NAIROBI, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) — Experts on Monday met in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, to harmonize telecommunications standards in Africa.
The second African Telecommunication Union (ATU) forum for preparation of the World Telecommunication Assembly was attended by more than 200 stakeholders comprising telecoms regulators and the private sector from Africa to discuss how common standards will promote universal access to advanced wireless, broadband, and multimedia technologies.
In his opening remarks, ATU Secretary-General John Omo said that Africa needs to develop similar standards for telecommunication equipment such as computer and mobile devices to promote interoperability of ICT devices across borders.
“Africa also needs a common emergency telecommunications number so that countries can cooperate in responding to disasters such as floods,” Omo said.
He added that the continent also requires developing a common cybersecurity framework for telecommunication networks to ensure that the region is safe from online threats.
Eliud Owalo, Kenya’s cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, said that common telecommunication standards will provide African manufacturers with a solid basis on which to compete in the global marketplace, unhindered by technical barriers.
Owalo stressed that harmonized standards across the continent will benefit consumers who will have devices that are compatible and seamless across diverse platforms and technologies.
Seizo Onoe, the director of the telecommunication standardization bureau at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) which is a specialized agency of the United Nations, said that telecommunications standards are the lifeblood of information communication and technology connectivity and industry developments.
Onoe noted that unified telecommunications standards in Africa will result in economies of scale and affordable digital services for consumers.
David Mugonyi, director general of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), urged Africa to adopt harmonized telecommunications standards because it will boost cross-border interactions and interoperability of devices and systems.
