“While there is growing interest, mainstream adoption will depend on factors like standardization, interoperability, and the ability of telcos to provide seamless, reliable services.”
Telecommunications has expanded from connectivity to creating digital ecosystems. In your view, how has this expanded role of telcos reshaped industry priorities?
As telcos move beyond connectivity to creating digital ecosystems, their priorities have shifted towards enhancing customer experience, leveraging data analytics, and integrating emerging technologies like IoT, AI, and edge computing. This expansion has led to a focus on partnerships, innovation, and developing new revenue streams.
Private 5G is seen as a game-changer for enterprises, yet the adoption is slow—what is driving this, and what changes are needed to accelerate deployment?
Private 5G networks offer enterprises enhanced security, low latency, and customized network solutions.
However, slow adoption can be attributed to factors like high deployment costs, regulatory hurdles, and the need for specialized skills.
To accelerate deployment, clear regulatory frameworks, cost-effective solutions, and collaboration between telcos and enterprises are essential.
In Europe, telecos are advocating for Big Tech to share the cost of network infrastructure. How feasible do you think this model is and could it work in India?
The idea of Big Tech sharing network infrastructure costs is gaining traction in Europe due to the significant data traffic generated by these companies. In India, this model could face challenges due to different market dynamics, regulatory environments, and the financial health of telcos. However, it could also present opportunities for investment and innovation if implemented thoughtfully.
With there being a growing interest in ‘network-as-a-service’ (NaaS), how close are we to seeing NaaS becoming a mainstream business model for telecos?
NaaS offers flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency, making it an attractive model for enterprises.
While there is growing interest, mainstream adoption will depend on factors like standardization, interoperability, and the ability of telcos to provide seamless, reliable services.
As technologies mature and use cases become more compelling, NaaS could become a mainstream business model.
Take the example of API sharing propelled by the GSMA Camara project. Ideally, Telcos have to collaborate with each other for NaaS, just like they have been collaborating with each other for calls and data transfer. An Operator A user can talk to Operator B and vice versa without any problem. In the same way, the NaaS service has to be seamless across Telcos.
Digital inclusion remains a major challenge, especially in rural areas. What role can private 5G and AI-native networks play in close this digital divide?
Private 5G and AI-native networks can play a significant role in enhancing connectivity in rural areas by providing tailored solutions that address specific connectivity challenges.
These technologies can enable better resource management, improve service delivery, and support local economic development, thereby contributing to digital inclusion.
The telecom sector is evolving into a key enabler of future technologies like Industry 4.0. In your view, what innovation or policy decision could make or break telecom’s future over the next 20 years?
The telecom sector’s role in enabling future technologies like Industry 4.0 will depend on continuous innovation and supportive policy decisions. Key areas include spectrum allocation, investment in next-gen technologies (e.g., 6G), and fostering a competitive yet collaborative ecosystem. Policies that promote open standards, data privacy, and cybersecurity will also be crucial in shaping the future of telecom.
These insights provide a high-level overview, and the specific outcomes will depend on various factors, including technological advancements, regulatory environments, and market dynamics.
About Puneet Chopra:
Puneet Chopra is the Telecom Chief Technology Officer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) India. He is a telecommunications industry known professional with 3 decades experience in the India, Asia, Europe, South America and Africa telecommunications market. His experience has been in India in Siemens, later NSN, Ericsson, IBM and HPE ongoing.
An active contributor to industry discussions on emerging technologies, Puneet’s interests are in AI Native Networking Architectures along with Telecom Networks- IP MPLS, Mobile Core 5G, xRAN Architectures, Closed Loop Network Automation with Intent Driven Orchestration, Dynamic Policy NW Optimization, SDN NFV, Network Analytics, Telco Cloud, Virtual CPE, Closed Loop and SON.
