The Forum is addressed to manufacturers, operators, service providers, regulators and administrations. It will provide an overview of technologies that have created major standardization challenges such as next generation networks (NGN), multimedia, voice over IP (VoIP), IPTV, security and regulation. Additionally, it will highlight ways and means to enhance cooperation and participation in ITU’s standardization work and standards implementation in the African region.

Standards are an essential tool in bridging the digital divide and bring vital aid to African countries in building their infrastructure and encouraging economic development.

Taking part in the standardization process for new technologies will allow African countries to accelerate the deployment of new networks and services bringing connectivity to cities and towns as well as remote areas. With next generation networks (NGN), for example, standards work is lowering the capital cost of deployment in the network core. Operating costs, in NGN, are also significantly lower than in circuit switched technologies enabling a more rapid expansion of network capabilities. NGN offers the opportunity for developing countries to jump several generations of technology, and ITU as well as taking into account the needs of these countries in producing its standards will seek to provide assistance in deploying them.