Abhishek Shankar

The telecommunications industry is facing a period of rapid transformation driven by evolving customer demands and technological disruptions. As 5G networks roll out, providing faster internet speeds and expanded connectivity, telecom providers are under immense pressure to differentiate themselves and drive innovation. 

Amid this pressure, collaboration has emerged as a key strategy for navigating challenges and seizing new opportunities. Speaking with Mobile Magazine, Abhishek Shankar, President – Communications Business, Americas at Tech Mahindra, shares his insights on why collaboration is essential for the telecom industry’s growth and success. 

With over two decades of experience leading within the technology space, Abhishek offers a unique perspective on how fostering ecosystems of cooperation can accelerate the pace of innovation, achieve operational efficiencies and create unique value propositions.

What challenges does the telecom industry currently face?

“The rapid evolution of customer demands, the advent of disruptive technologies, and the lowering of barriers to entry have catalysed a swift transformation within the telecoms sector. 

“With the rollout of 5G technology, providing improved coverage and faster internet speeds, telecom operators are finding it increasingly challenging to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. This situation is intensified by fierce competition, which is eroding profit margins. Moreover, the need to invest heavily in infrastructure to support next-generation networks adds to the financial strain, making it difficult for organisations to maintain profitability while advancing. However, it is these pressures that are propelling the telecom industry towards innovation. By leveraging technological advancements, businesses can not only navigate the current landscape but also forge new pathways for growth and success.” 

How can these challenges be addressed?

“A collaborative mindset is crucial for driving growth and exploring new opportunities. Through fostering ecosystems of cooperation, telecom providers can pool collective expertise, accelerating the pace of innovation and achieving operational efficiencies through cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). This approach allows for the development of unique value propositions that individual entities alone could not achieve. 

“Incorporating principles of openness, such as Open RAN (Radio Access Network) and Open API within the framework of the Open Digital Architecture (ODA), enhances this collaboration, enabling more flexible and interoperable solutions across the telecom landscape. Partnerships with tech startups, cross-industry collaborations, and open innovation platforms can serve as catalysts for this transformation. By working together, the industry can better respond to customer needs, integrate advanced technologies such as AI, and navigate competitive pressures, thereby securing a more sustainable and innovative future.”

How is the convergence of challenge and opportunity reshaping the telecom industry?

“The telecom industry is driving a profound transformation through technological advancements and changing consumer demands. Traditional business models are being reevaluated in the face of emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and the rollout of 5G networks. Internet of Things (IoT) devices, for instance, are expected to increase from 16.4 billion to 25.1 billion by 2027—roughly three devices for every human on the planet. Meanwhile, 5G will become the leading smartphone connection type in 2025, at just over half of the total—and is forecast to rise to more than two-thirds by 2027. 

“Spurred by the rapid rollout of infrastructure, global 5G connections are expected to exceed 3.8 billion in three years. These technologies not only challenge the status quo but also open new revenue streams, necessitating a shift from a siloed approach to an open, collaborative ecosystem capitalising on digital transformation opportunities across sectors. 

“Increased bandwidth demand for evolving transportation, such as hands-free driving and smart electric vehicle chargers, exemplifies the blend of challenge and opportunity. It requires telcos to adopt flexible network solutions like xRAN and focus on trust architecture and digital identity to ensure customer privacy and data. Moreover, the integration of AI in network management and customer service is enabling more efficient operations and personalised experiences, setting a foundation for future innovations in quantum technology and sustainability. 

“Furthermore, the widespread emergence of Web3, the digital expectations of Gen Z, and competition from big tech companies are pushing telcos to revisit their strategies. The deployment of 5G and fibre networks through joint ventures and a focus on sustainability underscore the importance of adapting to rapidly changing technological landscapes and consumer expectations. To navigate through these changes successfully, telcos must leverage their core strengths in connectivity and infrastructure while also attracting and retaining talent capable of driving innovation in these new technologies and business models. This holistic approach will enable the telecom industry to meet the challenges head-on and seize the opportunities that lie in the convergence of these trends.”

How does collaboration benefit the telecom industry?

“Collaboration in the telecom industry plays a crucial role in enhancing innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness. By fostering a culture of shared learning and resource optimisation, telecom companies can tap into a vast pool of diverse expertise. This collective approach enables them to co-create unique value propositions, merging their strengths with those of partners from fields like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Such integrations expand the range and depth of services offered and ensure rapid responsiveness to the ever-changing market landscape. 

“Leveraging the collective intelligence of a broader ecosystem, telecom providers are better positioned to anticipate and act on emerging trends, meet customer demands more effectively, and continually improve their offerings. This collaborative ethos is essential for staying ahead in the fast-paced telecom sector, driving both innovation and sustainable growth.” 

What technology is shaping a collaborative telecom industry?

“The future of the telecommunications industry is being shaped by a wave of innovative technologies, with collaboration at its core. Key among these advancements are open standards and interoperability frameworks, which are critical for fostering a seamless and integrated ecosystem. The Open Digital Architecture (ODA), for instance, is pivotal in enabling telecom providers to integrate diverse systems and technologies effortlessly. This ‘plug-and-play’ ecosystem is essential for the rapid deployment of services, allowing the industry to navigate away from fragmentation and siloed operations towards a more unified and innovative environment. 

“Moreover, embracing open standards is not merely about enhancing operational efficiency; it is a strategic move that allows telecom providers to tap into a wealth of collective knowledge and expertise. This collaboration is crucial for driving continuous improvement, fostering innovation, and creating value across the ecosystem. As the industry moves forward, telecom providers are presented with a choice: to either harness the power of collaboration or to lag in a fast-paced, competitive market. 

“Additionally, technologies such as 5G, AI, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) further complement this collaborative shift, offering unprecedented opportunities for connectivity, scalability, and service innovation. 

“The call to action is clear. For telecom providers to thrive and lead in digital transformation, a collective commitment to openness, innovation, and collaboration is paramount. The adoption of interoperable technologies and open architectures will unlock new revenue streams and ensure that the telecom industry remains at the forefront of meeting the evolving needs of customers and industries alike. The time for telecom providers to act and embrace collaborative technologies is now.”

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