Q: How do you see cloud of today evolving in the next 2-3 years, and what key challenges do you think the industry needs to address?

A: I see cloud evolving tremendously in the next year and even more so in the next few years. What’s not fully covered or discussed is the dramatic ramp-up in server farms and data centers being built worldwide to support large language models (LLMs) and beyond. These operations are massive, with big tech companies investing hundreds of billions into them. It’s hard to predict exactly where this will land, LLMs like ChatGPT came out very suddently into the public view and many users that I know of can't imagine a world without it now which is incredible as it more or less did not exist in our lives only a few years ago.

This shift has triggered a next-gen arms race to build compute infrastructure capable of handling these LLMs at even greater scale. The cloud of today and tomorrow will need to accommodate these workloads. I believe tools like ChatGPT, for people who really understand their potential, will become even more embedded in daily use. Over time, they’ll get more user-friendly, making it easier for people to see how they can benefit from them. Eventually, they’ll just become part of life—like how voice assistants today can already handle simple tasks. Imagine saying, “Alexa, order me a USB-C docking station,” and it not only finds a product but also checks your setup, knows you have a 120Hz gaming card, a 144Hz 4K display, filters for products rated 4.4 stars or higher, stays under $50, and even delivers it to your hotel because it knows you’re out of town on the delivery date.

One of the biggest challenges for cloud operators is still cost. But with more data centers going up, prices will come down over time, making cloud compute cheaper and more accessible. That, in turn, will make people even more productive.

Q: Can you share a real-world example of how cloud technologies are already making an impact today, and what lessons operators can learn from it?

A: As we speak, I’m using GSuite for email, just messaged my business partners on GChat, took a call from a colleague in Spain over WhatsApp, and downloaded a Call of Duty update on Steam. Later tonight, my wife will put on Blind Date on Netflix to see which couple makes it. We use cloud technology all the time, often without even thinking about it. Many applications have been cloud-native since day one, and we sometimes take that for granted.

Operators already know that telephony as a business model is fading—first with the decline of POTS, and now even over cellular. WhatsApp calling, once just a workaround for long-distance charges, is now the go-to method for everyday calls, even locally. Beyond that, optimizing networks for applications is something we take seriously. It’s not just about keeping up with current use cases but also about preparing for the next generation of products and services. That’s something all operators need to focus on to stay relevant.

The adoption of cloud by operators has been somewhat lukewarm. There are multiple reasons for this, including cultural factors and the mindset that operators should keep on-premises infrastructure for core operations. It makes sense to move cautiously, but other considerations come into play. Operators provide commoditized infrastructure services like calling and internet—things that are indispensable, especially with emergency response access layered on top.

Historically, operators haven’t been the most forward-leaning when it comes to technology adoption. Many Tier 1 and Tier 2 operators already own and operate their own data centers (or central offices), some of which have been paid off for decades—or even longer. There’s the challenge of sunken costs and the instinct to "use what you already have." But as cloud-based services continue to dominate, operators will need to adapt and rethink how they approach infrastructure to stay competitive.

We've dived head first into the cloud infrastructure space and have built the most advanced network as a result of it, a network that's built for not just today but for the future.

Q: What role do partnerships and collaboration play in advancing cloud and edge monetization strategies, and how can industry players work together more effectively?

A: Partnerships are key. No one is going to buy GenericGermanTelecom Ltd.’s cloud-based platform and expect it to take business away from the major players. Chances are, it’ll be clunky, non-functional, and disjointed, never reaching the scale needed to be cost-effective for customers. That’s why partnerships matter. Over the next few years, you’ll see telecoms doubling down on collaboration to avoid becoming the "dumb pipe," while cloud platforms focus on building services that tap into massively underserved markets—and yes, they are woefully underserved right now.

One thing that always makes me chuckle is how underutilized and underinvested home-based virtual assistants are when it comes to natural language capabilities and real utility. There’s so much money left on the table. Here are just a few examples of how cloud, AI, and telecoms could work together to create real monetization opportunities:

• Scenario 1
  Zlatko: Hey VI, I'm going to Portugal. Can you check if I have a travel roaming plan, and if not, add one to my account on July 15? I'll be there for two weeks.
  VI: "I've confirmed with your telecom that a roaming pass has been scheduled to be added on July 14 for two weeks. The total is $40. You're all set—have a great trip!"
• Scenario 2
  Zlatko: Hey VI, the World Cup final is in a few days. Can you make sure I have access to watch it?
  VI: "I've purchased the World Cup Final live stream for you and added a calendar reminder in your inbox. Go Spain!"
• Scenario 3
  Zlatko: Hey VI, I need to buy some groceries. Can you help me out?
  VI: "I've checked your fridge and ordered all the standard groceries that are running low. Also, since you've been watching Max Miller’s Tasting History on YouTube, I’ve ordered the ingredients for ancient Roman cheese. The total is $211. Bon appétit!"

The key point? All of this is already possible today. These aren’t futuristic ideas—they could be happening in the background right now, driving revenue while making life more convenient and enjoyable. Businesses that recognize these opportunities and leverage partnerships to build seamless, intelligent cloud-based services will have a massive advantage. We at Paradise are very much interested in working with companies that have this kind of mindset, to make things more effortless and seamless for our customers and the general population - it's what we all deserve.

Q: Why is participating in this event important for you, and what makes it a must-attend for industry leaders?

A: NetworkX Americas is one of the most important platforms for driving the future of connectivity. The discussions happening here—on Open RAN, cloud-native networks, AI, and edge computing—are shaping the industry’s next decade.

For me, it’s essential to be part of the conversation because:

• We’re building a next-gen telecom model at Paradise Mobile, and learning from both established players and innovators is crucial.
• It’s an opportunity to challenge traditional telecom thinking—how we monetize networks, how we deploy infrastructure, and how we create real value beyond just connectivity.
• The shift to cloud-native telco is happening now—and this event brings together the best minds working to accelerate that transformation.

Q: Who are you most looking forward to meeting at the event, and what key discussions do you hope to have?

A: I’m particularly looking forward to connecting with:

• Cloud hyperscalers (AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure) to explore deeper integration between telecom and cloud services.
• AI-driven network automation providers to discuss how we can optimize Open RAN and edge compute deployments.
• Other greenfield operators & MVNOs who are also building from the ground up with a cloud-first approach.
• Enterprise & fintech leaders who see 5G and edge computing as a game-changer for their industries.