecast for next year will account for one third of also seek rapprochement “Amazoning of Amazon”. and predict trends for years global ICT spending and 100% of with over-the-top (OTT) Similarly, look for heightened to follow. For the last several spending growth,” Frank Gens, cloud services providers (e.g. competition among Platform years, the technology research Chief Analyst at IDC said during Facebook, Google, . as a Service (PaaS) providers firm IDC (International Data the web call while revealing com, Amazon etc.) through as competitors engage in Corporation) has published worldwide ICT predictions of innovative performance and death match battles to attract forecasts that generally 2015. revenue-sharing arrangements. developers and their apps provide a useful framework for and Software as a Service thinking about the trajectory of Telecommunications services will see wireless data (SaaS) players accelerate their adoption of PaaS and cloud technology trends. emerge as the largest ($536 billion) and fastest IDC based its forecasts for 2015 marketplaces. primarily on what they call growing (13%) segment of telecom spending Big data and analytics will see “third platform” technologies important developments in (cloud, mobile, social and This third stage is also being Mobile devices and apps will 2015 as worldwide spending big data). By contrast, older referred to as Innovation continue to charge ahead in on big data-related software, technologies will face a no Stage, over the next few years 2015. Sales of smartphones hardware, and services grows growth “near recession”, we expect to see an explosion and tablets will reach $484 to $125 billion. Rich media according to IDC, and “will shift of innovation and value billion, accounting for 40% analytics (video, audio, and fully into recession” by the creation. of all IT spending growth image) will emerge as an second half of next year. Some highlights of IDC (excluding telecom services), important driver of big data IDC’s third platform is similar prediction include: while Chinese vendors capture projects. And big data supply to as some call it SMAC Worldwide ICT spending will a significant share of the chains (i.e. Data as a Service) (social, mobile, analytics and grow 3.8% in 2015 to more worldwide market. Wearables will grow in importance as cloud), or is similar to what than $3.8 trillion. Nearly all Gartner, another big research of this spending growth will Big data and analytics will see important firm, has called a “nexus of be focused on 3rd Platform forces” sweeping through technologies, with spending on developments in 2015 as worldwide spending on the industry. (Gartner’s recipe the 2nd Platform expected to big data-related software, hardware, and services slightly differs from IDC in slip into recession by the end grows to $125 billion naming convention i.e. social of the year. On a geographic interaction, mobility, cloud and basis, ICT spending in emerging will see an explosion of cloud platform and analytics information). The first platform markets is forecast to grow innovation, although unit sales vendors offer clients value- in IDC’s classification, was the 7.1% year over year while will underwhelm. And mobile added information from mainframe era (thousands of mature markets poke along at app downloads will start to commercial and open data users) running from 1960 into 1.4% growth. slow in 2015, but enterprise sets. Elsewhere, IDC expects the 1980s. The second included Telecommunications services mobile app development will to see important new client / server, personal will see wireless data emerge double. developments in cognitive/ computers, and the internet as the largest ($536 billion) Cloud services will remain machine learning and Internet (millions of users) and began and fastest growing (13%) a hotbed of activity in 2015 of Things (IoT) analytics. in the 1980s and ran through segment of telecom spending. with $118 billion in spending The Internet of Things is the middle of the first decade To avoid being marginalized as on the greater cloud one of the most important of this century. Third wave or little more than infrastructure ecosystem. Adoption of cloud Innovation Accelerators platform is primarily driven by providers, carriers will scramble Infrastructure as a Service for growth and expansion

48 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 of IT-based value in the 3rd and drive greater consolidation security solutions will help about its slowing growth and Platform era. The invention among server, storage, to secure the edge of the challenges. “In information of more and more intelligent software, and networking cloud (i.e. biometric security Technology, it’s just the and connected “things” vendors. on mobile devices) and opposite”, said Frank Gens. will drive the development IDC believes a number of the core (i.e., encryption in “China has a roaring domestic of thousands of new 3rd industry disruptions, driven by the cloud will become the market in technology.” Platform solutions. One third 3rd Platform developments, default practice). And threat In 2015, IDC estimates that of IoT spending in 2015 will will emerge in 2015. Examples intelligence will emerge as nearly 500 million smartphones be focused on intelligent include alternative payment a killer Data as a Service will be sold in China, three embedded devices outside times the number sold in the the IT and telecom industries With a huge domestic market, China’s cloud United States and about one- third of global sales. Roughly helped by partnerships among and ecommerce leaders (Alibaba in ecommerce, leading IT companies seeking 85 percent of the smartphones to kick start the market for Tencent in social, and Baidu in search) will rise to sold in China will be made industry solutions. Predictive prominence in the global marketplace. by domestic producers like maintenance will emerge as Lenovo, Xiaomi, Huawei, ZTE an important IoT solutions networks in financial services, category with a rapidly and Coolpad. category. expansion of IoT technologies growing number of enterprises The rising competence Datacenters are undergoing a into city safety, public works receiving tailored threat of Chain’s homegrown fundamental transformation and transportation systems, intelligence information. smartphone makers will make in the 3rd Platform era and the expansion of location- 3D printing will see significant it tougher on outsiders, as as the majority of raw based services in the retail activity among conventional slowing growth and profits compute capacity and raw industry. The number of document printing companies of Samsung, based in South storage capacity moves industry platforms – industry- as they lay the groundwork Korea, recently reflect. to cloud-, mobile-, and big specialized cloud-based data for a looming battle for With a huge domestic market, data-optimized hyperscale and services platforms, usually commercial and industrial China’s cloud and ecommerce datacenters operated by cloud created by leaders within the markets in 2016. leaders (Alibaba in ecommerce, service providers. This shift industry – will expand rapidly, China, most of the reporting Tencent in social, and Baidu in will spark a burst of “cloud easily doubling in 2015. and commentary recently on search) will rise to prominence first” hardware innovations “3rd Platform-optimized” Chinese economy has been in the global marketplace.

Swaleha Calafato

Tonino Lamborghini Mobile, the luxury personal to the stitching, and vibrant color choices help technologies manufacturer that carries on a our devices – and users – to stand out from a family tradition for iconic design has unveiled sea of too-similar phones.” its latest high-end Android smartphone, the 88 Sharp geometric lines and color combinations Tauri. represent the iconic Tonino Lamborghini style; Building on a catalog of unique luxury acces- the famous “Raging Bull” logo on the both sories ranging from wristwatches, to eyewear, sides of the phone conveys the spirit of the and jewelry, to high-tech headphones, 88 legendary Italian brand. 88 Tauri offers 3 color Tauri’s design aesthetic emphasizes quality variants of its metal panel (black, gold and steel materials in a sleek, distinctive package. silver) and is finished with top-quality leather “Mobile phones are such personal devices that available in 5 colors (black, blue, red, orange someone’s choice of smartphone says a lot and brown). Each phone is assembled by hand about them. 88 Tauri is the latest example of and receives a unique device number. Only applying the Tonino Lamborghini design philos- 1,947 pieces of each colorway will be created. ophy to the accessory we all use the most,” said This number was chosen to honor the year of Gianluca Filippi, CEO Tonino Lamborghini Group. birth of the company’s founder – Mr. Tonino “Uncompromising quality in every detail, down Lamborghini.

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 49 Most highly-visible organizations globally distributed BrandHawk DNS threats, as attacks on their private servers, cloud-based are at risk of DNS attacks service monitors, among other DNS infrastructure can lead to SecureSite cyber-security, resulting in potential loss of aspects, the DNS servers and potential loss of revenue and remote IT monitoring and revenue and reputation IP addresses of our clients’ reputation. application monitoring services. Recently a large UAE based domain names and alerts our Managed has built its Built around the concept Telecom company’s website 24x7 NOC/SOC in case there are BrandHawk platform to monitor of safeguarding our client’s was forwarded to web servers any unauthorized changes or and manage today’s complex, information and IT infrastructure in China. It is suspected that this hacking.” He added, “Our NOC/ dynamic and diverse online – we enable our clients to was done by DNS poisoning. SOC will then take the necessary presence of these high-visibility focus on their business growth The Company’s website was steps to resolve the issue very Government or private sector without worrying about their pointed to the Chinese site long quickly – thereby minimizing organizations. The BrandHawk IT and security. Managed’s enough for its customers to the damage and maintain service monitors many aspects customer base includes notice and post images on social the organizations brand of a website, including content, Government organizations, media. This hack also affected reputation”. uptime, performance loading telecom operators, media the e-commerce website of the The Domain Name System (DNS) and DNS servers – as well as and news organizations and Telco. is like an address book for every online threats, to ensure that progressive small and medium Managed, a UAE based destination on the Internet. It the right information is being business organizations in the company, provides monitoring translates the domain from a delivered at the right speed with region. Managed’s obsessive of the DNS infrastructure for user-friendly “example.com” high availability. focus on customer service is high-visibility companies in the into computer-friendly IP Managed (www. built around its 24x7x365 NOC/ region. Mr. Sameer Hussain, address such as 192.168.10.14. managedservices.me) is a SOC which provides proactive CEO of Managed said, “In this Because DNS servers need rapidly-growing, expert and monitoring and client support day and age, if a Telco can get to be accessed by anyone trusted provider of innovative services. Managed has been hacked – then anyone can. In using the Internet, they are an solutions in three core areas: operating in the UAE for many the case of a hack, it is very attractive target for hackers and Managed Security, NOC/SOC years and brings decades of important to discover it as soon malicious groups. Highly visible Solutions and Cloud Based experience in running some of as possible and take action Government and private sector Services, including geo- the world’s largest global data to reduce the damage. Our companies can be vulnerable to redundant web hosting, secure networks.

Medha Basu

A Singapore institute will offer the educational institutions will scholarships to top students help the nation build a strong training in cybersecurity from talent pool in the ICT sector and this year. enhance customers’ experi- Singapore Polytechnic will ence,” said Bill Chang, Country give 30 scholarships each year Chief Officer of SingTel. for diplomas in cybersecurity, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong funded by telecommunications warned of the security risks of company SingTel. using sensor technology, during The polytechnic will also give the launch of the Smart Nation 40 scholarships in computer strategy last year. engineering, while Republic Minister for Communications Polytechnic will give 20 in cus- funded by SingTel. can help polytechnic students and Information, Yaacob Ibra- tomer management under the Recipients of the scholarships acquire relevant skills and devel- him, has said that the cyber- same programme. The scholar- will have to work at SingTel for op them in critical roles within security sector is losing talent ships are worth over S$2 million a year after graduating. SingTel and across the broader to banking, finance, sales and (US$1.6 million) a year in total, “Through our scholarships, we industry. Our partnership with marketing roles.

50 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 You snooze – you loose be much longer. But that is ok, and the management etc. have some discretionary (your data) as the site or app is not visible approve the project. And by budget or something in the IT In our experience, on the to the public. The other type that time, in our experience, plan to handle the action of average, we take about 6-12 of projects we get is when the hacker is gone and the bringing in outside support hours to break into systems something has been hacked damage is done. All we are – immediately. Real world during our manual pentests. or defaced and we need to left with is to pick up the scenarios rarely follow a Some are shorter/ longer and perform some sort of incident pieces and create lengthy script. And IT departments a few are never. But it takes response – either stopping the reports wherein we try to not have to be prepared. The us about that much time to hacker or figuring out from a point finger. team should be authorized to be in a position where we forensic analysis perspective, Prepare your plan AND your shutdown systems if needed can get access to juicy data. where did they come in budget and to have the budget Imagine this – from just been given a URL – we have access to relevant data in less than a day. Now think about a hacker who wants to break in and steal information. How much damage can they do in three weeks or three months. We are always under a deadline (generally 2-5 days max) to show results. Think about the hacker who has all the time in the world to go in do whatever they want inside your networks and your systems…scary.. Haste does not make waste Why I bring this up is that the pace of decision making in the region seriously lags behind what in fact it should and more importantly what What everyone in the approved to get outside help really be in this day and age. damage they did. Its these organization – sometimes at once when needed. And We generally get two types type of projects where we see even the IT department that is another topic for the of projects. The first type is some level of urgency in the IT – needs to understand is future. You don’t need to be when a Pentest or application department. that when dealing with a hero. Its ok to ask for help! vulnerability test needs to get We get called in – meet with Cybersecurity incident, the The writer is the CEO of a done before the website or the IT team – get all the response time is absolutely Cybersecurity and cloud app goes live. From the time details and then ask if there critical. Hackers don’t keep services company based in of initial contact to when the is a budget for the project office hours and neither Dubai. In this occasional series Pentesting starts, with scope against which we can invoice. should the victims. In case of columns he describes the definition, proposal approval, Most of the time the answer of a hack or even a sense real issues companies face in LPO and permission form, it is no. Now if the situation that something is taking these areas and how they can generally about 4-6 weeks is very serious, we tend to place, its better to take improve their situation. For before we can get started jump right in. But most of the immediate steps. Shut things obvious reasons, he prefers – unless some of the key time even though a hack has down, pull the plugs, cut to be anonymous. He may be signatories are travelling or on happened, things tend to get the wires. Whatever it takes reached at vacation. In which case it can dragged on till the purchasing to minimize damage – and [email protected].

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 51 Local Internet hosting is key o Information and Communication the development of the Internet Technology Association (RICTA). ecosystem in emerging countries, While focused on Rwanda, the according to a report released by situation there is common in many the Internet Society. developing countries. The development of locally “Strengthening the enabling relevant Internet content that environment for the hosting of is attractive to users has been local content can have positive shown to have a positive impact cascading impacts on stakeholders on Internet adoption. As the and the local Internet economy, infrastructure necessary for including its end users,” said Ms. Internet access is becoming more Rose. “Global hosting options available in developing countries have clearly been valuable for and emerging regions, efforts to Karen Rose Michael Kende content developers, however, the Senior Director - ISOC Chief Economist - ISOC increase Internet adoption rates local hosting environment is yet to are now focused on the develop- as the user experience. Finally, these limits on demand mature in many developing coun- ment of such content. However, “The lack of locally hosted content will, in turn, restrict the creation of tries, limiting the practical options the impact of such efforts on Inter- can have significant impacts on further Internet content, keeping available for content developers net adoption rates will be limited the entire Internet ecosystem in a the entire ecosystem underdevel- to host locally. The cost and laten- if the infrastructure and enabling country,” writes Michael Kende, oped.” cy involved in accessing content environment for local hosting and ISOC’s Chief Economist and co-au- The report, “Promoting Local abroad from emerging econo- content delivery is overlooked. thor of the report. “First, access- Content Hosting to Develop the mies can depress usage, with the In many developing countries ing any type of content abroad Internet Ecosystem,” co-authored result that the full potential and and emerging regions, the vast can be very costly for ISPs, and by Mr. Kende and Karen Rose, benefits of the Internet are not majority of content accessed by therefore, international links are Senior Director, Internet Society’s realized. Additionally, depressed local users is hosted abroad. As often under-provisioned, resulting Office of Strategy and Research, usage impacts content developers the content must traverse often in slow access times that limit uses Rwanda as a case study in directly, as less user engagement expensive and sometimes un- usage. Second, these increased exploring those dynamics, work- with content translates to a lower der-provisioned international links, costs for accessing international ing in close partnership with the potential for content and service this can have a significant impact content are passed on to users, Ministry of Youth and ICT (MyICT) providers to earn revenue from on the economics of access as well with high prices limiting usage. in Rwanda and the Rwanda advertising and sales.”

Naveed ul Haq

Following the success of its tified by ISOC members in last to enable regional bodies, gov- for three (3) Samsung Galaxy 2014 Regional Policy Sur- year’s study. ernments, private sector, and 10.1” tablets. Please enter your vey, Internet Society (ISOC) As an Internet user in Asia-Pa- technical communities make email address when prompted Asia-Pacific Bureau has cific, your views are extremely informed decisions on Internet if you wish to be included in launched a Regional Policy valuable in drawing a holistic development in Pakistan. the draw. Survey results will Survey 2015, to more deeply depiction of important policy This survey should only take be published on the Internet examine ongoing Internet related concerns and challeng- about 15 minutes of your Society website. policy making trends in the re- es in the region. The results of time. Your answers will be The survey is available at the gion. The 2015 survey intends this study will serve as input to completely anonymous. following link and will close on to gain further insights on the regional and local policy-mak- Participants who complete 11 February 2015. most important policy themes ing, both in the public and pri- the survey will have an option https://www.surveymonkey. and areas of concern as iden- vate spheres. It will also help of being entered into a draw com/s/apacpolicy2015

52 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 Fakher Khan

Al-Khawarizmi Institute of Com- regretted about the Peshawar the two most important puter Science (KICS), University massacre and started his speech inventions of World War II i.e. of Engineering and Technology with a prayer. He appreciated Radar (Cavity Magnetron) and (UET), Lahore, organized the the effort of KICS and showed Enigma Machine (Encryption IEEE 8th International Confer- willingness for science and of message and breaking of ence on Open Source Systems education without borders, codes) and was pleased with the and Technologies (ICOSST-2014), commercialization of products, growing IT industry in Pakistan. associated workshops and campus management system, He aslo admired the efforts competition i.e. Open Source e-governess, and paper less and team work in successfully Series Workshops (OSSW-2014), automation. He recommended hosting the event. Dr. Waqar BRAINIAC 2014 with technical organizing such events in the Mahmood, Director, KICS, UET, sponsorship from IEEE UET-ACM other departments of UET relat- presented the achievements of Student Chapter, UET-IET chap- ed to their respective disciplines the conference along with his ter and in collaboration with of study. Mr. Jahanzeb Sarfraz, Chief Guest Dr. Umer Saif suggestions. Dr.Amjad Hussain Higher Education Commission, CEO - Komkonsult, being an briefed the audience about IEEE National ICT R&D Fund Islam- entrepreneur raised a ques- prizes among the winners of Lahore section contribution. abad, on December 18-20, 2014. tion that Why do the business, BRAINIAC 2014. Dr. Waqar Mah- IEEE have Computer Society Vice Chancellor UET Prof. Dr. staff excel in the Pakistani mood, Director, KICS thanked chapter, Communication Society Fazal Ahmad Khalid, Mr. Waqar environment that is not like the the honorable dignitaries and Chapter, Energy and Power Soci- Ahmad, Head Corporate Sales other developed countries, he presented shields as a token of ety Chapter and also progressing - PTCL, Jahanzeb Sarfraz, CEO - concluded his speech saying appreciation. for signal processing society. Dr. Komkonsult, Mr. Nasir Hameed, that “opens source , open mind, Prior to the closing ceremony Naeem Zafar, highlighted the GM - Business Zone Central an open heart for others and a panel discussion was held to importance of Internet of Things and Prof. Dr. Waqar Mahmood, let go the fears”. Mr. Waqar review and recommend the (IoT). Dr. Umer Saif presented Director - KICS attended the con- Ahmad Head Corporate Sales - proceedings of ICOSST 2014. The the shields to the winners, pre- ference with other distinguished PTCL, highlighted that the PTCL Chief Guest of closing ceremony senters, speakers and organizers guests. is also using few open source Prof. Dr. Umer Saif Chairman, of the ICOSST. The Vice-Chan- Dr. Waqar Mehmood presented software for business and for PITB & Vice-Chancellor ITU cellor, UET, Lahore Prof. Dr. the brief introduction of ICOSST products as well. Mr. Waqar welcomed the newly appointed Fazal Ahmad Khalid presented 2014 and KICS. Vice Chancellor Ahmad, Chief Guest, distributed Vice chancellor of UET, Lahore. the shield to the Chief Guest Dr. UET Prof. Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid the shields, certificates and cash In his brief speech he described Umer Saif.

January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 53 VSAT Latin America 2015 01 – 02 Jul Sao Paulo, Brazil GSMA Mobile World Congress 15 – 17 Jul Shanghai, China CITS 2015 15 – 17 Jul Gijon,

Cloud World Forum 01 – 02 Sep Sao Paulo, Brazil IBC 2015 11 – 15 Sep Middle East Com Telco Summit 14 – 15 Sep Dubai, UAE Telecom World Middle East 14 – 15 Sep Dubai, UAE HetNet World 15 – 16 Sep Barcelona, Spain ITCN Asia Pakistan 15 – 17 Sep Karachi, Pakistan VSAT 2015 16 – 18 Sep London, UK Nigeria Com 22 – 23 Sep Victoria Island, Canada

Critical CommunicAsia Middle East 05 – 07 Oct Dubai, UAE LTE Asia 06 – 08 Oct Singapore ITU Telecom World 12 – 15 Oct Budapest, Hungary GITEX Technology Week 2015 18 – 22 Oct Dubai, UAE CIO Asia Summit 19 – 20 Oct Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Broadband World Forum 20 – 22 Oct London, UK Broadband World Forum 20 – 22 Oct London, UK 15th Annual Broadband world Forum 27 – 29 Oct London, UK VSAT Mobility 2015 28 – 29 Oct Hong Kong

LTE Roaming IPX 03 – 04 Nov Munich, Africa Com 17 – 19 Nov Cape Town, South Africa LTE Africa 17 – 19 Nov Cape Town, South Africa Africa Cast 17 – 19 Nov Cape Town, South Africa LTE North America 17 – 19 Nov Dallas, US VSAT Africa 2015 18 – 19 Nov Cape Town South Africa MVNOs Industry Summit USA 2015 19 – 20 Nov Dallas, USA CTO, Telecom Summit 29 Nov – 1 Dec 2015London, UK

7th Annual BCP & IT Disaster and Data Recovery Conference 09 Jan New Delhi, India 2nd China Fleet Management Summit 15 – 16 Jan Beijing, China SANOG 25 – South Asian Network Operators Group 16 – 24 Jan Kandy, Sri Lanka Telecommunication Council Conference 18 – 21 Jan Honolulu, US MENA Telecoms Executive Forum 21 – 22 Jan Dubai, UAE IBC Content Everywhere Mena 20 – 22 Jan Dubai, UAE 23rd Convergence India 21 – 23 Jan New Delhi, India Telecoms Fruad & Revenue Assurance 26 – 28 Jan London, UK 4G Mobile VAS India Sumit & Expo 28 Jan Mumbai, India TMT Finance & Investment Asia 28 Jan Singapore

WSA Mobile Global Congress 01 - 03 Feb Abu Dhabi, UAE Iran Telecom and IT Global Summit 03 - 04 Feb Tehran, Iran Big data and CEM summit 04 - 05 Feb Jakarta, Indonesia Telecom Finance Conference & Award 05 Feb London, UK SMI Mobile Deployable Communications 05 – 06 Feb , Czech Republic FTTH Europe 2015 10 – 12 Feb Warsaw, Poland Fixed & Mobile Telecom Management Conference 16 – 18 Feb Orlando, US Digital Broadcasting Switchover Forum 17 - 19 Feb Johannesburg, South Africa Data and Analytics Leaders Exchange 22 - 24 Feb Orlando, US Milsatcom Middle East 23 – 24 Feb Abu Dhabi, UAE

GSMA Mobile world congress 2015 02 - 05 Mar Barcelona, Spain Global Mobile Awards 2015 03 Mar Barcelona, Spain CASBAA OTT Summit 2015 03 Mar Singapore OTT Summit 03 Mar Singapore Broadcasting Digital Media Summit 03 - 04 Mar Sydney, Australia MilSpace 04 - 05 Mar London, UK The Mobile Show Africa 10 - 11 Mar Johannesburg, South Africa CABSAT 2015 10 - 12 Mar Dubai, UAE Big Data & Analytics Innovation Summit 11 – 12 Mar Singapore Cable Congress 11 - 13 Mar Brussels, Belgium Satellite 2015 16 – 19 Mar Washington D.C. US 3rd Annual Global Telecoms Fraud Revenue Assurance Forum 17 - 18 Mar Dubai, UAE V6 World Congress 2015 17 – 18 Mar Paris, France Eurasia Com 2015 17 – 18 Mar , Turkey Revenue Assurance & Risk Management Forum- Istanbul, 17 – 18 Mar Istanbul, Turkey IT Leaders Africa Summit 18 – 19 Mar Johannesburg South Africa Optic Fiber Communication Conference 22 – 26 Mar Los Angeles, California CASBAA India Forum 2015 23 Mar New Delhi, India Carriers World Asia 24 - 25 Mar Bangkok, Thailand Critical Communications Asia 23 – 25 Mar Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 3rd annual China Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Summit 2015 26 – 27 Mar Shanghai, China Telecom Regulation Forum 2015 29 – 30 Mar London, UK

54 www.teletimesinternational.com January 2015 2015

LTE Latin America 07 – 09 Apr Rio De Janeiro, Brazil NAB Show 11 – 16 Apr Las Vegas, US Cloud Mena Forum 13 – 14 Apr Dubai, UAE 5G Forum USA 14 – 15 Apr Palo Alto, US Cardex & IT Security 14 – 17 Apr Moscow, Russia 8th Annual Small Cells Asia 20 – 21 Apr Singapore ISR 20 – 21 Apr London, UK MVNOs World Congress 2015 21 – 23 Apr Nice, France 3rd Annual International MVNO Industry Awards 21 – 23 Apr Nice, France Cyber Intelligence Asia 2015 Conference 21 – 24 Apr Manila, Philippines The Mobile Show Asia 22 – 23 Apr Suntec Singapore Industrial Control System Cyber Security Conference 22 – 24 Apr London, Uk Commonwealth Switchover Forum 2015 22 – 24 Apr London, Uk The Caspian Telecoms, 24 – 25 Apr Istanbul, Turkey GISEC 2015 26 – 28 Apr Dubai, UAE Telco Cloud World Forum 27 – 29 Apr London, UK Comex 2015 27 Apr-01 May Muscat, Oman Cloud, Network Virtualization & SDN 28 Apr Stockholm, Smart to Future Cities 2015 28 29 Apr London, Uk Big Data World show 28 – 29 Apr Singapore

Satcom 26 – 27 May Johannesburg, South Africa HetNet USA 05 – 06 May New York, US UTC Telecom & Technology 05 – 08 May Atlanta, Georgia East Africa com 06 – 07 May Kenya M2M Middle East Forum 11 – 12 May Dubai, UAE Lte Mena 11 – 13 May Dubai, UAE The Mobile Show Middle East 12 – 13 May Dubai, UAE Cards & Payments Middle East 12 – 13 May Singapore Broadband Tv Connect Latin Asia 12 – 13 May Singapore CDN Asia 12 – 13 May Singapore East Africa Com 12 – 13 May Nairobi, Kenia Internet of Things 13 – 14 May San Francisco, US MilSatCom Asia-Pasific 13 – 14 May World Telecom Day 17 May Globally Celebrated Critical Communications World 19 – 21 May Barcelona, Spain Transport Network of Mobile Operators 20 – 21 May London, UK ICT Regional Event 25 – 27 May Doha, Qatar Myanmar Mobile Service 26 – 27 May Yangon, Myanmar Qitcom 2015 26 – 28 May Doha, Qatar

CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum 2015 01 – Jun Singapore The 12th Convergence Summit 01 – 02 Jun Amman, Jordan CommunicAsia 2 – 5 Jun Singapore January 2015 www.teletimesinternational.com 55 Broadcast Asia 2 – 5 Jun Singapore Satcomm 2 – 5 Jun Singapore Connecting West Africa 09 – 10 Jun Dakar, Senegal LTE Latin America 07 – 09 Apr Rio De Janeiro, Brazil NAB Show 11 – 16 Apr Las Vegas, US Cloud Mena Forum 13 – 14 Apr Dubai, UAE 5G Forum USA 14 – 15 Apr Palo Alto, US Cardex & IT Security 14 – 17 Apr Moscow, Russia 8th Annual Small Cells Asia 20 – 21 Apr Singapore ISR 20 – 21 Apr London, UK MVNOs World Congress 2015 21 – 23 Apr Nice, France 3rd Annual International MVNO Industry Awards 21 – 23 Apr Nice, France Cyber Intelligence Asia 2015 Conference 21 – 24 Apr Manila, Philippines The Mobile Show Asia 22 – 23 Apr Suntec Singapore Industrial Control System Cyber Security Conference 22 – 24 Apr London, Uk Commonwealth Switchover Forum 2015 22 – 24 Apr London, Uk The Caspian Telecoms, 24 – 25 Apr Istanbul, Turkey GISEC 2015 26 – 28 Apr Dubai, UAE Telco Cloud World Forum 27 – 29 Apr London, UK Comex 2015 27 Apr-01 May Muscat, Oman Cloud, Network Virtualization & SDN 28 Apr Stockholm, Sweden Smart to Future Cities 2015 28 29 Apr London, Uk Big Data World show 28 – 29 Apr Singapore

Satcom 26 – 27 May Johannesburg, South Africa HetNet USA 05 – 06 May New York, US UTC Telecom & Technology 05 – 08 May Atlanta, Georgia East Africa com 06 – 07 May Kenya M2M Middle East Forum 11 – 12 May Dubai, UAE Lte Mena 11 – 13 May Dubai, UAE The Mobile Show Middle East 12 – 13 May Dubai, UAE Cards & Payments Middle East 12 – 13 May Singapore Broadband Tv Connect Latin Asia 12 – 13 May Singapore CDN Asia 12 – 13 May Singapore East Africa Com 12 – 13 May Nairobi, Kenia Internet of Things 13 – 14 May San Francisco, US MilSatCom Asia-Pasific 13 – 14 May World Telecom Day 17 May Globally Celebrated Critical Communications World 19 – 21 May Barcelona, Spain Transport Network of Mobile Operators 20 – 21 May London, UK ICT Regional Event 25 – 27 May Doha, Qatar Myanmar Mobile Service 26 – 27 May Yangon, Myanmar Qitcom 2015 26 – 28 May Doha, Qatar 2015 CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum 2015 01 – Jun Singapore The 12th Convergence Summit 01 – 02 Jun Amman, Jordan CommunicAsia 2 – 5 Jun Singapore Broadcast Asia 2 – 5 Jun Singapore Satcomm 2 – 5 Jun Singapore Connecting West Africa 09 – 10 Jun Dakar, Senegal

VSAT Latin America 2015 01 – 02 Jul Sao Paulo, Brazil GSMA Mobile World Congress 15 – 17 Jul Shanghai, China CITS 2015 15 – 17 Jul Gijon, Spain

Cloud World Forum 01 – 02 Sep Sao Paulo, Brazil IBC 2015 11 – 15 Sep Amsterdam Middle East Com Telco Summit 14 – 15 Sep Dubai, UAE Telecom World Middle East 14 – 15 Sep Dubai, UAE HetNet World 15 – 16 Sep Barcelona, Spain ITCN Asia Pakistan 15 – 17 Sep Karachi, Pakistan VSAT 2015 16 – 18 Sep London, UK Nigeria Com 22 – 23 Sep Victoria Island, Canada

Critical CommunicAsia Middle East 05 – 07 Oct Dubai, UAE LTE Asia 06 – 08 Oct Singapore ITU Telecom World 12 – 15 Oct Budapest, Hungary GITEX Technology Week 2015 18 – 22 Oct Dubai, UAE CIO Asia Summit 19 – 20 Oct Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Broadband World Forum 20 – 22 Oct London, UK Broadband World Forum 20 – 22 Oct London, UK 15th Annual Broadband world Forum 27 – 29 Oct London, UK VSAT Mobility 2015 28 – 29 Oct Hong Kong

LTE Roaming IPX 03 – 04 Nov Munich, Germany Africa Com 17 – 19 Nov Cape Town, South Africa LTE Africa 17 – 19 Nov Cape Town, South Africa Africa Cast 17 – 19 Nov Cape Town, South Africa LTE North America 17 – 19 Nov Dallas, US VSAT Africa 2015 18 – 19 Nov Cape Town South Africa MVNOs Industry Summit USA 2015 19 – 20 Nov Dallas, USA CTO, Telecom Summit 29 Nov – 1 Dec London, UK

Digital7th Annual TV WorldBCP & SummitIT Disaster 201 and5 Data Recovery Conference 0109 -Jan 02 Dec New Delhi,London India, UK Connect2nd China TV Fleet World Management Summit Summit 1524 – 16– 25 Jan Dec Beijing,London China, UK BakutelSANOG 25201 – 5South Asian Network Operators Group 160 –2 24- 0 Jan5 Dec Kandy,Baku, Sri Azerbaijan Lanka CarrierTelecommunication Network Virtualization Council Conference 1801 – 21– 02 Jan Dec Honolulu,California, US US MENA Telecoms Executive Forum 21 – 22 Jan Dubai, UAE IBC Content Everywhere Mena 20 – 22 Jan Dubai, UAE 5623rdwww.teletimesinternational.com Convergence India 21 – 23 Jan New Delhi, IndiaJanuary 2015 Telecoms Fruad & Revenue Assurance 26 – 28 Jan London, UK 4G Mobile VAS India Sumit & Expo 28 Jan Mumbai, India TMT Finance & Investment Asia 28 Jan Singapore Be a part of Oman’s ONLY ICT show for IT Telecom Technology

27 April - 1 May, 2015 Exhibition & Conference Oman International Exhibition Centre

Africa World 2015

Reasons to exhibit at COMEX:

Tap your growth potential Increase brand exposure

Network with decision makers from Network with quality trade visitors government and key industries via our business matching services

Interact with key procurement officials Deliver presentations to your target from new projects and businesses audience via seminars & workshops

Take your Book your stand now!! For more information on COMEX 2015 contact

Ashit I. Barnes, Exhibition Director Ahmed Farag, Sales Manager : +968 9934 1687 : +968 9912 7806 to the next level : [email protected] : [email protected] www.comex.om

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Media Partners The mobile communications revolution is driving the world's major technology breakthroughs. From wearable devices to connected cars and homes, mobile technology is at the heart of worldwide innovation. As an industry, we are connecting billions of men and women to the transformative power of the Internet and mobilising every device that we use in our daily lives. The 2015 GSMA Mobile World Congress will convene industry leaders, visionaries and innovators to explore the trends that will shape mobile in the years ahead. We’ll see you in Barcelona at The Edge of Innovation.

AN EVENT OF WWW.MOBILEWORLDCONGRESS.COM