2030 Keynote Panel: Where the connectivity and digital infrastructure industry has come from, and where it’s going

Connectivity and digital infrastructure have become essential – they underpin global economic activity and consequently attract significant investment. As demand continues to grow globally, notable visionaries have made a huge impact, and yet the industry dynamics have shifted, with hyperscalers driving innovation and investment. The connectivity industry needs revolutionary change to seize the opportunity of AI and automation and maintain reelvance. Astute identification of customer needs and emerging opportunities, coupled with close collaboration and partnerships with technology vendors and service enablers will be crucial to success. The stakes are high, so how can leading network operators identify winning strategies? This panel will bring together industry heavyweights to share foresight and predictions around the following questions: 

• What lessons can be learnt from previous success stories? 

• Which cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven networks, quantum communications, and satellite 5G hybrids hold the most promise? 

• How do key technology partners see the industry evolving? 

• How are business models changing? What is the appetite for M&A or restructuring to leverage assets and people most effectively?  

• Will capex continue to be driven towards network expansion and new service development, or will priorities shift? 

• Will partnerships take the lead to maximise growth engines, or will competition rule? 

• How can carriers position themselves for sustainable growth by putting customer needs first?