Digitel Talk

How do we prepare the next generation for a world where AI and connectivity are a given? 

In this episode, host Ian Ginn welcomes Martine de Leeuw, Co-founder and CMO of Chat License, a startup providing a digital "driver's licence" for children.

Martina explains the philosophy behind Chat License: a science-backed, gamified app developed with Erasmus University Rotterdam that helps families navigate the transition to a child's first digital device. Rather than just restricting access, Chat License empowers children with the skills to handle photo sharing, scams, and digital etiquette.

What you’ll learn:

• Why "prevention" is key to tackling cybercrime and digital addiction.
• The role of telcos and cities (like Amsterdam and Rotterdam) in promoting digital citizenship.
• How to have meaningful conversations with your children about their favourite games, like FIFA or Roblox.
• Martina’s advice for entrepreneurs looking to use AI for good.

Links & Resources:

• Chat License

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth.

Guest Bio:

ChatLicense is a science backed gamified guide that enables digital healthy habits & skills from the start. This first app of the online world of children acts as a 'driver’s license' - empowering kids and their parents to navigate the online world safely, wisely, and confidently. Our goal is to foster happy cyber vibes in a world where digital connectivity is a commodity and where rapid developments continue to reshape how we live, learn, and connect. Together, we’re shaping a safer, more positive digital future starting with the next generation.
 
Founder JungleBird Agency While meeting entrepreneurs from all over the world on the same journey towards a better future JungleBird Agency was born. Wherever triple-bottom-line thinking is at heart or just a start, we help increase their impact.

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn
• Editor: Francis Wright
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn
• Project manager: Ivana Duric

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You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

How do you connect the 3.5 billion people currently facing a "usage gap" in global connectivity? In this episode of Digitel Talk, host Ian Ginn catches up with first-ever return guest Carlos Oba, the Founder, CEO, and CIO of Dots for Inc. 

Fresh off their win at the MWC GloMo Awards for Digital Inclusion, Carlos reveals the incredible growth of his "DC Box" network. We explore how his team is creating a sustainable digital ecosystem that allows people to stay in their beloved villages rather than migrating to expensive, overcrowded cities for work.

Links & Resources:

• GLOMO Awards
• MWC 2026
• Dots for Inc.

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth.

Guest Bio:

Carlos Oba is the founder of Dots for Inc., an entrepreneur dedicated to solving social issues in rural Africa. Inspired by his experience in Tanzania, he realized that digital connectivity is essential for sustainable development. In 2021, he launched Dots for Inc. to provide low-cost communication infrastructure and smartphones. Currently operating in Benin and Senegal, his platform has empowered over 750,000 people with access to education, finance, and digital gig work. Carlos strives to bridge the digital divide, ensuring rural communities can thrive in the global digital economy through innovative, community-based business models. 

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn
• Editor: Francis Wright
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn
• Project manager: Ivana Duric

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If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

What happens when a protest campaign decides to build its own smartphone? In this episode of Digitel Talk, Ian Ginn welcomes Monique Lempers, Chief Impact Officer at Fairphone, a social enterprise proving that successful business doesn't have to exploit the planet.

Monique shares the 15-year journey of Fairphone—from "shouting outside the tent" to becoming an award-winning industry leader. We explore the toughest realities of the electronics supply chain and the "messy bits" of ethical tech, including:

• The DRC Connection: Insights from the leadership team’s recent visit to the mines in Congo.
• The AI Contradiction: Navigating the massive energy consumption of AI-enabled devices and the call for renewable power.
• Total Cost of Ownership: Why repairable, modular phones are actually more cost-effective for both consumers and procurement officers.
• Radical Transparency: Why Fairphone is 100% honest about not being 100% fair... yet.
• The Living Wage: How "carrot and stick" supplier incentives are filling the income gap for the world's most vulnerable workers.

Links & Resources:

• Fairphone
• GSMA
• MWC GLOMO Awards

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth.

Guest Bio:

Monique is an executive leader in the sustainable business for consumer electronics. Her experience on this topic spans over 25 years, including 10 years at Fairphone, where she built the impact strategy and established the company as the undisputed leader in sustainability in its sector. Before joining Fairphone, Monique built and led several high impact and international industry coalitions in
Electronics, Mining and Apparel at The Sustainable Trade Initiative. In her earlier days she advised a variety of companies and institutions on the topic of Sustainability and Ethical sourcing in her role of sustainability advisor at Pricewaterhousecoopers

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn
• Editor: Francis Wright
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn
• Project manager: Ivana Duric

Send us your feedback

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Follow Digitel Talk

Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact [email protected]

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

In the opening episode of Season 3, Ian Ginn is joined by Mats Granryd, former Director General of the GSMA and one of the most influential voices in global telecoms, to explore what real digital inclusion looks like — and why sustainability is no longer a “nice to have”, but the foundation of good business.

From bridging the mobile usage gap, to ethical leadership, AI’s impact on energy and society, and why EQ may matter more than IQ in the future of work, this conversation goes beyond networks and numbers to focus on people, purpose, and progress.

Mats shares personal reflections from his leadership journey, real-world stories of connectivity transforming lives, and a powerful vision for a more connected, sustainable planet — where technology works with humanity, not against it.

A thoughtful, optimistic start to Season 3 for anyone interested in telecoms, leadership, sustainability, and technology for good.

Links & Resources:

• Telenor
• GSMA

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth.

Guest Bio:

Mats Granryd is a visionary business leader dedicated to creating transformative change for businesses, people, and the planet. He is passionate about building profitable businesses by harnessing the power of connectivity to create a better future for all. As the former Director General of the GSMA, the global mobile industry association, and with decades of experience from global listed companies, including executive leadership roles at Ericsson and President and CEO of Tele 2. Mats has been a driving force in the global deployment of 5G and IoT and led the mobile industry to become the first industry to commit to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn
• Editor: Francis Wright
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn
• Project manager: Ivana Duric

Send us your feedback

Support the show

Follow Digitel Talk

Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact [email protected]

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

In this special Season 2 wrap-up episode, Digitel Talk host Ian Ginn is joined by telecoms industry leader Chris Hogg to reflect on a remarkable year of conversations exploring telecoms and technology for good.

Together, they revisit standout stories from across the season — from satellites using Bluetooth to reach the unconnected, and AI helping clear landmines, to drones saving lives, inclusive design for people with disabilities, sustainable energy projects, and community-driven connectivity.

With 32 episodes, voices from 78 countries, and insights gathered from global events including AI for Good, Network X, FYUZ, and Connected Britain, this episode offers a thoughtful look back at the ideas, innovations and people shaping a more connected, human-centred digital future.

Whether you’ve listened to every episode or are discovering Digitel Talk for the first time, this wrap-up is your gateway to the stories that mattered most — and a preview of what’s coming next.

Links & Resources:

• Evergreen Strategy Partners
• AI for Good Global Summit (ITU)
• Network X
• GLOMO Awards
• FYUZ 
• Connected Britain
• Telecom Infra Project (TIP)

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth.

Guest Bio:

Chris Hogg is the founder of Evergreen Strategy Partners - a telecoms industry consultancy specialising in advising industry organisations and solving industry level challenges. Previous clients include organisations such as GCF - the mobile industry’s device certification programme and NGMN Alliance - which works on 6G requirements, sustainability and softwarization of networks.  Chris is also a former GLOMO judge in the category of Best mobile innovation for Climate action (2024). Prior to setting up his business Chris represented Nortel in industry standards bodies such as 3GPP, ETSI and ITU-T.  

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn
• Editor: Francis Wright
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn
• Project manager: Ivana Duric

Send us your feedback

Support the show

Follow Digitel Talk

Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact [email protected]

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

In this episode of Digitel Talk, host Ian Ginn is joined by Nat-Sy Missamou, VP at Orange Energies, to explore how connectivity, mobile money and clean energy are coming together to transform lives across Africa.

Nat-Sy shares how Orange evolved from powering telecom towers with solar energy to enabling households, entrepreneurs and entire communities to access affordable, reliable electricity — without the burden of upfront costs. Through innovative pay-as-you-go models, mobile money and smart energy platforms, Orange Energies is reducing risk, increasing trust, and unlocking opportunity where it matters most.

From solar-powered hair salons and community mini-grids to life-changing stories of small businesses thriving with reliable energy, this conversation reveals why access to clean power isn’t just an infrastructure challenge — it’s a human one.

A powerful reminder that when technology is designed around people, it can drive economic resilience, dignity and long-term impact.

Links & Resources:

• Orange
• News: Orange Energies opens up its digital platform

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth.

Guest Bio:

Nat-Sy Missamou, Senior Vice President of Orange Energies for Africa and the Middle East: With over 30 years of experience in the telco sector, Missamou leads Orange Energies' mission to make clean and affordable energy accessible across 12 countries in Africa and the Middle East. Her role focuses on leveraging digital and financial solutions, such as the "Orange Smart Energies" platform which uses a pay-as-you-go model for solar equipment and smart meters.

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn
• Editor: Francis Wright
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn
• Project manager: Ivana Duric

Send us your feedback

Support the show

Follow Digitel Talk

Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact [email protected]

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

In this episode of Digitel Talk, host Ian Ginn speaks with Hans Similon, General Manager of Citymesh Safety Drone, about the world’s first nationwide drone network designed to support emergency services. Hans shares how Citymesh deploys drones-in-a-box across Belgium, ready to take off within 90 seconds to assist fire brigades and police with real-time HD and thermal imaging.

Key highlights:

• World-first innovation: 70 drones deployed nationwide, controlled via 4G/5G with dual-modem redundancy.
• Impact on emergency response: Scaling interventions up or down based on live aerial insights.
• Safety measures: BVLOS operations, automated return-to-home, and parachute deployment for risk mitigation.
• Connectivity automation: Role of Inmanta in managing private and public networks for reliability.
• Future vision: Dual-use cases for national safety and security, and potential NATO-wide coverage.

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth.

Guest Bio:

Hans Similon is a purpose-driven innovation leader with over two decades of experience at the intersection of technology, customer experience, and business development. Currently General Manager of the Safety Drone division at Citymesh, he leads pioneering work in “drone-in-a-box” solutions that provide real-time support to emergency services across Belgium.

The Citymesh Safety Drone Network is more than a drone fleet—it is a strategic infrastructure layer that enhances public safety today, and national security tomorrow. It provides Belgium with a sovereign, scalable, and smart serial solution ready for any scenario.

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn
• Editor: Francis Wright
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn
• Project manager: Ivana Duric

Send us your feedback

Support the show

Follow Digitel Talk

Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact [email protected]

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

Fibre speeds without the fibre build?
In this episode, Ian sits down with Dr. Omar Bakr, Chief Scientist and Co-Founder of Tarana Wireless, whose mission is to accelerate global access to fast, reliable and affordable broadband.

Omar shares the remarkable story of how Tarana emerged from PhD research into a breakthrough wireless platform now delivering gigabit-class fixed broadband — even without line of sight. He breaks down the technology in refreshingly simple terms, explains why “the last 10 metres” is the industry’s biggest challenge, and reveals how smarter wireless could help democratise connectivity around the world.

A conversation full of insight, big thinking, and human warmth — including Omar’s reflections on purpose, resilience, and the legacy he hopes to leave.

Links & Resources:

• Tarana Wireless
• GLOMO Awards
• Network X

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth.

Guests Bio:

As founder and Chief Scientist of Tarana Wireless Inc., Omar Bakr was a key architect behind the technology powering the biggest breakthrough in wireless non-line-of-sight communications in the past 20 years. His leadership and contributions to the company’s core technology development as well as in business development and financing have been instrumental in driving the company on its current trajectory of rapid growth. His prior experience includes design and deployment of WiLDNet, a revolutionary low-cost, high‑performance wireless network, as part of UC Berkeley’s TIER Group. He has published technical papers on multi-antenna beamforming, wireless spectrum reuse, and delay-tolerant networking, and has been granted several patents in wireless communications and adaptive array technologies. Omar received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT in 2001 and 2003, and Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science from UC Berkeley in 2010.

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn
• Editor: Francis Wright
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn
• Project manager: Ivana Duric

Send us your feedback

Support the show

Follow Digitel Talk

Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact [email protected]

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

Recorded live at FYUZ, this Digitel Talk wrap-up brings together three industry powerhouses — Stéphane Téral, Geoff Hollingworth, and Vishal Mathur — for a fast-paced, insightful conversation on how cloudification, AI, and open architectures are reshaping the telecoms landscape.

From the cultural challenges of transforming traditional telcos, to why openness is no longer optional, to the role of AI in driving network efficiency and innovation — this episode captures the energy, debates, and breakthroughs that defined FYUZ.

Whether you’re a network strategist, technologist, policymaker, or simply curious about where the industry is heading, this wrap-up distils the must-know insights from one of the sector’s most important events.

Links & Resources:

• FYUZ by Telecom Infra Project
• Telecom Infra Project
• Téral Research
• Rakuten Symphony

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth.

Guests Bios:

Stéphane Téral is a leading telecom analyst with over 36 years of industry
experience, including nearly three decades in Silicon Valley. He specializes in next-
gen wireless infrastructure—5G, 6G, open RAN, cloud networking, and CSP digital
transformation—and advises global telecom providers, vendors, start-ups, and
investors on strategy, market opportunities, and M&A. A frequent keynote speaker
and media contributor, Stéphane is the founder of TÉRAL RESEARCH and has held
senior roles at LightCounting, IHS Markit, Infonetics Research, and RHK.

Geoff Hollingworth has been in the mobile communications industry for more than 30 years, beginning his career with Ericsson in 1991 and with 2G.  Throughout his journey in telecom and cloud, he’s been a software engineer and led research and development, business development, network rollouts, consulting, marketing campaigns and strategic communications for his teams.  

Vishal Mathur as Global Head of Engagement at Telecom Infra Project (TIP), is responsible for building a commercially sustainable operation with a broad and active member base, engaging globally with TIP members, industry stakeholders and policy makers to open opportunities for collaboration on R&D and commercial solution development within the area of advanced connectivity and AI.  

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn
• Editor: Francis Wright
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn
• Project manager: Ivana Duric

Send us your feedback

Support the show

Follow Digitel Talk

Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact [email protected]

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

In this special Network X wrap-up episode of Digitel Talk, host Ian Ginn brings together three industry leaders — Diana Gorelik (Omdia), Markus Kümmerle (Deutsche Telekom / CAMARA), and Jason Walls (QA Café) — to unpack the biggest themes shaping Network X 2025.

This episode dives into:

• The state of fibre deployment across Europe — and why some markets are still falling behind
• How Wi-Fi 7/8, standardisation, and smarter home networks are redefining customer experience
• Network APIs and CAMARA: new telco revenue models, real use cases, and global adoption
• The rise of agentic AI, automation, and data standardisation
• Digital sovereignty, cloud strategy, and the evolving role of hyperscalers

This episode's sponsor is Tarana Wireless, the next-generation fixed wireless access platform helping to close the digital divide—visit taranawireless.com

Guests Bios:

Diana Gorelik leads European Service Provider Markets Research for Omdia’s Service Provider EMEA Markets Intelligence Service team. She analyzes service provider strategies across mobile, fixed, and convergence domains. Diana also examines innovative AI solutions that service providers use to enhance customer propositions and optimize services. She serves as a judge for the GSMA’s GLOMO Awards.

Markus Kümmerle leads Engineering and Production for Magenta API Capabilities Exposure at Deutsche Telekom. Joining in 1995 (via debis Systemhaus), he previously served as an Executive Program Manager and focused on quality for automotive clients like BMW and VW at T-Systems. Since 2020, he has focused on DT's API program. He is a key driver behind the industry's CAMARA initiative and represents DT in GSMA Open Gateway.

Jason Walls is Director of Technical Marketing at QA Cafe and host of the Epik Mellon podcast. A protocol geek at heart, he's been involved with testing technologies like TR-069 since its inception and has spearheaded the creation of the User Services Platform (USP/TR-369). Jason has more than 20 years of computer networking experience, helping to develop internet and communications technology and translate it into value opportunities for organizations and the industry as a whole. Catch him at any event and he’ll happily talk all things about networking and philosophy over a beer.

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn
• Editor: Francis Wright
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn
• Project manager: Ivana Duric

Send us your feedback

Support the show

Follow Digitel Talk

Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact [email protected]

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com