Sponsors enable free attendance at iWeek conference

Broadband Infraco joins a group of industry players including Diamond Sponsor, MTN Business, Vox Telecom, Liquid Telecommunications Operations SA, Avuxeni Computer Academy, Ad Dynamo, MWeb Business, NetDay Association, Switch Telecom, GTA and the Wireless Access Providers' Association.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Thamie Mthembu, head PR and Communications, Broadband Infraco, said, "The annual event is where the Internet industry comes together to take stock of where it is and what its main issues are. Given the company's key role in improving the long-distance infrastructure in South Africa, we felt it was important to get behind the conference. It's vital that we all work together to take the industry forward, and maximize the social and economic benefits that the Internet can bring."

"Industry support of this kind indicates the importance of the conference as a vehicle for bringing the Internet industry together to explore challenging issues," says Ant Brooks, GM of ISPA. "Thanks to our sponsors, entrance to the conference is free-but space is limited, so it's essential to register now."

Speakers

The overall theme of the conference will be "How does the Internet change societies?"

Confirmed speakers include:

• David McClure, president and CEO, US Internet Industry Association on how the Internet has changed in 2011
  
• Mxit's Juan du Toit on why social networks represent the Internet's largest impact on humankind;
  
• Lt-Col Juliette Whelpton of the SAPS on computer criminals of the future;
  
• School 2.0 activist Maggie Verster on how to turn Teachers 1.0 into Teachers 3.01;
  
• Ramy Raoof, online media officer at Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights on the Internet's role in improving human rights;
  
• Steve Song, founder of Village Telco, on Africa's wireless future.

For more, go to www.iweek.org.za/registration.