An estimated 17,000 people gathered for the communications industry's annual international showcase last week.

The TMA2001 conference and exhibition first came to the city five years ago and offers an insight into the world of digital connections.

Despite talk of a global slowdown, the industry insists demand is stronger than ever for voice and data services.

A claim that was reinforced by the number of world-class exhibitors on show, including Cellnet, Cisco and IBM. Smaller firms were also well represented and plenty of enthusiastic buyers visited the three-day event.

Mobile communication industry leader Cellnet displayed the latest General Packet Radio Service developments (GPRS) that work alongside a conventional digital network to allow mobile business users to operate exactly as they would in an office.

Cellnet spokesman Robert Dunstone said: "With packet technology, users log on to a data network and continually send and receive data as and when required."

The show was split between the Metropole Exhibition Halls and the Grand Hotel and adjacent Brighton Centre with a constant stream of foot traffic between venues.

Coverage from more than 300 exhibiting companies extended from fixed networks to mobile, cable and satellite operations.

Brighton-based mobile commerce specialists Danet exhibited and Ashley Bowen, vice president of consultancy, said: "We have exhibited at TMA for many years because it's the place to market new ideas and make sure our name is known in the industry."

TMA2001 was organised by TMA Ventures and hosted by the Communications Management Association (CMA).

www.thecma.com
www.danet-uk.com
www.iomart.com