May 28th, 2014

WWRF and CTO to promote wireless communications for social inclusion

LONDON, 27 MAY 2014 – The Wireless World Research Forum and the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation have agreed to collaborate in the promotion of wireless communications research for social development. The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding to that effect on 20 May in Marrakesh, Morocco, during the WWRF’s 32nd meeting organised on the theme of “Towards a smart fully connected society”.

MoU SIgning CTO and WWRF
Dr Nigel Jefferies, Chair of the WWRF (left) and Professor Tim Unwin, Secretary-General of the CTO

As an association founded in 2001, the WWRF’s goal is to encourage global research that will achieve unbounded communications to address key societal challenges for the future.

“We are pleased to work with the WWRF to promote research in wireless technologies for greater social inclusion, especially for the most excluded groups such as people with physical disabilities. We look forward to close and regular collaboration between our two organisations for the benefit of our respective members.” said Professor Tim Unwin, Secretary-General of the CTO during the signing of the MoU.

“There’s a great willingness amongst the industry and academic members of WWRF to make our vision of a Wireless World an inclusive one. Working with the CTO will enable us to ensure that all can benefit and contribute. The MoU is just the start of what should be a productive relationship”, said Dr Nigel Jefferies, Chair of WWRF.

Wireless communications are an important component of the CTO’s six strategic focus areas, with specific attention given to mobile broadband. In November, the Organisation will hold its first Commonwealth Broadband Forum conference series broadband conference for Africa in Kenya where access to wireless broadband on the continent will be discussed by key government and industry leaders. Similarly, the WWRF holds events to discuss important issues in wireless communications research, including the forthcoming 5G Huddle in London in September.

More Information

For more information please contact:
The Communications Team
44 (0) 208 600 3800
44 (0) 208 600 3819