GTI panellists warn operators to embrace enterprise

Speaking at the GTI Summit, he cautioned: "The subscribe age of telecoms will run out of gas at the end of the decade if we don't bring in enterprises", which will impact every possible industry.

Batra added the time for an increase in cooperation with new players is now, "but we need to make our products more consumable".

T-Mobile US EVP Advanced and Emerging Technologies, John Saw, agreed, noting it’s not easy for enterprises to work with telcos – networks are locked down. “We have to move from walled garden to open networks. We need to find new revenue streams. It’s a challenge, but there’s not a lack of opportunity.”

In panel discussion, Saw added he doesn't see a strong incentive for building 6G networks if the industry doesn't make better progress monetising its current investments.

Mobile operators have invested more than $100 billion building 5G networks globally, he noted.

Continuing on the collaboration theme, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon insisted he has never been more optimistic about the industry and the opportunities for technology, despite all the challenges in the world, but the key is working together to advance innovation.

Amon stated: "This is an incredible industry, which has been built not by one company or another being able to innovate, but everyone. That continues to be the great spirit of this industry. Cooperation and partnership are probably more important now than ever.”

GTI Chairman Craig Ehrlich echoed those points in his opening comments, noting: "What set our industry apart was cooperation, collaboration and working together.