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September 3, 2024
"Liu Zhiyong extended a formal invitation to KT, SKT, LGU+, and other Korean companies to join WBBA. He emphasized the opportunity for these companies to collaborate with over 100 WBBA member partners in driving the digital transformation and prosperity of the global broadband industry."
Liu Zhiyong

WBBA and China Telecom leaders visited Korea carriers

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From August 29 to 30, Liu Zhiyong, Deputy Chief Engineer of China Telecom and Rotating Chairman of the Executive Committee of the World Broadband Association (WBBA), embarked on a significant visit to South Korea.

During this visit, he engaged with key players in the telecommunications and technology sectors, including KT, SKT, LGU+, the National Information Society Agency (NIA) of Korea, and Samsung Electronics. This initiative marks another important step in the ongoing international engagement efforts of the WBBA, following successful visits to Europe and the Middle East earlier this year.

The visit underscored the shared understanding among industry leaders of the urgent need for a robust and efficient industrial organization within the fixed-line broadband sector. All parties agreed on the importance of establishing a collaborative platform that facilitates the sharing of broadband industry policies, innovative technologies, successful industry practices, and future application scenarios. Such a platform is seen as critical to advancing the global broadband agenda.

During the meetings, Liu Zhiyong provided a comprehensive overview of WBBA's recent developments. He highlighted key initiatives, such as the establishment of an annual global summit system, the publication of flagship broadband research reports, the introduction of annual broadband awards, and progress in strategic collaborations with other international organizations. These efforts, he noted, are designed to foster greater cooperation and innovation across the global broadband industry.

In addition to these discussions, Liu Zhiyong and his counterparts delved into a range of topics central to the future of broadband. These included cloud-network broadband development strategies, broadband infrastructure construction, investment in new technologies, and the pursuit of sustainable development goals. The dialogue was marked by a shared commitment to advancing these areas through continued collaboration and innovation.

Tan Yijun, General Manager of China Telecom's International Department, also participated in the visit. He provided insights into China Telecom's global operations and its strategic approach to transforming into a technology-driven enterprise. The discussions extended to potential areas of international cooperation, including submarine cables, quantum communication, satellite communication innovation, and the application of AI technology for sustainable development. These conversations further solidified the partnership between China Telecom and Korean operators, enhancing mutual understanding and laying the groundwork for future collaboration.

China Telecom and Nokia, as co-founding members of WBBA, played a pivotal role in these discussions. On behalf of Li Zhengmao, Chairman of the WBBA Board of Directors, Liu Zhiyong extended a formal invitation to KT, SKT, LGU+, and other Korean companies to join WBBA. He emphasized the opportunity for these companies to collaborate with over 100 WBBA member partners in driving the digital transformation and prosperity of the global broadband industry.

The long-standing and deep-rooted cooperation between Korean operators and China Telecom was a recurring theme throughout the visit. All parties expressed strong appreciation for China Telecom's leadership in establishing the WBBA platform, recognizing its potential as a model for international exchange and cooperation. Korean operators indicated their openness to joining WBBA, expressing eagerness to engage in constructive discussions and work alongside global partners. Together, they aim to share best practices in broadband development, integrate innovative technologies and services, achieve sustainable growth in the cloud-network industry, empower the digital economy, and bridge the digital divide.

This visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening the ties between China Telecom and its Korean counterparts, paving the way for deeper collaboration and shared success in the global broadband landscape.

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Martin Creaner
Director General of the World Broadband Association

Martin Creaner is one of the leading strategic thinkers in the global communications industry with a successful career as an executive with Motorola and British Telecom, as well as over a decade as President and CEO of the TM Forum.

Martin currently advises the boards of a number of companies in the communications and high tech industries, ranging from up-and-coming digital economy companies, to market leaders.

Martin has been named among the 25 Most Influential People in Telecom Software by Billing World and has twice been named as one of Global Telecoms Business’ Top 100. Martin holds a Master of Business Administration from Cranfield University, Cranfield School of Management; a Master of Science in Telecommunications from the University of East Anglia; and Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering and Physics from Dublin City University and the University College Dublin, respectively.

Martin is also a recognized thought-leader on digital transformation and the trends of the emerging digital economy. His most recent book “Transforming the Telco” explains the opportunities and challenges that digital transformation presents and outlines how the Telco might navigate this difficult process.

Previous books include “Delivering the Digital Economy”, which outlines the dynamics of the digital economy, and “Frameworx Distilled” & “NGOSS Distilled”, which provide a detailed guidebook to the standards that underpin the Telecom software industry.

Martin was appointed unanimously to the role of Director General by WBBA members.

Martin lives in Cork, Ireland.

Li Zhengmao
Doctor of Engineering, Professor, WBBA Board Chairman

Li Zhengmao, Doctor of Engineering, Professor. He was awarded the title of “Chinese Doctors with Outstanding Contribution” by the Academic Degrees Committee of the State Council & the former State Education Commission, and granted the China Youth Science and Technology Award by the China Association for Science and Technology, and the 2017 Distinguished Industry Leader Award by IEEE; he was inducted into the 2020 IPv6 Internet Hall of Fame and enjoyed special government allowances.

Li served as Vice-Chairman of China Institute of Communications, Vice President of Internet Society of China, Vice-Chairman of the Association of Communications Across the Taiwan Straits, Vice-Chairman of All-China Environment Federation, Board member of GSM Association (GSMA), Board Director of Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Alliance, Executive Director of Global TD-LTE Initiative (GTI), Vice President of China United Communications Corporation Limited, Vice President of China Mobile Communications Corporation Limited, and President of China Telecommunications Corporation Limited.

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