ITW Global Leaders’ Forum (GLF) releases “Tomorrow’s Telco” and announces new programme structure to meet the connectivity requirements for the next decade
“Tomorrow’s Telco” is produced collaboratively by GLF Board members as a roadmap for network transformation
London, 9 November 2022
The ITW Global Leaders’ Forum (GLF) released today a collaboratively produced thought piece “Tomorrow’s Telco” that outlines a consensus view on network architecture, capabilities, and requirements needed to meet customer expectations and create value in the coming years.
This thought piece has prompted the redesign of the GLF’s programmes and working groups to specify key areas for collaborative action and focus. The GLF’s mission is to create networks that underpin future digital innovation based on the principles of interoperable, ubiquitous connectivity and value creation.
The fundamental transformation of the connectivity industry is not optional and the GLF Board has taken a view on the future connectivity requirements so that members can identify the specific areas where we need to work together, and partner with the broader ICT ecosystem, to deliver.
The most recent GLF Board meeting, held in London alongside Capacity Europe, saw the GLF Board approve both “Tomorrow’s Telco” for publication and the GLF’s new four-pillared programme strategy.
These pillars are:
• Digital Infrastructure 2030:
Defining next generation network architecture to ensure our networks are a relevant pedestal to support future societies and economies
• Use Case Enablement:
Creating services on top of interoperable infrastructures to create the best value for the community
• Operational Transformation:
Creating the ‘gold standard’ of interoperability and on-demand services across the operational lifecycle
• People:
Driving diversity and inclusion across the industry and developing the next generation of talent for the international carrier industry
Elisabetta Romano, Chair of the GLF Board, CEO of Sparkle and Chief Network, Operations and Wholesale Office at TIM said upon publication of “Tomorrow’s Telco”: “New customer demands, changing competitive dynamics and emerging business models call for a profound transformation of the connectivity industry. To meet new customer expectations and support future needs, providers must work to identify areas of cooperation with the ultimate goal of delivering a seamless connectivity experience.
Delivering “Tomorrow’s Telco” together as an industry - also partnering with the broader ICT ecosystem - is paramount to serve customers and enable the on-going innovation and digital transformation across the board.”
Rolf Nafziger, SVP, Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier and and GLF Board Member stated, “The telco of tomorrow is fast approaching, with requirements for enhanced connectivity that must be fulfilled. It is crucial to begin work today which will ensure that we can meet those challenges. With innovative solutions that put us, as an industry, in pole position to drive the future of the communications. We can only do this by working together – a cooperative strategy that has also been a guiding principle here at Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier. And why we are intent on continuing to make contributions to the advancement of GLF initiatives.”
Emmanuel Rochas, CEO, Orange International Carriers and GLF Board Member said, “Infrastructures and Network services have always been at the “core” of Telco value proposition. In the past few years, Cloud transformation is pushing us to reinvent ourselves. To remain relevant to our customers and continue supporting societal aspirations, our industry must evolve toward more programmable, on-demand and interoperable networks as a natural evolution of our activities. This requires strong involvement of our community toward network softwarisation, digitization and APIsation to transform customer experience. At Orange International carriers we are strongly engaged in this transformation journey and thrilled to contribute through GLF Tomorrow Telco initiative to support the global digital transformation.”
Annabel Helm, Director of the GLF and GLF Community stated, “This thought-leadership piece is an important step for the GLF and its publication alongside the announcement of our new programme structure truly demonstrates the determination of the connectivity industry to deliver seamless end-point to end-point experiences for customers. This document also clearly highlights that there is a lot of work required to achieve these ambitious goals. Collaborative action is needed and it is needed fast. Our four new programme pillars give us a strong matrix and focus for delivery. The GLF welcomes and encourages all industry stakeholders to join us in our mission to realise this vision.”.
“Tomorrow’s Telco” is available for download HERE and includes further details on the GLF Programmes and working groups.
About ITW Global Leaders’ Forum
The ITW Global Leaders’ Forum (GLF) is a network of the leaders from the world’s largest International ICT service providers, who convene to discuss strategic issues and to agree collaborative activities with the aim of upholding the principle of interoperability and ubiquitous international and technological coverage. The international wholesale industry is a critical part of the global ICT ecosystem, providing the backbone that enables digital services to be distributed around the world. The GLF’s primary objective is to provide leadership and direction for the industry by advocating common priorities that improve interconnectivity so that new digital services can be delivered at scale anywhere in the world. Please visit itwglf.com for more information.
Press Contact:
Elena Harris, GLF Community and Communications Manager, ITW Global Leaders’ Forum
elena.harris@itwglf.com