“We’re engaged in creating a portal for e-governance and the same will be officially announced soon,” Communications and Information Technology Commission Governor Dr. Mohammed Al-Suwaiyel said here yesterday. He said the education sector was not being ignored and a “concrete practical approach” was being adopted to expand the use of computer among students. “We’re aware that more PCs are required in our schools and we’re working in that direction,” he told Arab News after inaugurating CommTel 2004, the 19th international exhibition for computing, computer shopper, software, office equipment and accessories, at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s International Exhibition Center.
Dr. Al-Suwaiyel said the “filtration” of the Internet was in the interest of the Kingdom’s security, tradition and culture. “There will be no back-track on this even if it meant likely slowing down of the system,” he said.
Describing the growth of the Internet service as unique with close to two dozen Internet service providers (ISPs) providing access to nearly two million users, he said the linking of the billing system between the ISPs and the Saudi Telecom Company could benefit the subscriber. Instead of paying the subscriptions to ISPs and Saudi Telecom separately, the subscriber could get a consolidated bill, which could be paid to the Saudi Telecom. “A proposal is under consideration in this connection,” he said.
About mobile phones, he said the Kingdom was keen to make cell phone calls more economical. “While Al-Jawwal already has a competitor, the entry of a third service provider could generate intense competition and make mobile phone calls cheaper than what they are,” Dr. Al-Suwaiyel said.
Over 120 local and international companies are participating in the event which offers separate section for the corporate sector, the shopper and women. Among overseas participants are Egypt, Malaysia, Taiwan and Turkey.
“We regard CommTel as one of the most important IT events in the GCC,” said Chin-Ray Liu, Jeddah-based director general of the Taipei Economic & Cultural Representative Office.
Autor: K.S. Ramkumar,
Quelle: Arab New, 13.09.2004
