In conjunction with the recently concluded MWC Barcelona 2022, Tara Neal, Executive Editor of The Fast Mode spoke to Gavin Faulds, Regional Sales Head for MEA at STL on the company's plans and showcases for this year's event.
Tara: What do you think MWC 2022 will be all about?
Gavin: Now that 5G is being deployed around the world, we are able to talk about the networks that will enable this game-changing technology. There will even be discussions about hot topics such as Metaverse and Web3, but underpinning all of those will be future-ready digital infrastructure. We look forward to understanding the wider impact of these networks – how connectivity is driving digital inclusion and transforming billions of lives.
Tara: And what are your MWC 2022 plans?
Gavin: STL is making a number of announcements that demonstrate how 5G is converging with other access technologies. This reflects STL’s goal of building digital networks that combine wireless and optical technologies built on secure, fully programmable, open source interfaces. This also means serving an expanding range of different service providers – not just traditional telcos, but also enterprises, cloud companies and public networks.
Tara: How has the pandemic impacted the operational and business landscape of the tech segment you are operating in?
Gavin: One of the consequences of the pandemic at the operational level was that it forced companies of all sizes to accelerate their digital transformation plans and develop new ways of working remotely – and that was something STL embraced. Our expertise in digital technologies and agile workforce strategies have proved to be critical for us conducting the business seamlessly.
On the business front, we believe the pandemic and the increased digital adoption kickstarted a decade of network creation. Network creators and the government are now investing heavily in digital infrastructure powering deployments in 5G, FTTx and Open RAN. STL has been preparing for that with capabilities across wireless connectivity, optical networking, software, and services, and will lead this decade of network creation.
Tara: What emerging trends/technologies have you observed in your tech segment in recent months?
Gavin: We believe open technologies are the future of digital networks. The move towards Open RAN is gathering tremendous momentum and will have huge long-term implications for how networks are built and operated. It could, for example, solve the long-standing problem of how to extend connectivity to rural areas. The other key trend is the continuing move to cloud-based service delivery - and the need for intelligent software to make such services flexible and scalable.
Gavin has successfully led sales teams & business units in both regional and international organizations. Prior to joining STL, Gavin worked for Oman Fiber Optic. Gavin holds a MBA from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.
