“Let's make the Netherlands the best connected country in the world”

Today KPN is present at Telecom Insights 2022 in Bussum, a conference of Telecompaper, which focuses on the development of telecom in the Netherlands. Babak Fouladi, Chief Technology & Digital Officer and member of the Board of Management, spoke at the conference about the massive roll-out of fiber, the new 5G mobile network and how the Netherlands and society at large benefits from high-quality broadband internet that is fast, stable and secure.

In his key-note, Fouladi refers to the world that is becoming more uncertain and complex in recent years. He mentions, among other things, the current situation in Ukraine, the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change. According to Fouladi, the telecom sector can contribute to solutions to combat some of these major issues. In 't Spant in Bussum, where Telecom Insights 2022 will be held, he said: “As a sector, we can be pleased that we can make a very important contribution via our fixed and mobile networks and IT services to tackle complex issues or to implement the necessary changes.”

Babak Fouladi: “Telecom networks are essential and vital, and we do not only literally ensure that the world remains connected to everything and everyone. Our networks also support massive digitization, essential in crisis situations since online access is often the only door to the outside world and contact with others. Our networks enable people to work from home, study online or continue doing business. In addition, the digital infrastructure contributes to the global economy and to keeping healthcare and education affordable. And our infrastructure makes a structural contribution to reducing CO2 emissions, the use of fossil fuels and cleaner air. Digitization is more and more important as accelerator for sustainability.”

The Dutch telecom networks, led by KPN, are among the best in the world and in the Digital Economy and Society Index of the EU, the Dutch digital infrastructure is in second place, out of all 27 Member States. This does not only concern the quality of the fixed and mobile networks, but also other aspects such as skills, adoption and innovation. This puts the Netherlands in a wonderful position to reap all the benefits digitally and also to offer solutions for all major challenges facing us as a society. In his presentation, Fouladi concludes with an appeal to the Dutch telecom sector: “Let's make the Netherlands the best connected country in the world! Let's make it happen, together.”