Athens, 26 March 2002 - The Digital and Broadband technologies allow for a substantially higher capacity of traditional and new media networks to converge towards the same info-communication platform and to use integrated consumer devices for purposes such as telephony, TV or personal computers and PDA mobile devices. The convergence of different devices and interconnected networks platforms are likely to create the market environment for the emerging new info-communication sectors in 21st century. All those involved in broadcasting and communications need to understand what it does, and how successful it could be. There is a need however to embrace new media, convergence, broadband and security by creating a global business environment which supports rather than holds back the process of change, increasing consumer choice and promoting cultural diversity and new media services in the information society. This conference will look at what exactly new media, convergence, broadband info-communication markets and security issues are. In particular, the security constitutes a major importance issue considering that with the ongoing growth of electronic connections, some people can unintentionally to expose the networks to viruses and security risk codes, just by having access in files or removing their content.

In addition, this conference will also look at the policy and security issues in new media and how the different sectors such as digital broadcasting, 3G mobiles and multimedia services are likely to set up a new value chain in local, European and global market places. More than 300 businessmen, managers, top executives and VIPs from Greece and abroad are expected to attend the Conference and contribute to the discussions around its main topic, which is:
"Shaping the Future: Visions of Broadband Communications in the 21st Century"
The Conference will present all the new global and local developments with high quality speakers and presentations, while at the same time participants will have the chance to make useful business contacts.

Key Thematic Areas
The main topics to be discussed at the Conference are:
• The Era of Convergence: Info-Communication Markets
• New Media and Digital Broadcasting
• 3G World and Global Markets
• Networks & Security Issues in 21st Century

Data and Analyses
Greece is lacking behind in terms of adopting modern broadband access policies, while the leading two OECD countries are S. Korea and Canada.
Broadband access developments are strongly related to issues such as: unbundling and line sharing, cable ownership and naturally the broadband technologies involved (i.e. Fixed Wireless, Broadband Ethernet, LAN'S Cable Modern, DSL).
There is only a very minor cable television network in Greece and consequently no platforms for the delivery of high speed Internet access via cable modems. As telecommunication deregulation did not occur until recently, there has only been a relatively short time for new entrants to roll out new infrastructure. From its part OTE has held a trial for DSL service but, in the absence of any competitive pressure, had not launched a commercial service by early 2001.
In this environment unbundling local loop becomes imperative to kick-start broadband developments.

Figure 1 Broadband Penetration in OECD Countries, (June 2001)

Source: OECD

Figure 2 Potential Broadband Services: Enablers Residential/Consumer Market

Source: Accenture

Mobility is leading to a new Way of Life

With access to any Mobile services, anywhere, anytime, from any mobile device, the old boundaries between communications, information, media and entertainment will disappear. Services will truly be conversed. Mobility will be built into many services that we currently regard as fixed.

Figure 3 Mobile vs Fixed Internet, 2000 - 2005

Source: Ericsson

Who Should Attend
The conference is designed to provide new ideas and new strategic options for participants. It is addressed in particular to: Presidents, Managing Directors, General Managers, CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, CKOs, Strategic Planning Managers, Senior Officers, Business Consultants, Analysts, Telecom Services/ Equipment Officers, Telcos, Telecom Managers, IT Managers, EDP Managers, Development Managers, Marketing Managers, e-commerce Managers, Channel Managers, Financial Sector Officers (Banks, Stock Market, Venture Capital, Financial Services, Investment Banks), Bankers, Brokers, Investors, Financial Analysts, Academic Community, Policy Makers, Public Administration, Municipal Authorities and in general High - Profile Officers related to Telecoms, Information Technology, Information Systems, Knowledge Management etc.

Information
For more information concerning "Strategic's BROADBAND & MOBILITY Conference 2002", visit the site of the forum:
http:// www.strategic.gr/events/broadband&mobility2002/

About Strategic International SA
The conference is organized by Strategic International SA (http://www.strategic.gr) a Strategy Consulting firm specializing in Telecommunications, Information Technologies, New Media and the Digital Economy. As a leading firm in S.E. Europe and Eastern Mediterranean region, the company provides effective and unbiased consultancy on the future of High Technology in the region but also in a wider, global context.
Services include: Consulting, Market Research, Publications, Events and Training.
Clients include the largest worldwide Telecom, IT, Media, High Tech and Financial Companies.

Press Office (Photos, Statistics, Presentations, Interviews, etc.)

Sotia Katara
Strategic International / Kataras S.A.
8, Issiodou Str., 106 74 - Athens
Tel.: 010 72 29 571 - Fax: 010 72 24 531
Email: communications@strategic.gr