iWeek 2011 builds up steam as Broadband Infraco comes on board

31 August 2011

Broadband Infraco has announced that it will become an Emerald sponsor of the upcoming 10th annual iWeek conference. “The annual iWeek conferences are where the Internet industry comes together to take stock of where it is and what the main issues facing it are,” says Thamie Mthembu, Head PR & Communications, Broadband Infraco. “Given Broadband Infraco’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.”

Broadband Infraco joins a group of major industry players who are sponsoring the iWeek conference, which is co-hosted by Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) and Uniforum SA, administrators of the co.za domain. The Diamond Sponsor is MTN Business, MTN’s business channel. Other sponsors are Vox Telecom, Liquid Telecommunications Operations SA, Avuxeni Computer Academy, Ad Dynamo, MWeb Business, NetDay Association, Switch Telecom, GTA and the Wireless Access Providers’ Association.

“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, general manager of ISPA. “This year’s conference is especially rich because we will also be celebrating several milestones: the 10th birthday of both the conference itself and the Teachers’ Training Initiative as well as ISPA’s 15th anniversary.”

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; and Steve Song, founder of Village Telco, on Africa’s wireless future.

iWeek 2011 will take place on 21-23 September 2011 at the Royal Elephant, Eldoraigne, Centurion in Gauteng. “Thanks to our generous sponsors, entrance to the conference is free—but space is limited,” says Ant Brooks. “However, space is limited, so it’s essential to register now at www.iweek.org.za/registration.”

About Broadband Infraco

Broadband Infraco (Proprietary) Limited (’’Broadband Infraco”) is a new state owned enterprise (SOE) in the telecommunications sector, intended to improve market efficiency in the long distance connectivity segment by increasing available long distance network infrastructure and capacity to stimulate private sector development and innovation in telecommunications services and content offerings, as well as to provide long distance national and international connectivity to previously underserviced areas.

Website: www.infraco.co.za