Telecom Leaders Advocate for Global Connectivity and AI Integration at World Governments Summit

Telecom industry leaders convened at the World Governments Summit in Dubai to discuss the vital role of connectivity in bridging societal divides and boosting business. Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone Group, emphasized that access to connectivity is becoming the new global divide. The International Telecommunications Union estimates that 2.6 billion people lack internet access, with 300 million in remote areas. Vodafone plans to launch direct-to-smartphone satellite service in Europe to address this gap. Hatem Dowidar, CEO of e&, highlighted the business opportunities in connecting more people, enabling access to fintech, cybersecurity, and cloud services. Mickey Mikitani, CEO of Rakuten Group, called for a radical transformation of the telecom industry, advocating for the removal of barriers to entry. The panel also explored how AI can enhance connectivity and the importance of investing in robust networks to support AI technologies. Dowidar urged governments to collaborate with industry leaders on regulations to ensure data sovereignty, security, and better AI training across languages. The consensus was clear: technology holds immense potential, but requires strategic investment and collaboration to unlock its full benefits globally.