Stakeholders and policymakers in the ICT industry will, at a workshop next month, review the status of broadband wireless access (BWA) and determine the roadmap and roll-out strategies for the new broadband and mobile systems in their respective countries.
This is according to a statement issued on Saturday, 5 May 2012, by the African Advanced level telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI) in collaboration with the Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA).
The two bodies said the review will take place during a regional workshop on BWA for Eastern and Southern Africa to be hosted by Malawi.
The statement published in the local media state that the workshop, taking place on 25-29 June, will attract a participation fee of US$850 for AFRALTI members, while non-members will pay US$1 050, which covers workshop material, a buffet lunch and refreshments.
"Participants will have opportunity of learning new WRC [World Radio Communication Conference] - 12 resolutions impacting on IMT [Innovative Micro Technology]services and BWA applications for new and emerging technologies like 3G and 4G systems," the statement says.
Addressing challenges
The workshop is also scheduled to address the challenges of existing 2G systems and the relationship with the emerging systems.
The workshop will be facilitated by engineer, Jared Baraza, a senior consultant at AFRALTI, will target officials from government ICT, communication regulatory authorities, telecommunication and ICT operators, data and internet service providers, ICT and telecommunication consultants and practicing engineers from East, Central and Southern Africa.
The statement states that due to broadband wireless technology ability to cover a wide geographical area efficiently, it has the potential to become the third broadband pipe into homes in the well saved areas.
"It is also the most efficient solution for innovative and high speed access to consumers in remote and underserved areas," it said.
The workshop shall provide an opportunity for broadband business, technology, and regulatory experts to share knowledge, experiences and views on the future of the industry.
Participants of the workshop are expected to analyse the current status of technology and deployment of BWA and 3G/4G systems in different African countries as well as spectrum issues and challenges based on recommendations and resolutions from WRC-12 meeting.
Gregory Gondwe is a Malawian journalist who started writing in 1993. He is also a media consultant assisting several international journalists pursuing assignments in Malawi. He holds a Diploma and an Intermediate Certificate in Journalism among other media-related certificates. He can be contacted on . Follow him on Twitter at @Kalipochi.
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 and determine the roadmap and roll-out strategies for the new broadband and mobile systems in their respective countries.)
