PITA 28 AGM BUSINESS FORUM & EXPO 2024
PITA Acknowledges and appreciate all these proud sponsors of the PITA 28 AGM & Business Forum & EXPO
DIAMOND SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
TURQUOISE SPONSORS
VERT SPONSORS
VIOLET SPONSORS
DISPLAY SPONSORS
MESSAGE FROM PITA
I extend a warm welcome to you all to the PITA 28th AGM and Annual Business Conference and Expo. With over 250 participants and speakers registered and a meticulously prepared program, I am confident this event will exceed expectations.
Our aim is to enhance capabilities and bridge a sustainable digital future through innovation. In today’s evolving landscape, there would be emerging topics that needs discussing, and coming together to exchange ideas is crucial. Your presence is invaluable in achieving our shared goals.
Having said that, we wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the
Phillip Henderson
PITA Vice President Leadership and Management of Interchange Limited for hosting this event. Their commitment to bringing us back to the paradise of Vanuatu after 10 years is very much appreciated and valued. In addition, I would also like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to all participants, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors, making this meeting meaningful in bringing us closer to achieving our goals.
Welcome once again to the PITA 28th AGM and Annual Business Conference and Expo 2024. Let as make the most of this opportunity to learn, collaborate, and inspire. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter digital future for our communities
MESSAGE FROM THE HOST:
Niall Downey General Manager Interchange Limited
On behalf of Interchange, it is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all participants of the PITA Conference 2024! We are thrilled to have you join us here for four days in Vanuatu for the second time this decade. This prestigious event is dedicated to advancing telecommunications across the beautiful Pacific Islands.
Over these enriching days, we will explore the latest trends, innovations, and challenges shaping the telecommunications landscape in the Pacific region. With a focus on connectivity, collaboration, and progress, the PITA Conference 2024 hosted by Interchange promises to be a platform for insightful discussions, valuable networking opportunities, and actionable strategies.
I encourage you to embrace every opportunity to learn, collaborate, and inspire. Together, we can empower communities, drive economic growth, and bridge the digital divide across the Pacific Islands. Thank you for your participation; your presence at the PITA Conference 2024 is instrumental in shaping the future of our industry and laying the foundation for the rest of this century.
ABOUT PITA
HISTORICAL
PITA was formed in response to specific regional circumstances back in 1997 at the closure of the Telecom Technical Division of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, with the goal for providing a forum for those involved with telecommunications in the Pacific to exchange experiences, to help formulate solutions relevant to the region, to provide training opportunities and the regular exchange of information, and to be a Pacific voice in the international communications environment.
In the inaugural AGM in 1998, PITA was formally established with an office based in Suva and a Manager appointed.
WHAT IS PITA?
PITA is a non profit organisation, formed to represent the interests of the small island states and countries in the Pacific in the field of telecommunications
OBJECTIVES
The objective of PITA is to improve,promote,facilitate,develop and provide telecommunication services within member and Associate member countries
MEMBERSHIP
PITA Members are telecommunication entities in Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, Australia and New Zealand. Associate members are suppliers of telecommunication equipment and services. Partner agencies are regional and international organisations with vested interests in the telecommunications and its development in the Pacific Islands. Telecommunication Regulatory bodies have special membership category.
Current membership = 186
Total Number of Countries = 36 (including 22 Pacific Islands States & Territories)
ACTIVITIES
PITA has two main meetings organised for members during the year.The first meeting is held one day prior to the start of the PacificTelecommunications Council conference held every January in Honolulu, Hawaii.The second meeting is its Annual General Meeting usually held in March or April before the start of a new financial year
Other activities include Workshops, Training and Technical Cooperation between developing member countries as organised in an annual workplan. Where requested by members or when the opportunity arises, other events and activities can be planned outside these meetings, workshops and training, and can be held at different times of the year. PITA supports joint events with other organisations in the promotion of telecommunications development and for cost savings, event can be held back to back. Attendance to any PITA event is open to all members with minimum or no registration fee. PITA does not provide fellowship for participation at any event.
PITA ASSITED PROGRAM FOR TECHNICAL COOPERATION AMONGST MEMBERS (DEVELOPING COUNTRIES)
Guidelines
What is TCDC?
Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (TCDC) in PITA terms will be the execution and management of developmental activities by members from developing countries in which they share one another’s experience and technical capacities by way of experts from one member visting the other member, or staff attachment.
Main Features of TCDC Activity
• Deliberate voluntary cooperation between members.
• Sharing, pooling, transfer and exchange of know-how, information, and experience among members.
• Actions initiated, organized, and managed by members themselves.
Finance
Funding from the PITA TCDC Budget are available to participating members on assessment and approval of application to a maximum funding (airfare only) of Ten Thousand Fijian Dollars per member. (FJ$10,000.00)
APPLY TODAY, send your request to the PITA Manager
• • –women leader’s panel to discuss the challenges and
PITA 28 AGM BUSINESS FORUM & EXPO 2024
Morning Tea SPONSORED BY WELCHMAN KEEN
Lunch Break
Afternoon Tea Break SPONSORED BY SUMMA NETWORKS
Welcome Social HOSTED BY INTERCHANGE LIMITED
Morning Tea Break SPONSORED BY GSOA
Lunch Break
Afternoon Tea Break SPONSORED BY WANTOK
Networking Social HOSTED BY BANKAI GROUP (off-site)
PITA 28 AGM BUSINESS FORUM & EXPO 2024
Morning Tea SPONSORED BY TRBR
Afternoon Tea SPONSORED BY DIGICEL VANUATU
Free
Morning Tea Break SPONSORED BY INTERCHANGE
Afternoon Tea SPONSORED BY VODAFONE VANUATU
Closing Social HOSTED BY HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES
0840-0915 3.1
HEAR FROM THE SPONSORS 2
FAREA PASIFK 1 – MAIN HALL & EXHIBITION
Turquoise Sponsors: Chinamobile Int’l I Alibaba Cloud
I Intelsat I Telstra I Vodafone Vanuatu I SES
0915-1045 3.21
INNOVATION IN TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIESINSIDE FOCUS ON SATELLITES
FAREA PASIFK 1 – MAIN HALL & EXHIBITION
This session delves into the latest advancements in telecoms, spotlighting the new developments of satellite technology and strategic approaches satellite operators are positioning themselves to effectively meet the future imperatives. Explore on the new connectivity and impact on current and future landscape of communication networks, while examining key reservations and optimistic areas for development in the Pacific contexts.
Moderator:
Presentations by
1. ABS
3. Intelsat
Panellists: Satellite Operators
reservations and optimistic areas for development in the Pacific contexts.
Moderator:
PITA 28 AGM BUSINESS FORUM & EXPO 2024
Presentations by
1. ABS
2. Kacific Satellite Broadband
3. Intelsat
Panellists: Satellite Operators
3.22
CYBERSECURITY COOPERATION FOR PITA (CSC4PITA)
PASIFIC 1
Introductions to cybersecurity cooperation amongst the PITA operators and key stakeholder players. An interactive session
• What does Cyber Co-operation look like
• How to foster co-operation
• How the islands can co-operate
• What a co-operative model on cyber for the Pacific model would look like.
• Experiences from Operators
• Pacific Dome concept: collaboration on security, DDOS protection and shared resources
1030-1100 Morning Tea Break SPONSORED BY TRBR
1100-1230 3.31
REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS FOR TELECOM INNOVATION
PASIFIC 1
Examine the regulatory frameworks and policy environments governing telecommunications in the Pacific. Discuss the role of regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in fostering innovation, competition, and investment while ensuring consumer protection, data privacy, and cybersecurity. Address regulatory challenges and opportunities in adapting to fast-paced technological evolution.
Moderator:
Panelists
1. Michael Webb, M Webb Ltd,
2. Gisa Fuatall Purcell, Regulator Samoa,
3. Phil Dunglinson, Cenerva,
4. Brian Winji Molitaviti, Regulator Vanuatu
5. Solomon Islands
3.32 BUILDING TRUST IN TELECOM NETWORKS 2: EMPOWERING POSITIVE EXPERIENCES
FAREA PASIFK 1 – MAIN HALL & EXHIBITION
In an increasingly interconnected world in a fast-evolving digital world, trust and experience are paramount in telecom networks. This session will delve into strategies and best practices for establishing and maintaining trust, as well as empowering positive experiences in telecommunications processes. From implementing robust security measures to ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, industry experts will share insights on fostering trust among users, stakeholders, and partners. The aim is to enable them to connect with, use, and pay for services confidently. Topics will
PITA 28 AGM BUSINESS FORUM & EXPO 2024
digital world, trust and experience are paramount in telecom networks. This session will delve into strategies and best practices for establishing and maintaining trust, as well as empowering positive experiences in telecommunications processes. From implementing robust security measures to ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, industry experts will share insights on fostering trust among users, stakeholders, and partners. The aim is to enable them to connect with, use, and pay for services confidently. Topics will include the innovations and increasing role of emerging technologies such as blockchain and AI in enhancing trustworthiness, reliability, and experiences in the evolving landscape of telecommunications trust.
Moderator:
Panelists:
1. CSG
2. Alibaba Cloud
3. Orange
4. Tata Communications Transformative Services
1230-1400 Lunch
1400-1530
3.41
BRIDGING THE INVESTMENT GAPS FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE
PASIFIC 1
Focus on investment gap trends in telecommunications infrastructure, such as in transforming broadband access and connectivity networks in the islands AND explore innovative approaches to bridge these gaps, models in approaching more equity for infrastructure development, expand coverage, modernise and improve resilience.
Panelists:
1. Phillip Henderson CEO Vodafone Cook Is & PITA
2. Simon Fraser, CEO Palau National Communications Corp
3. Lisa Agard, Chair CANTO C9
3.42
WIRELESS FORUM, SPECTRUM & LINCENSING
Farea Pasifik 1 - Main Conference and Exhibition Ballroom
To explore innovative solutions and collaborative strategies to bridge connectivity gaps for the public and enterprises and pave the way for a sustainable digital future in the Pacific Islands. From infrastructure development and last-mile connectivity to digital inclusion and resilience, this session will delve into the unique challenges and opportunities facing the region including regulatory/policy considerations aimed at empowering connectivity and fostering inclusive growth.
Topics
Private LTE Networks:
Private LTE networks are witnessing a surge in adoption for diverse application across various industry sectors. This is due to their versatility, reliability, and scalability.
Simon Lardner, VOCUS
Fixed Wireless Broadband Networks - current status and development trends
empowering connectivity and fostering inclusive growth.
Topics
Private LTE Networks:
PITA 28 AGM BUSINESS FORUM & EXPO 2024
Private LTE networks are witnessing a surge in adoption for diverse application across various industry sectors. This is due to their versatility, reliability, and scalability.
Simon Lardner, VOCUS
Fixed Wireless Broadband Networks - current status and development trends
Eddie Stephanou, CAMBIUM Networks
Designing an Outdoor Wi-FI Network
The traditional approach of outdoor WIFI design has been using MESH or 5Ghz backhaul links. In this Topic we will look at an innovative design approach of Outdoor WIFI Networks using 60Ghz PMP/PTP links and how it will help to make the network more scalable and increase throughput for the WIFI users. This design approach is changing the way we do Smart City WIFI/Large Scale Public WIFI and Resort WIFI network.
Short Review of the South Pacific Games WIFI Network Design and Challenges held last Quarter in Honiara.
Shivneet Main, CAMBIUM Networks
Regulatory clarity on for Gateless-Less satellite services
New gateway-less satellite technology (like Rivada's OuterNET) can now enable end-to-end connectivity via a single, secure, satellite network from any 2 (or more) user terminals. As a wholesaler, Rivada would mainly work through locally licenced companies, but there is a lack of clarity in the regulations if and how this is allowed. By explicitly recognising and authorising such international-local partnerships in telecom regulations, Pacific Island nations can efficiently and effectively encourage the adoption of new connectivity solutions, while also ensuring regulatory compliance.
Sara Lim, Rivada Space Networks
3.43
SMS4DC
PASIFIC 2
1530-1600 Afternoon Tea Break SPONSORED BY DIGICEL VANUATU
1600-1730
3.51 E-commerce and Digital Economy Development
PASIFIC 1
Examine the role of telecommunications in driving ecommerce and digital economy development in the Pacific. Discuss challenges and opportunities for small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) to leverage digital platforms, payment solutions, and logistics infrastructure for market access, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
• Country Case developments and Select Presentations
3.52 Technical Workshop
Farea Pasifik 1 - Main Conference and Exhibition Ballroom
Select topics on technology to support the Pacific Islands foster for sustainable digital future.
PITA 28 AGM BUSINESS FORUM & EXPO 2024
Discuss challenges and opportunities for small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) to leverage digital platforms, payment solutions, and logistics infrastructure for market access, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
• Country Case developments and Select Presentations
3.52 Technical Workshop
Farea Pasifik 1 - Main Conference and Exhibition Ballroom
Select topics on technology to support the Pacific Islands foster for sustainable digital future.
Topics
Optical Networks Technologies, unleashing the of power of leading technology for new connectivity, for highest capacity, low cost of ownership and power consumption with subsea and terrestrial networks.
Krisztian Som, Infinera
FMC Networking solutions
Santiago Gomez, Summa Networks
Trends shaping the fixed networks business
Broadband networks are evolving rapidly to meet new subscriber demands, whether users are on the go, at home or at work. Quality of experience has become a key priority for operators to differentiate themselves in a highly competitive environment. In this session, we present 10 trends shaping the fixed networks business in 2024. Fiber deployments have accelerated worldwide with new market players entering the game. This hyper-competitive market led to higher speed offerings, but also lower latency in order to address the new requirements to connect businesses, industry 4.0, smart cities, and 5G cells. With evolutions to 10G, 25G, 50G and 100G PON technologies, FTTH has the potential to connect anything and everyone. Next, it is also about bringing the benefits of broadband to more areas with Fixed Wireless Access and about improving the in-home network performance with the latest WiFi innovations. And last but not least, it is about network optimization: implementing automation and AI/ML for operational efficiency, improving monetization with premium service offerings and taking concrete actions to secure environmental sustainability
Filip De Greve, Nokia
Delta Solutions for sustainable Digital Future
With Delta portfolio covering Power, & Energy Mobility, Automation and Infrastructure, this presentation is tailored for a smarter and greener approach that Telecoms can consider in their path to bridging gaps for sustainable digital future.
Steve Davies, Delta Evening FREE
