Digitel Talk

In this special Digitel Talk episode recorded at the AI for Good Global Summit, host Ian Ginn speaks with Arpad Kovesdy, CTO and co-founder of Beamlink—a company on a mission to make mobile connectivity radically more accessible.

Beamlink’s flagship innovation, the Bentocell, is a portable, low-power 4G/5G cell tower that can be deployed in minutes using solar energy and AI-driven setup. Arpad shares how natural disasters like Hurricane Maria inspired the company, and how their technology is already connecting communities in Micronesia, New Zealand, and the US.

Links and resources:

• Beamlink Official Website 
• Bentocell 
• AI For Good Global Summit

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth [https://www.ifgconsultingeurope.com]

Guest bio

Arpad Kovesdy is the co-founder and CTO of Beamlink, where he designs portable, easy-to-deploy cellular infrastructure to make mobile networks faster to set up and more affordable, especially in rural areas. He studied aerospace engineering at the University of Southern California and previously worked on satellite communications electronics, gaining hands-on experience with hardware built for space. At Beamlink, he draws on that background to build rugged, reliable systems that can bring 4G and 5G for 1% the cost of conventional solutions.

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ginn/)
• Guest: Arpad Kovesdy (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arpadkovesdy/)
• Editor: Francis Wright (https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciswaudio/)
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ginn-86218414a/)
• Project manager: Ivana Duric (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanamj/)

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

In this inspiring episode of Digitel Talk, host Ian Ginn is joined by Kevin Yoo, CEO and founder of Haptic, a pioneer in tactile navigation technology and a finalist for the 2025 GLOMO Awards.
From guiding a blind runner through the New York Marathon using early haptic prototypes to scaling a global platform for accessible, intuitive navigation, Kevin shares the deeply personal story behind Haptic Nav—and how touch can transform the way we move through the world.


Links and resources

• Haptic Nav – Official Website
• European Accessibility Act (June 2025 implementation)
• AI for Good Global Summit
• GLOMO Awards – Tech for Good Finalists
• Achilles International – Blind running initiative
• IFG Consulting Europe (Episode Sponsor)
• AARP – AgeTech Innovation
• National Federation of the Blind
• Verizon Forward for Good Accelerator
• Waymo (Autonomous Mobility Partner)

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth [https://www.ifgconsultingeurope.com]

Guest bio

Kevin Yoo is the CEO and Founder of Haptic. Yoo has gained international recognition and awards for pushing sustainability, universal design and technical innovations forward. Winning competitions such as the Bauhaus Award, German Design Award, National Science Foundation and more. He focuses on social and positive impacts at global scale, working closely with the end users to generate long lasting, meaningful products. Yoo has patented several technologies and designs, which includes a novel software and wearable for precise navigation utilizing only the sense of touch called the Wayband and HapticNav.

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ginn/)
• Guest: Kevin H. Yoo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hapticyoo/)
• Editor: Francis Wright (https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciswaudio/)
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ginn-86218414a/)
• Project manager: Ivana Duric (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanamj/)

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

As an official media partner of the AI for Good Global Summit 2025, Digitel Talk brings you an exclusive preview from Geneva.
Host Ian Ginn speaks with Dr Bilel Jamoussi (ITU) about what to expect from this year’s event, where over 3,500 participants, 100+ demos, and 300 speakers from around the world come together to shape the future of trustworthy, inclusive AI.
From flying cars and brain-machine interfaces to deep discussions on AI governance, skills, and regulation, AI for Good is where policymakers, innovators and tech leaders meet to turn ideas into real-world impact.

Links and resources

• AI for Good Global Summit 2025 - https://aiforgood.itu.int
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU) - https://www.itu.int

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth [https://www.ifgconsultingeurope.com]

Guest bio
Dr Bilel Jamoussi, a distinguished engineer and diplomat, is the Deputy Director of the ITU Standardization Bureau and Chief, Study Groups & Policy Department (SPD) in Geneva, Switzerland.
His primary mission is to establish the international standards essential for ensuring global telecommunications and ICT interoperability, promote universal, meaningful connectivity and champion sustainable digital transformation.
Key achievements under his tenure have been important new standards, ensuring increased industry engagement, bolstering cooperation with other standardization bodies, as well as leading in emerging tech discussions and building strategic partnerships.

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ginn/)
• Guest: Dr Bilel Jamoussi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bilel-jamoussi/)
• Editor: Francis Wright (https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciswaudio/)
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ginn-86218414a/)
• Project manager: Ivana Duric (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanamj/)

Send us your feedback

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, Ian Ginn is joined by innovation strategist Michael Bednar-Brandt to explore how AI is reshaping leadership in telecoms—not just as a tool, but as a transformative force redefining how organisations operate.
They unpack the challenges facing telecoms leaders in an era of accelerated change, from agentic AI and data sovereignty to leadership mindsets, agility and the “fitness level” required to stay competitive. Michael also shares a future-facing view on automation, lights-out operations, and why leadership in telecoms needs to shift from control to adaptability.

Links and resources

• Futurenet World – https://www.futurenetworld.net
• NVIDIA NeMo Framework –  https://developer.nvidia.com/nemo
• Anthropic’s MCP (Modular Context Protocol) –  https://www.anthropic.com
• AI Act – European Commission –  https://artificialintelligenceact.eu

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth [https://www.ifgconsultingeurope.com]

Guest bio
Michael Bednar-Brandt is CEO of Unify7 and a specialist in leadership for Human–AI organisations. With a background in corporate innovation, digital transformation, and international executive roles, he helps companies build the capabilities needed for sustainable performance in complex environments.

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ginn/)
• Guest: Michael Bednar-Brandt (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bednarbrandt)
• Editor: Francis Wright (https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciswaudio/)
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ginn-86218414a/)
• Project manager: Ivana Duric (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanamj/)

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, recorded live at MVNOs World Congress, Ian Ginn is joined by Gary Bhomer (TeleConsult) and Wilfrid Moser (A1 Austria) to explore what’s shaping the future of MVNOs. From travel eSIMs and football club MVNOs to vanity numbers, AI-driven marketing, and telco-for-good initiatives like Better Life Mobile, this episode is packed with insights, innovation, and surprising ideas that redefine mobile connectivity. 

Links and resources:

• MVNOs World Congress 
• TeleConsult 
• A1 Telekom Austria Group 
• Red Bull Mobile 
• Honest Mobile 
• Fenercell 
• Collado (Caledo) 
• Telna 
• OneGlobal

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth [https://www.ifgconsultingeurope.com]

Guest bio

Wilfrid Moser
Mr. Moser has been a telecom professional for over then 25 years. He studied communication engineering and economy. He worked for the European Commission, Swisscom and A1 Telekom Austria. He was co-founder of the portal “billiger-telefonieren.at”. He was mainly active in product marketing, communications and in online marketing. He has been product manager for MVNO and reseller within the A1 Telekom Austria. Wilfrid is now the product manager of Red Bull MOBILE Data - a travel eSIM solution.

Gary Bhomer
Gary Bhomer is an expert in Telecommunications with 30 years’ experience in the industry. His specific areas of expertise include Wholesale, Business Strategy and Transformation, Market Analysis, Pricing and Contract Negotiation. He has held senior executive roles with all three major Australian operators. In 2017 Gary founded Tel-Consult, an independent, specialist Telecommunications consultancy based in Sydney, Australia, helping local and international clients across a range of projects, including MVNO, MVNE, digital enablement, commercial negotiations, go-to-market and identifying and launching new products and services.

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ginn/)
• Guests: Wilfrid Moser (https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilfridmoser/), Gary Bhomer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/garybhomer/ )
• Editor: Francis Wright (https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciswaudio/)
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ginn-86218414a/)
• Project manager: Ivana Duric (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanamj/)

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, recorded live at Connected North, Ian Ginn speaks with Craig Pemberton, Senior Innovation Manager at Vodafone, about how telecoms is evolving—well beyond connectivity.

From 5G Standalone and network slicing to smart energy grids, EV charging, and digital inclusion, Craig shares how innovation at Vodafone is driven by both purpose and technology. He also reflects on the Vodafone–Three merger, the real meaning of Release 18, and why M-Pesa remains a defining success story.

A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of networks, innovation, and telecoms with impact.

Links and resources:

• Vodafone  
• Three
• Dean Bubley
• M-Pesa
• First UK Mobile Phone Call – Vodafone VT1 
• 5G Ultra – Vodafone UK

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe – Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth [https://www.ifgconsultingeurope.com]

Guest bio

With over 25 years working in the telecoms industry, Craig has held a number of technical design, consultancy and senior management positions, and is now leading co-creation with Vodafone UK Business clients to explore the full potential of the latest developments in next generation networks. Currently specialising in 5G SA, slicing, Edge Computing and IoT, Craig has first-hand experience of applied communications technology in solving business challenges, and has delivered projects across diverse verticals from public sector, transport, retail, media and entertainment, winning industry awards in the process. Craig holds a BSc in Geological Geophysics, MSc in Information Technology and is a Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology. 

Podcast credits

• Host: Ian Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ginn/)
• Guest: Craig Pemberton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-pemberton/)
• Editor: Francis Wright (https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciswaudio/)
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ginn-86218414a/)
• Project manager: Ivana Duric (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanamj/)

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

What do fibre networks, sheep farming, and the future of broadband have in common? A lot more than you’d think.
In this episode of Digitel Talk, host Ian Ginn sits down with David Hough, outgoing CTO of Freedom Fibre and one of the most experienced voices in the UK telecom scene. Recorded live at Connected North, this candid conversation explores the real state of Britain’s broadband—from the overcrowded altnet battlefield to the promise of network orchestration and the critical role of customer trust in driving adoption.
David doesn’t hold back on what’s broken in the industry, how consolidation is inevitable, and why building smarter, not bigger, is the key to nationwide connectivity. Oh—and when he’s not building networks? He’s raising sheep on a 120-acre farm. Seriously.
If you care about where your internet comes from—or where it’s going—this episode is essential listening.

Links and resources

• Freedom Fibre
• Connected North
• Inmanta 
• City Fibre
• Community Fibre
• Net Omnia
• Ogi 
• KCOM
• Lila connect
• Building Digital UK (BDUK)

Guest bio

David has always worked in Telecommunications with over 35 years of extensive telecoms experience, in the service provider, altnet and equipment vendor sectors. Having worked for BT, GPT, Marconi, Ericsson, ECI, KCOM, TalkTalk, Upp and now Freedom Fibre. Recently, David was responsible for the architecture, transformation and design of solutions for the core access and orchestration layers of a key UK Service provider network. Utilising future-proof SDN solutions and implementing a true IP-enabled end-to-end network to deliver the first complete UK FTTP solution. Previously, David has held Technical Director roles for several suppliers covering access, voice, data and management products, working with Tier 1 service providers to deliver next-generation solutions.

Podcast credits

• Host: Ian Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ginn/)
• Guest: David Hough (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hough-4530071/ )
• Editor: Francis Wright (https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciswaudio/)
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ginn-86218414a/)
• Project manager: Ivana Duric (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanamj/)

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 episode 37, Ian and Frankie discuss the highlights, key themes and takeaways from the 2024 Digitel Talk Discovery Series in this wrap up episode. They discuss key themes such as digital inclusion, sustainability, AI, IOT, and tech for good, while highlighting favourite moments and significant contributions from guests. They also express gratitude not only to the guests who have been part of the podcast but also to the listeners and the team behind the scenes. The episode emphasises the importance of companies and people striving to do good in the telco space and looks forward to continuing the journey.

Podcast credits

• Host: Ian Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ginn/)
• Co-host: Frankie Spagnolo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankie-spagnolo-8534482a/)
• Editor: Rebecca Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ginn-86218414a/) 
• 
  

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 episode 36, Ian and Frankie talk with Joost de Kluijver, Director and Founder of Closing the Loop, to delve into the innovative 'One for One' service that collects and recycles broken phones for every new phone sold. The discussion revolves around the circular economy, the environmental impact of e-waste, and how Closing the Loop operates in developing countries to provide sustainable solutions. Joost shares insights on the company's journey, the importance of circularity over compliance, and how businesses can leverage waste reduction for positive impact. The dialogue further extends to Joost's personal experiences, philosophies, and his future aspirations for broadening the sustainable approach across the tech industry globally.

Joost de Kluijver - Having worked in the tech industry, large corporations, and international non-profits, Joost has developed a clear understanding of what works best for them—commercial entrepreneurship that offers more than just financial returns. Their international background includes living, working, or studying in countries such as the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Malaysia, Tanzania, and Poland.

Driven by both business and personal ambitions, Joost founded Closing the Loop, a company that brings value to tech sellers and buyers through a straightforward green service called 'One for One.' This service helps tech users feel proud of their devices by transforming e-scrap into income opportunities in emerging economies.

Closing the Loop supports customers from the global North in aligning their electronics consumption with their values. The company achieves this by connecting device purchases to electronic waste reduction efforts in the global South. What sets the company apart is its hands-on experience in managing these processes, built up since 2012.

Podcast credits

• Host: Ian Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ginn/)
• Co-host: Frankie Spagnolo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankie-spagnolo-8534482a/)
• Editor: Rebecca Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ginn-86218414a/) 

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 episode 35, Ian and Frankie talk with Dr. Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy to the Director of the ITU to discuss the significant developments in digital technologies and the role of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in shaping global standards. The discussion covers the recent World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA 24) held in New Delhi, highlighting increased participation, the importance of AI standards, gender equality in the tech industry, and the ITU's initiatives on climate change and financial inclusion.

A distinguished engineer, leader, and diplomat; multilingual standardisation expert and holder of 23 patents, Tunisian born Dr Bilel Jamoussi is the Deputy to the Director and Chief of Telecommunication Standardisation Policy Department at the ITU Standardisation Bureau (TSB) in Geneva, Switzerland. His primary mission is to establish international standards to promote universal, meaningful connectivity and champion sustainable digital transformation. He also aims to intensify industry engagement, ensure inclusivity in standards development and adoption, and bolster cooperation with other standardisation bodies. Additionally, he is committed to leading in emerging tech discussions, building strategic partnerships, and pursuing organisational excellence.

Links:
AI for Good Global Summit

Podcast credits

• Host: Ian Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ginn/)
• Co-host: Frankie Spagnolo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankie-spagnolo-8534482a/)
• Editor: Rebecca Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ginn-86218414a/) 

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