The Marconi Society is pleased to welcome Paul Berriman, a new board member with a diverse set of skills and expertise from a 40-year career in telecoms, media, and technology. Berriman emphasizes the importance of digital equity, which encompasses global connectivity, smart city development, and access to reliable information. He aims to use his experience to shape a more connected and equitable future in collaboration with the Marconi Society.
What is your vision for the Marconi Society?
I am inspired by the goals of the Marconi Society, especially with respect to digital equity. My vision is to see the Marconi Society grow into a global organization that is respected and valued for the contribution it makes to our industries and society as a whole. Just as Guglielmo Marconi envisioned a world that could be connected and communicate, we need to continue in the same direction but use our wealth of experience and knowledge to shape the future in a way that Marconi would be proud of. We should continue to seek distinguished and experienced members, along with partners and sponsors, to help us pursue those goals and support the younger members of our industry in creating a better and smarter connected world.
Why are you excited to be part of the Marconi Society board?
I believe the Marconi Society has the “brand” and credibility to achieve its vision. I am excited because I have already seen what the Marconi Society is doing and I have known a number of the talented board members and some of the distinguished Marconi Fellows for some time and look forward to working with them in the knowledge that together we can help change our industry and world for a better, more connected, and integrated future. It is also time for me, after a long career, to put even more back into our industry and society, using everything I have gained over these years….and maybe learn a few new things along the way!
What unique skills or expertise will you use to move our organization forward?
I’ve had the privilege of a successful 40-year career spanning Telecoms (both wireline and wireless, from 1G Mobile through 5G Mobile and Fixed Wireless Access), Media (IPTV & broadcasting), and technology, including data analytics and machine learning. With over 12 years of corporate governance experience as a director in leading Telcos, I offer a wealth of industry insight. Additionally, my international perspective, particularly from the Asia Pacific and Southern Africa regions, adds valuable diversity. Throughout my career, I’ve worked across various roles as a vendor, consultant, and telco operator, in both private and public sectors, enabling me to contribute expertise and knowledge to diverse situations and opportunities to advance the Marconi Society.
How do you foresee shaping the future of digital equity?
Digital equity will come in many forms and from many directions. While ensuring global connectivity with adequate, affordable, and sustainable broadband is paramount, it’s also vital to consider other aspects. This includes fostering smart cities, governments, and healthcare systems, as well as ensuring access to reliable news and information sources. It will come with equal opportunities whilst protecting society from fake news, unsafe and unregulated AI, online fraud, and cybersecurity in the widest sense, with tools such as a secure digital identity for everyone and every entity. In that way, everyone should be able to effectively and safely generate wealth and contribute to GDP growth for their economies and make for a better future world. We need to use our position, talents and persuasion to gather support and participation to create a sustainable way forward to shape this future.
