First Annual PHS World Congress Held

The First Annual PHS World Congress, organized by IBC Asia limited, supported by PHS MoU Group, in association with PHS International Limited, took place at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore on November 18 to 20, 1996, and was hailed as a great success. This was the first time that an international public conference had focused on PHS. This high level of response was indicative of the interest in PHS that has been generated around the world.

Dr. Hiroshi Ishikawa, Chairperson of PHS MoU Group, who made the opening speech of the Congress, was highly pleased with the quality of attendees characterized by top level, decision making executives.

Mr. Andy Gent, Vice Chairperson of the PHS MoU Group and CEO of PHS International Limited said, "The success of this First Annual PHS World Congress confirms that PHS technology is fast becoming the technology of choice for cordless services and the local loop environment. I am impressed and invigorated by the enthusiasm and the types of exchange between the delegates. I am convinced that PHS has an important role to play in the wireless world. We are just at the tip of the iceberg."
Over 300 delegates representing operators, regulators, manufacturers, service providers, consultants and business analysts from 31 countries attended the meeting. The countries represented were :Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, France, Spain, USA, Bahrain, Canada, UK, Vietnam, Argentina, Singapore, Macao, Israel, The Philippines, The Netherlands, Sweden, Malaysia, Finland, India, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, New Zealand, Italy, Romania, Korea and Taiwan.
Delegates came to the Congress to listen to reports from 40 speakers and panelists who analyzed the technology behind PHS, the business case for PHS, the commercial opportunities made possible by PHS and the large range of applications enabled by PHS. While many operators attended to assess the viability of PHS for their countries, manufacturers took the opportunity to network with potential customers.
In addition to country information reports which detailed PHS implementation and trial in countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Argentina, Japan and Hong Kong, there were also intense technology focused presentations which gave detailed and practical information on PHS applications in Wireless Local Loop, and in the home and business environments.
Three panel sessions also brought together regulators, operators and manufacturers to discuss how PHS can be successfully implemented, how PHS compares to DECT technology and the latest handset developments. The endless number of questions from the floor further reflects the world's interest in PHS as a viable cordless technology.

Industry executives' level of awareness was further heightened by visiting the mini-exhibition held alongside the Congress, which showcased the latest PHS products such as the latest handset designs and features and also the first GSM/PHS handsets and network equipment. Many spontaneous business meetings took place at the same time.
Next year's PHS World Congress was announced by IBC Asia Limited to be held in Hong Kong on November 18 to 20, 1997.

The next general meeting will be held around June 1997, possibly in Bangkok, Thailand.