What We’re Looking Forward to Discussing at the Canadian Telecom Summit

The theme for this year’s Canadian Telecom Summit is—drumroll please—New Era of Intelligent Connection: Embracing 5G Cloud and Edge for a Connected Everything Digital World.

Yeah, that’s a mouthful.

But it’s a well-deserved mouthful. Now in its twentieth year, the Canadian Telecom Summit is Canada’s leading information and communications technology (ICT) event, and as you’re no doubt aware, these past two years have seen monumental change in the ICT field. So, for three full days, the Canadian Telecom Summit will deliver thought-provoking presentations from the thought leaders of the industry. This is your chance to hear from and talk with them in both a structured atmosphere of frank discussion and high-octane idea exchange. Speaking of ideas, here’s what we’re looking forward to discussing.

5G, Cloud, & Edge Innovation to Advance the Digital Economy Across Manufacturing, Distribution, & Retail

The edge represents an entire new source of revenue for cloud service providers. 5G is driving a shift in both consumer and enterprise expectations: high speeds, low latency for consumers, and immersive experiences for enterprise customers. As new edge-native applications place more stringent real-time demands on the network, many enterprises will likely find that the best path to edge transformation runs through their CSP.

Cyber Security: Protection, Privacy, & Identity

Cybersecurity regularly gets the short shrift from boards to start-ups to public institutions to budgets. But it shouldn’t. The string of high-profile cybersecurity events in recent years should have everyone’s attention. On top of that, we must think of the cost.

Also worth noting: there are a few bills in Parliament that will affect Canadians’ privacy and experience on the internet. And if you wanted to read up on the latest in cybersecurity news from the government’s perspective, have a look at their National Cyber Threat Assessment.

5G Innovation in Smart Cities

5G technology is expected to be one hundred times faster than existing 4G technology. What kinds of innovation will that unleash on urban landscapes? We’re expecting smart electricity grids that better manage power, smart lighting systems that dim and brighten as needed, autonomous vehicles, and more.

Bridging the Rural Divide

We’ll say it right now: rural Internet connectivity is a serious barrier to equality in Canada. Rural Canadians are missing out on opportunities afforded to urban Canadians because of inferior Internet. Compare the Internet speeds and data plans of urban and rural Canadians, and you’ll see things like 150 Mbps with unlimited data versus 10 Mbps with a 100 GB cap for the exact same price. You’d think you were looking at two different countries.

How can we work together to bring true connectivity to all Canadians? Consider initiatives like the Federal Broadband Fund. The CRTC’s fund will provide up to $750 million over five years. These funds will support projects to build or upgrade access and transport infrastructure that will provide fixed and mobile wireless broadband Internet access services in eligible underserved areas of Canada. The Universal Broadband Fund is Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s (ISED) program to enhance connectivity for all Canadians.

Canada’s Connectivity Strategy, led by ISED, is a commitment to connect every Canadian to affordable, high-speed Internet no matter where they live, and to improve mobile cellular access from coast to coast to coast. Let’s be emphatic: the project to get all Canadians everywhere equitable access to high-quality Internet is a national project on par with putting a railway across the country or electrification. We’re surprised that more people aren’t talking about it.

Regulatory Blockbuster

Some people consider the Regulatory Blockbuster panel to be the highlight of the Canadian Telecom Summit. This year, it will be moderated by Alexandra Posadzki, a Globe and Mail reporter with a lengthy resume who currently focuses on the telecom industry. Joining her will be Ceri Howes, the head of regulatory at Opensignal; Dennis Béland, the vice president of regulatory affairs at Quebecor; Geoff White, the executive director of Competitive Network Operators of Canada; Paul Beaudry, the vice president of regulatory affairs at Cogeco; Samer Bishay, the CEO of Iristel; Stephen Schmidt, the vice president of telecom policy and chief regulatory legal counsel at Telus; and Ted Woodhead, the senior vice president of regulatory at Rogers Communications.

Don’t miss this event. This year features a hybrid format, allowing you to attend virtually or in person. If you are passionate about telecommunications, IT, or broadcasting, you need to attend the 2021 Canadian Telecom Summit.