In the ever-evolving realm of digital technology, the various conferences encompassing our industry provide an opportunity to highlight the growing trends that ultimately shape connectivity. Our esteemed NJFX team recently journeyed to London, championing discussions on the transformative landscape of digital infrastructure and emphasizing the importance of ushering in a new generation of young leaders to these platforms. 

Our General Manager, Felix Seda, had the privilege of participating in the Keynote Panel of Capacity Europe 2023, where he shared the stage with distinguished trailblazers, innovators, and leaders of the 2023 Power 100 list who are at the forefront of shaping global digital infrastructure. 

Keynote Panel: Preparing for the Next Wave of Disruption

Panelists:

• Martijn Blanken – CEO – EXA Infrastructure
• Ivo Ivanov – CEO – DE-CIX
• Felix Seda – GM – NJFX
• Alexandre Pebereau – CEO – iBasis
• Paul Abfalter – Head of Global Wholesale & OTT – Telstra
• Nadine Hawkins – Editor – Capacity (Moderator)

The panel focused on future innovations that could help unlock value for customers. Seda passionately spoke about the significance of new critical infrastructure and emphasized the necessity of fostering diversity in network architecture. As a testament to innovation, NJFX is proud to be recognized as the first North American Cable Landing station that boasts an integrated Tier-III carrier neutral colocation within its CLS campus.

In Seda’s words, “NJFX has reimagined the traditional data center model, forging an interconnection marketplace at the center where subsea and terrestrial fiber physically converge. Having access to multiple terrestrial & subsea options provides the foundation for network diversity, ultimately providing the ability to reach new customers and penetrate new markets.”

Further establishing its pivotal role in the industry, NJFX’s strategically designed infrastructure offers direct connectivity to four subsea cable systems, bridging six countries over three continents. NJFX’s expansive capacity across three Meet Me Rooms underpins our commitment to innovation, and with collaboration from over 35 network operators, NJFX proudly stands as a leading global marketplace for connectivity.

Leading networks and ISPs are realizing that legacy interconnection points are no longer a resilient option for secure network architecture. DE-CIX’s PoP at NJFX offers their customers the ability to pick up the New York fabric from the NJFX campus leveraging direct, low latency routes to business hubs bypassing potential points of failure. Recently, EXA Infrastructure announced their partnership with Bulk Infrastructure for HAVFRUE from the NJFX campus; fully integrating HAVFRUE with EXA’s extensive European and US network. The route provides direct connectivity to the Nordics while avoiding the major conventional transatlantic traffic passages.

While critical infrastructure and cutting-edge network architecture form the paths of our industry, they are complemented by another essential component: the people. The individuals we collaborate with, especially emerging talent, are indispensable to the industry’s future. Seda has consistently championed the significance of engaging young professionals. For the past five years, he’s emphasized the need to integrate fresh perspectives with the wisdom of seasoned experts. It was this passion that led to the inception of ‘Millennials in Telecom‘ in 2018. This groundbreaking initiative was the first to curate a platform where budding professionals and industry stalwarts could network and deepen their understanding of the industry. Evolving from its roots, ‘Millennials in Telecom’ has now transitioned to ‘PTC Beyond.’ The revamped initiative offers a unique BOGO registration, enabling organizations to bring along an additional member to the conference at no extra charge.

As we come to the end of Capacity Europe, we are reminded of the profound impact that conferences like these and initiatives such as ‘PTC Beyond’ have on the collective wisdom of the telecommunications community. It’s clear that our commitment to fostering the growth of young professionals through mentorship and inclusive platforms is not just an investment in individuals, but in the future of the industry itself. As we reflect on the insights shared and connections made, we carry forward the torch that Felix Seda and our NJFX team so proudly held high in London—illuminating the path for the next wave of innovators. Together, we’re not just navigating the dynamic currents of digital technology; we’re shaping them. Here is to the visionaries, the trailblazers, and every young leader stepping boldly into this transformative landscape. May our collaborative efforts continue to inspire, build bridges, and push boundaries in the ever-expanding digital frontier.