Telecom 2003 opens its doors today in Geneva. The city of John Calvin has spared no effort so that this important exhibition dedicated to telecommunications takes place in the best possible conditions. Even if the telecommunications sector is less flourishing than in 1999, when the previous exhibit took place, Telecom 2003 is nevertheless a vintage year. There is quite a crowd at Palexpo, said Robert Hensler, talking to the press on Monday. The Geneva State Chancellor, he is the coordinator of preparations for the occasion.

There are more than 850 exhibitors in total including large operators, computer companies and countries with their own national pavilions. Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the event will host some 115 000 visitors and hundreds of journalists. This, the ninth Telecom display in Geneva, is held from 11 to 18 October in an enlarged Palexpo exhibition hall that now contains more than 110.000 square meters of display area. The new Hall 6 will be packed, promised Mr. Hensler. Straddling the autoroute, this building houses the “village”, a select meeting place.

ITU Website : http://www.itu.int/WORLD2003/index.html