Telecoms.com Podcast

6G, Open RAN and Google Cloud by Telecoms.com

John Strand, an insightful analyst and special guest at the Digital Transformation World 2025, dives deep into the telecom landscape. He reviews the latest trends, especially the impact of AI and 6G on customer service. The unique challenges faced by Mavenir highlight the complexities within the industry. Additionally, the conversation moves to Trump's new MVNO, discussing how it might reshape consumer awareness and the competitive market. Strand also touches on the ethical implications when politics intertwine with telecom branding.

The lads were delighted to welcome special guest, Analyst Paolo Pescatore, to the latest pod. Iain and Scott had already downed a couple before recording, so discipline was especially challenging. Luckily all the podders had been at the grand launch of VodafoneThree so they’re able to bang on about that for a bit. They eventually turn to the latest news from Apple, with Paolo having attended the supporting event in California earlier in the week, before concluding by pondering the role of emerging technologies in consumer devices.

The guys were delighted to welcome special guest Juliette Scott from Openreach, following their half-term break. Openreach is the UK’s biggest wholesaler of telecoms infrastructure, including all the legacy stuff, and Juliette is one of the people responsible for migration from old to new. So they start by talking about that, as well as the broader UK fixed line telecoms environment. They eventually move on to acknowledge the completion of the merger between UK MNOs Vodafone and Three, before concluding with a spot of light AI doom-mongering.

Brandon Larson, who leads product development for AI solutions at Mavenir, dives deep into the transformative role of AI in telecommunications. He discusses how AI can enhance operational speed and reduce manual processes while acknowledging the ethical concerns of over-reliance on technology. The conversation touches on BT's recent announcements and highlights the need for cultural change in adopting new telecom innovations. Amidst intriguing insights, they also explore the implications of AI on the workforce and the complexities of prompt engineering in the industry.

6G, GSMA and geopolitics by Telecoms.com

Dave Wright, a spectrum policy consultant, dives into the complexities of spectrum demand in telecommunications. He discusses why operators are constantly lobbying for more spectrum, delving into the tug-of-war between cellular and Wi-Fi technologies. The conversation also touches on evolving U.S. trade policies toward China, highlighting the geopolitical implications of tariffs and technology sales. With insights on the challenges faced by the telecom industry, Wright offers a compelling look at the intersection of policy, technology, and global relations.

The lads are uncharacteristically smart this week ahead of an event Scott chaired immediately after recording. One of the speakers at that event was Analyst Roz Roseboro of Omdia and she was able to join the pod for a bit. They start by reflecting on another recent event they all attended called FutureNet World, which covered a lot of telecoms industry hot topics. They go on to talk about AI, which was the theme of Roz’s event, before concluding by questioning the utility of higher frequency spectrum.

Phil Mottram, head of the Aruba networking business at HPE and a former Vodafone, BT, and Telstra professional, dives into the complexities of IT security and the state of the sovereign cloud. He discusses the fierce competition between cellular and Wi-Fi technologies, delving into how each plays a pivotal role in connectivity. The conversation takes an intriguing turn with a look at Apple's legal challenges, and Mottram shares insights on navigating the evolving landscape of network security amidst rising geopolitical tensions.

The conversation dives into Nokia's staggering 70% profit decline and the impact of tariffs on their business. There’s a humorous yet insightful reflection on AI's role in journalism and creativity, raising concerns about authenticity. As the Open RAN market evolves, discussions touch on its challenges and skepticism amid shifting corporate strategies. Finally, geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding the EU's scrutiny of American tech giants, add another layer to the unfolding narrative in the telecom landscape.