The world of telecoms is gearing up for 6G, the next generation of mobile networks expected by 2030. Promising more than just telecommunications, 6G aims to incorporate features like sensing and massive IoT, ushering in Smart Networks and Services (SNS). This raises questions about the actual need for 6G – is it solving a real market gap, or is it a solution in search of a problem?

This discussion aims to shape the future of 24/7 connectivity for defense forces, ensuring they remain connected, informed, and empowered in the face of evolving challenges. As the modern soldier and battlefield demand uninterrupted connectivity, our experts will delve into the challenges and explore the best tools or combination of tools to meet this critical requirement. Our panelists discuss various options on the table, including private networks on wheels, satellite communication, and Open RAN solutions.

In this session, we explored the unique opportunities and strategies that smaller countries, specifically the Baltic states, can leverage to become frontrunners in Europe’s innovation landscape. Our esteemed panelists, comprising industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, shared their insights on building thriving technology ecosystems, fostering entrepreneurship, attracting investment, and nurturing talent in smaller countries.

In this session, our panel of experts delved into the critical actions that need to be taken to ensure networks can maintain their functionality and performance in the wake of unforeseen events or disruptions. From physical infrastructure attacks to cyber threats at the application level, they explored the potential threats that can jeopardize network operations. Moreover, our panelists discussed a range of solutions including backup infrastructure, dynamic resource allocation, disaster recovery plans, drills, as well as strategies for enhancing network resilience, minimizing downtime, and effectively responding to and recovering from unexpected events.

Andy Billington, Innovation and Digital Architecture Senior Expert at Rail Baltica took the stage to deliver a keynote titled “Digital Railways for the 2030s and Beyond.” This Keynote provides a high-level overview of some key technologies and approaches that can help “future-proof” new infrastructure such as Rail Baltica.

Luukas Ilves is the Undersecretary for Digital Development at Estonia’s Ministry of Economic Affairs. As Estonia’s government chief information officer (CIO), Luukas is responsible for the country’s digital public services, cyber security, and telecommunications. Previously, Luukas has worked as Head of Strategy at Guardtime, a leading European blockchain company, and Deputy Director and Senior Fellow at the Lisbon Council, a leading Brussels-based digital economy think tank.

Keeping up with the pace of innovations and new technologies has proven to be quite a challenge for lawmakers and regulators. While the physical and digital worlds can be difficult to regulate, another challenge is looming on the horizon – the metaverse. In this session, you will hear how these experts approach the technologies on a local and regional level so that they don’t hinder advancement but rather provide a benefit for society.

While the worldwide deployment of 5G networks is ongoing, the discussion on the next generation of mobile networks, i.e., 6G, has already begun. But what is this next-generation network, and why do we need it? Is it simply an evolution of 5G, or is it a revolutionary technology delivering new advanced services or added value?

2022 was another year where mission-critical networks have been tested throughout various calamities in the region. Countries and services involved in critical communications are considering switching to mobile communications, but, is a time of crisis the right time for such a change? In this session, our experts will be discussing the 3GPP technology standards that enable mission-critical mobile networks, the vulnerabilities of existing legacy systems, the challenges of changing networks, and more.

There may not have been a single debate during 2022 that has been raging hotter than OTT regulation. The arguments range from a lack of regulatory clarity, to the sustainability of current business models, questioning if services can be considered networks, as well as the moral dilemma of what is considered fair or unfair in business.