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Most B2B telcos are facing revenue declines that range from 1% to 7% each year. Maikel Wilms explains how telcos that better leverage the technology ecosystem available to them might escape this sinister spiral—but a substantial transformation is critical.

Maikel Wilms has been with The Boston Consulting Group since 1998. He is a core member of the Technology, Media & Telecommunications practice.

Maikel has worked extensively with leading telcos for more than 15 years on multiple projects, with a focus on network strategy and roll-out and on B2B commercial strategies. These projects include technology selection for a fixed broadband roll-out, growing ICT businesses, 4G roll-out strategies, and B2B channel optimization.

Maikel has coauthored many BCG publications on telcos and their role in the digital economy.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

EDUCATION

  • MBA, cum laude, Nyenrode Business University
  • MSc, chemistry and management sciences, cum laude (both), University of Amsterdam

Publications and Videos

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The 2024 Telco Value Creators Report: A New Formula for Success

Telcos’ five-year performance record in terms of total shareholder return and value creation is below average—but an analysis of the top-ranked players shows how companies can overcome the industry’s challenges.
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Digital Can Accelerate Progress on the SDGs

Digital technology has the potential to advance sustainability efforts in a powerful way. To seize that opportunity, countries need to develop a comprehensive digital strategy.
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The 2023 TMT Value Creators Report: Generating Value Despite Tougher Times

TMT was hit hard by market volatility in 2022—but AI and other technologies are setting the scene for the next wave of value creation.

Hyperscalers Have Entered the Telco Space

But there’s still a role for telcos to play. Maikel Wilms explains.

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Bright Spots for Telcos in a Downturn

In a rough year for markets, telecom operators held up comparatively well, despite continuing to face some fundamental challenges, while infrastructure companies cooled considerably.
Infrastructure Strategy 2022: A Pivot to the Digital Frontier - rectangle

Infrastructure Strategy 2022: A Pivot to the Digital Frontier

Traditional projects offer varying returns, depending on an investor’s willingness to embrace risk. But all eyes are on digital.
In Telecom, Tower Companies Soared While Operators Struggled

In Telecom, Tower Companies Soared While Operators Struggled

Infrastructure players and telcos are forging different paths to create shareholder return, but both sectors are automating, modernizing, and adopting digital throughout their operations.
Say Goodbye to Copper Telecom Networks

Say Goodbye to Copper Telecom Networks

In an age of always-on connectivity, copper is giving way to fiber. Companies must forge a phaseout strategy that maintains their customer base and growth prospects.
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How Europe’s Telcos Can Help Build a Vibrant Digital Economy

Innovation requires a new paradigm rooted in European cooperation, not in regulation that struggles to keep pace with the evolving marketplace.
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A $2 Trillion Plan to Bring Two Billion More People into the Digital Age

Making high-speed internet access available to those who lack it—in both developing and developed nations—is a critical task for the global community.
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Telecoms Tackle COVID-19: Keeping the World Connected

With the rapid spread of coronavirus effectively cutting off face-to-face interactions in an abrupt and uncharted fashion, reliable telecommunications connectivity suddenly took center stage.
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Time for action: In times of COVID-19 Telcos need to move rapidly to be part of the solution

Telcos play a unique role in building and sustaining connections in a functioning society. Protecting this capability must be their top priority.