Bridging the Digital Divide: A Meeting of Minds at Swisscom
In Bern, on April 17th, a meeting took place between Li Zhengmao, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the World Broadband Association (WBBA), and Markus Reber, Executive Vice President of Swisscom an esteemed member of the WBBA board. This gathering marked not only a meeting of minds but also a strategic discussion on the future of fixed networks and the evolution of technology companies worldwide.
Li Zhengmao, freshly returned from a significant visit to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), shared insights from his meeting with the ITU Secretary-General. His message resonated with the ethos of collaboration and global connectivity that defines WBBA's mission. He emphasized the imperative of partnerships with industry leaders like Swisscom to bridge the digital divide, envision the future of networks, and sculpt a digitally inclusive tomorrow.
Swisscom, a cornerstone founding member of WBBA, showcased its forward-looking strategy dubbed "Best Net," which delineates the transition from copper to fiber in fixed networks. Markus Reber delved into Swisscom's robust initiatives in Fiber to the Home (FTTH) deployment and the pioneering strides in 50G PON technology. Amaury De Gromard, a luminary in the WBBA Oversight Committee and Head of Network Strategy and Business Development at Swisscom, elucidated the company's prowess in 4G, 5G, and sustainable energy solutions.
Liu Zhiyong, Chairman of the WBBA Oversight Committee and Deputy Chief Engineer of China Telecom, talked about the transformative endeavours of China Telecom in erecting a novel digital infrastructure rooted in cloud-network integration. His insights shed light on China Telecom's roadmap for the change of technology companies in the digital age.
Amidst the exchange of ideas, a unanimous consensus emerged among all stakeholders. There's a compelling need to fortify communication and collaboration among WBBA members, fostering a setting conducive to broader cooperation in technological innovation and application. The quest for common ground in frontier technical domains is paramount, underpinned by joint research and development endeavours. Such concerted efforts aim not only to propel the innovation and resilience of digital infrastructure but also to catalyse the growth and vitality of the digital economy on a global scale.
As the meeting at Swisscom's headquarters ended, the echoes of shared visions reverberated, underscoring a resolute commitment to surmounting challenges and unlocking the boundless potential of the digital realm. In unity lies the promise of a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous future for all.
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