5G Techritory Podcast

As the majority of 5G use cases are expected to occur indoors, this session delved into the opportunities and challenges associated with indoor 5G deployment. Our panel of experts explored the remaining technical aspects that require refinement for optimal indoor 5G performance. Furthermore, we dove into the exciting realm of new business cases that indoor 5G enables, as well as the regulatory aspect of indoor 5G. Discover how this advanced connectivity technology unlocks innovative revenue streams in various sectors, such as smart buildings, industrial automation, healthcare, and more. Speakers: Dean Bubley, Director, Disruptive Analysis Aigars Runčis, Ventures Department Director, LMT Sietse van der Gaast, Co-chair/Senior enforcement officer, BEREC WNE Working Group/ACM Netherlands Mikael Lundman, CEO, Proptivity

Traditionally there has been strong separation between the satellite and terrestrial network sectors. However, recent developments have shown that satellite has a big role to play in the future of connectivity. Our experts discussed what evolution is needed in both standards and business models, what positive examples there are already and if there actually is one perfect business model for satellite connectivity. Speakers: Simona Lipstaite, Head of Europe, Access Partnership Polyzois Kokkonis, Future Programmes Officer, European Space Agency Tomas Hrozensky, Senior Researcher and Lead on European Engagement, European Space Policy Institute Natalia Vicente, VP Public Affairs, GSOA

In the opening panel discussion of 5G Techritory 2023, “Digitalization through Connectivity – Outlook for 2024,”, high-level representatives from leading organizations in the field shared their expert insights and predictions for the next year. We discussed the transformative potential of connectivity as our panelists explore emerging technologies, trends, and strategies that will shape the digital landscape in 2024. Gain valuable perspectives on the role of connectivity in driving innovation, economic growth, and societal advancements. Speakers: Marios Nicolaou, Business Development Director, p-NET Audrey Plonk, Head of the Digital Economy Policy Division, OECD Jaroslaw Ponder, Head of the ITU Office for Europe, International Telecommunication Union Zaneta Vegnere, Deputy Head of Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis, European Commission

Join us for an insightful fireside chat featuring Kaspars Pollaks from LMT and Aarne Lindross from Ericsson as they delve into the 5GCOMPAD project and its significance in the context of military operations. In the midst of evolving geopolitical challenges, the utilization of advanced communication technologies on the battlefield has become a topic of paramount importance. In Ukraine, we’ve witnessed the integration of 4G, Starlink, and other communication solutions in conflict zones, highlighting the critical role of connectivity in modern warfare. The discussion revolved around the transformative potential of 5G technology in enhancing defense operations and ensuring interoperability between military and public communication systems.

This session focused on the current state of digital accessibility, the necessary actions to be taken, and the shared responsibilities among stakeholders in ensuring comprehensive digital accessibility. The session kicked off with a keynote presentation by Elind Sulmina titled “ICT Accessibility to Bridge the Digital Divide: Spotlight on ITU’s Role” and then moved over to a fireside chat. Our panelists, consisting of experts in accessibility, policy, and technology, will examine the key challenges and opportunities associated with achieving digital accessibility compliance. Gain valuable insights into the implications of the European Accessibility Directive, its requirements, and the roles of various entities in promoting inclusivity and equal access in the digital realm. Speakers: Elind Sulmina, Project Officer, International Telecommunication Union Lina Sarma, Board Member, Riga TechGirls Daina Podzina, Independent consultant, researcher, Accessibility EU national expert , NGO Apeirons Sigrid Jessen, Research Fellow, Nordregio Research Institute

In this panel discussion, hosted by the ITU, experts and stakeholders from across Europe came together to explore the potential of the metaverse and discuss crucial aspects related to openness, safety, and respect within this emerging immersive world. Delve into topics such as user rights, privacy, ethical considerations, and standards for building a metaverse that upholds European values. Speakers: Per Fröjdh, Vice-Chairman / VP International Standards, ITU Focus Group on Metaverse / Ericsson Rolf Werner, Head of Europe, Nokia Walter Greenleaf, Neuroscientist, Stanford University, Stanford Virtual Human Interaction Lab Pilar Orero, Professor, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) Christina Yan Zhang, CEO and Founder, The Metaverse Institute Cristina Martinez, Vice-chair ITU FG on MV - Deputy Head of Unit, European Commission Gatis Ozols, Undersecretary for Digital Transformation, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development

Representatives from leading organizations in the field of cybersecurity and quantum computing shared their expert insights into the role of quantum and post-quantum security solutions in next generation cybersecurity ecosystem. We discussed the advances in quantum computing, practical implementations of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) infrastructures in the region, fusion of QKD and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) technologies with classical communications, as well as next steps for extending geographical and social reach of post-quantum security. Speakers: Leo Truksans, Leading QKD Engineer, Latvia State Radio and Television Center Mattias Männi, 5G Program Manager, NATO CCD COE Polyzois Kokkonis, Future Programmes Officer, European Space Agency Evijs Taube, Member of the Board, Latvia State Radio and Television Centre Christoph Striecks, Cryptography Researcher/Scientist, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology Aleksandrs Belovs, Associate Professor, University of Latvia

In this session, we explored the critical role of mobile communication and sensor networks in the management of seaport infrastructure. Our panel, comprising representatives from seaports and technology companies, delved into the deployment of IoT networks and mesh networks in seaports, enabling real-time monitoring and data collection for efficient port management. Discover how gathered data from sensor networks can be leveraged to optimize operations, enhance security, and improve overall efficiency in future ports. Speakers: Rob Watson, Founder & Director, On The Layline Ansis Zeltins, CEO, Freeport of Riga Authority Martin Beltrop, Senior Director Enterprise Campus Edge, Nokia Timo Rosendahl, Director, Traffic operations, Port Of HaminaKotka Ltd Lukasz Ziolkowski, Senior Project Officer for Reporting Formalities, European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) Nikolaos Tsampieris, Senior Manager Innovation Deployment, ERTICO-ITS Europe

This session aimed to tackle this issue by bringing together speakers from various Nordic and Baltic countries who are active in the 5G ecosystem. The discussion revolved around how different organizations have been fostering collaboration among industry, business, and the public sector. The goal was to delve into successful initiatives that these organisations have undertaken to engage key stakeholders in the 5G ecosystem and debate challenges as well as future avenues through which the Nordic and Baltic regions can enhance collaboration, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices. Speakers: Heidi Himmanen, Chief Adviser, Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom Michael Nilsson, Project Manager, Centre for Distance-spanning Technology Elina Lidere, Head of Innovations Ecosystems, LMT Bård Reian, Senior engineer, NKOM Oliver Lekk, Head of Radio Network Department, Telia Eesti AS Thorgeir Sigurdarson, Head of Broadband Data Analytics, ECOI

A keynote presentation by Piotr Linke, Mobile Networks Security Consultant at Palo Alto Networks on 5G Security for Enterprises and Service Providers.

As Europe sets ambitious goals for its connectivity policy, this session assessed the progress made thus far and explore the proximity to achieving these objectives. Our experts delved into the societal benefits of enhanced rural connectivity, discussing how it fosters economic growth, empowers communities, and bridges the digital divide. We also examined the technical challenges that arise in delivering connectivity to remote areas, exploring innovative solutions, the potential business case for rural connectivity and also highlighted the pivotal role of technology and innovation in realizing the vision of inclusive connectivity across rural Europe. Speakers: Maria Lema, CEO, Weaver Labs Juris Binde, President & Chairman of the Management Board, LMT Stanislav Prybytko, Head of the Mobile Broadband Department, Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Juliana Koza, Senior Manager Government Affairs, Qualcomm Sofianatos Gerasimos, Deputy Head of Unit B5, Investment in high-capacity networks, European Commission - Directorate General for Communications Networks Content and Technology Steve Davidson, Marketing Director Europe, Nokia

In this session, we delved into the ongoing debate surrounding the rollout of Open RAN technology and its relation to the future of 6G. Industry participants have raised concerns about rushing the deployment of Open RAN and argue that waiting for 6G could provide a more organic implementation. Our panelists critically examined these viewpoints, exploring whether they hold merit and considering the potential implications for the industry. We discussed real-world deployment examples that challenge this perspective, highlighting successful implementations of Open RAN in existing networks. Speakers: Will Townsend, Moor Insights & Strategy - Forbes Contributor, VP & Principal Analyst Timo Jokiaho, Red Hat, Telco Technologist Alexander Pabst, Rohde&Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG, Vice President Market Segment Wireless Communications Slawomir Pietrzyk, IS-Wireless, CEO and Founder David Taylor, UK Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Head of International Strategy - Telecoms Diversification & Future Telecoms

This was a lively panel discussion on the benefits and challenges of taking risks in public sector digitalization projects. Our panelists explored the possibility of adopting an agile approach to service delivery, which prioritizes user feedback and iteration over traditional, waterfall-style development processes. They also delved into the complexities of tender processes and how they can hinder or facilitate innovation in the public sector. Don’t miss this dynamic discussion that aims to unravel the intricate balance between risk mitigation and the pursuit of innovative digital solutions, paving the way for more effective and user-centric public sector initiatives. Speakers: Viesturs Celmins, Managing Director, VEFRESH Minna Säpyskä-Aalto, Senior Expert, The Baltic Institute of Finland / City of Tampere Iveta Strupkāja, Acting Director General, Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) Kaili Tamm, Chief Digital Officer, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of Estonia Uldis Tatarčuks, CEO, Tet Ltd.

From advancements in cloud computing to the evolution of edge networks, we discussed the transformative impact of metaverse infrastructure on industries, economies, and user experiences. Our panel of experts explored the essential components that drive the metaverse’s growth and sustainability, including the development of robust network architectures, cutting-edge hardware technologies, scalable infrastructure solutions, as well as business models that underpin the metaverse’s expansion and the strategic partnerships that drive innovation in this space. Speakers: Madara Kalnina-Kalnmale, Co-founder, RedFrog, VR/AR Association Christoph Leuze, Director, Stanford University, Visualization Lab Walter Greenleaf, Neuroscientist, Stanford University, Stanford Virtual Human Interaction Lab Sylvia Lu, Corporate Strategy / Advisory Board, u-blox / UKTIN Ioannis Markopoulos, Head EU & International Business, NOVA ICT Paul Ceely, Director of Technology Strategy, Digital Catapult

6G needs to be a transformative technology that helps overcome our shared challenges, and incorporates the dimensions of sustainability, accessibility, and affordability. This can only happen in partnership between the public & private sectors and through international collaboration paving the way for standardisation. In this keynote, Erzsebet Fitori explained how 6G should serve as the foundation for a more connected, secure, and greener future – the European Path to 6G.

While Open RAN offers numerous advantages, some stakeholders raise concerns about its security implications. This session delved into the risks and challenges posed by Open RAN deployments and explored strategies to mitigate potential security threats. Industry experts and security professionals shared their insights on best practices for ensuring secure Open RAN implementation while fostering innovation and maintaining an open ecosystem. Our panelists also shed light on the importance of proactive security approaches and collaboration in building robust and secure Open RAN architectures. Speakers: Andrii Degeler, Head of Media, The Next Web François Duthilleul, Telco Security Technologist, Red Hat Gunārs Danbergs, Vice President, CTO & Member of the Management Board, LMT Piotr Linke, Mobile Networks Security Consultant, Palo Alto Networks Gerry McQuaid, Director for Telecoms and Internet Security, Ofcom

While some industry participants argue that we are not yet close to a fully realized metaverse, proponents will highlight the multitude of virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (XR) use cases to support the claim that the metaverse is already here. In this session, industry leaders engaged in a lively debate about the proximity of a functioning metaverse and its implications, while specifically exploring the role of 6G technology. This discussion aims to delve into the technical advancements required for a working metaverse and the potential role of 6G in shaping its development. Speakers: Marios Nicolaou, Business Development Director, p-NET Juliana Koza, Senior Manager Government Affairs, Qualcomm Lucia D’Acunto, Senior Researcher, TNO Paul Adams, Marketing Director, Nokia Jeff Melanson, Strategic Partner, Unity Technologies Pekka Rantala, Head of 6G Bridge Program, Business Finland

A special 5G Techritory Podcast episode for our Latvian listeners! Telecoms, connected devices, and other technologies processes generate an ever-increasing amount of data and increasingly depend on them. The value of smooth data flow and secure use by various parties is widely recognized. Our experts delve into non-technical challenges and concerns related to data use in academia, such as building trust between parties, developing procedures and contracts, and fostering understanding to allow flexible yet secure data use for experimental needs. Speakers: Kaspars Bērziņš, Data Strategy Leader, vpc.lv (Higher Education and Science IT Shared Service Centre) Sarmīte Mickeviča, Ris3 Expert, Ministry of Education and Science, Republic of Latvia Edgars Indriksons, Head of Data, Riga City Council Anna Vladimirova-Krjukova, Senior Associate, COBALT Legal Normunds Grūzītis, Lead Researcher, Head of AI Lab, Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Latvia

As industries become increasingly dependent on digital technologies, the demand for a skilled workforce continues to outpace supply. In this panel discussion, we explored the pressing issue of the shortage of digitally skilled professionals across industries and examine whether AI can provide a solution. Our panel of experts examined the potential of AI in bridging the skills gap while emphasizing the crucial aspect of governance and lawmaking. We discussed how AI can be harnessed to train, upskill, and reskill individuals, ensuring that regulatory frameworks and policies are in place to govern its implementation. Additionally, we addressed the risks associated with advancing in this direction, including concerns about job displacement, bias, ethical considerations, and the need for responsible and inclusive AI practices. Speakers: Ieva Treija, Editor in Chief, Labs of Latvia Luukas Kristjan Ilves, CIO, Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications Gatis Ozols, Undersecretary for Digital Transformation, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Nick Johnson, Head, UKTIN Viktors Kupcis, Data Analytics Specialist, Google Cloud

With the exponential growth of IoT devices expected to reach 27 billion by 2025, the risks associated with their implementation have become increasingly critical. In this session, experts in the field will provide valuable insights into the future of cyber security in IoT and discuss effective strategies for mitigating the risk factors. Discover the latest advancements in IoT security technologies, threat landscape assessments, and best practices for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of IoT ecosystems. Speakers: Álvaro Neira, Partner, Axon Egons Bušs, Security Director LMT Edgars Kiukucāns, Director of the Cybersecurity Policy Department, Ministry of Defence of Latvia Didzis Ozoliņš, Systems Engineer, Palo Alto Networks Dmitrijs Ņikitins, CTO, Tet Ltd.