October 30, 2009

The Middle East Network Operators Group (MENOG) is a regional forum offering network engineers and other technical staff the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences, and identify areas for regional cooperation.

The MENOG 5 / RIPE NCC Regional Meeting was held for the 1st time in Beirut from 25-29 October 2009 and hosted by IDM and OGERO. The RIPE NCC is an independent, not-for-profit membership organization that supports the infrastructure of the Internet through technical co-ordination in its service region. Regional meetings enable the RIPE NCC to get direct feedback from its members. The meetings also provided a forum for local governments, key players in the local and global Internet industry and RIPE NCC staff to discuss Internet issues relevant to a specific region.

Dr. Kamal Shehadi, Chairman & CEO of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, was invited as a speaker to discuss the role of the TRA in the introduction of IPv6 in Lebanon.

In his keynote speech that was delivered at the closing of the forum, Dr. Shehadi stressed the importance of the transition to IPv6. He stated that “it is needed because IPv4 addresses will be exhausted by 2011/2012 time frame mainly as a result of increased demand for new addresses for Wireless Internet and Broadband services and new converged services.” He also highlighted the fact that IPv6 adoption is inevitable and that the Government of Lebanon, ISPs, DSPs, the Ministry of Telecommunications and other concerned stakeholders must take the initiative to prepare a roadmap for IPv6 migration and make it a priority in all ICT initiatives and projects.

To view Dr. Shehadi’s full speech, click here.

To view Dr. Shehadi’s presentation, click here.