Digitel Talk
Digitel Talk is a podcast promoting doing good in the mobile, telecoms and related technology industries. The heart of the podcast is about the people, what they have done, how it has affected them, others and the planet and what great things we can expect.
We aim to share the stories of those champions who want to help others and have found a way of using mobile, telecoms and technology to achieve this.
As hosts who work in telecoms, if nothing else, the podcast aims to broaden the audience for these projects with hopes it might resonate with others who will be inspired to do something good themselves.
Digitel Talk
Craig Pemberton on Real-World Vodafone Innovation, 5G Standalone & unlocking the potential of VodafoneThree
In this episode of Digitel Talk, recorded live at Connected North, host Ian Ginn sits down with Craig Pemberton, Senior Innovation Manager at Vodafone, for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation on the true state of telecoms innovation.
From the evolution of VoIP to the real-world rollout of 5G Standalone (5GSA), Craig shares how telecoms is enabling transformative change—not just in connectivity, but in energy, sustainability, and digital equity. He reflects on how innovation often starts quietly and gains traction over time, driven as much by customer use as by technology itself.
We delve into how 5GSA is enabling new business models through network slicing, how Vodafone is exploring mission-critical services, and why innovation isn’t just a department—it’s a mindset across the business. Craig also discusses Vodafone’s innovation funnel, the impact of the Vodafone–Three merger, and why Release 18, not just “6G”, might hold the key to the future.
Plus, hear about Vodafone’s IoT-powered smart grid pilot, the challenge of EV charging without connectivity, and how M-Pesa remains one of the most impactful telecom innovations to date.
If you care about the purpose of telecoms—not just the tech—this episode will make you rethink what networks are truly for.
Links and resources:
Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe – Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth [https://www.ifgconsultingeurope.com]
Guest bio
With over 25 years working in the telecoms industry, Craig has held a number of technical design, consultancy and senior management positions, and is now leading co-creation with Vodafone UK Business clients to explore the full potential of the latest developments in next generation networks. Currently specialising in 5G SA, slicing, Edge Computing and IoT, Craig has first-hand experience of applied communications technology in solving business challenges, and has delivered projects across diverse verticals from public sector, transport, retail, media and entertainment, winning industry awards in the process. Craig holds a BSc in Geological Geophysics, MSc in Information Technology and is a Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology.
Podcast credits
- Host: Ian Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ginn/)
- Guest: Craig Pemberton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-pemberton/)
- Editor: Francis Wright (https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciswaudio/)
- Designer: Rebecca Ginn (http
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