The chief executives from some of the most innovative communications companies in the world will be speaking at TELECOM '05 -- a preview of what's next for the industry at the Venetian Hotel and Convention Center in Las Vegas, October 23 - 27, 2005.

"TELECOM '05 brings together some of the most powerful chief executives from leading telecom companies, cable operators, content and service providers in the world," explained Walter B. McCormick Jr., President and CEO of the United States Telecom Association (USTelecom). "With strong carrier support, a heavy-hitting speaker line-up, wide-ranging conference programming and a dynamic exhibit floor, TELECOM '05 covers every base for busy communications professionals."

The luminaries include: Ed Whitacre, Chairman & CEO, SBC Communications; Robert B. Clasen, President & CEO, Starz Entertainment; Jim Robbins, President & CEO, Cox Communications; David Barrett, President & CEO, Hearst-Argyle; Michael Sabia, President & CEO, Bell Canada Enterprises; Kevin DeNuccio, President and CEO, Redback Networks; Pradeep Sindhu, Vice Chairman, CTO and Founder, Juniper Networks; Karen Radford, EVP & President, TELUS Partner Solutions; and Nick Adamo, Senior Vice President U.S. Service Providers, Cisco.

Also, the chief technology officers from Verizon, SBC, BellSouth and Qwest will share the show's main stage to discuss their companies plans for deploying the technologies of the future. MicrosoftTV and Alcatel will present their integrated IPTV delivery solution that will speed the deployment of Internet television around the world.

Leading policymakers will be on hand to outline the rules of the road in today's global communications market including Kevin J. Martin, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission; Mike Johanns, Secretary of Agriculture; Michael D. Gallagher, Assistant Secretary, Department of Commerce, NTIA; and Ambassador David A. Gross, U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy, U.S. Dept of State.

In addition to an all-star speaker line-up, TELECOM '05 features many timely sessions on hot-button issues for the industry. With the increasing deployment of IP video, several conferences will examine how to deploy advanced video services to consumers including the iHollywood Triple Play: Voice, Video, Data Conference; the Broadcaster-Telco Conference; the IP Video Track; the ATIS Technology Track and the Telecom Engineering Conference.

Offering a view from the financial markets, the Legg Mason Financial Conference will cover topics including Wall Street's perspective of the current state of the industry; a closer look at the high-payout dividend model employed by several Rural Local Exchange Carriers (RLECs); intercarrier compensation; developing a superior triple/quadruple-play offering; next- generation ILEC infrastructure; and the rules of the road for telcos entering the video market. Also, the Deloitte Mergers & Acquisitions Conference will examine industry mergers from various perspectives.

The Telecom Security Conference will address critical security issues facing the communications industry. Panel discussions will focus on pressing homeland security issues, including cyber security and Internet vulnerabilities in next generation networks; the interdependency between commercial power and communications services; and the financial service community's reliance on robust and resilient telecommunications networks. Executives from innovative companies will also discuss solutions for emergency alerts, 911 and first responders.

Several sessions will also focus on communications policy issues. The Wiley, Rein and Fielding Law and Regulation Conference will update attendees on the pressing issues in Washington and the State Telecom Policy Summit brings together some of the leading voices from the states to focus on the critical communications policy issues facing regulators and service providers across the nation.

The ITERA Telecommunications Education Summit brings it all together to give attendees a better understanding of today's integrated communications industry, including e-commerce, telecommunications law & policy issues, telephone mergers and what they mean for the industry.

Building on TELECOM '04's ranking as one of Tradeshow Week's "Fastest Fifty" growing tradeshows in North America, TELECOM '05 draws key buyers, decision-makers and communications leaders from around the world to view new technologies and learn more about all aspects of the communications industry as lines between cable, wireline, wireless and satellite platforms continue to converge.

TELECOM '05 Annual Conference & Exhibition will be held October 23-27, 2005, at the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit http://www.telecom05.com.