Telecoms as the “Secured Data Hub” for the Digital Society

Friday 22 Feb 2019 |

Telecoms as the “Secured Data Hub” for the Digital Society image

Data is the fuel for great customer experience and opportunities in the future

Intelligent Connectivity, the powerful combination of flexible, high-speed 5G networks, the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) will radically transform the way people work and live, as their lives rely more and more on data. Connected devices are expected to quadruple the average individual’s daily data interactions by 2025. If data management is not paid enough attention, consumers could lose control over their data or – worse – suffer breaches of their privacy.

That’s why trusted data managers will be an essential condition for a successful digital society. These managers will be trusted data hubs that are independent, operate according to a high standard of ethics – and are also embedded in the digital economy, so that they are convenient, secured and technically excellent.

In line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the telcos’ vision is to put customers in control of their data, so that data is used for their benefit. The telecoms industry must work together for a brighter future, in which they can unlock innovation and the value of personal data. Telcos’ value proposition is Trust, Transparency and Simplicity in data management.

Telecom operators are well positioned to become trusted data managers. Privacy and security are part of their DNA. They have excelled in data management for decades; have a strong history of compliance with the strictest regulations; are equipped with advanced digital capabilities; and are deeply rooted in local markets. They are also aware of the importance of building long-lasting relationships with customers.

The Data Portability Cooperation (DPC) initiative is an inclusive working group facilitated by the GSMA and led by major European Telecommunications operators including Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and Telefónica. It has been developing a first draft of specifications to provide trustworthy, secure, and automated data portability for consumers. The essence of the specifications is the telcos’ vision of transparency and control.

Other telecom operators and industries are welcome to join the Data Portability Cooperation initiative to develop it further. They will have the opportunity to build an ecosystem of trusted data managers that reach beyond the telecoms industry.

Continue reading: Telecoms as the “Secured Data Hub” for the Digital Society. Data is the fuel for great customer experience and opportunities in the future. 


For more information please contact:

Javier Albares

Head of Innovation and Digital Transformation, Europe, GSMA

Javier is a telecom strategist, digital transformation and business development executive that works as Head of Innovation for the GSMA in Europe, the association that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide. Javier has more than 20 years of experience in the telecom, media and internet space.

Based in Brussels and London, he travels extensively and meets with policy makers and C-level executives of telecom operators and digital ecosystem companies to identify future opportunities for ecosystem collaboration at the edge of innovation: 5G, Artificial Intelligence, IoT, blockchain, and more.

Prior to joining GSMA 5 years ago, he worked for 13 years at Telefonica both in Europe and Latin America. He also worked several years as Telecom & Media corporate finance analyst for HSBC Investment Bank in London.

Javier holds an Advanced Management Program from INSEAD France, an Innovation Program from IMD Switzerland, an MBA from IESE Business School-Barcelona and a double bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration from ICADE-Comillas Pontifical University.

[email protected]