Channel Live 2019: wireless tech in focus

Before we begin in earnest, let’s quickly set the scene. Channel Live is an annual event for the information and communications technology (ICT) channel, developed by our sister magazine Comms Business and organised by MA Exhibitions (that like us is part of the Mark Allen Group). It was well attended and was held at the NEC Birmingham in mid-September.

Given that I’m so focused on wireless technologies, my visit was a slightly odd experience, in that everything felt familiar and strange at the same time. Fortunately, there was a considerable amount of crossover, on both the exhibition side and during the conference programme and, judging by panellists’ comments, the level of overlap between wireless comms and the rest of the ICT market is only going to increase. For example, many of those on the panel sessions discussing the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G were doing so from the perspective of those who support resellers that primarily focus on fixed-line and unified communications technology and who are increasingly looking to wireless technologies to grow their business and unlock new opportunities.