Exclusive Interviews

Mobile connectivity is shaping the way we do day to day activities. Whether it be mobile banking, mobile health or surfing the world-wide web, mobile coverage has become a part of who we are. Service providers are aware of the benefits mobile coverage presents, but when it comes to deploying new coverage, operators are faced with many challenges. Speaking to Telecom Review, Rajesh Mishra, CTO, Parallel Wireless, discussed in depth those challenges and highlighted the importance and use cases of the company's vRAN-based solution.

With a clear vision to "Connect the Nation", Ogero has made great strides this year thanks to the efforts deployed to improve Lebanon's infrastructure and enable growth in the country. Speaking to Telecom Review, Imad Kreidieh, director general and chairman of Ogero, declared that the Lebanese people will feel the immediate impact of the improvements undertaken by Ogero to put in a place a solid fiber infrastructure, which will pave the way towards FTTC and FTTH deployment.

Highlighting the benefits of InMobiles' new platform Apollo, Charbel Litany, CEO, explained to Telecom Review how this platform benefits operators, service developers, and end users. "Apollo will shock everyone," he said, confident that it will transform the whole industry.

The evolution of wireless technology, coupled with the emergence of smart cities and demand from organizations, particularly in the transport sector, for robust, high-bandwidth connectivity, has opened a whole new set of applications for the wireless industry, InfiNet Wireless CEO Dmitry Okorokov told Telecom Review ahead of Mobile World Congress 2018.

Highlighting the Lebanese operator's achievements in 2017, in an exclusive interview with Telecom Review, Emre Gurkan, CEO, touch, shed light on touch's leadership position in the mobile telecommunications market, as well on the company's plans and aspirations for the upcoming year, notably in terms of digitization.

As any seasoned traveler will know, international roaming rates for calls, data and SMS can be expensive. What if you could stay connected globally without carrier roaming charges? That's what Joseph Ged, former CEO of Ooredoo Algeria and board member of Ooredoo Tunisia, set out to accomplish. Speaking to Telecom Review, Ged talked up his new mobile service Wonet which allows you to make and receive free and cost-effective calls worldwide by using a "virtual number".

In a wide-ranging interview with Telecom Review, Ibrahim Gedeon, chief technology officer of Canadian telecom provider, TELUS, talked up the company's role in making 'generational investments' for Canadians such as rolling out fiber and preparing for 5G. Gedeon, recognized by Telecom Review as 'Industry CTO of the Year' in 2017, also shared his perspective on what makes an effective chief technology officer.

Optical fibre launched the age of optical communications and ultimately transformed the way we create, share, and consume information, said Vanesa Diaz, Market Development Manager EMEA, Corning Optical Communications. Speaking to Telecom Review, she shed light on Corning's main innovative products and explained how fibre can lead the 5G revolution in the world.

Dr. Khaled Biyari, Group CEO of Saudi Telecom Company (STC), the largest telecommunications firm in the Middle East, speaks to Telecom Review about the company's successful 2017 and future aspirations. Despite challenges facing the legacy telecom sector, STC is investing in talent and partnerships to facilitate a digital future.

New fiber systems that are coming into the Middle East and Africa are as much a threat as an opportunity to data side of the satellite industry, claims Luxembourg-based satellite giant SES. Speaking to Telecom Review, Vice President, EMEA Fixed Data Sales at SES Networks, Simon Gatty Saunt said fiber roll-out has actually positively impacted SES's GEO and MEO deployments in the region. Mr. Saunt touched on other challenges facing the satellite industry today and also touted SES's move to create two business units last year.