Reviving Traditional Telcos

TL;DR

Swisscom, a leading Telco and IT company in Switzerland, has been actively involved in blockchain and the metaverse, exploring new business models and opportunities in web3 technologies.

Transcript

I have the feeling that the metaverse or immersive Technologies however you want to name it has been kind of pushed away from the focus of a lot of people since generative AI has gotten a lot of attention Okay so today I'm really happy to welcome on the show Tina Vero from swisscom She's head of swisscom outpost Innovation programs um welcome Tina ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 Swisscom has been active in the blockchain and metaverse space, leveraging its expertise in Telco technologies and infrastructure.
• 🌍 The metaverse is an interconnected ecosystem, encompassing web3 technologies, virtual worlds, and a shift in mindset towards decentralization, transparency, and authenticity.
• 👶 The metaverse offers opportunities for new business models and value creation, especially in areas like branding, marketing, and education.
• 😤 Startups can engage with Swisscom through programs such as the startup challenge or by reaching out directly to the Outpost team in Silicon Valley.
• 🪡 Telcos like Swisscom are strategic players in the metaverse due to their infrastructure capabilities and the need for innovative growth areas.
• 😎 The release of Apple glasses in the near future may spark renewed interest in the metaverse and immersive technologies.
• ❓ The integration of AI technologies within the metaverse enhances its capabilities and potential for solving complex problems.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why has the metaverse taken a backseat to generative AI in recent times?

Tina believes that generative AI has garnered more attention recently, but the metaverse is still relevant and can be enhanced by AI technologies. The metaverse offers a collection of different technologies, including AI, to solve problems and accelerate its development.

Q: What makes Telcos like Swisscom interested in web3 and the metaverse?

Telcos see web3 as an opportunity to leverage their base technologies, such as blockchain, cloud, and 5G, to play a crucial role in the metaverse ecosystem. They become infrastructure players and build partner networks and ecosystems in virtualization tools, virtual worlds, and economic infrastructure.

Q: How does Swisscom support innovation internally and externally?

Swisscom's Outpost in Silicon Valley serves as a hub for scouting innovation. They collaborate with startups, universities, and other ecosystem players to identify trends, test services, and provide support through programs like the startup challenge. Founders can also reach out to the Outpost directly with their ideas and use cases.

Q: What are the key areas of interest for Swisscom in innovation?

Swisscom is still focused on the metaverse and exploring its potential in branding, marketing, and education, particularly in the field of edutainment. They see gamification, community, and integration of metaverse elements as having a transformative impact on education and learning experiences.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Swisscom is a Telco and IT company in Switzerland that has been a first mover in blockchain and the metaverse.

• Tina Vero, head of Swisscom Outpost, leads the innovation programs and focuses on consumer-related technologies, including retail, customer experience, and entertainment.

• The company has a dedicated team in Silicon Valley called Swisscom Outpost that scouts for innovation, collaborates with startups, and brings technological trends back to Switzerland.