The deadline for the ITU TELECOM Africa 2001 was 9 April 2001. You can no longer submit abstracts to this Forum.

The Call for Speakers invites the submission of abstracts for the following topics.

In preparation for AFRICA 2001 Forum, the ITU is requesting proposals for papers that focus on the key challenges for bridging the digital divide:

Items such as the following may be useful: 

please note that this is neither a comprehensive nor an exhaustive list and that all contributions focusing on the African telecommunications and info-communications markets will be considered:

• What regulatory framework suits developing markets in transition?
• Requirements for the new regulatory agency 
• Spectrum availability – fair, reasonable and effective licensing
• Drafting telecom law in an era of convergence
• Service quality and security
• Transition of legacy network to IP-based infrastructure – network readiness, worthiness & connectivity
• Which technologies and policies offer the best hope for promoting rural access?
• What are the challenges to regulators/to service providers for providing integrated mobile/fixed services and universal access?
• Overview of the Internet in Africa, including enterprise models and new applications
• Wireless technology for Internet – satellite, 3G mobile, wireless local loop, other
• Licensing procedures: How to avoid ending up in the law courts?
• Preparing for today and tomorrow – strategies for human resources development
• Distance learning and other educational and social applications
• Gender & ICT enterprise development
• Leapfrogging literacy challenges
• The challenges of privatizing monopoly telecom operators for government/for the operator?
• Spectrum auctions: Can Africa afford them? What are the potential consequences of auctions and other licensing approach?
• Foreign direct investment: How to attract it, how to keep it, how to benefit from it?
• Broadband applications and services
• Building new business strategies and new revenue structure