An Executive Forum is a panel, aiming at bringing together speakers from industry at the CxO/VP/Director levels, encompassing several sectors, to discuss a timely and relevant topic of interest to conference participants.
More details coming soon.
EF1: Empowering Remote and Indigenous Communities Through Satellite: Bridging the Digital Divide
EF2: Ramping Up the Deployment of Quantum Communication Networks
EF3: Harnessing AI for Sustainable Networks: Insights from the Next G Alliance Green G Working Group
EF1: Empowering Remote and Indigenous Communities Through Satellite: Bridging the Digital Divide
Monday, June 9 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Moderator:
Nathan De Ruiter, Partner & Managing Director, Nova Space, Canada
Panelists:
Curtis Shaw, President and CEO, Northwestel, Canada
Darrel Beaulieu, CEO Denendeh Investments Inc , Canada
Michele Beck, Senior Vice President Sales Canada, TELESAT
Jason Trembley, VP, Commercial Terrestar, Canada
Abstract: This Forum will explore how satellite & telecommunications can foster empowerment, economic growth, and equitable access to essential services for Indigenous and remote communities, including those in the Canadian Arctic. Our discussion would focus on the challenges and opportunities associated with delivering connectivity to these regions and highlight innovative solutions achieved through collaboration between satellite providers, regulators, telecom providers, and local leaders.
Questions:
- The Universal Broadband Fund (UBF), launched in 2020, aims to connect 98% of Canadians to high-speed internet (50 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload) by 2026, with a goal of achieving 100% connectivity by 2030. Can you provide an update on the current progress? What have been the key accomplishments so far, and what challenges remain in meeting these targets?
- From the perspective of beneficiaries, how have Indigenous organizations and community leaders influenced the rollout of high-speed internet in remote regions? Could you share examples where local leadership has driven positive outcomes or accelerated progress?
- What role does the private sector play in addressing the digital divide? Could you highlight any innovative solutions or impactful partnerships currently in place to help bridge the gap?
- Beyond connectivity, how do you see high-speed internet advancing broader goals such as education, healthcare, and local economic development in underserved communities? What specific opportunities or initiatives should be prioritized to maximize these benefits?
- Looking forward, how do you envision the deployment of high-speed internet across underserved communities in Canada—particularly in rural, remote, Indigenous, and geographically challenging areas—over the next decade?
Biographies:
Nathan De Ruiter, Partner & Managing Director, Nova Space, Canada
Nathan De Ruiter: Nathan de Ruiter is Partner and Managing Director at Novaspace. Since joining in 2011, he has advised a wide range of Canadian and international clients including satellite operators, manufacturers, equipment providers, service providers and government agencies, private equity, and financial institutions. Nathan plays an integral role in contributing to the successful execution of client engagements through the development of project management, quality assurance and professional consulting and research methodologies. Over the last 15 years, Nathan has managed and contributed to more than 200 consulting missions including ABS, Harris Corporation, Inmarsat, Kymeta, Measat, Carlyle Group, KKR, Ex-Im Bank, Export Development Canada, and Canadian Space Agency. His speciality lies in commercial due diligence, market analysis, financial forecasting and strategic planning. Nathan also leads executive workshops in the satellite communications domain. Nathan is also the Editor of Novaspace’s research reports on satellite communications such as Satellite Connectivity and Video Market and High Throughput Satellites: Vertical Market Analysis and Forecasts. Nathan is an invited speaker and moderator on market trends and dynamics in the satellite communications sector at international conferences including the World Space Business Week, SATELLITE, CES, APSAT, ConnecTechAsia, SATCON, and PTC.
Curtis Shaw, President and CEO, Northwestel, Canada
Curtis Shaw: Curtis Shaw is the President of Northwestel, a telecommunications company serving 97 communities in Canada's North. He joined Northwestel in 1996 and has held various leadership roles, including Director of Marketing, Vice President of Marketing, and Chief Operating Officer. In his current position, Curtis is responsible for business strategy and day-to-day operations of Northwestel, including marketing, engineering, customer service, and network operations, with a team of 550 employees located across Northern Canada. Curtis holds Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Science degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. He has been involved in several community organizations and boards across the North, including Yukon Energy Corporation, the Yukon Hospital Foundation, and the Yukon Chamber of Commerce. Curtis joined the Arctic Economic Council in 2018 as a legacy member for Canada and also was on the AEC’s Connectivity Working Group.
Darrel Beaulieu, CEO Denendeh Investments Inc , Canada
Bio Coming Soon
Michele Beck, Senior Vice President Sales Canada, TELESAT
Michèle Beck is Telesat’s Senior Vice President, Canadian Sales responsible for both Enterprise and Broadcast sales in Canada. Ms. Beck joined Telesat in 1987 where she began her career in engineering developing new products in digital video compression, HDTV and direct-to-home satellite services. She was then hired by the Canadian Cable Telecommunications Association serving as their Vice President Technology.
In 2006, Ms. Beck returned to Telesat as Director, engineering responsible for all satellite service offerings including R&D, enterprise, broadband and broadcast. She soon was appointed Director, North American Enterprise and Government Sales where she built an impressive record enabling Telesat customers to achieve operational efficiencies and meet other business goals by applying her expertise in technical, commercial and regulatory matters.
Promoted to her current position in 2013, Ms. Beck holds a BA Sc., Electrical Engineering from the University of Ottawa.
Jason Trembley, VP, Commercial Terrestar, Canada
Jason Trembley is the Vice President, Commercial at Terrestar, where he leads the company's Marketing, Sales, Product, and Communications efforts. With over a decade of experience in the satellite telecommunications industry, Jason plays a pivotal role in driving innovative solutions, including direct-to-mobile satellite services and IoT integration. His expertise lies in aligning commercial strategies with emerging technologies, fostering partnerships with MNOs, and delivering impactful results across diverse markets. Passionate about the intersection of technology and communications, Jason is dedicated to expanding Terrestar’s footprint and ensuring seamless connectivity for remote and underserved communities.
EF2: Ramping Up the Deployment of Quantum Communication Networks
Tuesday, June 10 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Moderator:
François Borrelli, Special Advisor on Emerging Technologies and Ambassador for the Kirq project
Panelists:
Michele Mosca, Co-founder, President, and CEO, EvolutionQ Inc.
Abstract: This Executive Forum will focus on the necessary steps to accelerate the global deployment of quantum communication networks, which are expected to play a key role in securing communication infrastructures. The discussion will cover multiple facets, including technological challenges, policy frameworks, infrastructure development, and collaboration efforts across industries and governments.
Key Discussion Points:
- Technological Advancements
- Building Infrastructure
- Standardization and Regulation
- Funding and Investment
- Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
- Workforce Development
Biographies:
François Borrelli, Special Advisor on Emerging Technologies and Ambassador for the Kirq project
François Borrelli has worked for 30 years in the information and communications technology sector both nationally and internationally. He is recognized for his entrepreneurial and creative approach to combining technologies with market sectors and adapting them to existing or innovative business models. He has been and still is involved in several technology projects in sectors as diverse as culture, mobile commerce, healthcare, both conceptually and commercially.
In 2001 he founded Oblique Networking a company that specializes in business development which includes strategic planning, product development and business development in the ICT sector, both in the private sector and "public". He has been granted mandates such as; smart city strategic plan, preparation of calls for tenders for mobile network deployment, development of a business plan for private fiber network.
Prior to Oblique Networking, Mr. Borrelli co-founded the Oy AddPhone Company, a Finnish pioneering technology company in the field of mobile commerce ($ 12 million in funding in 6 months) and which was supported by Hewlett-Packard. His responsibilities were to set up North American operations (Montreal-Boston) including an R&D and business development center. He has also co-founded other companies in sectors as diverse as "Big Data", health and "election tech". He regularly acts as a coach to help start-up businesses.
He holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering as well as a master's degree in engineering management.
Michele Mosca, Co-founder, President, and CEO, EvolutionQ Inc.
Bio Coming Soon.
EF3: Harnessing AI for Sustainable Networks: Insights from the Next G Alliance Green G Working Group
Wednesday, June 11 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Moderator:
Sarah LaSelva, Chief Product Marketing Manager, NI’s RF & Wireless, Emerson
Panelists:
Bhushan Joshi, Head of Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility, Ericsson North America Plano Texas USA, Chair ATIS Next G Alliance Green G Working Group
Gagandeep S. Bhatti, Senior Standardization Specialist 5G Advanced & 6G, Vice Chair at Green G Working Group, Nokia Dallas, Texas USA
Shruti Bothe, Senior AI Researcher, Ericsson Research, Silicon Valley, California USA
Abstract: As the telecom industry advances toward 6G, sustainable AI is crucial for optimizing network performance while addressing global sustainability goals. This Executive Forum, led by the Next G Alliance Green G Working Group, will delve into key insights from the newly released white paper, "Sustainable AI in Telecom: Promises and Challenges in 6G."
The discussion will introduce the core concepts of sustainable AI in telecom networks, emphasizing how AI-enabled techniques can enhance environmental sustainability. Panelists will explore the correlation between “Sustainable AI” (minimizing the environmental footprint of AI itself) and “AI for Sustainability” (using AI to improve the energy efficiency of networks). Drawing from lessons learned in 5G, they will discuss how these approaches can shape next-generation networks within the ICT industry.
Key topics include:
• The role of sustainable energy sources in powering AI training and reducing environmental impacts.
• Strategies for designing end-user devices with sustainability in mind.
• Leveraging AI to optimize energy performance in Radio Access Networks (RAN).
• Addressing the environmental challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into 6G networks.
This panel aims to inspire actionable strategies and cross-industry collaboration with a focus on embedding sustainability into the foundation of 6G development and creating a more sustainable and connected future.
Questions:
1. What are the primary environmental sustainability challenges associated with integrating AI into wireless networks, and how can the industry address these to ensure that 6G systems align with global sustainability goals?
2. How is AI being leveraged to optimize the energy and sustainability performance of Radio Access Networks (RAN), and what advancements do you anticipate will have the most significant impact as we transition toward 6G?
3. With the growing energy demands of AI training and operations, what strategies or energy sources should the industry prioritize to power AI sustainably and minimize its environmental impact?
4. How can sustainability be integrated into the design, manufacturing, and use of end-user devices for AI applications, and what impacts do these considerations have on reducing the environmental footprint of AI-powered wireless systems?
5. The Green G WG emphasizes cross-industry collaboration for sustainability. What key partnerships or innovations do you see as critical for integrating sustainable AI into the broader ICT ecosystem, and how can these initiatives inspire action in adjacent industries?
Biographies:
Sarah LaSelva, Chief Product Marketing Manager, NI’s RF & Wireless, Emerson
Sarah LaSelva is the chief product marketing manager for NI’s RF portfolio. She has over 15 years of experience in test and measurement concentrating on wireless communications and RF technologies. Throughout her career she has spent time in marketing, product management, services, test engineering, and applications engineering. Sarah has spent most of her career working with software defined radios where she gained a deep knowledge of SDR hardware, software, and wireless communications. In addition to her time at NI, she recently spent 4 years at Keysight where she led the marketing strategy for Keysight in 6G. She has been an active participant in industry groups like the NextG alliance where she is an advocate for improving sustainability and making wireless technology green. Sarah’s academic background is in microwave and millimeter wave technology. She has a BS in electrical engineering from Texas Tech University.
Bhushan Joshi, Head of Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility, Ericsson North America Plano Texas USA Chair ATIS Next G Alliance Green G Working Group
Bhushan Joshi is a senior sustainability executive with over 20 years of experience shaping transformative strategies across the retail, energy, industrial, and telecommunications sectors. As Head of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility for Ericsson in Market Area North America, Bhushan spearheads initiatives in corporate responsibility, climate action, and digital inclusion. His work aligns with Ericsson's vision of leveraging limitless connectivity to improve lives, redefine businesses, and drive a sustainable future.
In addition to his role at Ericsson, Bhushan serves as Chair of the Next G Alliance Green G Working Group, leading efforts to position North America at the forefront of environmental sustainability in wireless technologies, including the advancement of 6G. Under his leadership, the group has released impactful publications addressing the intersection of sustainability and next-generation network innovation.
A sought-after public speaker, Bhushan has delivered insights on embedding sustainability into technology and business innovation at premier forums such as Mobile World Congress Americas, Techonomy, Network X, GreenBiz, and IEEE conferences. He is known for bridging technical expertise with a strategic focus on environmental stewardship.
Bhushan holds an MBA in Sustainable Business Practices from Duquesne University and engineering degrees from Ferris State University and Bharati Vidyapeeth University. Based in Frisco, Texas, he is deeply committed to fostering cross-industry collaboration to build a sustainable future.
Gagandeep S. Bhatti, Senior Standardization Specialist 5G Advanced & 6G, Vice Chair at Green G Working Group, Nokia Dallas, Texas USA
Gagandeep Bhatti is a Senior Staff Standardization Specialist in 5G-Advanced and 6G technologies at Nokia, with over 16 years of experience spanning 3G, 4G, 5G, ORAN (RIC), and now 6G. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Green G Working Group within the Next G Alliance (an ATIS initiative), contributor to the several Next G Alliance Green G initiatives, showcasing his commitment to sustainability in technology. He is actively involved in the research and (pre) standardization of 6G and has made contributions to 3GPP 5G-Advanced RAN1/2 Network Energy Savings (NES), including publications and patent filings. He's an expert in R&D product software design, specification, and network performance optimization with a strong background in NPI technical management. He holds a B.E. and a diploma in Computer Engineering from Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, India.
Shruti Bothe, Senior AI Researcher, Ericsson Research, Silicon Valley, California USA
Shruti Bothe is a Senior Researcher at Ericsson Research, specializing in sustainable Artificial Intelligence solutions in the telecommunications industry. With extensive experience as a data scientist and researcher, she has dedicated her career to exploring innovative applications of AI. Holding an MS degree in Telecommunications and Data Science from the University of Oklahoma, Shruti brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to her work. She has contributed to numerous published papers and holds several patents in the field. Additionally, Shruti serves as a reviewer for several journals and has been recognized for her contributions to the academic community. Shruti Bothe has also been actively involved in cross-Atlantic projects, fostering collaboration between European and American institutions. Passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, she actively supports initiatives supporting women in technology within Ericsson and beyond.
