The 5G Journey... and the 6G Destination
Hyperconverged Networks: Space + Terrestrial
26v1
April 30th . 2026 . 14:00 UK Time
5G is the fifth generation wireless cellular technology standard, and quite unlike previous generations, unlocks the potential of ground breaking technologies such as AI, Augmented Reality, Virtualisation and IoT. This programme will explore the convergence of 5G Terrestrial and NTN, and the subsequent impact on major industry use cases such as autonomous transport systems, maritime operations, in-flight connectivity, public safety, energy and utilities, smart agriculture, and much more besides. As we advance towards a 6G future, whereby NTN will become a Day 1. native component rather than an isolated broadcast feature to be bolted on as and when necessary, and Space and Aerial Platforms (HAPs and UAVs) will blend seamlessly with Earth based wireless communications technologies, in a new age of hyperconverged ubiquitous service delivery.
14:00 c21-virtual
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Opening Remarks
Paul Stahl, Executive Director
14:05 Sateliot
Shahbaz Ali, Vice President Products and Standards
Synopsis
Sateliot’s “From 5G to 6G” presentation shows how satellite connectivity has evolved from a proprietary afterthought into a native component of the 3GPP standard. It highlights how the players shaping Releases 17–21 today are effectively laying the groundwork for 6G by 2030. The deck moves from the persistent 85% global coverage gap to the architectural shift, from transparent to regenerative to fully native NTN, positioning Sateliot and its R&D at the center of this transition.
Bio
Shahbaz Ali is VP of Products & Standards at Sateliot, where he leads the world’s first standardized NB-IoT LEO satellite connectivity and helps shape the future of non-terrestrial IoT. With over 20 years of experience across telecoms and IoT, he actively contributes to organizations such as 3GPP, GSMA, GCF, and PTCRB to align terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. Previously at Telenor, he drove 200% IoT revenue growth in 2020 and 2021, following earlier leadership roles at Siemens and Nokia.
14:25 Deutsche Telekom
Jens Olejak, Satellite IoT Programme Lead
Synopsis
This session outlines Deutsche Telekom’s end‑to‑end strategy for integrating satellite connectivity into its global network portfolio, positioning NTN as a native extension of terrestrial mobile networks. The talk will then focus on IoT, with a deep dive into NB‑NTN for low‑power wide‑area use cases, highlighting how satellite IoT can deliver scalable, standards‑based connectivity in locations beyond the reach of traditional networks.
Bio
Based in Bonn/Germany, Jens leads the Satellite IoT product management of Deutsche Telekom. As a senior product manager and team leader with 10+ years of experience in the IoT market, he has been responsible for several IoT innovations such as the commercial introduction of NB-IoT and LTE-M. Before joining Deutsche Telekom in Bonn, he worked at Accenture’s Communications & HighTech strategy consulting unit of in Frankfurt, London and Düsseldorf.
14:45 OQ Technology
Ian Shazell, Vice President Technology
Synopsis
As 5G expands globally, its limitations in coverage and resilience are driving the integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) as a core extension of cellular connectivity. This session explores how standard-based 5G NTN is enabling seamless convergence between terrestrial and space networks, supporting IoT, mobility, and mission-critical applications across previously unserved environments. Looking ahead, it outlines the transition toward 6G, where NTN becomes a native component of the network architecture, enabling truly ubiquitous, resilient, and hyperconverged connectivity across ground, air, and space.
Bio
Ian Shazell is Vice President of Technology at OQ Technology, where he leads the development of 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) systems for IoT and direct-to-device connectivity. He is responsible for the company’s technology strategy and end-to-end system architecture across satellite, ground, and network domains, driving standard-based solutions aligned with 3GPP. He brings over 25 years of experience in satellite systems, including leadership roles in large-scale programmes and earlier work supporting European missions at European Space Agency.
15:05 Ericsson
Azara Khajavi, Senior Manager - New Product Introduction
Synopsis
This session explores the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) as a key enabler of ubiquitous 6G connectivity. Drawing on real-world deployment and validation experience, it examines the shift from standalone satellite capabilities toward AI-native architectures that support seamless, hyperconverged service delivery across terrestrial, maritime, and aerospace domains. The discussion will also highlight the role of intelligent automation in enabling scalable and adaptive network operations.
Bio
Azarakhsh Khajavi Khan is a telecom leader with decades of experience in mobile network evolution, currently serving new product Introduction Manager at Ericsson. She leads New Product Introduction (NPI) activities for major U.S. operators, focusing on 5G, Open RAN, and cloud-native architectures. Her work centers on multi-vendor integration and the transition toward AI-driven, next-generation 6G network ecosystems.
15:25 Mavenir
Denis Sutherland, Vice President Business Development Satellite and NTN
Synopsis
The Mavenir AI-by-Design approach rethinks network architecture by embedding AI natively into telecom systems, rather than layering it on afterwards. It enables intelligent, autonomous networks that can optimize performance in real time across both terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), including satellite. This paper explores how AI-driven, software-centric design is unlocking new levels of efficiency, scalability, and service innovation in next-generation connectivity.
Bio
Denis Sutherland is Vice President of Business Development for Satellite and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) at Mavenir, leading innovation at the convergence of satellite, 5G, and AI-driven connectivity. He has held senior roles at Microsoft and iDirect, helping shape next-generation communication platforms across the telecom and space sectors. Denis is a recognized industry voice on the integration of AI and NTN, focused on enabling scalable, intelligent networks and expanding global connectivity.
16:05 Close