Dean and Ben Talk Tech

In the 12th episode (recorded on Nov 9th 2026), Ben & Dean discuss a key recent development in Brussels around the EU's DNA Digital Networks Act - the publication of EU Parliament Rapporteur Michal Kobosko's draft report. He is from the ITRE (Industry, Research and Energy) Committee, and along with two other groups, has been scrutinising the DNA proposals. Benoit and Dean have already both commented on LinkedIn about the report and some of its 565 amendments (links below). This podcast is a deep-dive discussion. We'll come back to a ton of other non-DNA tech and telecom stuff in our next show, but the legislative timeline for the DNA means this special-edition is urgent.Apologies for the slightly glitchy audio. Hopefully it will be fixed next time!0:31  Where the Kobosko Report fits in the DNA process 3:28  Interconnection, Content/CloudCos, Authorisation, "Significant Traffic Providers" and Conciliation 21:28  Net Neutrality, "equal treatment" by OS & AI companies, breaking the Internet 26:04  The "same service, same rules" fallacy & number-independent communications services 29:05  Spectrum, 5G/6G and Wi-Fi. It's not all bad news. 32:41  Wrap-up and what's coming up for us next Our LinkedIn posts on the Kobosko report: Benoit's is here & Dean's is hereAnd the report itself can be seen & downloaded hereBook Ben & Dean for your event! Get us on stage at your conference, or facilitating at your private meeting or executive offsite. Or reach out to us about consulting and advisory engagements. Connect & message us on Linked, or via deanbubley.com and fiberevolution.com

In this 11th episode of the podcast (recorded on October 8th), Ben & Dean discuss BT's sudden takeover of TalkTalk, developments in Brussels around the DNA Digital Networks Act and various reports from BEREC, and have a broader debate on a French plan for data-traffic tax and possible AI / GenAI regulation.  We also mention upcoming events such as Dean's AI Voice for Telcos workshop.00:26 - Our take on the BT / TalkTalk acquisition and what it could mean for attitudes to competition in telecoms, service continuity and the awkwardness of wholesale / retail transactions.4:34 - Benoit mentions a proposal in France to implement a tax on all data or Internet traffic flows. While mostly aimed at US content / cloud players, it's not clear that the socialist politicians involved (rather than regulators) have fully grasped the unintended consequences, including for French companies - or the wider implications if it covers private networks, CDNs etc.10:58 - Benoit and Dean discuss recent events in Brussels, including the EU Parliament and Council scrutiny of the DNA and legislative process and thoughts on some key themes such as Copper Switch-Off, issues relating to Private Networks, Interconnect and the suggested "Conciliation" process, and much more. We also talk about broader issues of European telecoms competitiveness, regulatory friction vs. simplification. definitional vagueness and sovereignty concerns.23:50 - Thoughts on the recent BEREC meeting and its publications, including a "Reality Check" on European telecoms (which cites one of Benoit's reports extensively - link) and its upcoming workplan for 2027 / 2028 - which finally includes mentions of indoor wireless and hybrid cellular/Wi-Fi networks. 25:35 - What's coming up next? Dean mentions some deeper tech work he's been doing, including on AI Voice including the next Unthinkable Lab (link), a report on Photonics for STL Partners (link), a new initiative on Post-Digital Computing & Networks (link) and the wonderfully-named innovation of Gaussian Splatting (link), which could reduce future data traffic volumes for AR/VR. Dean is also speaking at the WBA's upcoming Wireless Global Congress (link), and is moderating a panel on Defence and Connectivity at Techritory in Riga (link). Benoit is going to be attending French regulator ARCEP's 30th Anniversary celebration.27:56 - A quick last-minute mention of French and EU research into GenAI / LLMs and their impact on user behaviour, Internet search, and possible gatekeeper effects - and what changes with AI agents.Book Ben & Dean for your event! Get us on stage at your conference, or facilitating at your private meeting or executive offsite. Or reach out to us about consulting and advisory engagements. Connect & message us on Linked, or via deanbubley.com and fiberevolution.com

In this 10th episode of the podcast (recorded on August 26th), Ben & Dean discuss US telecom policy on 6G, spectrum and broadband, new data on IP Interconnect from French regulator ARCEP and have a broader debate on whether Gigabit speeds are just an arbitrary round, politician-friendly number. We also give a readout on Dean's recent Indoor Wireless workshop and what it means for policymakers and telcos.00:50 - Dean has written a report on satellite D2D, and has also followed the US International 6G Call-to-Action (link)- the new initiative by the NTIA to build a coalition for 6G technology security, harmonisation and supply-chain control (Link to Dean's report on Satellite D2D for STL)4:55 - Geopolitics and sovereignty for subsea cable, 6G, spectrum and more9:03 - Benoit discusses the FCC's changing definitions of "broadband" and both of us discuss the usefulness of "Gigabit" as a target, and whether changing it is a nod to the satellite industry. (Link to Benoit's post on FCC + Gigabit) (Link to Dean's 2024 article on broadband definitions & satellite)17:05 - Dean has a random question - could there be a possible wholesale model for satellite broadband, especially if retail competition is lacking?19:01 - Benoit discusses the French regulator ARCEP's Interconnection Barometer report, and what says about IP Interconnect volumes in particular. Uplink to the cloud seems to be growing, but Dean wonders which subset of data is being collected and analysed. (Link to ARCEP report)25:47 - Dean discusses the July 16th Indoor Wireless workshop and the implications for regulators, operators and neutral hosts (Link to Dean's Indoor Wireless writeup)29:30 - Upcoming, Dean is speaking about AI Voice at the September Alianza Navigate 2026 event (link) and is running his own workshop in October (Link to Oct 29 Unthinkable Lab on AI Voice). 32:00 - Benoit expects to be doing a lot of work around the next phase of the European DNA Digital Network Act policymaking discussion.Book Ben & Dean for your event! Get us on stage at your conference, or facilitating at your private meeting or executive offsite. Connect & message us on Linked, or via deanbubley.com and fiberevolution.com

In this episode (recorded on June 8), Ben & Dean discuss Telecoms Sovereignty, a growing emphasis on Quality of Experience and new metrics and measurements, the new EU CADA proposals on cloud and AI especially for public-sector procurement, and various recent conferences and events in Europe, the US and Canada. We also cover Indoor Wireless and regulatory shifts towards assuring end-user and application performance, rather than just headline coverage.01:10 - Sovereignty as a key theme at telecoms events in Europe, UK & Canada02:30 - New proposed European cloud public-sector procurement rules could cause problems for telcos. (See Dean's LI post here)04:40 - Benoit's thoughts on European sovereign cloud propositions. and possible re-globalisation of tech companies to map to new geopolitical realities.13:30 - The Telecom Industry needs to work collectively, across competing subsectors, to define a proper framework for Telecom Sovereignty to avoid getting sidelined by the Cloud/AI/chips focus14:15 - Benoit talks about policy-meets-data, a recent webinar he did with Ookla (link), and another study about user-experienced quality vs. Internet Exchange location.21:10 - Dean and Ben discuss Ofcom's new position paper on mobile quality, and its use of OpenSignal crowdsourced data and methodologies. Also network speeds and latencies (Dean will be reviewing that paper soon on his Substack)29:30 - What's next? Dean will be at conferences on NaaS, spectrum, satellite D2D and then DTW (events list here) and will be running his own workshop on Indoor Wireless policy & tech trends on July 16 (details + earlybird here). Benoit  will be chasing the dead EU "fair share" network-fees zombie as it tries to reanimate itself around the world  30:10 – Book Ben & Dean for your event! Get us on stage at your conference, or facilitating at your private meeting or executive offsite. Connect & message us on Linked.

In this episode (recorded on April 27), Ben & Dean discuss Wi-Fi and the recent Wi-Fi Now Global Congress in California, takeouts from the FTTH Council conference in London and what's next for the fibre & optical sectors, thoughts on Network Automation and the FutureNet summit in London and quick takeouts from last week's Unthinkable Lab event on Telecoms Sovereignty.00:30 - Wi-Fi trends, including Wi-Fi 8, AI + Wi-Fi06:00 - US policy & regulatory about Wi-Fi, including ban on international router imports, thoughts on 6GHz spectrum08:57 - Benoit's thoughts on the FTTH Council Europe event in London & the wider industry. What happens to the industry when fibre rollout is almost complete? What about Africa?13:25 - Optical LAN, FTTX in-building, copper wiring/Ethernet replacement and Photonics19:40 - Fibre uptake trends in Europe24:00 - FutureNet and Unthinkable Lab outcomes. Trends in network automation, OSS / BSS, AI+telecoms trends, sovereignty and 5G standalone.29:40 - What's next? Ben's partnership with Point Topic on FTTH takeup acceleration, Dean's May event schedule.31:40 – Book Ben & Dean for your event! Get us on stage at your conference, or facilitating at your private meeting or executive offsite. Connect & message us on Linked.Links:Wi-Fi Now Global Congress: https://wifinowglobal.com/usa-2026/FTTH Council Conference 2026, April 14-16: https://ftthconference.eu/Dean's FutureNet commentary:https://www.linkedin.com/posts/deanbubley_telcos-edge-sovereignty-activity-7452275477878132737-7aVyhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/deanbubley_5gsa-5g-neutralhost-activity-7452614197273849856-AODkUnthinkable Lab on Telecoms Sovereignty, April 23: https://www.telecomtv.com/content/unthinkable-lab-sovereignty-in-the-unthinkable-age/In May, Dean will be at Connect(X), Canadian Telecoms Summit, TelecomTV DSP Leaders  & Netaxis Inspiration Day. Click here for details and to arrange a meeting.

In this episode (recorded on April 1), Ben & Dean discuss FTTH, copper switch-off and the upcoming FTTH Council conference in London, the recent BEREC Stakeholder Forum event in Brussels & EU DNA Digital Network Act readouts, the importance of Wi-Fi and the Upcoming Unthinkable Lab event on Telecoms Sovereignty.  2.00 – Gigabit broadband, FTTH, VHCN, Cable, Copper Switch-Off and more European fixed broadband issues. What’s in the DNA, what is BEREC saying? Is there a genuine need to accelerate the end of copper, including in-building? What practical and legal issues are raised?17:30 – European Targets for Gigabit Coverage: Can the FTTH gaps be filled by satellite broadband or 5G FWA? Are regulators helping or hindering this? Meet Benoit at the FTTH Council Europe Conference April 14-16 to discuss it23:50 – Wi-Fi is the real Broadband Endpoint: The importance of Wi-Fi for the last 10 metres of connectivity, including 6GHz spectrum, shifts in regulatory stance on indoor wireless – and the FCC’s ban of foreign-made home Wi-Fi routers: sovereignty or protectionism?29:50 – Telecoms Sovereignty: How it differs from cloud/AI sovereignty. What does it all mean, and what can telcos offer in terms of connectivity, solutions and the overall stack?  Come to the Unthinkable Lab on April 23 to discuss!34:20 – Book Ben & Dean for your event! Get us on stage at your conference, or facilitating at your private meeting or executive offsiteLinks:FTTH Council Conference 2026, April 14-16: https://ftthconference.eu/Unthinkable Lab on Telecoms Sovereignty, April 23: https://www.telecomtv.com/content/unthinkable-lab-sovereignty-in-the-unthinkable-age/BEREC Stakeholder Forum: https://www.berec.europa.eu/en/events/14th-berec-stakeholder-forumBenoit's article on Copper Switch-Off: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/conundrums-copper-switch-off-benoit-felten-7okpeDean's review of the BEREC Forum: https://deanbubley.substack.com/p/event-report-berec-stakeholder-workshopDean's article on Telecoms Sovereignty: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sovereignty-telcos-draft-structure-dean-bubley-sbuke

DNA, MWC & P5GIn this episode, Ben & Dean discuss the recent Connectivity Summit event in Brussels and what it told us about the EU DNA Digital Network Act proposals. Dean gives a preview of what to expect in Barcelona at MWC, and also a quick update on the state of Private 5G markets. Benoit highlights an upcoming BEREC event about FTTH and copper switch-off.00:33 - Last week, Dean and Ben met in Brussels at the Forum Europe event on Connectivity, which brought together regulators, policymakers, telcos, industry associations, vendors and a slew of consultants to discuss the DNA proposals. It covered a lot of ground, from satellite and spectrum, to overall telecoms consolidation and investment plans. But while it had a lot to say about 6G and sovereignty, the fixed broadband world and contentious issue of "voluntary conciliation" for IP interconnect and other disputes got much less airtime. We discuss the good & bad outcomes. (Dean's LinkedIn write-up of the Brussels event is here).16:10 - Dean kicks off the segment what to expect as themes at MWC in Barcelona, starting with Sovereignty, Satellite & Automation. Yes, there will also be a bit about spectrum, 6G and network APIs as well, but they probably won't be the stars of the show in terms of announcements and on-stage discussion. We also dive into the difference of sovereignty for telcos vs cloud. (Dean's next Unthinkable Lab workshop will cover telecom & tech sovereignty & resilience issues on April 23 - Link)25:25 -  A quick segment on growth of private cellular networks, and the role of telcos in P5G, plus a comparison with Wi-Fi for enterprise wireless. (Dean's write-up of the recent Uptime Private 5G event is here).30:01 - Upcoming events:- See Benoit at BEREC's workshop on European Copper Switch-Off (link)- See Dean at the IWCE event on Critical Comms, courtesy of the Safer Buildings Coalition, on a panel about in-building emergency comms (link) and at vCon Spring (link) to discuss vCons and AI+voice for telcos.

Hot takes on the EU DNA proposalsIn this episode, Ben & Dean give their initial opinions on some of the most important elements in the official European Commission DNA document, as well as the tone of the official press conference and speech by EVP Henna Virkunnen.We'll be honest - we haven't yet read every last word of the 340 page document, together with its annexes and impact assessments. There's certainly going to be a lot more to discuss in future podcasts, but we wanted to get our initial "hot takes" out there as quickly as possible. (And the transcripts are automated & unchecked, sorry)We talk about changes in access nework regulation, spectrum harmonisation, IP interconnect policy, satellite, sovereignty issues, copper switch-off, 6G, Wi-Fi, BEREC & RSPG and more - although each of those really merits a deep-dive on its own. (Not to mention other aspects such as numbering we don' t tackle at all).For those of you wanting to skip straight to the section on IP Interconnect and voluntary "conciliation" - we know it's probably the most contentious -  it starts at 19:10A link to the download page for the document itself: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/proposal-regulation-digital-networks-act-dnaAlso, check both Dean's & Benoit's LinkedIn timelines for discussion over the past few days from the leaked draft & wider issues on the DNAhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/benoitfelten/https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanbubley/Please subscribe to our YouTube and audio podcast channels, and either comment here or on LinkedIn

In this 2026 New Year edition of DBTT we give analysts' takes on what to expect this year, in the areas of:Connectivity: What to expect in the evolution path of 6G (and spectrum, standards and AI-Native), FTTH uptake and Copper Switch-Off in Europe, and Satellite constellations, D2D and broadbandDatacentre Infrastructure: We talk about the likely continued buildout of DCs, with multiple factors influencing location and investment. We talk about shifting dynamics in semiconductors, optical networks and energy supplyAI Impact: Dean & Ben talk about where AI is having an impact, and why it might take some time to show through in enterprise productivity and economic stats. Also touches on the blurring boundaries of training and inference, and what that might mean for networksRegulation: We're anticipating the DNA publication - and wondering when and where it might have effects, and its alignment with other regulatory developments. Also there's Section 230 in the US and a possible redefinition of what it means to be a platform or publisher. And spectrum, again!Geopolitics: Sovereignty is certain to be a top theme in 2026, but what does it mean? What are the dynamics to expect between US, Europe, China and elsewhere? Is free speech a defining issue? What about underlying tech stacks? And what else might surprise tech/telecoms on the global stage?That's a lot to try to fit into 30 minutes, so we don't delve too deeply. We'll pick up on multiple themes in future editions in greater detail, especially after the expected release of the EU DNA on January 20th.A few links to resources we mentioned : - This is Dean's analysis of the GSMA spectrum forecast for 2040- French Competition Authority on Energy/Environmental impact of AI- The January 15th Unthinkable Lab workshop on AI / APIs- 6G Myths & MistakesAs always, if you like our podcast, please share and give it some visibility, like and subscribe !

In this edition of DBTT we give analysts' takes on a number of recent events, news and trends in telecoms including: Dean has been to several industry events lately, including the Mplify NaaS event, FYUZ and Wi-Fi Now (write-ups are here, here & here). Benoit has been thinking about fibre take-up and personal data ownership.The recently published Final Opinion on the Upper 6GHz spectrum band by Europe's Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG). What are they suggesting, and what might it mean for 5G & 6G, Wi-Fi and the broader wireless ecosystem? Dean has also written a full article on this.A view on the trend of "enshittification" of online services and applications, as per Cory Doctorow's thesis. What does it mean for the Internet? Does AI make it worse? And what could be done at a systemic level or via policy to limit it? Does personal reputation or better filtering / curation help?We discuss recent layoffs at large telecom operators and what this might indicate about the industry's health and future prospects. Is this just reflecting the end of a capex cycle and the adoption of software-based networks needing less headcount? Is AI to blame? What does it tell us about the future of the telecoms industry? As always, if you like our podcast, please share and give it some visibility, like and subscribe !