PLDT group urges global NGN, VoIP partnerships
May 13th, 2007 - Posted in VoIPTHE PHILIPPINE Long Distance Telephone Co. group of companies, including subsidiaries Smart Communications Inc. and Mabuhay Satellite, called on fellow telcos and related industries worldwide to strengthen partnerships for the deployment of next generation networks (NGN) and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP).
The PLDT Group will address more than 300 delegates, representing over 110 telecommunications carriers and entities from Asia, Europe and the Pacific Rim, during the 3rd Asian Carriers Conference (ACC) in Cebu City from May 15 to 18. The ACC 2007 will be held at Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa.
PLDT Group Head for International and Carrier Business Victorico P. Vargas said in a statement that the country’s largest telco had decided on the conference to give industry players a chance to iron out regional issues in the fast-paced telecommunications trade.
“What PLDT and Smart hope to achieve in this conference is to create a venue and environment for carriers and telecom players to strengthen existing relations, improve business, help resolve issues, as well as find new opportunities in a relaxed and hassle-free atmosphere,” Vargas said.
Aside from the PLDT Group, the sponsors, speakers and exhibitors at the ACC include major telecom players such as France Telecom, Belgacom of Belgium, VSNL/Teleglobe of India and Canada, IDT of the United Kingdom, US Sprint, Verizon Business, Hong Kong Colo, NEC of Japan, Comptertel of Mexico and Telarix of the United States.
Other countries to be represented at the conference are Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Egypt, Oman, the UAE, South Africa, Hungary, Italy, Germany, Sweden and Russia.
“This year, we have expanded our guest list to include not only fixed and mobile carriers, but also roaming partners, VoIP and value-added service providers, submarine cable operators, vendors and suppliers,” Vargas said.
The ACC started in 2005, attracting 150 delegates. Last year, attendance grew to over 180 participants. This year, registered delegates have reached over 300, and the number is expected to approach 350 by the time the conference commences on May 15.
“Support from the carrier and other telco players, like suppliers and cable operators has been strong and well above expectations,” said Vargas. “We’re proud to say that it is growing to become the largest telecommunications conference in the region.”
Information from: newsinfo.inquirer.net