Emerging Markets from Iraq and Iran Provide Prime Opportunities for Growth
London, Cairo and Dubai, October 19th, 2008: Informa Telecoms & Media is delighted to announce that the 13th annual GSM>3G Middle East congress and exhibition (www.comworldseries.com/me) is already attracting interest from telcos in a wide variety of markets across the region.
Taking place in Dubai on 15-16 December 2008, the conference and exhibition continues to be well supported by operators from the region's most developed markets; featuring presentations from official event endorser Etisalat, du, Zain, Saudi Telecom and Nawras.
"This year's event is taking place amid an incredible environment for the industry, as the Middle East has proven to be one of the world's fastest growing markets," noted Nick Jotischky, an analyst with Informa Telecoms & Media. "Mobile subscriptions have reached 128 million by the end of the first half of 2008, representing a 47% year-on-year increase. The penetration of mobile subscribers reached 56%, and we expect to see a surge in wireless broadband usage in some of the more mature markets."
One aspect that is generating a high level of anticipation will be the strong presence from markets where huge growth opportunities are available for operators and their suppliers. The Islamic Republic of Iran will be represented by Mr Vahid Sadoughi, CEO of MCI, the mobile business of national incumbent carrier TCI. Iran is an excellent example of a market where expected future growth has attracted considerable attention from investors. A third national mobile license is expected to be sold in the country soon, with interest reported from a number of Middle Eastern companies in addition to Telekom Malaysia International and MegaFon of Russia. TCI is also set to be part-privatised in the near future and opportunities exist around the availability of RF spectrum suitable for the deployment of WiMAX across Iran.
Adding to the excitement of Iran, the presence of Iraq will give access to a challenging but potentially rewarding market. Iraq's large population remains relatively under-served and experts view the country as rich with opportunities for mobile operators. Iraq's delegation will include Dr. Diar Ahmad, CEO of GSM mobile operator Asiacell, and Dr. Hameed Akrawi, Deputy CEO of Korek Telecom. The delegation will also include Mr. Suleiman Lamaani, CEO of CDMA WLL operator Itisaluna.
Louisa Rogers, Informa Marketing Director, noted her high expectations for the event. "GSM is always a highly anticipated spot on the calendar for a host of investors and this year is no different," she noted. "We're extremely confident that this year's conference will offer even more access to a diverse range of industry leaders; representing both high-ARPU markets and those with very high growth potential."
The event will take place in the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Attendance is free to operators and regulators and early booking discounts apply to all others. To find out more about the 2 day conference and exhibition visit www.comworldseries.com/me
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About GSM>3G Middle East - Towards a Broadband World
13th Annual GSM>3G Middle East - Towards a Broadband World
Setting the Telco Agenda for the Middle East
15-16 December 2008 Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre Dubai, UAE www.comworldseries.com/me
Reflecting the changing dynamics of Middle Eastern telcos and the market place, the 13th annual GSM> 3G Middle East Congress and accompanying exhibition will focus on the opportunities and challenges thrown up by convergence and the evolution to 3G, broadband and beyond. Join us in December to network, learn and do business with 2,500+ attendees.
The 2-day congress will again comprise a multi-streamed, strategic and technical conference alongside a networking exhibition showcasing the products and services of over 160 international companies.
Hear from our 60-strong panel of expert speakers, including 18 mobile operators and 16 from beyond the pure-play mobile space, comprising 4 WiMAX operators, 4 incumbent carriers, 4 Other Licensed Operators and 4 MVNOs.
Co-located with the GSM Arab World's Plenary meeting and incorporating the Middle Eastern Telecom Leaders' Summit we have brought together an un-beatable line-up of speakers to deliver actionable strategic insights:
- Abdulaziz Ibrahim Fakhroo, Chairman, GSM Arab World
- Ross Cormack, CEO, Nawras, Oman
- Hatem Dowidar, CEO, Partner Markets, Vodafone
- Tayfun Çataltepe, Chief Corporate Strategy & International Expansion Officer, Turkcell
- Stefan Omlor, Chief Commercial Officer, Alfa, Lebanon
- Niklas Nielsen, CEO, Majan Telecom
- Michael Lai, CEO, Packet One, Malaysia
- Maher Maarouf, CTO, MTN Syria
- Laith Sadeq, Deputy CEO, MENA Telecom, Bahrain
- Suleiman Lamaani, CEO, Itisaluna, Iraq
Attendance is free to operators and regulators and early booking discounts apply to all other companies. Press can attend the conference and exhibition free of charge www.comworldseries.com/me
About Informa Telecoms & Media
Informa Telecoms & Media is the leading provider of business intelligence to global telecoms and media markets.
Our aim is to provide actionable, strategic advice and forecasting on all aspects of converging mobile, fixed, entertainment and IT markets.
Driven by constant first-hand contact with the industry our team of analysts and researchers produce over 300 annual events and intelligence services including news and analytical products, in-depth market reports and data sets.
We benefit from outstanding people, including 100+ analysts, researchers and journalists across 14 countries. Our customers include major blue-chip vendors, operators, and regulators in addition to key players from the financial and content communities.
We are proud of the role we play in bringing the industry together and keeping 100,000 individuals better informed. www.informatm.com
For more information please contact:
David Jandura
Fourth Dimension Public Relations
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Cairo
Egypt
Tel: (202) 3 760 9988
Fax: (202) 3 762 3093
Mobile: (+2) 016 339 2200
Email: david@fdpr.net
Adel Elbendary
Fourth Dimension Public Relations
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Cairo
Egypt
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Fax: (+202) 3762 3093
Mobile: (+2012) 212 3462
Email: adel@fdpr.net
© Press Release 2008
