The conference is being organized by the Université du Québec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
It aims to reach university researchers, professionals and industry specialists who are interested in original research and innovative applications related to telecommunications in a confined area or an underground environment.
Topics discussed may include the use of antennas underground, automation, wireless vehicle location technology, collision avoidance and networks.
There is a discounted rate for those who register before June 1. Participants pay $575, students $325, and exhibitors $900. After June 1, the registration fee is $675 ($425 for students and $1,100 for exhibitors).
Fees cover all presentations, workshops and meals.
About 120 people attended the first conference, held in 2005, said conference co-ordinator Hasnaâ Aniss.
She expects 250 people to attend this year. There will be presentations, a trade show, and two workshops.
One of the workshops will be devoted to problems with underground communications, while the other will look at technological solutions being developed to solve these problems.
The biggest technological development in underground communications over the past few years has been improvements in projecting voice and data information over wireless networks, said Aniss. “This is important for worker safety,” she said.
