Altobridge, a Tralee-based wireless communications firm, has been honored as a 2012 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum for its innovative approach to connectivity. The company aims to serve underserved populations, recently winning a contract to provide services in Iraq. CEO Mike Fitzgerald will represent Altobridge at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, highlighting their contributions to the tech sector and community connectivity.
Altobridge, a wireless communications company based in Tralee, has been acknowledged by the World Economic Forum as a 2012 Technology Pioneer due to its significant technological impact anticipated for business and society. This honor places Altobridge among a prestigious list that includes notable companies like Google and Twitter. The firm, which has garnered support from notable investors such as Intel Capital and Enterprise Ireland, aims to mitigate the challenges of providing mobile connectivity to under-served regions.
In recent developments, Altobridge secured a substantial contract with Asiacell, Iraq’s major telecom provider, aiming to deliver comprehensive communication services across the country. Established in 2002, the company’s innovations, particularly the Altobridge lite-site technology, optimize connectivity and reduce operating costs, addressing the needs of isolated communities in various regions including Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
The CEO of Altobridge, Mike Fitzgerald, emphasized the vast number of individuals lacking telephony access, stating, “In the developed world, where mobile voice and mobile broadband access is near ubiquitous, we often forget that nearly a quarter of the world’s population do not have access to any form of telephony services.” This highlights the urgency of solutions provided by Altobridge.
Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive of Shannon Development, praised Altobridge’s achievement, reflecting on Kerry’s recognition as the European Entrepreneurial Region of the Year for 2011. Fitzgerald’s leadership has been pivotal in transforming Altobridge from a small start-up to a global leader, with the company employing approximately 130 individuals.
As a Technology Pioneer, Fitzgerald will represent the company at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, China, an opportunity to engage with other leaders in advancing global communication initiatives. A video interview featuring Fitzgerald discussing Altobridge’s role as a Technology Pioneer is available online.
The World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneer designation is conferred upon firms that are involved in the creation of breakthrough technologies likely to yield substantial impacts in the marketplace and society over the long term. This honor not only enhances the recipient’s credibility but also grants them a platform to network with global leaders and innovators, fostering potential partnerships beneficial for technological advancement and global connectivity. Altobridge exemplifies such innovation by addressing the challenge of connecting remote populations paradoxically situated in an era of technological ubiquity.
In summary, Altobridge’s recognition as a 2012 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum underscores its critical role in transforming global communication, particularly for underserved communities. By securing important contracts and pioneering efficient connectivity solutions, Altobridge not only meets a pressing need but also exemplifies the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence. The leadership of Mike Fitzgerald has positioned the company as a beacon of change within the telecommunications sector, promising continued advancements in global connectivity.
Original Source: www.siliconrepublic.com
