Global head of carrier services, Telstra Global: “We must accept the new ‘data’ reality”

Tejaswini Tilak Is The Global Head Of Carrier Services At Telstra Global

Tejaswini Tilak is the global head of carrier services at Telstra Global based in Singapore. She is speaking on Day One of the LTE Asia conference 2012 on how to meet the demands of the mobile data explosion. Ahead of the conference, we catch up with her for her views on this issues and other critical topics around LTE.

What have been the main developments and major milestone for you over the last 12 months with regards to LTE?

Telstra Global recently launched an IPX service aimed at mobile operators looking to maximise their LTE investments and capitalise on increased international mobility and mobile data consumption. Using a single channel, Telstra Global’s IPX service enables mobile operators to optimise their networks to accommodate these demands, while offering a consistent customer experience. As a scalable and managed network, it also maximises traffic on both legacy and new mobile platforms, allowing Telstra Global to partner with mobile operators who have already embarked on or are heading towards their LTE journey.

What are the challenges around data traffic, in particular with regard to LTE?

Mobile gaming and video streaming are ever more popular, meaning mobile operators must move to take advantage of services and applications on their LTE network and look to leverage a platform that reduces risk, offers rapid scalability and the ability to own the end-user experience. The ability to offer tailored roaming packages and quality of service for customers’ data needs are essential.

To what extent is data roaming more important than voice roaming?

The traditional model of selling minutes and transit models still exists, but offers diminishing returns. Besides the need for carriers to look outside the box for growth opportunities, as an industry, we must accept the new ‘data’ reality, in which the end-users, with their smart devices in hand, expect to be connected on the go. It is not so much about one being more important than the other, but the recognition that end-users are communicating in myriad ways and they need a tightly integrated platform that can meet their evolving needs.

Is there enough innovation occurring in the mobile network industry? Can you provide some examples?

The mobile ecosystem continues to evolve and with that, comes reinvention and innovation. New participants, such as OTT and CDN players, have entered the fray to capitalise on the opportunities which has seen the industry shift substantially through new operating systems, applications and a new anywhere, everywhere society. IPX is allowing mobile operators to truly innovate by creating a future-proof platform to drive efficiencies into existing business models and delivering a whole new suite of value added services.

What are you looking forward to most about attending LTE Asia 2012?

I am excited about participating in this forum with experts from the industry and their insights into the rapidly changing mobile landscape and the new opportunities it creates for all participants.

The LTE Asia 2012 conference is taking place on the 18-19 September 2012 at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Click here to register your interest.