It is now clear that the dominant access and service delivery mechanism in developing countries is mobile devices and associated mobile broadband networks. Sustainable and cost-efficient deployment of Next Generation Mobile Broadband Networks is therefore crucial to accelerate the development of innovative mobile services. Important factors to achieve this are: Models for improved affordability and sustainability of Innovative Mobile Services. Further the question that will have to be answered by the stake holders of the mobile broadband value chain are: how to take advantage of the explosive mobile subscriber growth and technological advancement to solve societal problems in service delivery. This panel will consider alternative socio-economic and technological instruments to provide affordable and sustainable mobile broadband services. Issues to be considered include:
- Value chain and sustainable socio-economic competitive models for mobile networks and provision of services
- Modalities for support and regulatory incentives for local mobile content development
- Security and reliability of mobile broadband devices and services for public, business and private enterprises.
- Energy efficiency and cost implications of emerging mobile broadband technologies and services
Convenor(s): Fisseha Mekuria (CSIR), Angeliki Alexiou, Christos Politis (WWRF)
Panelists:
Dr. Angus Hay, CTO, Neotel South Africa
Prof. Alfredo Terzoli, Rhodes University
Mr. Siseko Ngxola,CE, Nokia-Siemens, South Africa
Mr. Fred Baumhardt, CTO, Microsoft, South Africa