Telco in 20

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform telco, but many operators are struggling to fully embrace its potential. This episode’s guest, strategic HR veteran Jim Abolt, believes they need a critical shift in thinking to reach their goal to become AI-first organizations. He shares insight into what most companies are getting wrong about AI transformation, and offers a practical framework for using AI to achieve breakthrough business results. Listen now to hear:

• Why starting with "let's go do AI" is the wrong approach [04:34];
• A framework for successfully rolling out AI across your organization [06:59]
• Jim's refreshingly honest take on AI's impact on jobs [10:07]
• Why AI tools have to become integrated with employees' daily work rather than separate initiatives [14:07]

Links and Resources

• Need help with telco AI use cases that drive business value? Give Totogi a call. We can show you how to Change the Work and get your employees using and loving AI.
• Check out these resources to help you put AI to use the right way in your org:
  • Ep 101 – Anthropic’s BIG PLANS for telco
  • Ep 96 – How TELUS turned its data swamp into an AI oasis
  • If you focus on business value, AI pays for itself
  • Getting AI right is hard 🚀
  • 10 examples of how telcos are using AI (BESIDES customer support!)
• Jim has appeared on Telco in 20 more than any other guest, including on our very first episode back in October of 2020. Maybe I should start a Five Timer’s Club, like on Saturday Night Live! Listen to his other episodes next: 
  • Ep 7 – The HR Series: Telcos, get ready for workforce transformation
  • Ep 1 – It starts with…transformational leadership
• I love this brilliant ad from Fiverr that shows exactly what’s wrong with using AI only for AI’s sake. 
• Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
• You can find the episode transcript here.

Wanna talk AI and public cloud? Telco execs, set up a meeting with our team to learn how to tap the immense business value it can bring. 

Follow DR

• Have an idea for a Telco in 20 podcast guest or topic? Send it in!
• Want to sponsor a podcast? Let us know
• Follow Telco in 20 on X @TelcoIn20
• Follow DR on X @TelcoDR

The Telco in 20 podcast is ranked in the top 5% of all podcasts globally by Listen Notes! 🎉 We've also won a 2024 MarComm Award, 2024 Hermes Award, and are recognized as a TeckNexus Top 12 Telco and Tech Podcast, Forrester Top 100 Channel Podcast and Feedspot Top 10 Telecom Podcast.

If you enjoy the podcast, would you leave us a review? It takes you seconds to do in your app and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And I love reading your feedback and reviews!

This week’s guest

Jim Abolt is a retired HR executive who is widely regarded as an expert in leadership development, culture shaping, and large-scale organizational change. His career spanned multiple industries, disciplines, and continents. Starting as a labor relations specialist in a Midwest steel mill, he ultimately held global senior management positions with leading companies in the consumer packaged goods, pharmaceutical, and software development industries. Jim holds an A.B. from Dartmouth College, and a J.D. and M.A. from the University of Illinois.

Podcast Credits

• Executive Producer and Host: Danielle Rios, TelcoDR
• Senior Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media
• Senior Editor/Brand Manager: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing
• Audio Editor: Andrew Condell
• Supervising Producer: Amanda Avery
• Associate Producer: Kriselda Dionisio
• Music: Dyami Wilson

A recent Infosys report found that telcos use only 48% of the cloud services they commit to. Fortunately, the Big 3 hyperscalers offer significant discounts to enterprises that commit to spending targets, helping operators reel in cloud costs. A great example is Amazon Web Service’s (AWS) Enterprise Discount Program (EDP). But many telcos leave millions on the table by not using the right strategies and tools to capture these savings.

For this episode, I talk with Brandon Pizzacalla, CEO of CloudFix, to talk about how operators can maximize the benefits they get from AWS’s Enterprise Discount Program (EDP). Listen now to hear:

• The biggest mistakes enterprises make when negotiating EDP with AWS [02:55];
• Why ignoring "long-tail" expenses leaves millions on the table [06:25];
• How CloudFix uses AI to uncover hidden optimization opportunities [08:40]; and
• Innovative ways to get your team to invest in cost optimization strategies [11:07].

Links and Resources

• Learn more about CloudFix.
• Read this case study about how a company that spends $50 million per year with AWS saved ~$28 million over three years with CloudFix.
• Don’t forget to check out the exclusive TelcoDR/CloudFix partnership that can save you even MORE money.
• Read more about AWS’s Enterprise Discount Program, and similar offerings from Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.
• Brandon’s favorite pizza crust is stuffed crust. If you don’t know, this type of crust is usually stuffed with cheese. Confession: I’ve never actually tried a stuffed crust; now there are all sorts of different varieties ranging from “grilled cheese” to “pepperoni stuffed” to “hot dog stuffed” (EW!). It was first introduced to the world in March 1995 by none other than Donald Trump.
• Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
• You can find the episode transcript here.

Wanna talk AI and public cloud? Telco execs, set up a meeting with our team to learn how to tap the immense business value it can bring. 

Follow DR

• Have an idea for a Telco in 20 podcast guest or topic? Send it in!
• Want to sponsor a podcast? Let us know
• Follow Telco in 20 on X @TelcoIn20
• Follow DR on X @TelcoDR

The Telco in 20 podcast won 2024 and 2022 Hermes Awards, 2023 and 2022 MarComm Awards, and was recognized as a TeckNexus Top 12 Telco and Tech Podcast, Forrester Top 100 Channel Podcast and Feedspot Top 10 Telecom Podcast. We’re also ranked in the top 5% of all podcasts globally by Listen Now! 🎉

If you enjoy the podcast, would you leave us a short review? It takes you seconds to do in your app and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And I love reading your feedback and reviews!

This week’s guest

Brandon Pizzacalla, CEO of CloudFix, has a robust history of building and scaling SaaS companies, driving innovation, and delivering impactful results.Before taking the helm at CloudFix, he co-founded and led an AI-driven sales engagement platform, guiding the company to $3.5 million ARR, listing notable firms like Xero and HelloFresh as clients. He exited the business in 2023 shortly after it was acquired by a private equity firm. Brandon brings valuable mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate strategy experience to CloudFix from his tenure at Bell Canada. During his time there, he was involved in transactions totaling over $9 billion.

Podcast Credits

• Executive Producer and Host: Danielle Rios, TelcoDR
• Senior Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media
• Senior Editor/Brand Manager: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing
• Audio Editor: Andrew Condell
• Supervising Producer: Amanda Avery
• Associate Producer: Kriselda Dionisio
• Music: Dyami Wilson

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries at breakneck speed, with new capabilities emerging almost daily. As telcos race to harness its potential, questions around ethical use, safety, and practical implementation loom large. 

In this episode, I dive deep into the world of AI with Neerav Kingsland, head of business development at Anthropic, makers of the AI model Claude. The company is known for its use of "constitutional AI”—an approach that builds ethical guardrails into its AI systems. Listen now to hear:

• Why Anthropic's approach is centered on ethical AI behavior [04:04];
• The company’s work with SK Telecom to create an “AI-first” telco [09:45];
• The potential for AI to dramatically improve personalized marketing [12:03]; and
• Just how powerful AI models will become in the next few years [14:11].

Links and Resources

• Learn more about Anthropic and its use of constitutional AI.
• Read more about the company’s $100 million deal with SK Telecom.
• Watch how SK Telecom plans to become an “AI-first telco”.
• Check out the GSMA’s Responsible AI Maturity Roadmap, which is designed to help operators evaluate and enhance their AI practices. 
• Learn more about Amazon Bedrock. 
• Find out how Totogi’s BSS Magic and PlanAI can help you turbocharge personalized marketing.
• I write a lot about AI and telco. Check out these blogs to help you put AI to use in your org:
  • Getting AI right is hard 🚀
  • If you focus on business value, AI pays for itself
  • 10 examples of how telcos are using AI (BESIDES customer support!)
• Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
• You can find the episode transcript here.

Wanna talk AI and public cloud? Telco execs, set up a meeting with our team to learn how to tap the immense business value it can bring. 

Follow DR

• Have an idea for a Telco in 20 podcast guest or topic? Send it in!
• Want to sponsor a podcast? Let us know
• Follow Telco in 20 on X @TelcoIn20
• Follow DR on X @TelcoDR

The Telco in 20 podcast won 2024 and 2022 Hermes Awards, 2023 and 2022 MarComm Awards, and was recognized as a TeckNexus Top 12 Telco and Tech Podcast, Forrester Top 100 Channel Podcast and Feedspot Top 10 Telecom Podcast. If you enjoy the podcast, would you leave us a short review? It takes you seconds to do in your app and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And I love reading your feedback and reviews!

This week’s guest

Neerav Kingsland is the head of business development at Anthropic. Prior to Anthropic, he was an executive coach to founders working on AI safety. Before working in AI, Neerav was the Managing Partner of City Fund, a national philanthropic organization backed by Reed Hasting, Steve Ballmer, and John Arnold. City Fund was created to scale the strategies that helped transform New Orleans public schools after Hurricane Katrina, where Neerav was a key leader. He is a graduate of Tulane University and Yale Law School.

Podcast Credits

• Executive Producer and Host: Danielle Rios, TelcoDR
• Senior Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media
• Senior Editor/Brand Manager: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing
• Audio Editor: Andrew Condell
• Supervising Producer: Amanda Avery
• Associate Producer: Kriselda Dionisio
• Music: Dyami Wilson

This podcast has hit a major milestone—the 100th episode! Can you believe it? 

We've talked cloud, crushed myths, and pushed boundaries for 100 straight. But we're just getting started. I’ve dropped an episode every two weeks over the last four years, and during that time I've witnessed a dramatic shift in telcos’ attitude towards public cloud adoption. This special episode revisits key moments on the journey that highlight just how far we've come. Let’s celebrate the progress we've made together! Listen now to hear:

• How sentiment about the public cloud has moved from deeply skeptical to optimistic [02:59];
• The groundbreaking moves made by major telcos like DISH, AT&T and Telefónica Germany [08:48];
• Why moving network workloads may be the key to true public cloud transformation [13:29]
• How Totogi deployed a cloud-based charging system for a tier-one telco in crisis—in just 18 days! [14:16]

Be sure to listen to the end for the super funny DR BLOOPER REEL! 

Links and Resources

• Here’s the talk that started it all—my MWC21 keynote, The paradox of the public cloud, and check out the highlight reel from our time in Barcelona, including a tour of our mind-blowing CLOUD CITY.
• Check out all the Telco in 20 podcasts featured in this episode with these amazing guests:
  • Ep 1 – It starts with…transformational leadership with strategic HR leader Jim Abolt
  • Ep 92 – The state of cloud in telco with Iain Morris from Light Reading with International Editor Iain Morris
  • Ep 45 – Drumming up ways to increase ARPU with McKinsey with McKinsey & Company Partner Ferry Grijpink
  • Ep 44 – DISH: The Telco Pioneer with DISH Wireless Chief Network Officer Marc Rouanne
  • Ep 76 – Into the Nexus of GenAI with Microsoft with Microsoft Chief Technology Officer for Worldwide Telecommunications Industry Rick Lievano
  • Ep 87 – Scaling telcos’ cloud mountain with Alianza with Alianza Founder and CEO Brian Beutler
  • Ep 93 – The NETWORK will be the reason telcos move to the public cloud with senior telecom executive and transformation leader Juha Korhonen
  • Ep 95 – African telcos: forge a new path! with entrepreneur, commentator, and host of the Ali Talks Tech podcast Ali Hussein Kassim
• Ericsson bailing on #MWC21 was a big mistake (HUGE!) that I pounced on—just like in Pretty Woman. Amazing how a little bit of money can really change your look.
• While a lot of telcos are still ramping up their efforts to get to the public cloud, my buddy Elon Musk has his sights set on Mars and plans to get there in just two years! Check out this Starship launch, the fourth flight test attempting to go farther than any previous one.
• Are you still here??? In the famous words of Ferris Bueller, GO HOME! IT’S OVER!
• Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
• You can find the episode transcript here.

Wanna talk AI and public cloud? Telco execs, set up a meeting with our team to learn how to tap the immense business value it can bring. 

Follow DR

• Have an idea for a Telco in 20 podcast guest or topic? Send it in!
• Want to sponsor a podcast? Let us know
• Follow Telco in 20 on X @TelcoIn20
• Follow DR on X @TelcoDR

The Telco in 20 podcast won 2024 and 2022 Hermes Awards, 2023 and 2022 MarComm Awards, and was recognized as a TeckNexus Top 12 Telco and Tech Podcast, Forrester Top 100 Channel Podcast and Feedspot Top 10 Telecom Podcast. If you enjoy the podcast, would you leave us a short review? It takes you seconds to do in your app and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And I love reading your feedback and reviews!

Podcast Credits

• Executive Producer and Host: Danielle Rios, TelcoDR
• Senior Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media
• Senior Editor/Brand Manager: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing
• Audio Editor: Andrew Condell
• Supervising Producer: Amanda Avery
• Associate Producer: Kriselda Dionisio
• Music: Dyami Wilson

TM Forum's Open Digital Architecture (ODA) and open APIs are aimed at revolutionizing telco BSS/OSS systems, and with successful adoption, they promise to enhance vendor interoperability. But implementing them comes with significant challenges for operators and vendors alike.

In this episode, I sit down with Caroline Chappell, founder and director of ccsquared and a former partner at Analysys Mason. We dive into the history and goals of ODA and open APIs, explore the real-world challenges operators face in putting them to work, and discuss why the data layer is crucial for true vendor interoperability. Listen now to hear:

• How ODA aims to help operators build systems from best-of-breed components, and what challenges stand in the way [04:17];
• Why the data layer is even more critical than standardized APIs for telecom operations [09:03];
• Why procurement practices need to change to truly support innovation in the industry [13:32]; and
• The disruptive power that combining LLMs and ODA can bring to telco BSS [14:50].

Links and Resources

• Learn more about TM Forum’s ODA and open API initiatives.
• Check out my interview with Ray LeMaistre from TelecomTV about harmonizing data structures and Totogi’s deployment at Zain Sudan, where our cloud-based charger replaced an incumbent system in just 18 days.
• Watch my epic MWC24 MVNO Summit talk about BSS Magic and the AI-first future of telco business support systems.
• Download this case study about how Vodafone saved nearly 70% by moving its analytics to the public cloud.
• We're counting down to the 100th episode of Telco in 20 and celebrating with a special episode dropping October 1. Don’t miss it—like and follow today!
• I love watching Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) videos of power washing courtyards, trimming overgrown lawns, and cleaning hoarders’ homes. What’s wrong with me?
• Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
• You can find the episode transcript here.

Wanna talk AI and public cloud? Telco execs, set up a meeting with our team to learn how to tap the immense business value it can bring. 

Follow DR

• Have an idea for a Telco in 20 podcast guest or topic? Send it in!
• Want to sponsor a podcast? Let us know
• Follow Telco in 20 on X @TelcoIn20
• Follow DR on X @TelcoDR

The Telco in 20 podcast won 2024 and 2022 Hermes Awards, 2023 and 2022 MarComm Awards, and was recognized as a TeckNexus Top 12 Telco and Tech Podcast, Forrester Top 100 Channel Podcast and Feedspot Top 10 Telecom Podcast. If you enjoy the podcast, would you leave us a short review? It takes you seconds to do in your app and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And I love reading your feedback and reviews!

This week’s guest

Caroline Chappell is a leading expert in the application of new software technologies – cloud, open APIs and AI – to telecoms networks and their operations. She has over 35 years of industry experience as a software engineer, research analyst and consultant. She is an influential advocate for the cloudification of the network and its evolution as a platform, the capabilities of which can be consumed as a service. Caroline was most recently a partner at Analysys Mason but has founded ccsquared to investigate the new and disruptive network architecture needed for tomorrow’s AI and extended reality-driven world.

Podcast Credits

• Executive Producer and Host: Danielle Rios, TelcoDR
• Senior Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media
• Senior Editor/Brand Manager: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing
• Audio Editor: Andrew Condell
• Supervising Producer: Amanda Avery
• Associate Producer: Kriselda Dionisio
• Music: Dyami Wilson

In 2007, Safaricom PLC (Safaricom) and Vodafone invented M-PESA, a mobile payment system that has transformed financial services in Kenya and beyond by bringing banking capabilities to unbanked populations. M-PESA has become a cornerstone of the Kenyan economy and helped Safaricom build a reputation for innovation. 

In this episode, I'm talking with Fawzia Ali, chief consumer business officer at Safaricom. We discuss the success of M-PESA, the company’s efforts to use AI and machine learning for continued innovation, and how it’s preparing its workforce for an AI-driven future. Listen now to hear:

• How M-PESA simplicity and wide distribution changed the game for unbanked populations [02:12];
• How Safaricom is using AI and ML to create hyper-personalized plans [06:52];
• The power of starting with small cohorts of customers and iterating quickly [09:45]; and
• How Safaricom is boosting employees’ AI know-how and fostering a culture of AI innovation [13:00].

Links and Resources

• In 2015, American television news show 60 Minutes told the story of M-PESA’s success, and in June of this year, Forbes continued the story with the article, M-PESA: Why the world’s first large mobile payment platform keeps on winning.
• Earlier this year, Fawzia wrote an article for Marketing Africa Magazine called Learn, Unlearn, Relearn about the importance of setting personal and professional goals and learning new skills. Look for it on page 8.
• Ready to unlock the power of your data and supercharge your customer experience? Listen to my MWC23 MVNO Summit Talk, SUPERCHARGE your MVNO with personalization where I talk about how you can use ML and hyperpersonalization to drive new revenue.
• Fawzia and I both have a special relationship with shoes, and she’s even talked about her passion for them in this video from Engage+.
• My go-to shoes are Golden Goose mid-stars: They have wingtip styling like a man’s business shoe. They’re my “business sneaker.”
• Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
• You can find the episode transcript here.

Wanna talk AI and public cloud? Telco execs, set up a meeting with our team to learn how to tap the immense business value it can bring. 

Follow DR

• Have an idea for a Telco in 20 podcast guest or topic? Send it in!
• Want to sponsor a podcast? Let us know
• Follow Telco in 20 on X @TelcoIn20
• Follow DR on X @TelcoDR

The Telco in 20 podcast won 2024 and 2022 Hermes Awards, 2023 and 2022 MarComm Awards, and was recognized as a TeckNexus Top 12 Telco and Tech Podcast, Forrester Top 100 Channel Podcast and Feedspot Top 10 Telecom Podcast. If you enjoy the podcast, would you leave us a short review? It takes you seconds to do in your app and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And I love reading your feedback and reviews!

This week’s guest

Fawzia Ali is a transformational commercial leader in the FMCG and telecommunications sectors, currently serving as the chief consumer business officer at Safaricom PLC, a leading technology company in Africa. With an impressive track record of success and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving consumer landscape, Fawzia plays a pivotal role in shaping Safaricom's customer-centric strategy and driving the company's growth in the competitive technology sector. She leads a diverse and talented team focused on creating value for Safaricom's customers.

Podcast Credits

• Executive Producer and Host: Danielle Rios, TelcoDR
• Senior Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media
• Senior Editor/Brand Manager: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing
• Audio Editor: Andrew Condell
• Supervising Producer: Amanda Avery
• Associate Producer: Kriselda Dionisio
• Music: Dyami Wilson

The telco industry is in the midst of a generative AI (GenAI) revolution, with vendors and operators racing to integrate this technology into their products and services. In this episode, I sit down with John Abraham, principal analyst and leader of the digital enablement practice at Appledore Research. We dive into how vendors are applying GenAI to their products, major trends in BSS, how the costs of implementing AI can be justified by real business results, and more. Listen now to hear:

• The biggest trends in BSS that are driving telco transformation [02:34];
• How vendors are trying to use AI to revolutionize their products [05:32];
• Why using AI for code generation is such a big idea [07:53]; and 
• AI pricing strategies and questions operators need to ask about ROI [12:44].

Links and Resources

• John and I sat down at TM Forum’s DTW Ignite to talk about how Totogi is using GenAI to save telcos huge amounts of time and money with their BSS. Watch a video of our conversation.
• The real power of generative AI is code generation. Read my blog, The promise of AI is no UI, to find out how Totogi is using AI to accelerate change in ANY BSS system.
• Check out these Appledore Research reports (paywalled): 
  • GenAI in BSS
  • Predictive Analytics and GenAI: Choosing the right tool for the job
• Learn more about Appledore Research. 
• Do YOU have a Yeti yet? John LOVED the insulated mug we gave him at MWC. The wonderful drinkware can keep anything cold or hot for HOURS. This Austin-based company is right down the street from my house. Check it out! 
• Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
• You can find the episode transcript here.

Wanna talk AI and public cloud? Telco execs, set up a meeting with our team to learn how to tap the immense business value it can bring. 

Follow DR

• Have an idea for a Telco in 20 podcast guest or topic? Send it in!
• Want to sponsor a podcast? Let us know
• Follow Telco in 20 on X @TelcoIn20
• Follow DR on X @TelcoDR

The Telco in 20 podcast won 2024 and 2022 Hermes Awards, 2023 and 2022 MarComm Awards, and was recognized as a TeckNexus Top 12 Telco and Tech Podcast, Forrester Top 100 Channel Podcast and Feedspot Top 10 Telecom Podcast. If you enjoy the podcast, would you leave us a short review? It takes you seconds to do in your app and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And I love reading your feedback and reviews!

This week’s guest

With over 16 years’ experience in the telecom industry, John Abraham is a principal analyst at Appledore Research and leads the digital enablement practice. Previously, he was at Analysys Mason for 11 years, where he led the Digital Experience research segment as Principal Analyst. He has experience working with a varied client base on topics including digitization benchmarking and procurement for CSPs; strategy and go-to market for vendors; and commercial and technical due diligence for financial institutions. Earlier, as a consultant at a BSS vendor, he led requirements gathering, solution definition, and implementation at multiple tier-1 telcos in Asia and Europe. John holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Anna University (India) and an MBA from Bradford University School of Management (UK).

Podcast Credits

• Executive Producer and Host: Danielle Rios, TelcoDR
• Senior Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media
• Senior Editor/Brand Manager: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing
• Audio Editor: Andrew Condell
• Supervising Producer: Amanda Avery
• Associate Producer: Kriselda Dionisio
• Music: Dyami Wilson

From streamlining network operations to boosting customer experiences, artificial intelligence (AI) is helping trailblazing telcos stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape. 

For this episode, I explore Canadian telco TELUS’ AI transformation with its Chief Insights Officer, Jaime Tatis. We talk about how the operator is already using AI to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and get its workforce ready for the future. Listen now to hear:

• How TELUS's AI-driven Fuel iX platform is transforming internal IT support [03:53];
• Why now may not be the time to build telco-specific LLMs [07:29];
• Why clean, well-organized data is crucial for AI success [09:32]; and
• How TELUS uses AI to boost network technician efficiency and more [12:50].

Links and Resources

• Learn more about TELUS and its Fuel iX project.
• TELUS was savvy enough to realize that messy siloed data would weigh down its cloud transformation. Read more about how it worked with Google Cloud and Accenture to get its data future-ready. 
• In October 2023, TELUS became the world's first company to achieve ISO 31700-1 Privacy by Design certification for its Data for Good program, validating its commitment to responsible data.
• Need some inspiration for ways to put AI to work in your telco? Read my blog, 10 examples of how telcos are using AI (BESIDES customer support!).
• Check out one of my favorite Saturday Night Live skits of all time, Jimmy Fallon playing Nick Burns, Your Company's Computer Guy, because NO ONE wants to talk to the IT guy.
• Check out this episode on our YouTube channel.
• You can find the transcript for the episode here.

Wanna talk public cloud? Telco execs, set up a meeting with our team to learn how to tap the immense business value it can bring. 

Follow DR

• Have an idea for a Telco in 20 podcast guest or topic? Send it in!
• Want to sponsor a podcast? Let us know
• Follow Telco in 20 on X @TelcoIn20
• Follow DR on X @TelcoDR

The Telco in 20 podcast won 2024 and 2022 Hermes Awards, 2023 and 2022 MarComm Awards, and was recognized as a TeckNexus Top 12 Telco and Tech Podcast, Forrester Top 100 Channel Podcast and Feedspot Top 10 Telecom Podcast. If you enjoy the podcast, would you leave us a short review? It takes you seconds to do in your app and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And I love reading your feedback and reviews!

This week’s guest

Jaime Tatis, the Chief Insights & Analytics Officer at TELUS, spearheads the evolution of data, AI, and analytics strategy across the TELUS ecosystem. With a keen focus on fostering a culture of innovation, Jaime drives the company's transformation towards pioneering customer technology solutions. Leveraging data-driven insights and cutting-edge cloud-based infrastructure, Jaime empowers TELUS with state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning capabilities. Through this strategic approach, Jaime elevates business performance, enhances operational efficiency, and delivers unparalleled customer experiences, positioning TELUS at the forefront of technological innovation.

Podcast Credits

• Executive Producer and Host: Danielle Rios, TelcoDR
• Senior Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media
• Senior Editor/Brand Manager: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing
• Audio Editor: Andrew Condell
• Supervising Producer: Amanda Avery
• Associate Producer: Kriselda Dionisio
• Music: Dyami Wilson

It's no secret that telcos across the globe are grappling with how to monetize their 5G networks. But in Africa, only 1% of operators have implemented 5G, which puts them in a unique position to take advantage of new technology like AI and the public cloud, and apply them to old 2G and 3G networks.

I recently appeared as a guest on the Ali Talks Tech podcast, which focuses on Africa's changing technical landscape. Host Ali Hussein Kassim and I explored how African telcos can capitalize on using the public cloud with mobile networks and how AI and innovative tools are poised to drive real change across the continent. Listen now to hear:

• How African telcos can benefit from the latest public cloud tech—even on 2G and 3G networks [02:31];
• Zain Sudan’s groundbreaking work to connect older networks to AI and cloud services [11:02];
• How cloud-based, pay-as-you-grow models are supercharging MVNOs in Nigeria [17:32]; and
• How hyperscaler tools, AI and the public cloud can help telcos hyper-personalize offers and bring in new revenue [19:50].

Links and Resources

Show Notes:

• Watch the video-version of my full conversation with Ali on the Ali Talks Tech YouTube channel.
• Read McKinsey & Company’s January 2024 report, Africa’s leap ahead into cloud: Opportunities and barriers
• Read the announcement of Totogi’s exciting partnership with Zain Sudan, and don’t miss my first conversation with Ali and Abdalla Hamid, Director of IT at Zain Sudan, where we talked about Totogi’s work to restore critical mobile services in Sudan after they were knocked out during the ongoing civil war.
• Then be sure to check out my recent blog and Telco in 20 episode 89 to find out why the public cloud is PERFECT for Africa. 
• Take a look at the 2022 McKinsey & Company study about FinTech across Africa, African financial services are undergoing a structural shift, which Ali took part in.
• Ali and I talked about the company that gave me my start back in the late 1990s, Trilogy. It was a $1B startup success story that garnered a lot of headlines at the time. Fast Company wrote about Trilogy in a piece called Insanity Inc. Here’s the cover from that issue. Look for me in the top right corner!
• In 2015, the American news show 60 Minutes aired The Future of Money about M-PESA, Kenya's mobile money solution from Safaricom.
• Check out the Ali Talks Tech podcast for insights on Africa's rapidly changing tech landscape.
• Listen to this episode on our YouTube channel.
• Read the transcript for this episode here.

Wanna talk public cloud? Telco execs, set up a meeting with our team to learn how to tap the immense business value it can bring. 

Follow DR

• Have an idea for a Telco in 20 podcast guest or topic? Send it in!
• Want to sponsor a podcast? Let us know
• Follow Telco in 20 on Twitter @TelcoIn20
• Follow DR on Twitter @TelcoDR

The Telco in 20 podcast won 2024 and 2022 Hermes Awards, 2023 and 2022 MarComm Awards, and was recognized as a TeckNexus Top 12 Telco and Tech Podcast, Forrester Top 100 Channel Podcast and Feedspot Top 10 Telecom Podcast. If you enjoy the podcast, would you leave us a short review? It takes you seconds to do in your app and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And I love reading your feedback and reviews!

This week’s guest

Ali Hussein Kassim, Ali Talks Tech founder and host

Ali is a serial entrepreneur and a regular commentator and contributor on all things tech and the policy and regulatory landscape across Africa and beyond. He consults on digital transformation, and serves in leadership roles on public and private sector boards including Africa Fintech Network, Association of Fintechs in Kenya, and Kenya ICT Action Network. He enjoys mentoring and investing in tech entrepreneurs across Africa. 

Podcast Credits

• Executive Producer and Host: Danielle Rios Royston, TelcoDR
• Senior Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media
• Senior Editor/Brand Manager: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing
• Audio Editor: Andrew Condell
• Supervising Producer: Amanda Avery
• Associate Producer: Kriselda Dionisio
• Music: Dyami Wilson

Singtel is a leading mobile network operator (MNO) in the Asia-Pacific region with a reputation for innovation. Its pioneering culture is one of the reasons why Anna Yip, the operator’s CEO of business development and deputy CEO for Singapore, is constantly on the lookout for creative ways to build new revenue streams, customer satisfaction, and subscriber loyalty. 

Anna recently toured the United States to scope out happenings in the industry, and we caught up for an in-person conversation in… (wait for it)… New York City! Listen now to hear:

• How Singtel is leveraging its 5G Standalone network to boost revenue [03:45];
• Why it’s taking part in a Global Telco AI Alliance with other operators to develop an industry-specific large language model (LLM) [08:55];
• Its plans for a pioneering cross-border rewards program in partnership with seven other telcos, [11:23]; and
• What telcos can learn from Taylor Swift's incredible work ethic and success [14:49].

Links and Resources

• Learn more about Singtel.
• Read about the Global Telco AI Alliance announced at MWC24. Singtel, Deutsche Telekom, e& Group, SoftBank and SK Telecom have joined forces to develop an industry-specific LLM. The operators shared their vision for the project at last week’s DTW24 - Ignite.
• Singtel is also collaborating with other AsiaPac telcos on a cross-border telco rewards programme that offer perks to globe-trotting customers.
• Check out Anna’s LinkedIn post from the opening night of Taylor Swift’s concerts in Singapore. (Seamless photo sharing compliments of the Singtel 5G Express Pass!)
• Then check out my post on Instagram from Taylor’s concert in Houston, Texas. The Reputation album was calling my name!
• Check out this episode on our YouTube channel.
• You can find the transcript for the episode here.

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The Telco in 20 podcast won 2024 and 2022 Hermes Awards, 2023 and 2022 MarComm Awards, and was recognized as a TeckNexus Top 12 Telco and Tech Podcast, Forrester Top 100 Channel Podcast and Feedspot Top 10 Telecom Podcast. If you enjoy the podcast, would you leave us a short review? It takes you seconds to do in your app and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And I love reading your feedback and reviews!

This week’s guest

Anna Yip is a senior business leader with more than a decade of experience leading and scaling business in the technology sector. She has built a track record of driving 'intrapreneurship' and successfully building new businesses across markets. A committed people leader, Anna is passionate about mentoring young talent and supporting more women in tech.

Currently, Anna serves as the Deputy CEO Singapore and CEO of Business Development for Singtel. Under her leadership, Singtel Singapore became one of the first markets to successfully roll out 5G SA nationwide, with robust migration of customers to the latest mobile technology. Singtel continues to play an instrumental role in empowering people-centric digital lifestyles as Singapore advances as a smart nation. She has also been appointed a Board of Commissioner member of Telkomsel in Indonesia since June 1, 2021.

Before joining Singtel, Anna was the CEO and Executive Director of Smartone, a leading telecommunications company headquartered in Hong Kong. Prior to her role at Smartone, Anna headed up Mastercard's operations in Hong Kong and Macau. Anna holds a DPhil (PhD) from University of Oxford and a First-Class Honours degree in Business Administration from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Podcast Credits

• Executive Producer and Host: Danielle Rios Royston, TelcoDR
• Senior Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media
• Senior Editor/Brand Manager: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing
• Audio Editor: Andrew Condell
• Supervising Producer: Amanda Avery
• Associate Producer: Kriselda Dionisio
• Music: Dyami Wilson