Service assurance in the era of 5G: automation will be essential

Ken has a diverse background in the telecommunications industry spanning more than 30 years. He is currently focused on understanding how virtualization and 5G will change the way people and machines communicate and how operators will leverage automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning to better manage the customer’s quality of experience in this new reality—which in the end is all that matters.

Prior to joining EXFO, Ken held leadership roles in Solutions Marketing and Product Line Management with Nortel, Harris Broadcast, ADTRAN and Accedian Networks, focused on optical transport and Carrier Ethernet service assurance and performance monitoring.

Ken holds a Batchelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s University at Kingston Ontario.

Anil Rao (Principal Analyst) is the lead analyst for Analysys Mason’s Automated Assurance and Service design and Orchestration research programs, covering a broad range of topics on the existing and new-age operational systems that will power telcos’ digital transformation. His main areas of focus include: service creation, provisioning, and service operations in NFV/SDN-based networks, 5G, IoT, and edge clouds; the use of analytics, ML and AI to increase operations efficiency and agility; and the broader imperatives around operations automation and zero-touch networks. In addition to producing quantitative and qualitative research for both programs, Anil also works with clients on a range of consulting engagements such as strategy assessment and advisory, market sizing, competitive analysis and market positioning, and marketing support through thought-leadership collateral. Anil is also a frequent speaker and chair at industry events, and holds a BEng in Computer Science from the University of Mysore and an MBA from Lancaster University Management School, UK.