In a rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape, a panel of esteemed industry experts convened during the 17th edition of the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit to share profound insights on optimal infrastructure deployment.
Under the adept leadership of Zakaria Chouaib, Managing Director Africa & Middle East, TMT & Infrastructure Lead at PMP Strategy, the panelists, comprised of influential figures from leading companies, explored a myriad of critical topics. These encompassed the pros and cons of infrastructure sharing, the strategic investments required for the future, the criteria for selecting deployment strategies, the profound impact of artificial intelligence and the visionary perspectives on the networks that lie ahead.
This panel boasted individuals with vast experience and deep expertise in the telecommunications industry:
- Günther Ottendorfer - CTIO, Ooredoo Qatar
- Stelios Savvides – CTO, Vodafone Oman
- Danial Mausoof -Head of Sales for Mobile Networks MEA, Nokia
- Samer Geissah - Director, Technology Strategy and Architecture, TELUS
- Maria Stebneva – VP - Global Head of TMT, Luxoft
- Pawel Workiewicz - Head of Business Development Division in APAC & MEA, Comarch
Collaboration in Infrastructure Sharing
The panelists emphasized the pivotal role of collaboration and competition in infrastructure sharing. Ottendorfer, shared his experiences in overcoming challenges through collaboration and leveraging existing providers for data centers. His observations regarding the evolving landscape, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, were particularly noteworthy.
Savvides delved into the challenges of replication and stressed the need for a strategic approach to investments. He emphasized the importance of bringing added value to the market and evaluating investments based on long-term perspectives.
With Nokia's extensive presence in the telecommunications industry, Mausoof provided insights into the intricate dynamics of sales for mobile networks in the Middle East and Africa. His perspectives on the ever-changing landscape and Nokia's role in the evolving digital infrastructure were enlightening.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence
Moving onto this topic, Geissah shed light on the immediate savings achieved through data sciences and artificial intelligence. His observations on the immediate savings from data sciences and the dual challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence added depth to the conversation.
Stebneva posed critical questions about innovative financing products for infrastructure investments. The conversation explored financing strategies, especially in the context of the global shift brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and after.
Addressing regulatory challenges and the necessity for collaboration, Workiewicz highlighted the significance of fostering regulatory environments that actively promote collaboration. This underscores the importance of aligning regulatory frameworks with collaborative efforts, emphasizing a cooperative approach that supports innovation and industry-wide partnerships. He explained the need for clear business models and revenue-sharing mechanisms to ensure that infrastructure investments are placed in the right areas.
The rich and diverse insights shared by the panelists provided an in-depth understanding of the complexities and opportunities within the telecommunications industry.
As the world hurtles towards a more interconnected and technologically advanced future, the importance of strategic investments, collaborative efforts and innovative financing becomes even more pronounced. The industry's ability to adeptly navigate regulatory challenges and leverage transformative technologies like artificial intelligence will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the networks of tomorrow.
As stakeholders embark on this journey, the expert insights shared during this comprehensive panel discussion serve as an invaluable guide for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. The nuanced perspectives offered by each panelist contribute to a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the dynamic realm of telecommunications infrastructure deployment.
