What's the Story? Telecom code redWhat's the Story? Telecom code red

TM Forum CEO Nik Willetts calls a code red for the telecom industry. Kyivstar plans $1 billion investment in network in Ukraine.

At a Glance

  • TM Forum's Nik Willetts declares a code red for the telecom industry (00:59)
  • Kyivstar to invest $1 billion in Ukraine (05:41)
  • Challenges Kyivstar faces in improving its network (10:54)

At the DTW24 event in Copenhagen last week, TM Forum CEO Nik Willetts said the telecom industry is experiencing a code red transformational failure. Should you be worried?

Light Reading's Tereza Krásová was there, and she explained why that matters and whether the industry feels a sense of urgency about the sector's lack of growth compared to other digital businesses.

Tereza points out that the industry's challenge is that its most talked-about initiatives and technology moves – around generative AI and telco APIs, specifically – have yet to yield much in the way of new revenue streams for telcos. 

Tereza also discusses her recent reporting on Ukrainian operator Kyivstar's move to increase its network investment to $1 billion. She explains what this means for expanding the service provider's network and what challenges Kyivstar still faces as Russia's attacks continue.

For a lightly edited transcript, please click the caption button in the video toolbar. 

Here are a few topics we covered:

  • TM Forum's Nik Willetts declares a code red for the telecom industry. (00:59)

  • TM Forum and GSMA work together on API development. (03:00)

  • Kyivstar is also looking into building greenfield towers, expanding its 4G network, and considering potential acquisitions. (09:16)

  • Challenges Kyivstar faces while improving its network. (10:54)

About the Authors

Kelsey Ziser

Senior Editor, Light Reading

Kelsey is a senior editor at Light Reading, co-host of the Light Reading podcast, and host of the "What's the story?" podcast.

Her interest in the telecom world started with a PR position at Connect2 Communications, which led to a communications role at the FREEDM Systems Center, a smart grid research lab at N.C. State University. There, she orchestrated their webinar program across college campuses and covered research projects such as the center's smart solid-state transformer.

Kelsey enjoys reading four (or 12) books at once, watching movies about space travel, crafting and (hoarding) houseplants.

Kelsey is based in Raleigh, N.C.

Tereza Krásová

Associate Editor, Light Reading

Associate Editor, Light Reading

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