Digitel Talk

In episode 24, Ian and Frankie interview Vincent Garnier the Director General of the FTTH Council Europe. As an attendee of Network X they discuss the role of the council in advancing fibre technology and sustainability in the telecom industry. They explore the importance of fibre in achieving digital connectivity goals, the challenges of measuring carbon footprints and the need for collaboration among industry players. The discussion also touches on the impact of legacy systems, the urgency of addressing the digital divide and the future of technological advancements in the sector. To end the interview they get to know a bit more about Vincent and his background.

Vincent Garnier is the Director General of the FTTH Council Europe since July 2020. In this executive capacity, Vincent manages and shapes the FTTH Council’s agenda and ensures the continuous implementation of its mission to advance ubiquitous full fibre-based connectivity to the whole of Europe.

Vincent brings to this position 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, in Marketing and Business Development in EMEA and Asia for BtoB companies. Most recently he was Marketing Director responsible for defining the marketing strategies for the broadband solutions at CommScope, a global network infrastructure provider company. Prior to joining CommScope, Mr Garnier worked in international business development at TKH Group N.V. and as a Marketing Manager at Prysmian Group & Exide Technologies. Vincent Garnier has been actively involved in the FTTH Council Europe activities for several years. He became a Member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer in 2019.

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 23, Ian and Frankie interview Sebastian Stockzelius, CEO and co-founder of Janah Cycle a company helping brands make a positive impact on the environment by supporting social and environmental initiatives.

In part 2, we learn more about Janah's mission to create a better world through the circular economy. They focus on three pillars of impact: social, tactical, and preventive. They work with partners to recover and prevent plastic pollution, empower women working in waste and provide traceability and transparency to brands through their dashboard and mobile app. The company focuses on creating real business solutions for companies with a purpose, and they emphasise the importance of removing greenwashing and building trust. Jhana Cycle works with impact partners on the ground to ensure that the funds are used effectively and transparently. They offer a customisable program for each client, allowing them to communicate their impact and engage with conscious consumers. The company covers a wide range of sustainability goals and is open to collaborating with brands from various industries. They believe that everyone can do something to make a difference and that brands have the power to create positive change.

This is part 2 of a 2-part episode. Tune in to part 1 to hear more about Sebastian and how his life has led him to start Janah and make a real impact.

Growing up in the Swedish countryside and spending summers in the Mediterranean fostered Sebastian Stockzelius’ (Uppsala, 1993) deep connection to nature. Witnessing the alarming deterioration of the oceans due to human impact fuelled his determination to make a difference. This expat entrepreneur – working from BlueTechPort at Tech Barcelona’s Pier01-  with a degree in Business and Finance is the co-founder and CEO of Janah Cycle, an impact tech startup addressing the global pollution crisis by offering companies a solution to offset their plastic footprint. Its model enables Western brands to initiate plastic recovery initiatives and social empowerment actions, particularly in disadvantaged areas requiring immediate intervention.

Links:

• Partnership with Northampton University: New Partnership Between Janah Cycle and the University of Northampton's Centre for Sustainable Business Practices for Measuring Impact in Plastic Recovery Initiatives (digitaljournal.com)
• Case study fashion impact partner: Janah - Awareness Class Waste Management.mov - Google Drive
• Janah Cycle YouTube channel with videos, testimonials and the documentary film recorded while t<

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 22, Ian and Frankie interview Sebastian Stockzelius, CEO and co-founder of Janah Cycle a company making Ocean Protection & Social Impact ROI-positive.

In part 1, Sebastian shares his journey and the mission of his company. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of experiences, the impact of travel, and the inspiration behind Janah Cycle. Sebastian shares his passion for sustainability and his desire to bridge the gap between the global North and South. He also talks about his educational background, his love for documentaries, and his interest in AI. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the potential of AI and the need for responsible use.

This is part 1 of a 2-part episode. Tune in to part 2 to hear more about Janah Cycle and how they are helping brands to integrate ocean protection and women empowerment initiatives into their business and offering.

Growing up in the Swedish countryside and spending summers in the Mediterranean fostered Sebastian Stockzelius’ (Uppsala, 1993) deep connection to nature. Witnessing the alarming deterioration of the oceans due to human impact fuelled his determination to make a difference. This expat entrepreneur – working from BlueTechPort at Tech Barcelona’s Pier01-  with a degree in Business and Finance is the co-founder and CEO of Janah Cycle, an impact tech startup addressing the global pollution crisis by offering companies a solution to offset their plastic footprint. Its model enables Western brands to initiate plastic recovery initiatives and social empowerment actions, particularly in disadvantaged areas requiring immediate intervention.

Links:

• Partnership with Northampton University: New Partnership Between Janah Cycle and the University of Northampton's Centre for Sustainable Business Practices for Measuring Impact in Plastic Recovery Initiatives (digitaljournal.com)
• Case study fashion impact partner: Janah - Awareness Class Waste Management.mov - Google Drive
• Janah Cycle YouTube channel with videos, testimonials and the documentary film recorded while travelling around India: https://www.youtube.com/@JanahCycle

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 21, Ian and Frankie interview Deborah Simpier, CEO and co-founder of Althea, a company using blockchain and decentralised technologies to increase affordable internet access worldwide.

In part 2, Deborah shares more about the innovative connectivity platform that Althea has developed. Althea is a decentralised network that aims to provide affordable and reliable internet connectivity to underserved communities. The platform utilises blockchain technology and a mesh protocol called Babel to create a transparent and flexible network. Althea's model allows users to select their preferred price and latency and the network navigates through the available routes based on these preferences. The platform also incorporates smart contracts for instant settlement of payments. Althea is open-source and operates as a decentralised and permissionless network, with no single entity owning or controlling it. The platform has the potential to revolutionise the telecommunications industry and empower communities to take control of their connectivity.

This is part 2 of a 2-part episode. Tune in to part 2 to hear more about Deborah's background and how her upbringing in a technology-focused family influenced her interest in technology and communication. 

Deborah Simpier - Deborah is CEO and co-founder of Hawk Networks, who developed the Althea protocol and provides support to the AltheaL1 blockchain.
Althea empowers new ways to build, fund, and operate utilities, telecom and infrastructure through a revolutionary new routing and machine-to-machine billing platform. Hawk Networks was also instrumental in building the Gravity Bridge protocol, which has bridged over 1.5B since it’s decentralised launch in 2021.

Althea - Hawk Networks continues to build and innovate in the telecom space, with products like KeyLTE, a flexible LTE/5G core and Liquid Infrastructure, a flexible revenue share and coordination platform. Prior to Deborah’s work with Althea, she spent nearly a decade as owner of a MSP/IT business, and was involved with advocacy work for preservation of the key freedoms of the internet.

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 20, Ian and Frankie interview Deborah Simpier, CEO and co-founder of Althea, a company using blockchain and decentralised technologies to increase affordable internet access worldwide.

In part 1, Deborah shares her background and how her upbringing in a technology-focused family influenced her interest in technology and communication. The conversation touches on the future of technology, including automation, machine communication, and the potential impact on society and they discuss the importance of connectivity and the role of technology in creating positive change. She emphasises the need for open and neutral platforms, like Althea, that empower communities to build their own communication networks. Deborah also highlights the challenges of diversity and inclusion in the cryptocurrency industry and the importance of the right to repair. Overall, the conversation explores Deborah's background and the potential of technology to bridge gaps and improve lives.

This is part 1 of a 2-part episode. Tune in to part 2 to hear more about Althea and how their platform for building modular, open-access broadband internet and connectivity solutions is enabling responsive growth and fair pricing for the end user.

Deborah Simpier - Deborah is CEO and co-founder of Hawk Networks, who developed the Althea protocol and provides support to the AltheaL1 blockchain.
Althea empowers new ways to build, fund, and operate utilities, telecom and infrastructure through a revolutionary new routing and machine-to-machine billing platform. Hawk Networks was also instrumental in building the Gravity Bridge protocol, which has bridged over 1.5B since it’s decentralised launch in 2021.

Althea - Hawk Networks continues to build and innovate in the telecom space, with products like KeyLTE, a flexible LTE/5G core and Liquid Infrastructure, a flexible revenue share and coordination platform. Prior to Deborah’s work with Althea, she spent nearly a decade as owner of a MSP/IT business, and was involved with advocacy work for preservation of the key freedoms of the internet.

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 19, Ian and Frankie are joined again by Steve Statler the CMO of ambient IoT company Wiliot. In this part of the conversation, Steve discusses the concept of ambient IoT and its potential to connect everyday objects at a fraction of the cost. He explains how IoT pixels, small devices that harvest energy from radio waves, can be used to track and monitor various items, such as clothing, food, and medicine. The real-time carbon footprint measurement is highlighted as a key application of ambient IoT, enabling consumers to make more sustainable choices and companies to optimise their operations. Telecom operators are seen as key players in this space, with the potential to drive revenue and address e-waste through device tracking and recycling.

This is part 2 of a 2-part episode. Listen to part 1 to hear more about Steve and his background.

Steve Statler - Steve is the author of Beacon Technologies, the presenter of the Mister Beacon Ambient IoT podcast and Chief Marketing Officer at Wiliot. Steve is responsible for Climate at Wiliot and is building a coalition around using ambient IoT to calculate the real-time carbon footprint of products that can be shared with consumers. Prior to Wiliot he was Director of Strategy and part of the team that founded Qualcomm’s Retail Solutions Division. He also co-founded and developed for San Diego Airport, their Good Traveler carbon offset program, now used by most of the major airports in the United States.

Wiliot- Wiliot is an ambient IoT, sensing as a service, cloud and semiconductor company that provides intelligence for individual products using IoT Pixels, battery-free postage stamp-sized, smart tags that can sense and communicate securely over Bluetooth.

Links:
The Mr. Beacon Podcast
Beacon Technologies (Steve Statler)
How Bad Are Bananas? (Mike Berners-Lee)
The Carbon Footprint of Everything (Mike Berners-Lee)
There is No Planet B (Mike Berners-Lee)

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 18, Ian and Frankie are joined by Steve Statler the CMO of ambient IoT company Wiliot. They get to know Steve, his role at Wiliot, his background and philosophy, the impact of AI on society, and the most significant advancements in technology. They also touch on the idea of colonising Mars, the luxury Steve would take to a desert island and his recommendation for a sustainable lifestyle. 

This is part 1 of a 2-part episode. Tune in to part 2 to hear more about Wiliot and how their IoT solution is bringing connectivity and intelligence to everyday products and packaging.

Steve Statler - Steve is the author of Beacon Technologies, the presenter of the Mister Beacon Ambient IoT podcast and Chief Marketing Officer at Wiliot. Steve is responsible for Climate at Wiliot and is building a coalition around using ambient IoT to calculate the real-time carbon footprint of products that can be shared with consumers. Prior to Wiliot he was Director of Strategy and part of the team that founded Qualcomm’s Retail Solutions Division. He also co-founded and developed for San Diego Airport, their Good Traveler carbon offset program, now used by most of the major airports in the United States.

Wiliot- Wiliot is an ambient IoT, sensing as a service, cloud and semiconductor company that provides intelligence for individual products using IoT Pixels, battery-free postage stamp-sized, smart tags that can sense and communicate securely over Bluetooth. 

Links:
The Mr. Beacon Podcast
Beacon Technologies (Steve Statler)
How Bad Are Bananas? (Mike Berners-Lee)
The Carbon Footprint of Everything (Mike Berners-Lee)
There is No Planet B (Mike Berners-Lee)

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 17, Frankie and Ian are joined by Tharusha and Asith from the sustainability division of Dialog Axiata PLC, the leading quad-play telecom provider in Sri Lanka. With a strong focus on sustainability, they have a portfolio of projects that aim to support the community and improve outcomes for people and the planet. With a focus on 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals, they have worked on projects related to education, disaster risk reduction and supporting individuals with hearing, sight, and speech difficulties. The company has a 12-member team dedicated to sustainability which works on social innovation and addresses the specific needs of unconnected communities prioritising affordability and accessibility in their projects.

Tharusha Wanigasekera is the unit manager for digital innovation and inclusion.
Asith De Silva is the senior manager of the social innovation and sustainability group.

Dialog Axiata PLC is Sri Lanka’s flagship telecommunications service provider, which operates Dialog Mobile– the country’s largest mobile network. A subsidiary of the Axiata Group Berhad (formerly TM International), Dialog is one of the largest listed companies on the Colombo Stock Exchange in terms of market capitalisation. Dialog holds the distinction of being the first and only company in Sri Lanka to achieve a market capitalisation of USD 1 billion.

Read the latest Dialog Axiata sustainability report here. 

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 16, hosts Ian and Frankie are joined again by Mea Thompson, co-founder and CCO of unconnected.org. They discuss the organisation's mission to bridge the digital divide and provide meaningful connectivity to underserved communities. She highlights the importance of partnerships and funding from various industries to support their projects. Mea shares stories of the impact their work has had on individuals and communities, emphasising the need for affordable connectivity and the empowerment it brings. She also discusses the challenges faced and the plans to scale their impact and reduce the digital divide.

This is part 2 of a 2-part episode. Tune in to part 1 to hear more about Mea and what inspired her to start unconnected.org. 

Mea Thompson – Mea is a visionary leader dedicated to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to education and opportunity for all. As the Co-Founder of unconnected.org, she is driving change in the lives of underserved communities around the world. She is also a dynamic leader in the tech industry, with a wealth of experience and expertise in connectivity with a focus on eSIM. Mea has been a driving force in the eSIM industry for years, helping to shape its direction and push the boundaries of what's possible. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Mea was named a finalist for Telecom Woman of the Year 2023. 

Unconnected.org - A passionate community dedicated to connecting 1 billion unconnected people to the internet. Their primary focus is on bridging the digital divide and enabling an inclusive ecosystem that reaches the 2.9 billion individuals who remain unconnected. They run a variety of projects on a global scale, making a tangible impact on people's lives. Their initiatives are designed to support vital aspects such as education, commerce, jobs, safety, and health.

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 15, hosts Ian and Frankie are delighted to be joined by Mea Thompson, the CCO of unconnected.org. They discuss topics including Mea's philosophy in life, what she aspired to be as a teenager, her educational background, passions and hobbies, significant books and thoughts on AI. They also discuss her motivation for starting Unconnected after the passing of her father and her desire to make a positive impact with the work that she does. 

This is part 1 of a 2-part episode. Tune in to part 2 to hear more about unconnected.org and how their work is helping to connect 1 billion people to the internet. 

Mea Thompson – Mea is a visionary leader dedicated to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to education and opportunity for all. As the Co-Founder of unconnected.org, she is driving change in the lives of underserved communities around the world. She is also a dynamic leader in the tech industry, with a wealth of experience and expertise in connectivity with a focus on eSIM. Mea has been a driving force in the eSIM industry for years, helping to shape its direction and push the boundaries of what's possible. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Mea was named a finalist for Telecom Woman of the Year 2023. 

Unconnected.org - A passionate community dedicated to connecting 1 billion unconnected people to the internet. Their primary focus is on bridging the digital divide and enabling an inclusive ecosystem that reaches the 2.9 billion individuals who remain unconnected. They run a variety of projects on a global scale, making a tangible impact on people's lives. Their initiatives are designed to support vital aspects such as education, commerce, jobs, safety, and health.

Links:
Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof
The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
Sider
Doreen Bogdan-Martin - Secretary-General of ITU
Holobox

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