Multimedia convergence and the Internet

The 21st annual IDATE (Institut de l'Audiovisuel et des Télécommunications en Europe) conference will be held in Montpellier, France, on 19 and 20 November 1998. The conference will address the theme "Convergence: is it working?" and will include a seminar entitled "Internet: a new economic deal".

The aim of the conference is to present a comprehensive picture of technical and regulatory changes and to discuss industrial strategies. The event will provide participants with the opportunity to meet the top management of major groups in the telecommunications, IT and audiovisual sectors, as well as researchers, academics and representatives of the administrative and political world.

The conference will address the question of convergence and whether or not it is working, by focusing on the latest developments which will cover the following:

- Multi-services approach in terms of network access;
- Integration of access networks and carrier networks;
- New terminals and subscriber control;
- The Internet and voice and video image services;
- Fixed and mobile convergence;
- Network operators' investments in publishing activities;
- Competition rights and convergence.

The Internet seminar will bring together academic researchers, industrialists and political figures to debate four main themes:

- Internet players: strategic positioning and development;
- Costs and tariff-setting of the "network of networks";
- New products and services for the Information Society;
- Public and private issues at stake: what regulation for the Internet.
For further information, please contact:

IDATE
Ms. Isabel Jimenez
BP 4167
F-34092 Montpellier Cedex 5
Tel. +33-4-67144404; Fax +33-4-67144400
E-mail: i.jimenez@idate.fr
URL: http://www.idate.fr/(opens in new window)