ICT networking organisation Aitec is set to host two conferences concerning wireless broadband in Africa, according to the organisation`s Web site. The first conference will be held in Kenya, from 30 November to 1 December. The second conference will be held in Nigeria, from 3 to 7 December.
The conferences are a response to the rapid expansion of wireless broadband technology in the two regions, says Paul Budgen, sales director of wireless broadband technology in Motorola`s East and West African market.
Motorola is a head sponsor of the events, together with Chinese technology giants ZTE and Huawei, and CDMA wireless technology provider Qualcomm.
The East and West Africa wireless broadband conferences focus on practical business and technology briefings that will empower resellers, service providers and users to maximise their returns on the increasing investment that they will make in wireless broadband technology over the coming years, according to an Aitec statement.
Regulatory issues
Budgen says it is an important opportunity for governments and stakeholders to discuss issues that are hindering wireless technology roll-outs across the continent. "Although wireless technology has many benefits for under-developed regions in Africa, there are obstacles which are hindering its progress," he says.
Budgen notes that regulation on wireless technology is the biggest obstacle in the East and West African regions. "Regulatory concerns are a big issue around wireless technology solutions, which need to be addressed on quite an urgent basis."
He notes Ghana has been progressive towards regulatory policies on wireless technology, followed by Kenya and Tanzania. Despite these efforts, Africa has a way to go in terms of regulation, before wireless technology can take off.
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