The TRA participated in the “5th Annual Mobile Network Optimisation Summit” held in Dubai, UAE, during 22-25 May 2011. The current summit witnessed a wide and significant participation as it was attended by a large number of leading telecommunication companies CEOs from the Middle East and the world, representatives of telecommunication operators in several countries and other agencies.

In his opening address, H.E. Majed Al Mesmar, TRA Deputy Director General said: “There is no doubt that the telecommunication and information revolution witnessed by the world today provides that we continue our work to achieve best levels of services extended to consumers and subscribers. This falls in the core of the strategic objectives of the TRA to host events such as our conference in order to achieve these goals.”

He further noted the efforts made by the telecommunication operators in order to optimize the sector saying: “Mobile operators are rapidly optimising their networks in order to stay competitive in this fast-paced industry. Therefore, they seek to implement the latest technologies in the field of telecommunication such as 3G, LTE, HSPA and WiMAX etc. to keep pace with the growing demands of clients who always seek the latest technologies which provide them with the best communication services whether at home, work or during travelling.”

The 2011 summit offered the opportunity to executives and representative to debate and benchmark with their peers. More importantly they will have the opportunity to reach to the best possible solutions they can provide to their subscribers. It also offered the opportunity to learn about the new technologies which will enable them to improve their network capabilities, gain an understanding about cost effective strategies to enhance network coverage, increase the capacity to meet high consumer demand and minimize capital and operational expenditure to keep a high ROI and remain competitive.

Several key topics were discussed during the summit, including:

• Learning about key technologies such as HSPA+ and LTE to maximize bandwidth capacity to keep up with consumer demands.
• Distinguishing VOIP traffic and its impact on operator’s revenue.
• Highlighting strategies to reduce call drop rates.
• Identifying mobile data service measurements for QoE and QoS.
• Assessing best practices to retain existing clients at the same time as increasing the customer.  

Speaking about the UAE achievements and efforts in this field, H.E. Al Mesmar said: “The UAE telecommunications sector is currently served by two integrated telecommunications operators, Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat) and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC  (du). Competition Mobile services in the UAE telecommunications sector started in early 2007 when du obtained the second license.”

“TRA on its part is facilitating the adoption of new technologies and services. The UAE is leading the region with allocations already made in 2.6 GHz for Telecom Operators, and it is expected to allow LTE in 1800 MHz and later in 800 MHz, as LTE Trials have started in UAE by Telecom Operators. This early exposure to these technologies provides operators and Telecom Sector in the UAE the advantage of building future networks optimization skills at an early stage.” He added.

It’s worth mentioning that the participation of the TRA in such events falls within its main strategies aimed at presenting the best possible level of services to user and ensuring a safer cyber environment to them.