March 06, 2014

"ArabNet" is an annual digital event that brings together entrepreneurs, digital innovators, globally-renowned speakers to discuss the latest telecom topics. This year’s event will be taking place on March 4-6 at the Habtoor Hilton Hotel in Beirut.

The opening ceremony was held on Wednesday, March 5, 2014, and was marked by the contribution of ArabNet Founder and CEO, Mr. Omar Christidis, the TRA acting Chairman and CEO, Dr. Imad Hoballah, the Vice Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon, Mr. Raed Charafeddine, and HE. Minister of Telecommunications, Mr. Boutros Harb representing the President of the Lebanese Republic General Michel Suleiman.

Dr. Hoballah gave a speech titled “Internet governance and consumers’ rights in the digital world” where he exposed facts and figures about worldwide mobile Internet subscriptions based on GSMA statistics and explained that ICT is at the heart of any effective governmental economic policy. Dr. Hoballah discussed the regulatory efforts related to Internet governance and highlighted the need to have a balance between privacy and freedom of expression on one hand and the right to access information and the requirements for the national security on the other hand. He summarized what is required to meet the digital economy challenges in the region and in Lebanon.

Finally, Dr. Hoballah stressed on the urge to build a Digital Economy Ecosystem by accelerating the launch of the digital industry, the related interactive applications and cybersecurity plans.

To view Dr. Hoballah’ s speech click here
For more info about ARABNET click here