On 1 September 2021, the first session of the ITU Digital World took place under the theme: "Wired, wireless, worldwide: what lies ahead for networks". The session took place in a virtual format using the Zoom platform.
The event was attended by representatives of regional and international telecommunication organizations.
The aforementioned session was opened and welcomed by Houlin Zhao, ITU General Secretary and Phan Tam, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Information and Communication of Viet Nam.
The ITU General Secretary emphasized that since the COVID-19 pandemic, ICT services have become an important tool for all people, facilitating access to health services, education and enabling them to work from home. Every day, more and more people are connecting to the Internet in search of high-quality services, speed and reliability.
Many organizations and most countries are working towards connecting everyone by 2030, which will further increase the demand for fast and reliable networks.
This session was moderated by Vaishali Rastogi, CEO, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Singapore.
This session addressed the following questions:
- How will network operators cope with the demand for services?
- How do they enable new technologies to function and improve the user experience on the Internet? Is network deployment possible?
- How do network operators balance falling consumer prices with the need for major investment in network upgrades?
- What kind of wired or wireless connectivity will future wireless networks require - and could this be the key to universal access?
- How can network operators apply automation and machine learning to improve network functionality, cost-effectiveness and security?
The speakers were:
- Miro Salem, Global Head of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Networks at Rakuten Mobile, Inc;
- Jocelyn Karakula, CTIO;
- Neha Satak, CEO of Astrom;
- Konstantinos Masselos, President, Hellenic Telecommunication and Postal Commission (EETT);
- Arti Holla-Maini, General Secretary, Europe, Middle East and Africa Satellite Operators Association (ESOA / GSC);
- Mikael Rylander, Head of Technology, Nokia Networks.
During the discussion, it was noted that cable remains the most effective means of providing broadband access and it retains the potential for the future to increase data transfer speeds. Where cable and other terrestrial connections are not possible, the alternative is satellite, which is also improving. Nevertheless, its cost remains rather high. Offering services to commercial organizations were identified by participants as the most promising area for generating revenue. Examples were given of the use of networks - including 5th generation networks - by large companies such as Toyota.
The discussion was summarized by ITU General Secretary Houlin Zhao, who noted in particular that to date, the full potential of 3rd and 4th generation networks has not been utilized and that the efforts of researchers, mobile operators and regulators must be directed towards a solution.
At the end of the session, moderator Vaishali Rastogi noted that the next session will be held on 8 September 2021 and thanked the panelists for sharing their experiences and thanked all participants for connecting.
