Interview: Murray Dickson, CommScope

In our annual Leaders in Technology series, we ask the experts what the year ahead holds. Today we talk connectivity and smart cities with CommScope’s Murray Dickson.

Which technologies do you think will be game changers in 2020?

2020 will be about meaningful innovations. In an increasingly connected world, next-generation networks will demand new levels of reach and response, universal connectivity and ultra-fast data speeds. We see innovations set on two priorities: efficiency and simplicity. New solutions to address the needs of cable operators as they modernise networks. Particularly, with the advent of IoT, we see innovations in fibre connectivity and network convergence as a key game changer for digital transformation and the fostering of connected cities.

How are AI, IoT and cyber threats changing your industry sector?

Keeping pace with the advancements, our team is committed to building cutting-edge solutions to innovate and implement smarter and more effective security. For example, for one of our clients, we leveraged IoT to introduce an integrated solution where customers can control door locks through controller software and improve the security of their facilities.

The team at CommScope leverages the latest Wi-Fi technologies and networks to build solutions that power the present and the future. CommScope is committed to building out an ecosystem through connectivity to support this digital evolution and take advantage of all emerging technologies.

What will be the biggest growth opportunities for your company in 2020?

The biggest growth opportunity will be creating future-ready infrastructure and software solutions. In April, CommScope became an end-to-end networking innovator together with ARRIS and Ruckus to accelerate a vision to shape networks of the future. Our competences and capabilities together are to grow through greater technology, solutions, employee talent and with greater access to new and growing markets.

On a more granular level, as we innovate technologies for the future, we see growth opportunities in working in providing the infrastructures to enable universal connectivity. Currently, we are putting our focus on pushing for a fibre evolution and network convergence. Fibre-optic cable is ideally suited to accommodate the future we envision, ie, a future with endless connectivity.

Will 2020 see the smart city concept move from rhetoric to implementation?

The concept of the smart city can only work with ubiquitous broadband telecommunications. At CommScope, we are positive that the right technologies and networks are available to make the smart city a reality. With the right infrastructures in place, it is very possible to build a smart city in 2020. The earlier the foundation of fibre-based converged network is developed, the sooner we will see a smart city come to fruition.

To make this work, those leading technology development in the public sector must implement smart city infrastructures into their digital strategy and get creative with funding. This involves partnering with service providers, network operators, utility companies and other organisations to co-fund projects.

Murray Dickson is the Director of Sales Enterprise (South Pacific) for CommScope and is responsible for the company’s business growth across the region. With over 20 years of experience, Murray has intimate knowledge of communications infrastructure and leads a team of 30 with strategic focus on end users, consultants, and channel and installation partners.