How innovations in telecoms will shape the year ahead

VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

10
December
2026

Speakers:

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SPONSORS

Today’s event looks back at the developments that have defined the year – the strategic decisions, investments, successes and setbacks – before looking ahead to what’s next. We’ll explore where the biggest opportunities lie, which technologies are set to shape the next phase of connectivity, and how operators can turn innovation into sustainable growth.

Morning: Lookback

The developments that have defined the year – the strategic decisions, investments, successes and setbacks

09:15

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Jasdip-Sensi-ME-Editor
Jasdip Sensi

Editor
Mobile Europe

09:20

KEYNOTE

Session Sponsor

2026 in focus - Highlights and key learnings from an operator perspective

AI is moving from pilots into operational deployment, with operators looking for measurable improvements in efficiency, automation and customer experience. This session examines where AI is delivering value and what is needed to scale adoption.
Moderator: Robert Curran

Consulting Analyst
Appledore Research

Yue Wang

Chief Technologist - Network and AI
China Telecom

Olivier Simon

VP Smart Networks and Data
Orange

Inanç Çakiroğlu

Group CIO
VEON

09:50

SPONSOR KEYNOTE

Session Sponsor

AI in telecoms: moving from experimentation to measurable value

AI is moving from pilots into operational deployment, with operators looking for measurable improvements in efficiency, automation and customer experience. This session examines where AI is delivering value and what is needed to scale adoption.
Moderator: Robert Curran

Consulting Analyst
Appledore Research

Yue Wang

Chief Technologist - Network and AI
China Telecom

Olivier Simon

VP Smart Networks and Data
Orange

Inanç Çakiroğlu

Group CIO
VEON

10:20

PANEL

Session Sponsor

Digital sovereignty: from policy debate to operational reality

As connectivity becomes critical national infrastructure, telecom operators are taking on a broader role in resilience and security. This session examines the opportunities and challenges created by closer links between commercial networks, governments and defence.
Moderator: Robert Curran

Consulting Analyst
Appledore Research

Yue Wang

Chief Technologist - Network and AI
China Telecom

Olivier Simon

VP Smart Networks and Data
Orange

Inanç Çakiroğlu

Group CIO
VEON

11:05

SESSION

Session Sponsor

Progress in telco automation and autonomous networks

As connectivity becomes critical national infrastructure, telecom operators are taking on a broader role in resilience and security. This session examines the opportunities and challenges created by closer links between commercial networks, governments and defence.
Moderator: Robert Curran

Consulting Analyst
Appledore Research

Yue Wang

Chief Technologist - Network and AI
China Telecom

Olivier Simon

VP Smart Networks and Data
Orange

Inanç Çakiroğlu

Group CIO
VEON

11:35

PANEL

Session Sponsor

2026 and beyond: can telecoms enter a new era of growth?

Discussion featuring the year’s biggest themes – sovereignty, AI, security, satellite, new business models and the journey towards 6G. The question: can operators turn years of investment into sustainable value?

Moderator: Robert Curran

Consulting Analyst
Appledore Research

Yue Wang

Chief Technologist - Network and AI
China Telecom

Olivier Simon

VP Smart Networks and Data
Orange

Inanç Çakiroğlu

Group CIO
VEON

12:20

Break

Afternoon: Look forward

Opportunities and technologies shaping the next phase of connectivity, and turning innovation into sustainable growth

12:40

KEYNOTE

Session Sponsor

2027 in focus - What awaits operators, how they can fulfill their potential and navigate market uncertainties

Discussion featuring the year’s biggest themes – sovereignty, AI, security, satellite, new business models and the journey towards 6G. The question: can operators turn years of investment into sustainable value?

Moderator: Robert Curran

Consulting Analyst
Appledore Research

Yue Wang

Chief Technologist - Network and AI
China Telecom

Olivier Simon

VP Smart Networks and Data
Orange

Inanç Çakiroğlu

Group CIO
VEON

13:10

SPONSOR KEYNOTE

Session Sponsor

Securing the future: cyber regulation, supply chains and trusted infrastructure

As networks become more complex, cybersecurity and supply chain resilience are becoming strategic priorities. This session examines how operators can build networks that are secure, trusted and resilient.

Moderator: Robert Curran

Consulting Analyst
Appledore Research

Yue Wang

Chief Technologist - Network and AI
China Telecom

Olivier Simon

VP Smart Networks and Data
Orange

Inanç Çakiroğlu

Group CIO
VEON

13:40

PANEL

Session Sponsor

The road to 6G: evolution rather than revolution?

While 6G remains ahead, the foundations are already being built through 5G Advanced, cloud-native networks and AI-driven operations. This session explores what the next generation of connectivity needs to deliver and how operators should prepare.

Moderator: Robert Curran

Consulting Analyst
Appledore Research

Yue Wang

Chief Technologist - Network and AI
China Telecom

Olivier Simon

VP Smart Networks and Data
Orange

Inanç Çakiroğlu

Group CIO
VEON

14:25

SESSION

Session Sponsor

Connectivity everywhere: who captures the value?

The future of connectivity will combine fibre, mobile, satellite, private networks and edge computing. This session explores how operators can capture value as connectivity becomes increasingly ubiquitous.

Moderator: Robert Curran

Consulting Analyst
Appledore Research

Yue Wang

Chief Technologist - Network and AI
China Telecom

Olivier Simon

VP Smart Networks and Data
Orange

Inanç Çakiroğlu

Group CIO
VEON

14:55

PANEL

Session Sponsor

Finding the next operator business models

With traditional connectivity revenues under pressure, operators are exploring new opportunities across APIs, enterprise services, cloud, edge and AI. This session asks where the next sustainable growth opportunities will come from.

Moderator: Robert Curran

Consulting Analyst
Appledore Research

Yue Wang

Chief Technologist - Network and AI
China Telecom

Olivier Simon

VP Smart Networks and Data
Orange

Inanç Çakiroğlu

Group CIO
VEON

15:40

Closing Remarks & End of Conference

All times UK. Session timings and content subject to change. © Mobile Europe / NDN Media Ltd Download Logo/s (zip)

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