The Great Telco Debate never disappoints with its ability to bring the brightest minds in telecoms together to challenge assumptions, spark ideas, and confront the big questions shaping the future. This year’s gathering in London was no exception, bringing sharp debates on everything from 5G and 6G investments to the practical applications for telco AI.
The event had an impressive turnout: over 116 senior industry leaders gathered in person, with more than 1,000 colleagues tuning in online. The hybrid format, seamlessly executed by the TelecomTV team, brought together a global audience for a spirited exchange of ideas. Whether you were seated in the room or watching from afar, it felt like you were part of something important – shaping the very fabric of connectivity.
So, the big question – what’s next for telcos?
The Great Telco Debate 2024 opened with a sharp focus on the ‘telco as a platform’ model – a concept that’s been making waves across the industry. Is it the answer to delivering more customer value, or just another fleeting buzzword? Panellists explored both sides, discussing the transformative potential for enhancing service delivery and engagement alongside the real-world challenges of making it work.
Adding depth to the discussion, Nokia’s Erez Sverdlov shared insights into the power of network APIs. Highlighting Nokia’s Network as Code platform and developer portal, Sverdlov painted a clear picture of how telcos can monetise their network assets and unlock untapped potential. It was a compelling argument for innovation as the pathway to profitability!
As expected, AI sparked one of the most interesting debates: how can telcos make money from AI? While AI is already helping optimise networks and improve customer experiences, the real question was about profitability.
The verdict? Instead of reinventing the wheel, telcos should focus on partnering with existing AI providers, using proven models and technologies rather than building bespoke customer-focused solutions from scratch. This approach not only saves time and resources but also fast-tracks results.
There was also debate about 6G. Should telcos invest in next-generation networks now or double down on maximising 5G’s capabilities first? The room was divided. Advocates for early 6G investment argued that staying ahead in the global innovation race is non-negotiable, while others made a strong case for squeezing every ounce of value from 5G before proceeding.
Takeaways for the road
As the day wrapped up, I found myself reflecting on the key takeaways. The telco industry is at a crossroads, and while challenges abound, so do opportunities. However, collaboration – not just within the industry but across sectors – is going to be crucial.
From redefining service models to navigating the next big leap in network technology, The Great Telco Debate 2024 delivered insights that were as engaging as they were important.
To the TelecomTV team and everyone involved, thank you for an unforgettable day. If you want to catch any of the action take a look at the recordings here: https://www.telecomtv.com/content/gtd-videos/
