From time to time companies, academics and all other sectors involved in the world of telecommunications need to come together to point out strategies for the future. It is the chance that society has to plant beneficial ideas for the development of the telecommunications sector in the minds of people who really can do something about it.
On 31 in October, the consulting firm Deloitte decided to take this step and bring together those responsible for the technical and administrative Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology, Angola Telecom, MS Telcom, Unitel, Movicel, ZAP, Multichoice, representatives of some technical universities, among others. The motto of the forum was “Telecommunications available to all”And in addition to bringing together stakeholders in the telecommunications sector, another objective is to provide a document with suggestions for the future. So, let's take a short description of what happened on the first day of the forum?
The opening of the forum was José Carvalho da Rocha, Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technologies who spoke about the ministry's strategy, which involves investing in band technology, more specifically fiber optics, or Infrasat (satellite communication). He also highlighted the investment in electronic governance, in the emergence of technological parks (pointing to the case of ISUTIC), the widespread use of internet in schools and, not least, the bet on legislative work for the harmonious growth of ICT in Angola, referring to the ICT White Paper.
José Carvalho da Rocha, Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology
Then Deloitte presented the work it has done to predict the future of Telecommunications in Africa and in the world, in a panel called: Deloitte Predictions - "Future of Telecommunications and Media in the World, Africa and Angola" and presented by Dr Miguel Antunes.
Among the important points of the presentation, we can remember that, in Angola, mobile communications dominate and period. There are about 76% of the total mobile users, with fixed telephony having 10%. The forecast is that in 2017 the growth rate is 5,7% , thus reaching 12,7 million users.
First round table
We then moved on to the stage we were all waiting for, one face to face between companies operating in the telecommunications sector. At the 1 round table we had:
- Dr. José Severino (Industrial Association of Angola),
- Eng. José Fernandes (Catholic University of Angola),
- Eng. André Jimbe (Universidade Lusíadas de Angola)
- Safeca (Secretary of State for Telecommunications).
The theme of this round table was: "Importance of Telecommunications in the Economic and Social Development of Angola", Moderated by Dr. Carlos Frias, member of Deloitte.
Second Round Table
A more technical table, we had Angola Cables:
- Eng. António Nunes (Angola Cables)
- Eng. Duano Silva (Angola Telecom)
- Eng. Eduardo Sebastião (National Directorate of Telecommunications)
- Eng. António Zumbuca (Movicel)
- Mr. Mario Oliveira (MS Telcom)
The theme of this round table was: “The Challenges and Potentialities of Next Generation Networks", Moderated by Eng. Sérgio Sousa of Deloitte.
Third round table
The afternoon was reserved for members of the media to present their ideas to the sector. The members of the table:
- Dr. David Russel (Multichoice)
- Dr. Vítor Fernandes (Public Television of Angola)
- Dr. Guilherme Galiano (TV Zimbo)
- Engineer Nuno Aguiar (ZAP)
The theme this time was: "Importance of Telecommunications in Media: Infrastructures, Contents and Platforms", Moderated by Eng. Tiago Martins, of Deloitte.
Fourth round table
To close the day, we had the round table "Growth Prospects and New Revenue Sources", The participants were:
- Dr. Miguel Eiras Antunes (Moderator of Deloitte)
- Eng. João Silva Domingos (Angola Telecom)
- Eng. Diogo Manuel (MS Telcom)
- Eng. Jaime Ferreira (NetOne)
- Eng. Carlos Brito (Startel)
Conclusion
The event was attended by more than 150 viewers who had the chance to listen and question the top executives and technicians responsible for the most important decisions on Telecommunications in Angola. It is obvious that nothing will change at any moment, it is necessary that the conclusions of gender forums be taken into account when drawing up legislation and approving budgets for new projects.
It is expected that in 2014 these stakeholders will meet again and plan the next steps, always thinking about improving the quality of service and the satisfaction of the end customer, that yes is the most important.
Well, today is the second part of the forum, stay tuned.
More photos of the event
This ends the coverage of the first part of the Telecom 2013 Forum.
