Telecoms.com Podcast

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.

Dag Peak, the Chief Product and Chief Technology Officer at Alianza, joins the discussion about enhancing human connectivity in the telecom industry. They explore the evolving telecommunications landscape, emphasizing the shift to cloud-based solutions and the impact of vendor consolidation. The conversation touches on AI's dual potential to both innovate and complicate telecom services, as well as the competitive challenges facing traditional companies against disruptive OTT services. They also dissect the implications of U.S. state pressures on corporate strategies, particularly in the tech sector.

In a lively discussion, the hosts tackle the ramifications of U.S. trade tariffs, comparing them to historic protectionist policies and exploring their impact on the telecom sector. Huawei's surprising growth amid geopolitical strife ignites debate, while the pros and cons of virtual RAN technologies reveal their transformative potential. The conversation flows into the complexities of global supply chains and corporate strategies in a shifting landscape, highlighting emerging partnerships and tech market trends.

Neil McRae of Juniper Networks, a telecom expert, discusses the highlights from the recent MWC trade show. He dives into the ongoing debate between private 5G and Wi-Fi, and speculates on whether 6G will ever make a significant impact. The conversation touches on Open RAN, examining its challenges and the diminished excitement surrounding the term. With a mix of industry insights and a pinch of humor from his pinball den, McRae explores how innovation continues to evolve in the telecom space.

The guys came straight from an early lunch to welcome the pod’s first ever lawyer – David Hunt – as their special guest. David specialises in the interface between companies and governments, so the conversation covered a wide range of topics, covering all parts of the globe. The US, Europe, and China inevitably featured strongly as the implications of recent developments on global trade were also explored, before they concluded with an analysis of Nvidia’s attempts to get into telecoms.