In the current conversation in Perspectives in Mobile, Riccardo Amati speaks with Andrey Anikin, CEO of Alaris Labs, about the evolving landscape of telecom messaging influenced by regulation and artificial intelligence. They discuss the balance between human support and AI integration, the challenges of cybersecurity, and the ethical implications of AI in decision-making. Andrey shares insights on the recruitment process in the age of AI and the skills necessary for professionals to remain relevant in the industry. The conversation concludes with a look at the gradual changes in messaging technologies and the potential future of AI in routing.
In this episode of MEF Podcast Perspectives, host Riccardo Amati and guest Trend Micro's Udo Schneider discuss the alarming rise of task scams, a sophisticated form of online fraud targeting job seekers. They explore the emotional and financial impacts of these scams, the tactics used by cybercriminals, and the role of AI in both perpetrating and combating these threats. The conversation also touches on the future of cybersecurity, including the implications of quantum computing and the importance of staying informed to protect oneself from scams.
Civilian mobile networks are now emerging as potential flashpoints in modern warfare. According to retired U.S. Army Colonel and Stanford researcher Bradley Boyd, co-founder of OpenDefense, any network transmitting military data can be treated as a legitimate target once conflict begins. This shift poses urgent ethical dilemmas for mobile operators and tech firms whose dual-use innovations—AI chips, sensors, and 5G infrastructure—can serve both commercial and military purposes. At the same time, a booming defense funding landscape offers industry opportunities, from AI-enabled systems to cybersecurity solutions, but only if companies navigate moral and operational risks.
On the latest episode of MEF podcast "Perspectives", host Riccardo Amati spoke with Boyd about the intersection of mobile networks, AI in warfare, and global security. The discussion covers how Western militaries are integrating AI into command, control, and edge-computed systems, the limitations and unpredictability of autonomous weapons, and the ethical stakes of dual-use technologies.
In this episode, MEF CEO Dario Betti sat down with Patrick George, CEO of iBasis, to discuss one of the biggest developments in wholesale telecom: iBasis’s deal with Telstra to take over its international wholesale assets. Patrick explains how this milestone perfectly fits iBasis’s long-term strategy of consolidation and scale, enabling the company to expand its global footprint into Asia-Pacific, the world’s most dynamic telecoms market. The deal brings not only infrastructure but also local teams and expertise, strengthening iBasis’s ability to operate in diverse environments. Above all, Patrick emphasized that wholesale is a people business. Deals of this scale are only possible because of the dedication of iBasis’s teams worldwide, who ensure quality of service every day. As the wholesale market consolidates, iBasis is positioning itself as a global, resilient partner for operators — focused on scale, service quality, and sustainable growth.
Messaging, identity, and connectivity are no longer just technical challenges in the mobile ecosystem, they’re business imperatives. Enterprises demand seamless, secure interactions, consumers expect personalized experiences, and operators are racing to adapt to technologies like RCS while navigating complex global regulations.
On this episode of Perspectives on Mobile, Riccardo Amati sits down with Nathan Robbins, Vice President of Strategy at Syniverse, to explore how the mobile industry is transforming. From the rise of APIs and next-generation messaging channels to monetization strategies and the future of 5G and beyond, Nathan shares insights on how innovation is shaping customer engagement, enterprise strategies, and the telecom landscape itself.
Whether you’re an industry insider or just curious about where mobile is headed, this conversation offers a front-row seat to the trends, technologies, and opportunities defining the next era of connectivity.
Mobile network operators worldwide are developing unified API standards, fueled by the growing momentum of the Open Gateway Initiative. These efforts are driving new business models and strengthening fraud prevention across the industry.
In this episode, host Riccardo Amati interviews two key figures shaping the future of mobile network APIs: Nick Rossman, Director of Programmes at MEF, and Viktorija Radman, Telecom Business Director at Infobip and a recently appointed member of MEF’s board.
Viktorija shares insights from Infobip’s practical experience in deploying these APIs globally, while Nick discusses MEF’s role in educating the industry and fostering cooperation. Together, they cover key developments including the growth of operator participation worldwide, real-world case studies of network API deployment, the critical integration of fraud prevention solutions, and plans for MEF’s upcoming Interest Group meeting.
Listeners will gain a comprehensive overview of how network APIs are transforming mobile operator collaboration, addressing fraud, and creating new revenue streams, alongside the strategic goals guiding MEF’s initiatives in the coming months.
“VPN downloads up 1400%.” That’s MEF’s Tim Green on the immediate fallout of the UK’s new Online Safety Law, which enforces age verification for adult content and triggered 5 million extra checks daily. But users are dodging the system, raising doubts about the law’s effectiveness and exposing deeper cracks in the digital identity ecosystem.
In this episode of Perspectives, Riccardo Amati speaks with MEF’s new Programme Director for ID and Data about the privacy concerns, compliance challenges, and what this all means for the future of AV, fraud prevention, and digital wallets.
From VPN loopholes to identity innovation, Green shares why the system risks a crisis — and what the mobile ecosystem must do next.
Satellite IoT revenue is doubling — and reshaping wholesale telecom. As integration between satellite and terrestrial networks accelerates, traditional models are giving way to more flexible, standards-driven partnerships. This shift is redefining how mobile operators, IoT providers, and platforms monetize connectivity — with major implications for pricing, security, and cross-industry collaboration.
The data tells a clear story: satellite IoT revenue is forecast to grow from $2.9 billion in 2024 to $5.8 billion by 2027 — according to Juniper Research.. Direct-to-cell models could reach $2.8 billion by 2028. Wholesale roaming revenue is also set to double, nearing $2 billion. Key drivers include low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation expansion, like Myriota’s new 16-satellite launch, and hybrid deals such as KPN and Skylo leveraging 3GPP Release 17. Standards like SGP.32 for eSIM provisioning are becoming critical — but regulatory hurdles and fragmented security models persist.
To unpack what this means for the industry, we’re joined by Sam Barker, VP of Telecoms Market Research at Juniper Research. In this episode, we explore growth trends, monetization strategies, emerging standards, security risks, and where mobile carriers, CPaaS vendors, and IoT providers should place their bets.
“Don’t hesitate — get started.” That’s the message from Sinch to business leaders still wavering on Rich Communication Services (RCS) and AI. Why? Because RCS is already delivering 2–7x higher click-through rates, up to 42% engagement, and AI is poised to reshape how brands interact with consumers — with 97% of businesses planning to adopt AI for customer communication in 2025.
Sinch, a global cloud communications platform powering over 150 billion interactions per year, was recently honored with a MEFFYS ESG Award, recognizing its commitment to environmental and ethical responsibility.
In this podcast, Miriam Liszewski, Commercial Product Manager for RCS, and Isabella Rahm, Product Marketing Manager, emphasize that switching from SMS to RCS can be simple — even without major technical changes. Branded, verified senders, richer message formats, and stronger analytics make RCS a clear next step. “Start simple,” says Liszewski. “Small wins lead to transformational experiences.”
The episode explores how RCS and AI can work in tandem — offering secure, interactive, and personalized conversations — while ensuring human oversight and ethical data use. Whether in retail, finance, or healthcare, the future is now, and Sinch is building the infrastructure to power it.
In this episode of Perspectives, Dario Betti engages with MCP Insight the winners of MEFFYS Award 2025 in the Payments category. The COO, Toby Padgham, and the Head of Compliance David Ashman discuss the evolving landscape of mobile payments, digital services and explore the current state of mobile operators, the importance of compliance and governance and the challenges posed by fraud. The conversation highlights successful regulatory frameworks in various markets, the need for trust in mobile payments, and the role of AI in enhancing efficiency. The episode concludes with actionable insights for mobile operators on how to grow sustainably and the importance of choosing the right compliance partners.
Peacom, the multi-channel communication startup fresh off a MEFFYS Award win, is raising new funds to drive an ambitious global expansion, aiming to transform how telcos and enterprises connect with customers via rich, interactive channels. With plans targeting new markets and a potential IPO in 3-5 years, Peacom is rapidly reshaping customer engagement across Southeast Asia and beyond.
In this episode of MEF podcast Perspectives Peacom CEO Lex Na and Indonesia Country Director Sameer Seth share how their platform enables telcos and enterprises to unlock new revenue streams through RCS, WhatsApp, and other key channels. They dive into the challenges of entering telco markets, regional trends, and the future of engagement powered by AI and conversational commerce.
That’s the bold message from TOMIA, the company that just took home the 2025 MEFFYS Award for Best Connectivity Innovation in Wholesale.
In this episode of Perspectives, we sit down with Caetano Pessoa, Product Marketing Lead at TOMIA, to unpack what this recognition means and how the company is helping mobile operators evolve from connectivity providers to digital enablers.
We explore how AI, network slicing, and real-time data are transforming roaming into a platform for growth, fueling partnerships with travel, insurance, and financial sectors.
Caetano shares insights on hyper-personalization, adaptive steering, and TOMIA’s latest innovation, the Travel Revenue Accelerator, designed to turn travel mobility into measurable business value.
If you're in telecom, tech, or enterprise services, this conversation is your front-row seat to how roaming is being redefined in 2025.
VOX Solutions, recently honored with a MEFFYS Award in the Anti-Fraud category, the Oscar of the Mobile world, is at the forefront of transforming international messaging and voice services. In this episode of the MEF Perspectives podcast, VOX’s Chief Business Development Officer, Teodor Magureanu, and VP of Engineering, Alan Murphy, dive deep into how AI-powered fraud prevention, evolving messaging infrastructure, and new commercial strategies are reshaping the mobile ecosystem. They discuss the enduring relevance of SMS amid rising IP-based alternatives, the critical role of operators in securing networks, and reveal that several significant partnerships and technology rollouts are on the horizon—setting the stage for the next wave of innovation in global telecom.
In this episode of Perspectives, Dario Betti sits down with Eddie DeCurtis, CEO of Shush, the winner of the MEFFYS Awards 2025 in the Mobile Evolution category. Shush is a trailblazing company at the forefront of communication privacy and mobile authentication.
They dive into the story behind Shush’s recent industry recognition and explore the fast-evolving landscape of telecom APIs, silent authentication, and mobile security.
Eddie offers insights into Shush’s innovative Sherlock platform, designed to enable seamless and secure mobile experiences through silent authentication. The conversation also touches on broader industry dynamics, from the shift toward richer media services to rising security concerns and the future of network authentication in a hyper-connected world.
Welcome to the first episode of the MEFFYS 2025 Winners Series on Perspectives. In this episode, MEF CEO Dario Betti interviews Infobip, winner of the Content & Advertising category.
Dario speaks with Filip Filković, Telecom Business Director at Infobip, about the current state of the messaging ecosystem, including the challenges of artificial inflation of traffic and the impact of regulatory gaps on SMS fraud.
They explore the growing shift toward OTT channels, the critical need to restore trust in SMS, and the role of anti-fraud solutions in securing the space. The discussion also covers the future of RCS and what mobile network operators must do to adapt and succeed in a rapidly evolving landscape.
India faces a rising wave of cybercrime fueled by rapid digitization and AI-driven scams. In this episode of Perspectives, Advocate Anuj Agarwal, Chairman of the Center for Research on Cybercrime and Cyber Law, discusses how even well-educated victims fall prey to sophisticated frauds, while gaps in legislation, expensive tools, and slow investigative adaptation hinder progress. Despite these challenges, India is advancing digital inclusion—especially in rural areas—seeing technology as essential for social and economic integration. Agarwal highlights the psychological impact on victims, and the urgent need for public education, institutional risk-sharing, and stronger international cooperation. He warns that a global “cyber COVID moment” may be necessary to unify efforts against evolving cyber threats.
The Russian cybercrime underground has become a global hub for innovation, adapting rapidly amid the Ukraine conflict and evolving geopolitical tensions.
In this episode of MEF Podcast Perspectives, Riccardo Amati interviews Vladimir Kropotov, a cybersecurity expert from Trend Micro, about the Russian cybercrime underground. The conversation explores the complex and self-sustaining nature of Russian cybercrime, including its role as a centre for cybercrime innovation and its adaptability in response to geopolitical events.
Kropotov explores how language and culture influence cybercriminal networks, affecting recruitment and collaboration. He also examines the use of emerging technologies in attacks, the growth of hacktivism, and evolving criminal business models, stressing the need for strong cybersecurity, risk management, and innovative defenses in a shifting digital landscape.
A recent mistake—where a journalist was accidentally added to a private Signal chat—has raised fresh concerns about officials using consumer messaging apps for sensitive discussions. While Signal offers strong encryption, CCS Insight’s Chief Analyst Ben Wood points out that "the greatest vulnerability in any technology remains human error."
He also underlines a looming challenge: "Quantum computing could crack encryption, forcing a rethink of digital security."
In the latest episode of the MEF Podcast Series: Perspectives, host Riccardo Amati speaks with Ben about security, trust, and the impact of emerging technologies on encryption standards.
The conversation also explores how mobile messaging is evolving and what the future holds for platforms like WhatsApp, iMessage, and RCS.
Metalenz is on a mission to revolutionize mobile devices with its cutting-edge metasurface technology. The company’s innovation replaces traditional bulky, multi-layered camera stacks with a single flat optical layer, enhancing performance while reducing costs.
In this special episode, recorded at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Metalenz CEO Rob Devlin discusses how this breakthrough technology could reshape the industry.
The Boston-based Harvard spinout’s flagship product, PolarID, promises secure face-unlock capabilities across a wider range of devices, enabling seamless full-screen displays and expanding biometric functionality to laptops.
With partnerships like STMicroelectronics and emerging applications in the medical field, Metalenz is positioning itself to redefine how AI-driven systems capture and process visual information—opening new frontiers in mobile technology and beyond.
Satellite and cellular networks are shifting from competition to convergence, promising lower costs and seamless connectivity in the next 2–3 years. In this episode of MEF podcast Perspectives, Iridium CEO Matt Desch discusses the evolution of satellite spectrum, Iridium’s plans for satellite-to-phone calls by 2026, and the future of direct-to-device communication. He also explores the role of satellite tech in smart cities and conflicts, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs reshaping global mobile communications.