021: Are Telcos Ready for 5G? And Do Customers Actually Want or Need 5G? w/ Chris Lewis

In 2021, most mobile operators in the developed markets will have launched 5G - the question is - will they be able to monitise it. And more importantly, do customers even care about 5G? Today's guest, Chris Lewis, has over 30 years' experience as a telecoms and ICT industry analyst, but don't let that scare you. While many analysts pontificate about their vast knowledge, Chris' insights are pragmatic and entertaining - which is why I like him so much.  Chris is also one of the UK's leading advocates for the visually impaired. Is the telecoms industry doing enough to drive inclusivity? Or are we creating yet another digital divide? And why doesn't his guide dog Varley have his own Instagram account?  Show Notes: 01:00 Intro to Chris Lewis, Founder of Lewis Insight and the Great Telco Debate 05:50 Connectivity - the invisible service  07:30 Highlights from the 2020 Great Telco Debate 11:30 Telcos in a post-Covid world: are we creating a two-tier Telecoms industry? 14:00 Are the Telcos ready for 5G? And do customers actually want or care about 5G? 20:00 Telcos have a sustainability issue - should we see more network sharing? 24:30 What the future holds for the tech industry analyst industry 27:00 The key to career success - find something you are passionate about 29:00 Telcos tell us the future is mobile - in reality, the world runs on fixed. And why the hell do telcos still charge us for having a home fixed line phone when no one has one?  36:00 Accessibility - are telcos doing enough to help? Chris is one of the UK's leading advocates for ensuring people with disabilities get access to the digital lifestyle through his work on the boards of the  Royal Institute of Blind and Vision 2020 Technology For Life initiative.  41:00 Telstra was ranked #1 globally in a recent ICT industry "Digital Inclusion Benchmark", which ranks vendors' focus on digital inclusion as part of their overall strategy.  42:00 Why doesn't Chris' guide dog Varley have his own Instagram account? 48:30 How telcos can use emerging technology to support guide dogs. In a difficult year like 2020, where charities for the visually impaired have struggled to raise money, why hasn't someone like Vodafone sponsored guide dog technology? Jon Buckthorp - over to you!