Telecoms industry veteran Shena Brien from IP Telecom on what the rapidly changing telecoms landscape means for Irish businesses and society as a whole.
Like many sectors, the world of communications and connectivity continues to evolve and transform. However, unlike most tech sectors, changes in this sector are one that fundamentally impacts all businesses, from start-up all the way to large enterprises.
Technological shifts in this sector are ones that have an oversize impact on the way our business processes develop, on the way we run our businesses and communicate with our customers and are critical to the success of our economy as a whole. Emerging technologies such as AI and Internet of Things, as well as integrated business processes all are reliant on fully integrated communications systems.
“The future looks promising. With the right support and a vision of what a fully-connected Ireland could be, Irish businesses of all sizes can continue to grow and innovate”
As a result, it is crucial to understand the changing Irish telecom ecosystem, with its recent high-profile departures, impacts business and how this is an opportunity for providers to improve services to SMEs in particular.
It is no secret that we are in an exciting era of technological advancements, in the local tech sector and globally.
AI won’t matter without decent telecoms
Although AI has been garnering the most attention of late – the technologies and connectivity that allows these developments to function – such as 5G and the move to fibre are equally crucial and should not be underestimated.
“Having superb communications infrastructure should be seen as important as water and electricity in terms of State priorities”
Connectivity must be seen by governments and businesses alike as crucial infrastructure for Ireland to continue to grow and prosper. Indeed, having superb communications infrastructure should be seen as important as water and electricity in terms of State priorities. Ireland will not reap the benefits of the likes of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) revolutions without clear focus on the current technological and infrastructure gaps in our economy.
To ensure successful long-term IoT implementation, collaboration among telecoms technology providers, and other stakeholders will be crucial in order to develop scalable solutions. Ireland is already seeing success in IoT companies, such as Cubic Telecom, who recently garnered a €473m investment from Softbank, but where will the next Cubic come from? And, without the infrastructural investment can Ireland handle the types of IoT products they deploy?
As global investments in 5G infrastructure continue, we’re slowly starting to see its benefits in Ireland, both in urban and rural areas. 5G networks promise to enhance connectivity and support new applications such as AI and IoT, which depend on high-speed, low-latency connections. For Irish businesses, 5G significantly boosts operational efficiency and innovation.
Despite the global 5G adoption rate expected to surpass 50% by the decade’s end, regional disparities persist, underscoring the need for ongoing investment to ensure all areas around Ireland fully from these new tech advances. How many of us have returned from our summer holidays and questioned why we had full 5G coverage whilst away but patchy coverage whilst here? Ireland as a whole should be encouraging more 5G development – and in terms of any concerns around 5G, the more sites, the less wattage output necessary at each site.
And this can be achieved. After much to-ing and fro-ing, the National Broadband Plan (NBP) is now delivering high-speed internet to more areas and ensuring reliable and fast connectivity for all communities, to address the digital divide in Ireland. T
his shift to next-generation networks is vital for modern connectivity needs and is allowing homes and businesses the sort of connectivity businesses require, allowing forward planning to allow legacy systems such as the copper network to be retired.
Deploying 5G and fibre networks is essential for maintaining economic competitiveness and as businesses across all sectors move into greater automation and data-based decisions, connectivity impacts all business operations.
Leading players are exiting the market
The exit of players across the traditional voice space as well as connectivity in recent months has changed the landscape of the B2B telecoms space somewhat. Whilst some of this was anticipated, due to technological or service lags, it was still a surprise to see some of the long-established players shut their doors. It’s important however that as an industry we don’t see this as an opportunity to rest on our laurels and merely take on the customers of these companies.
“SMEs, which form the backbone of the domestic economy, are seeing their telecom needs evolve rapidly”
Our industry should be one that embraces the opportunity to introduce these customers to better technical platforms, provide tailored solutions and superior customer service. For Irish businesses, this opens doors to better, bespoke options that are engaged with their business needs and more responsive support.
SMEs, which form the backbone of the domestic economy, are seeing their telecom needs evolve rapidly. The solutions that used to be only available to large corporations have been democratised and the successful SMEs are the ones who are now able to embrace new working methods, automation and whole business integrations that allow leaner, but more responsive business processes.
Crucial to this is the telecoms solutions that act as the backbone for these solutions, offering flexibility, integration, and security. Providers who focus on personalised service and understand the unique challenges of SMEs can build strong relationships and offer solutions tailored to the local market, services that are crucial for supporting economic development nationwide.
The current landscape and its technical advancements are vital for supporting emerging technologies and bridging the historical digital divide. As the telecom landscape evolves, SMEs are driving new demands. The increasing reliance on digital solutions, remote work, and advanced communication technologies has shifted how businesses view and use telecom services, with SMEs increasingly seeking telecom solutions that offer flexibility, scalability, and integration to remain connected and competitive.
The customer is always right
While advancements like 5G, fibre, IoT, low orbit satellite internet, and AI are exciting, one element must remain central: customer service. For Irish consumers and businesses, having a telecom provider that understands their unique needs and offers a tailored service is crucial. Emerging technologies can be harnessed to enhance the customer experience, but the human element – and the ability to talk to a human – is key to company success. AI has its place, but it is vital that companies see this as something to augment existing human-to-human interaction, and not as something to replace it.
Providers prioritising customer service will stand out, meeting the needs of Irish businesses and consumers effectively.
By focusing on customer support and staying attuned to the needs of Irish businesses, providers can take control of this changing landscape and shape the future of connectivity in Ireland alongside Government, State agencies and other key stakeholders.
The future looks promising. With the right support and a vision of what a fully-connected Ireland could be, Irish businesses of all sizes can continue to grow and innovate.
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