As Asia leads the world in broadband penetration and innovative services, the IEC takes the Broadband World Forum Asia 2006 to Hong Kong this 15-18 May and hosts ICT executives from around the world to discuss the latest leading-edge developments.

The Tuesday Plenary Panel, Carrier Progress toward the Converged Broadband Network, features Chairperson Paul Berriman, Head of Strategic Market Development at PCCW; Chris Bilton, BT Vice President Networks & ICT, BT Group Chief Technology Officer; Thami Msimango, Chief Technology Officer of Telkom South Africa; and Telefonica's Antonio Schuh, Director, Special Projects.

Bilton commented, "This event is one of the key industry events of the year... Our session will discuss progress to date from a selection of leading network operators from around the world on the deployment of NGNs, meeting challenges of customer requirements in an increasingly mobile and service-oriented world, architecture and key technologies, and some of the challenges at the leading edge of NGN deployment."

Msimango also expressed, "Broadband technology is a key economic enabler for both developing and developed nations... It is within this framework that my address will focus on a global view of how broadband is deployed and how it can enhance the lives of even ordinary people."

Finally, Schuh also added, "The Broadband World Forum is the premier wireline operator-focused event...Telefonica will share our insight on the benefits of a hybrid approach to TV. We feel that while IPTV is an amazing product that brings terrific benefits to the customer's life, technical requirements and economics may hinder deployment in the near term... we will discuss the main ideas behind a different approach and present initial findings from our joint launch of audiovisual services."

The Broadband World Forum Asia 2006 team and official host sponsor, PCCW, will host numerous industry-leading companies to exhibit and expect approximately 3,500 people to attend the event at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.