DoC Secures iWeek Sponsorship

20 July 2006

The Department of Communications (DoC) has secured a platinum sponsorship of the Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) and UniForum SAs iWeek 2006 conference & exhibition taking place at the Castle in Kyalami from 4 – 7 September 2006.

The investment in the gathering hosted annually by the South African Internet community will enable the DoC to outline official communications policy and direction to local and international stakeholders.

iWeek not only allows the department to explain policy, but the sidelines of iWeek and the conference itself provide useful sounding boards for both the department and the Internet industry,

said Deputy Minister of Communications Roy Padayachie. Mr Padayachie added:

Spirited debates around regulatory issues are certain to be a central feature of iWeek 2006. The department is looking forward to opportunities to express its opinions while listening to the concerns that people have.

MTN Network Solutions has expressed its support for local Internet development by coming on board as an iWeek gold sponsor.

The themes for the different sessions include such topical issues as: “The Internet in South Africa: The Last 10 Years & the Next 10 Years”, “The Wireless Internet Boom”, “VoIP”, “Spam”, “Regulatory Development: Who is Watching What?”, and finally “Interception, Data Retention and Content”.

Attendance at iWeek is free although delegates are required to register at https://2026.ispa.org.za/iweek/2006/ prior to the conference.

Delegates will also have free access to wireless Internet after Miro Distribution agreed to provide the required wireless hotspot hardware while Internet Solutions will provide connectivity.