Roberto Kompany - Senior Analyst, Analysys Mason

Roberto is a member of Analysys Mason’s Telecoms Software and Networks research team and is the lead analyst for the Next-Generation Wireless Networks programme focusing on strategy and market research. He is also a Cambridge Wireless Special Interest Group (SIG) mobile broadband champion. Prior to joining Analysys Mason, Roberto worked for Dixons Carphone, where he analysed the effect on the business of shifts in the telecoms market – for example, in terms of mergers, operator KPIs and technology – in Europe and the UK. Previous positions included consultancy, where he helped a variety of clients worldwide with mobile-related projects, such as a capex reduction and developing a 5-year strategy for an incumbent’s wireless infrastructure. He started his career at a leading network equipment vendor, where he served in several different capacities, such as R&D, and deployment and optimisation of mobile infrastructures across multiple continents. Roberto holds an MSc in Mobile & Satellite Communications from University of Surrey and an MBA from IE Business School.

Andy Sutton - Principal Network Architect, British Telecommunications

Andy Sutton is a Principal Network Architect within BT Architecture and Strategy team. He is responsible for 5G end to end network architecture, RAN architecture evolution and mobile backhaul strategy and architecture. Andy holds an MSc in mobile communications from the University of Salford and has over 30 years of experience within the telecommunications industry. Andy’s research interests include; distributed and centralised RAN and core architectures and protocols, network dimensioning, QoS and mobile backhaul (optical transmission, microwave and millimetre wave radio systems, network architecture and protocols along with synchronisation and time distribution in telecommunications networks). He also works on low latency and ultra-reliable networks architecture and design. During his career Andy has worked for Mercury Communications Ltd, Orange, H3G, EE and BT. Andy holds the post of Visiting Professor at the University of Liverpool and University of Salford. Andy is a chartered engineer and holds fellowships from the IET, BCS and ITP. Andy contributes to International telecommunications standardisation activities and several industry forums. Andy also has an interest in the history and heritage of telecommunications and is a CW Heritage SIG Champion.

Rahim Tafazolli - Director & Regius Professor, University of Surrey (ICS)

Rahim Tafazolli, Regius Professor of Electronic Engineering. This royal recognition was awarded to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Rahim Tafazolli has been a Professor of Mobile and Satellite Communications at the University of Surrey since April 2000, the Director of Institute of Communication Systems (ICS) since January 2010 and the founder and Director of the 5G Innovation Centre since 2012. The world’s first dedicated centre on 5G research and innovation.

He has over 30 years of experience in digital communications research and teaching. He has authored and co-authored more than 500 research publications and is regularly invited to deliver keynote talks and distinguished lectures to international conferences and workshops.

Professor Tafazolli was the leader of study on “grand challenges in IoT” (Internet of Things) in the UK, 2011-2012, for RCUK (Research Council UK) and the UK TSB (Technology Strategy Board). He is regularly invited by governments to advise on national 5G research and strategy and was advisor to the Mayor of London with regard to the London Infrastructure Investment 2050 Plan.

In 2011, he was appointed as a Fellow of the Wireless World Research Forum (WWRF) in recognition of his personal contributions to the wireless world as well as heading one of Europe's leading research groups. He was also awarded the 28th KIA Laureate Award- 2015 for his contribution to communications technology.