The global positive trend of ADSL connection deployment is expected to continue for no longer than until 2011. Next-generation access technologies, FTTH, FTTx with VDSL2 or Ethernet, and WiMAX (d, e) are gaining sufficient momentum for wide-scale deployment with important specifics. The number of subscribers who are going to consume communication services using these types of connections will continue its growth way past the following decade. The expansion of line capacity is becoming a standard demand.

New alternative operators with highly competitive offers of applications demanding interactivity, unlimited access, and full-scale media support will put tremendous pressure on changing the existing network architecture. Ethernet P2P versus xPON versus FTTx with VDSL2 versus FTTx with Ethernet and FTTx with DOCSIS 3.0 are the hottest fixed-wireline dilemmas that can provide an answer to changing needs. On the other hand upcoming technologies LTE, mobile WiMAX, HSPA, and carrier Wi-Fi are facing the same challenge in the wireless world. This session will aim to provide an answer to this million-dollar question.

Franc Dolenc Chief Technology Officer and Member of the Board Iskratel

Dr. Dolenc has been employed with Iskratel since 1979. He has occupied the post of director of the research and development department from the beginning. By managing the development of Iskratel's own high-tech brand SI2000 and SI3000, Dr. Dolenc made a decisive contribution to exceptionally successful operation of Iskratel as a whole. He ranks among top-level experts in telecommunications in Slovenia as well as in the world. Dr. Dolenc is a man with a vision in the field of technological development and who is well up to date with world trends.

Bruno Cornaglia Vice President, Global Network Vodafone

Mr. Cornaglia has been responsible of the mobile+ activities in the transmission competence center under the Global Network Organization since August 2006. Prior to this, he was responsible for new product development for access transmission under the Global Network organization of Vodafone Group. Previously, in 1999, Mr. Cornaglia joined OMNITEL Pronto Italia SpA, now VODAFONE OMNITEL NV, a private cellular operator, where he was responsible for the "point-MultiPoint project" in 2000 for the deployment of a PMP network at 26 GHz in the major urban areas in order to backhaul 2G and 3G sites.

James Heath Research Director, Broadband Dittberner Associates

Mr. Heath has studied the IPTV and broadband markets in more than 65 countries. Working with both ILECs and MSOs on new local broadband services has given him exposure to all areas of the broadband access market. Mr. Heath believes that a good understanding of the fundamental drivers of the consumer market is essential to understanding the growth in the residential and small-business market for IPTV and metro Ethernet services. He has developed a detailed understanding of traffic patterns and market growth by utilizing consumer preferences and the market's infrastructure to provide accurate forecast scenarios.

Matjaz Pogačnik Senior Manager, Network Planning Telekom Slovenije

Mr. Pogačnik is covering network planning, strategy and tehnologies including xDSL, FTTH, Wimax, Carrier Ethernet, DWDM, PDH/SDH, FR and ATM. In 2006, he was appointed head of access network office in research and planning department and finished MBA studies in IEDC, Bled School of management, Slovenia. In 2001, Mr. Pogačnik wrote a book about ADSL and measurements in ADSL network with colleagues, which was published by Telekom Slovenije. After working in investment department for one year, he was appointed head of ADSL project in 2000. Mr. Pogačnik joined Telekom Slovenije in 1999 after finishing telecommunications studies at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Jernej Roblek Product Line Manager, Research and Development Iskratel

Mr. Roblek has been the product line manager for Iskratel multiservice access (e.g., DSL, fiber, WiMAX, POTS) and CPE products and solutions since 2000. By managing the development of Iskratel's new-generation high-tech product, the SI3000 MSAN, he has made a key contribution to the exceptionally successful operation of Iskratel's packet-based triple-play solutions. Mr. Roblek is an expert in the design of multiservice networks with an understanding of carriers' needs in the area of future revenue-generating services.