Digitel Talk

Business mobile has become essential to modern organisations, yet many businesses still face unnecessary complexity, rising costs and poor customer experiences when managing their mobile connectivity.
In this episode of Digitel Talk, Ian Ginn is joined by Nick Falkowski, CEO and Co-Founder of Meaningful Planet, to discuss how a fresh approach to business mobile can deliver greater transparency, operational efficiency and sustainable growth.
Drawing on his experience in the telecoms sector, Nick explains why traditional business mobile models are struggling to meet the needs of today's organisations and how technology is helping businesses take greater control of their connectivity, contracts and device management.
The conversation explores the growing role of artificial intelligence, the importance of creating exceptional customer experiences, and why sustainability should be embedded into business strategy rather than treated as a separate initiative.
Whether you're a business leader, IT decision-maker, telecoms professional or digital transformation specialist, this episode offers valuable insights into the technologies, strategies and leadership principles shaping the future of connectivity.
Links and Resources
Meaningful Planet Official Website https://www.meaningfulplanet.co.uk
Network X returns to Vienna on 13-15 October 2026, bringing together the brightest minds in telecoms, connectivity and AI.  Use code DIGITELTALK15 for an exclusive registration discount. 
 Meet industry leaders and innovators. 
 Explore the latest developments in AI, fibre, 5G, 6G and digital infrastructure. 
🔗 Register today and use DIGITELTALK15 when booking your pass. 

Guest Bio: 
Nick Falkowski is Co-Founder and CEO of Meaningful Planet, a technology-led business mobile provider built around making business mobile simpler, smarter, and fairer.
He has more than 15 years’ experience across technology, product, and commercial strategy, including director-level roles at leading tech companies such as Trustpilot and Bionic. Nick holds an MA in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham.
Meaningful Planet is a Certified B Corporation, has won Best Buy and Ethical Innovator awards from Ethical Consumer Magazine and The Good Shopping Guide, and commits 10% of profits to UK nature restoration.
Podcast credits: 
Host: Ian Ginn 
Editor: Francis Wright 
Designer: Rebecca Ginn 
Project manager: Ivana Duric 
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You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

Artificial intelligence is transforming agriculture in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
In this episode of Digitel Talk, host Ian Ginn is joined by Nigel Wallbridge, Executive Chair and Co-Founder of Vivent Biosignals, to explore how AI and plant biosignals are helping farmers make smarter, faster and more sustainable decisions.
By analysing the electrical signals generated by plants, farmers can gain earlier insights into crop stress, disease and environmental changes, often before symptoms become visible. The result is improved crop protection, more efficient use of resources and a data-driven approach to modern farming.
Nigel shares his unique journey from telecommunications to agritech, discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence in agriculture, and explains how innovative technologies are supporting food security, sustainability and climate resilience.
The conversation offers a fascinating look at the intersection of AI, plant science and agriculture, demonstrating how technology can help address some of the most pressing challenges facing global food production.

Links and resources
Vivent Biosignals https://vivent-biosignals.com/
LinkedIn Page https://www.linkedin.com/company/vivent-biosignals/
Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe. Supporting telecom operators with technology strategy, digital transformation and business growth.
Guest Bio: 
Nigel is co-founder and director of Vivent, the leader in real-time crop health monitoring using AI to interpret plant electrophysiology. 
Nigel has founded, funded, managed and sold several entrepreneurial ventures, most notably Nomad Digital the on-board train networking company. He has published over 20 academic papers, holds 5 patents and has been PI on a successful DARPA project.
Nigel previously held senior managerial positions in the telecommunications industry including CEO of Interoute, President of C&W Americas.
A professional engineer, with a doctoral degree from the University of Leeds in the UK and an MBA from INSEAD in France, Nigel lives in Switzerland.
 
Podcast credits: 
Host: Ian Ginn 
Editor: Francis Wright 
Designer: Rebecca Ginn 
Project manager: Ivana Duric 
Send us your feedback
Support the show
Follow Digitel Talk
Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact getintouch@digiteltalk.com

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

In this episode of Digitel Talk, host Ian Ginn is joined by Christopher Lycett, Event Director of Network X, to explore the biggest trends shaping the future of telecoms, connectivity and AI.  
Ahead of Network X 2026 in Vienna, Christopher discusses how the telecoms industry is navigating rapid technological change, from AI-native networks and intelligent automation to fibre rollout, data centre networking, cybersecurity and digital sovereignty.  
The conversation examines how telecom operators can monetise network investments, improve customer experiences through AI-powered services, and capitalise on growing demand for data centres and digital infrastructure. Christopher also shares insights into the role of AI across mobile, fibre, transport and Wi-Fi networks, including predictive maintenance, self-healing networks and personalised customer services. 
Whether you're a telecom operator, technology provider, network architect, industry analyst or digital infrastructure professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that will define the telecoms sector in 2026 and beyond. 
Don't just hear about the future of telecoms. Be part of it. 
Network X returns to Vienna on 13-15 October 2026, bringing together the brightest minds in telecoms, connectivity and AI.  
Use code DIGITELTALK15 for an exclusive registration discount. 
 Meet industry leaders and innovators. 
 Explore the latest developments in AI, fibre, 5G, 6G and digital infrastructure. 
🔗 Register today and use DIGITELTALK15 when booking your pass. 
Links & Resources: 
Network X - 13 - 15 October 2026 | VIECON, Vienna, Austria 
WBA (Wireless Broadband Alliance)
Broadband Forum
3GPP
Registration Link for Media/Press Passes: Media Registration 
Guest Bio: 
Christopher Lycett is the Event Director for Network X, a leading network infrastructure event serving the telecommunications market. The event attracts over 5,500 attendees, 150+ exhibitors, and 300+ speakers annually. 
In his role, Christopher oversees the strategic direction of Network X, with responsibilities including: 
Establishing strategic partnerships to expand audience reach and enhance content offerings 
Ensuring the event reflects current market dynamics and industry trends 
Developing propositions to attract the most relevant audience segments 
Identifying and engaging new audience groups 
Designing event experiences and optimising customer journeys for all stakeholders 
Christopher previously served as Portfolio Manager and content lead for Broadband World Forum before its integration into Network X. He has also directed Cable Broadband and MVNO events within the telecommunications sector. 
Podcast credits: 
Host: Ian Ginn 
Editor: Francis Wright 
Designer: Rebecca Ginn 
Project manager: Ivana Duric 
Send us your feedback
Support the show
Follow Digitel Talk
Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact getintouch@digiteltalk.com

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

In this episode of Digitel Talk, Ian Ginn speaks to Azima Dhanjee, Co-founder and CEO of ConnectHear, about using AI and technology to make digital communication more accessible for the Deaf community.
Azima shares the story behind ConnectHear, from providing human sign language interpretation to developing AI-powered sign language solutions such as SUNO and Scylla.
The conversation explores AI, accessibility, digital inclusion, telecoms and assistive technology, including how AI can deliver emergency information in sign language and help Deaf people access essential services independently.
Azima also explains why telecom operators have an important role to play in creating more inclusive communication and her vision for sign language becoming the third language of the internet.
A thought-provoking conversation about technology, inclusion and building solutions around real human needs.
Links & Resources:
ConnectHear -  Technology and sign language accessibility for the Deaf community.
SUNO - AI-powered sign language technology for accessible disaster communications.
GSMA - GSMA Published Case Study on SILA
Food4Education - Technology-enabled school feeding and education
Deployment of SILA at Asan Khidmat Center
Shoutouts
Jehan Ara
Wawira Food For Education Talk With Trevor Noah
Taleembad - AI-powered education technology
Teach the World Foundation
Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe. Supporting telecom operators with technology strategy, digital transformation and business growth.
Guest Bio:
Azima Dhanjee is the Co-founder and CEO of ConnectHear, a leading social enterprise advancing Deaf inclusion and sign language accessibility through technology in Pakistan. A Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) and native Pakistani Sign Language speaker, she has dedicated her career to breaking communication barriers for the Deaf community. Azima serves on the Board of the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) and has been recognized as Pride of Pakistan by ISPR. A recipient of the prestigious Diana Award, she has been featured in Forbes and other global publications for her impact in social entrepreneurship, accessibility innovation, and disability rights advocacy.
Podcast credits:
Host: Ian Ginn
Editor: Francis Wright
Designer: Rebecca Ginn
Project manager: Ivana Duric
Send us your feedback
Support the show
Follow Digitel Talk
Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact getintouch@digiteltalk.com

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

In this episode of Digitel Talk, Ian Ginn speaks with Ted Cheesman, Co-Founder and Director of Happywhale, about how artificial intelligence, whale conservation, citizen science and ocean research are coming together to help protect some of the world's most iconic marine species.
Happywhale uses AI-powered whale identification technology to recognise individual whales from photographs submitted by researchers, tourists and wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. By tracking whale migrations and monitoring whale populations across the globe, the platform is helping scientists gain deeper insights into marine conservation, ocean health and the impact of climate change on whales.
The conversation explores how computer vision, cloud technologies and global digital connectivity are transforming conservation science, enabling researchers to identify whales in seconds rather than hours. Ted also discusses the remarkable recovery of humpback whales following commercial whaling, the growing challenges facing marine ecosystems, and the important role citizen scientists play in protecting the world's oceans.
Whether you're interested in AI for Good, environmental sustainability, whale research, ocean conservation, marine science or digital innovation, this episode provides fascinating insights into how technology is helping unlock the mysteries of the ocean.
Links & Resources:
Happywhale https://happywhale.com/
Article Be the Captain, Not the Crew: Effective Development and Deployment of Artificial Intelligence in Marine Mammal Science https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/mms.70238
Support Happywhale https://donorbox.org/support-whales-of-guerrero-and-happywhale-with-a-whale-adoption
Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe. Supporting telecom operators with technology strategy, digital transformation and business growth.
Guest Bio:
Ted Cheesman is the Co-Founder and Director of Happywhale, a research platform dedicated to understanding and protecting ocean ecosystems through the identification and tracking of individual whales and dolphins.
With more than three decades of experience in wildlife expeditions and eco-tourism, Ted has worked across all seven continents and spent many years leading polar expeditions in Antarctica. He also served on the executive committee of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), helping to reduce the environmental impact of Antarctic tourism.
A conservation biologist with an MSc from Duke University and a PhD focused on North Pacific humpback whales, Ted founded Happywhale to combine artificial intelligence, marine science and citizen science to better understand and protect whales and the oceans they inhabit.
Podcast credits:
Host: Ian Ginn
Editor: Francis Wright
Designer: Rebecca Ginn
Project manager: Ivana Duric

Send us your feedback
Support the show
Follow Digitel Talk
Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact getintouch@digiteltalk.com

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com