Driving Digital Transformation in Telecom: Insights from Tallence & Celfocus

The telecommunications industry is undergoing a major shift, making digital transformation essential for competitiveness and innovation. Modernizing legacy systems while ensuring service continuity, adopting technologies like 5G and AI, and addressing cybersecurity challenges are key priorities. In this interview, Nicole Schröder, Head of Field Marketing at Tallence AG, speaks with Bruno Santos, Executive Director Europe at Celfocus and Jan Martens, Chief Sales Officer at Tallence AG, about the opportunities and challenges of transformation and the role of strategic partnerships like the collaboration between Tallence AG and Celfocus in driving long-term value. As two organizations deeply embedded in the telecommunications industry, Tallence AG and Celfocus share a mutual commitment to driving digital transformation. 

Bruno Santos: 
Thank you, Nicole. It’s a pleasure to be here. Digital transformation in the telecommunications industry has certainly gained significant momentum in Europe. Operators are focusing on modernizing their infrastructure to support 5G and IoT while enhancing customer experience through digital solutions. However, the journey is far from complete. Challenges like legacy systems, data silos, and regulatory complexities still hinder progress. That said, the willingness to innovate and invest in emerging technologies like AI, automation, and edge computing is promising.

Jan Martens: 
Thank you, Nicole. At Tallence AG, we pride ourselves on being a trusted long-term partner for telcos. Our role often begins when operators face complex challenges, whether it’s modernizing legacy systems, navigating large-scale migrations, or addressing governance and security concerns. We bring a combination of deep industry expertise, tailored strategies, and an agile approach to solve problems effectively. Our clients know they can rely on us to provide innovative, measurable solutions that align with their long-term goals, even in the most demanding scenarios.

Bruno Santos: 
That’s a great question. Legacy systems are indeed a double-edged sword. They’re reliable and have been the backbone of operations for years, but they’re also inflexible and costly to maintain. To address this, many telcos are adopting a phased approach to modernization—implementing microservices and cloud-native architectures while integrating them with existing systems. This approach minimizes disruption and ensures continuity. Collaboration with strategic partners, like Tallence AG and Celfocus, plays a critical role in accelerating this process and mitigating risks.

Bruno Santos: 
Customer experience is indeed the battleground for differentiation. Telcos need to leverage data-driven insights to deliver personalized and seamless experiences across all touchpoints. This includes proactive customer support powered by AI, self-service capabilities, and omnichannel engagement. Additionally, telcos must rethink their offerings by introducing value-added services beyond connectivity, such as smart home solutions or entertainment bundles. Agility and responsiveness to customer feedback are key.

Bruno Santos: 
Absolutely. AI is revolutionizing telecom in several ways. For instance, predictive maintenance powered by AI can significantly reduce downtime by identifying potential issues before they occur. In customer service, AI chatbots and virtual assistants are improving response times and efficiency. AI is also driving network optimization by analyzing traffic patterns to enhance performance and allocate resources effectively. These use cases not only improve operational efficiency but also contribute to cost savings and a better customer experience.

Bruno Santos: 
The impact of 5G is transformative. For operators, 5G opens new revenue streams through enterprise use cases such as smart manufacturing, autonomous vehicles, and telemedicine. It also enables more efficient network management through network slicing. For customers, 5G promises faster speeds, lower latency, and a more reliable connection, unlocking new experiences in gaming, AR/VR, and content consumption. However, the rollout requires significant investment, and success will depend on partnerships and innovation to fully capitalize on 5G’s potential.

Bruno Santos: 
Cybersecurity is absolutely vital in today’s interconnected world. With the rise of 5G, IoT, and cloud-based services, the attack surface for cyber threats has expanded significantly. Telcos must prioritize a multi-layered security approach that includes robust encryption, real-time threat detection, and zero-trust architecture. They should also invest in educating their workforce and customers about cybersecurity best practices. Collaborating with specialized partners to stay ahead of evolving threats is equally important. Ultimately, building trust through strong security measures is essential for maintaining customer loyalty and safeguarding sensitive data.

Jan Martens: 
At Tallence, we integrate governance and robust security measures into every aspect of our transformation services. Our comprehensive approach includes real-time monitoring, advanced threat detection systems, and compliance with regulatory standards. By combining these measures with our deep understanding of the telco landscape, we provide our clients with tailored solutions that safeguard their operations and customer data. Trust and security are non-negotiable for us.

Bruno Santos: 
The complexity of digital transformation is such that no single organization can tackle it alone. Strategic partnerships bring together complementary strengths, whether it’s technological expertise, market knowledge, or implementation capabilities. For instance, the partnership between Tallence AG and Celfocus allows us to offer comprehensive solutions to our clients, combining our respective strengths in consulting, implementation, and technology. Together, we’re able to accelerate transformation and deliver greater value.

Jan Martens: 
I completely agree with Bruno. Partnerships are also about trust and alignment. When telcos choose Tallence, they know they are working with a partner who will stand by them through the most challenging transformations. This is why we’re often called upon to solve the toughest problems—we deliver results and build long-term relationships that endure beyond the initial project.

Bruno Santos: My advice would be to approach digital transformation with a clear vision and measurable goals. Start small with pilot projects to demonstrate value before scaling up. Embrace a customer-first mindset and use data to inform decisions. Invest in upskilling your workforce to ensure they can adapt to new technologies. Finally, don’t hesitate to collaborate with trusted partners who can guide and support you throughout the journey.

Jan Martens: I’d add that telcos should prioritize flexibility and resilience. The telecom industry is changing rapidly, and having adaptable systems and processes is critical. Partner with organizations that understand your business and can provide solutions tailored to your unique challenges. At Tallence, we’re committed to being that trusted partner, delivering both immediate impact and long-term value.

Bruno Santos: 
Thank you, Nicole. It’s been a pleasure discussing these important topics with you.

Jan Martens: 
Likewise, Nicole. I look forward to continuing to support our clients and drive meaningful change in the telecom industry.