Leading figures from the telecom industry discussed key issues facing the region’s submarine cable sector to formulate strategies for the future at the recent Submarine Summit hosted by South Asia–Mena region’s Samena Telecommunications Council.

The event packed in a number of panel discussions and keynote presentations focusing on emerging trends in telecommunications and the challenges and constraints in developing a reliable and cost-efficient cable system.

“The Submarine Summit marks the culmination of sustained efforts by the Samena Council to provide the submarine cable industry the visibility it deserves,” said Bocar BA, chief executive officer, Samena Council.

“Telecom operators are today finding themselves faced with a data tsunami, given the explosive growth in the volume of content, which in turn is putting a premium on secure, fast and reliable connectivity.

“There are also critical policy and regulatory challenges that demand our urgent attention, including the need for building consensus on Net Neutrality. Against such a challenging backdrop, the Submarine Summit can serve as an important and dynamic platform for industry stakeholders to share best practices and foster collaboration within a dedicated environment,” he added.

Stressing on the need for greater collaboration among stakeholders, Ahmed Mekki, CEO of Gulf Bridge International (GBI) and chairman of the Samena Council Subsea Working Group pointed out that industry players can contribute to the ‘Smart’ future of the submarine cable industry even with the lack of absolute consensus on certain issues.

John Mariano, executive vice president & chief operating officer (COO) of David Ross Group, gave an insightful presentation on the challenges to subsea cabling expansion in the Gulf region and the significant economic, social and national security implications of major submarine cable disruptions. He also stressed on the need for the Internet infrastructure to keep pace with fast-rising demand. – TradeArabia News Service