K.V. Seshasayee

THIS year's convention is the third in the series of IMC international conventions. We have chosen the theme of convergence for the series, as we believe new technologies are merging rapidly, and it is important for people to know all aspects — the how, when, where of the confluence of IT, telecom and media streams. We also wanted to approach convergence in the business way, and not from a technology standpoint. The convention hopes to bring together businessmen, Government, consumers and the providers involved with all aspects of Convergence.

This year, the theme is `Making it Happen.' The main focus is to give a holistic idea of how one can use IT, media and telecom to provide the synergies that one is supposed to get out of convergence. The topics and the people we have chosen will hopefully help a little in understanding how to make this work.

We are lucky that we have the continued co-operation of the International Telecom Union (ITU), the arm of UN, with Mr Hamadoun Toure delivering the keynote address. ITU is itself converging (sic) more into convergence, and moving away from its strict telecom moorings. Mr Hamadoun's insights in this context will be welcome.

The plenary session addresses the aspects of living, learning and working in the convergence era, with distinguished speakers dwelling on different aspects.

We have three business sessions, devoted to broadband to the people, investment opportunities, and financial services in the converged era. The convention will also cover finance, service provision, technology and business aspects.

There is a special session where distinguished panelists discuss the regulatory aspects of convergence. It may be remembered that the Government had earlier come up with the Draft Convergence Bill, which had been given a quiet burial. Now is the real need for such a regulation, when actual service offerings are coming up such as IP-TV, broadband Internet and movies on mobile phones. Only with a proper framework, can one look forward to growth unfettered by fighting or over-control.

To obtain a broad understanding of the future framework, we have assembled a set of legal and regulatory experts from India and abroad, led by the illustrious Chairman of TRAI, to discuss and arrive at a consensus of what the framework should be, broadly. The consumer aspect has been taken care by the presence of well-known NGOs and activists specially invited for this.

All told, we hope the session would contribute to a broader understanding of the theme.

(The author is co-Chairman, Electronics & Telecommunications Committee, Indian Merchants' Chamber.)

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