CGI Convened Telecom Leaders to Explore Industry Transformation

Recently, CGI hosted Telco Next, an industry roundtable aimed at addressing the evolving telecommunications landscape and the role of Global Capability Centers (GCCs). This event brought together CGI leaders, industry experts, and technology innovators to discuss collaboration and innovation in the telecom sector.

Telco Next emphasized the urgent need for a shift within the telecommunications industry toward more collaborative partnerships between telecommunications companies, system integrators, hyperscalers, and technology providers. The discussions highlighted how system integrators can enhance time-to-market by leveraging their deep expertise across various domains. Participants focused on transitioning from traditional supplier relationships to strategic partnerships centered on delivering measurable outcomes.

Rakesh Aerath, President of CGI Asia Pacific Global Delivery Center of Excellence, stated, “At CGI, we recognize the importance of driving value for our partners, vendors, clients, and GCCs by fostering collaboration, innovation, and thought leadership. Hosting Telco Next is a strategic step in bringing together industry leaders and creating an ecosystem that will enable telcos to overcome challenges and geographical boundaries and embrace innovation.”

Key topics included communication trends, growth opportunities, and the digital platforms necessary for new services. The event featured a keynote address, engaging panel discussions, and focused roundtable sessions emphasizing digital transformation and the crucial role of GCCs as centers for innovation.

Arun Karna, Managing Director & CEO of AT&T Global Network Services India, commented on the positive aspects of collaborations, stating, “It's very invigorating and energizing to be at the CGI Telco Next event. It's a great chance to meet up with peers and leaders and hear their perspectives. And, I would say there is a lot of talk about partnerships and ecosystems, which is so heartening to hear.”

CGI has been a significant player in IT and business consulting, with a strong presence in aiding clients in establishing new GCCs and facilitating partnerships as GCCs expand. Founded in 1976, CGI operates globally with a workforce of over 90,000 professionals and reported a fiscal 2024 revenue of $14.68 billion USD.

The considerations presented during Telco Next are vital for telecommunications industry stakeholders looking to navigate the rapidly transforming business landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities.