Makers & Breakers: Insights from Aqua Comms' VP of Product

Subsea connectivity is undergoing rapid transformation, with digital infrastructure playing a pivotal role in global communication networks. Today, we're hearing from Stacie Pascale, Vice President of Product at Aqua Comms. She talks about problems in the industry, where it's headed in the future, and why it's so important for different generations to work together to come up with new ideas.

Stacie's career in the industry has been diverse, from her role as Director of Product at Zayo Group to her current position at Aqua Comms, where she oversees the company's subsea portfolio.

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Traditionally, telecom companies have offered wavelengths, dark fibre, or fractional dark fibre to their customers. However, with bandwidth demands escalating, Stacie stresses the need for more flexible and scalable solutions. Customers now seek the ability to purchase portions of a fibre pair in the submarine market, managing their bandwidth needs dynamically rather than being restricted to fixed-capacity wavelengths.

Innovation and Automation

Aqua Comms' evolution is a direct response to market needs. The company has transitioned from managing basic submarine cable systems to delivering innovative, automated solutions in new markets.

The focus is now on customer empowerment, providing them with the ability to scale their bandwidth capacity on-demand and free of long-term commitments. Aqua Comms leverages tech advancements like higher-capacity wavelength cards to provide these dynamic, responsive solutions.

Internal Automation and Customer-Centric Approach

Many companies focus on external automation like customer portals but Stacie warns against rushing into this without first understanding customers' needs. Aqua Comms prefers to optimise internal processes to ensure a smooth customer experience. They automate order fulfilment and service management to provide a quick and seamless service, even if customers can't see the automation.

The Challenge

Bridging the gap between experienced industry veterans and the younger generation of professionals is a challenge in the digital infrastructure space. While the telecom industry offers a wealth of opportunities, it struggles to attract and retain younger talent.

Through initiatives like PTC Beyond, the industry aims to attract younger professionals by providing valuable networking and educational opportunities while fostering cross-generational collaboration.

By creating platforms that facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas between seasoned experts and fresh talent, the industry can unlock new avenues for innovation and growth.

Community in Digital Infrastructure

Stacie's journey into the telecom industry was not straightforward. Initially, she found the sector less exciting than other tech-focused industries. However, her perspective shifted as she immersed herself in the industry's vibrant community, attending conferences and building relationships with peers.

The sense of community and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals have been instrumental in Stacie's personal and professional development. She encourages newcomers to embrace the learning curve, recognising that it may take time to understand the intricacies of the technology and the regulatory landscape. By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, the telecom industry can attract and retain the talent needed to drive innovation and meet the growing demands of the digital age.

The Future of Subsea Connectivity

Looking ahead, Stacie envisions a greater emphasis on collaboration and partnership among industry players. She believes the fragmented nature of the global telecom landscape, with its varying regulations and operational challenges, will necessitate a more unified approach to infrastructure development and service delivery.

By breaking down silos and fostering a spirit of cooperation, the industry can work together to provide seamless, high-capacity connectivity across borders. This collaborative mindset, coupled with technological advancements and an influx of fresh talent, will be crucial in shaping the future of subsea connectivity and digital infrastructure.

Who are we? We are Makers & Breakers, a podcast channel managed by Radial Path, a leading marketing agency in the digital infrastructure and SaaS sector. As a full-service marketing agency, we are committed to creating a platform for industry innovators, marketing and product leaders who are spearheading change, and setting new trends.

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