On December 10th, day one of the 18th edition of the Telecom Review Leaders' Summit, Sylvain Seignour, President of Netcracker Technology, and Issam Eid, CMO Africa, Levant, KSA, and Qatar, Telecom Review Group, discussed the evolving role of telecom operators in a digital-first world.
Together, they elaborated on how telecom operators are transitioning from connectivity providers to broader technology companies (techcos), with Netcracker playing a key role in supporting this transformation.
Seignour explained that Netcracker helps operators navigate data management and evolve into innovative tech providers by offering AI-driven digital solutions. "We assist telecom operators in maximizing their return on investment and capitalizing on new opportunities in a rapidly changing telecom landscape," he said. He emphasized that each operator's digital transformation requires a customized approach, as no two operators are alike.
"Our customers come with different business models, scale, and operating structures. As such, we tailor our solutions to meet their unique needs, whether they're looking to improve operational efficiencies, enhance customer experiences, or expand into new verticals like cloud or AI," he added.
Becoming a Techco: Bridging Telecom and Other Verticals
As telecom operators increasingly look to diversify beyond connectivity and collaborate with other industries, Netcracker's deep industry expertise becomes crucial. Seignour shared, "Our extensive experience managing complex integrations across industries enables us to offer solutions that allow telcos to expand their services to non-traditional telecom sectors." This includes innovations such as private 5G networks, innovative smart city initiatives, and cloud services, which help operators bridge the gap between telecom and sectors like finance, healthcare, and logistics.
Leveraging cloud-native technologies, Netcracker empowers telecom operators to offer tailored solutions within niche verticals, fostering collaboration and unlocking new revenue streams.
The Impact of AI and GenAI on Telecom
The discussion also touched on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI (GenAI), in reshaping telecom operations. Seignour noted, "AI and GenAI have the potential to revolutionize multiple aspects of the telecom industry. One of the most impactful uses of AI is in network optimization. AI helps operators predict and address issues before they affect customers." He also highlighted GenAI's role in improving customer experience by personalizing interactions, automating responses, and predicting customer needs.
Security remains a critical focus as operators manage sensitive data across complex infrastructures. Seignour stated, "At Netcracker, security is our top priority. We collaborate closely with our telecom partners to ensure our solutions are built on robust security frameworks, from end-to-end encryption to AI-driven threat detection."
Netcracker's Role in Industry Transformation
Netcracker is well-positioned to assist operators in expanding their services and connecting with other industries. Seignour underscored the vital importance of secure data management, further explaining that processes like "normalizing, cleaning, and securing data to make it actionable" are fundamental to achieving this goal.
In conclusion, Netcracker's expertise in telecom and cross-industry transformation, combined with its AI, cloud, and security capabilities, positions the company as a valuable partner for operators navigating the digital age. Seignour concluded that, "Our goal is to help them innovate faster, offer better services, and capture new market opportunities."
