Despite the trough Awards hit a peak - World Communications Awards - Industry Trend or Event

CommunicationsWeek International, August 13, 2001

The third annual World Communications Awards reported a record number of entries this year, giving evidence that a sentiment of enthusiasm perseveres in the depressed telecommunications industry. A panel of industry experts met last week to judge the entries and choose the shortlist.

But the judges converged on London at a time when Industry Job redundancies have totalled nearly 300,000. "The number of entries is impressive, given that we're all aware of the difficulty of the industry being In meltdown mode," said Michael Potter, an Independent consultant and chairman of the judges' panel.

The judges, however, were not swayed by current stock prices or the financial situation of operators. "Best balance sheet does not equal best carrier," explained one judge.

Many entries were a "refreshing change" from an Industry that often trades in hype, said one judge.

Judges were impressed by low churn rates and positive end-user testimonials that supported many entries, Indicating that some of the world's largest operators are set to weather the difficult technology market conditions.

Judges were also impressed by entries that proved able to "manage change and increase competition" In the industry.

The winners will be revealed at the World Communications Awards Gala dinner on 1 October in London. See page three for the shortlist of entries.