Photo Credit Anurag Gaur
Anurag Gaur, a seasoned director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), has spent over a decade building his expertise in the telecommunications sector across South East Asia. A career rooted in telecom’s ability to elevate lives, his early fascination with developing tech have made him a force to reckon with in the SEA telecom market. Anurag’s life story is one of technological invention and impact. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on the region’s dynamic telecom landscape, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and his view of the future.
With over 12 years of experience in the TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications) industry, you’ve had a remarkable journey. Let’s start at the beginning. What motivated you to pursue a career in this sector?
My interest in TMT was sparked during my undergraduate studies due to a necessity to survive and overcoming personal obstacles. Especially with telecommunications being the backbone of our society providing infrastructure to every possible industry. Growing up, I had to overcome a lot of personal hardships–growing up in a dysfunctional household with very limited means to survive with my mother struggling hard to make ends meet. Technology, media, and telecom acted as a divergent path—a source of inspiration and distraction from the challenges I faced. I was always on the lookout for new technology, the latest smartphones being released, and the transitions in technology from 2G to 3G, which introduced faster speeds, advanced applications, and numerous innovations in the sector, and beyond.
Also, growing up in India, I witnessed firsthand how mobile connectivity brought opportunities to rural areas, bridging gaps that had existed for generations. That realization planted a seed in me—I wanted to be part of a sector that could drive such profound change. It wasn’t just about technology; it was about its transformative potential to enable growth and prosperity for those who had been historically marginalized.
From a personal standpoint, telecommunications also felt like an industry of endless possibilities. I grew up at a time where I saw the transition from a rotary phone at home to a pager to a mobile phone to a smartphone to wearables and how each one of those devices changed user consumption. At the time, the world was beginning to explore the shift from basic connectivity to the integration of mobile internet, and I felt this would change how we lived, worked, and interacted. I knew I wanted to be at the heart of that transformation.
Can you walk us through your career journey so far?
Certainly. I pursued my MBA degree in business management, which was a transformative step in my career. After completing my studies, I started my career in media and publishing. The early days involved gaining hands-on experience with content creation and distribution, which gave me a deep understanding of how media engages audiences.
This exposure laid the groundwork for my transition into telecom and technology, where I expanded my focus to the technical intricacies of mobile and smartphones and its critical role in connecting people and businesses. These early years taught me the value of seamless communication and the importance of adaptability in fast-changing industries.
In 2018, I moved from New Delhi to Singapore to join a boutique consulting firm, where I worked as a consultant on media and telecom projects. This experience was pivotal as it allowed me to begin tracking the South East Asia telecom sector in depth, marking the start of my deep engagement with one of the most dynamic regions in the industry.
However, I soon realized my interest in strategy and the bigger picture of how telecommunications impacts businesses and economies. I was fascinated by the intersection of technology, policy, and business innovation. Getting into consulting was a big career move—a field where I could leverage my technical background while solving high-level strategic problems for clients.
Joining Boston Consulting Group was a pivotal moment in my career. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of working across diverse markets, particularly in South East Asia, where the telecom industry is incredibly dynamic.
My focus has been on helping provide informed insights to help our clients navigate technological disruptions, regulatory challenges, and evolving consumer demands. Each project brings a unique set of challenges and learning opportunities, which is something I’ve come to thrive on.
South East Asia is a unique region for telecommunications. What are your thoughts on its current state?
South East Asia is one of the most exciting telecom markets globally. The region’s diversity—in terms of economic development, regulatory environments, and consumer behavior—presents both challenges and opportunities.
For instance, countries like Singapore are at the forefront of 5G deployment and digital innovation, setting benchmarks for advanced connectivity and smart city applications. On the other hand, nations like Indonesia and the Philippines are tackling the challenge of expanding basic connectivity to underserved and rural areas where infrastructure is limited.
Mobile-first economies are a defining characteristic here. With a young population and high smartphone penetration, there’s enormous potential for digital services—from e-commerce and online education to digital banking and telemedicine. This also means telecom companies in South East Asia must cater to a tech-savvy but cost-conscious audience, balancing innovation with affordability.
However, the region faces hurdles like fragmented regulations, infrastructure gaps, and affordability issues. These challenges require a multi-stakeholder approach, involving governments, private companies, and international organizations. Addressing them can unlock the full potential of telecom in this region and create significant social and economic value.
What do you envision for the future of telecommunications in South East Asia?
The future is undoubtedly bright, and I see four key trends shaping the industry. First, 5G adoption will revolutionize sectors beyond consumer connectivity, like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing, through IoT and smart applications. The rollout of 5G has enabled real-time analytics, remote monitoring, and automation at scales we haven’t seen before. It’s not just a technology upgrade; it’s a paradigm shift.
Telecom operators in SEA are investing heavily in next-generation network technologies like 5G and fiber broadband to improve coverage, speed, and reliability. Integration of cloud and AI capabilities is transforming operations and enabling innovative services such as AI-native telecom solutions.
Second, there is significant growth in mobile data usage driven by digital adoption in areas like e-commerce, gaming, streaming, and financial services. For instance, data consumption per user in Indonesia remains below regional averages, presenting opportunities for growth. Digital services adoption, such as mobile payments (e.g., GCash in the Philippines), is enhancing ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) and driving customer engagement.
Third, efforts to bridge the urban-rural digital divide are underway, with operators targeting tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Operators like Indosat and Globe are expanding distribution points and deploying affordable broadband solutions to reach underserved populations. Fixed wireless access and prepaid fiber broadband solutions, such as Globe’s GFiber Prepaid, are designed to tap into these untapped markets.
Finally, sustainability will emerge as a critical focus. As the telecom industry expands, operators are becoming increasingly aware of their carbon footprints. Many are already investing in green technologies, energy-efficient networks, and renewable energy sources.
The shift toward sustainability will not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance long-term profitability for telecom operators. AI and machine learning will also play a significant role in optimizing networks, enhancing predictive maintenance, and creating personalized user experiences. The telecom industry in South East Asia will not just be about connectivity; it will be a cornerstone for broader digital transformation that touches every aspect of life.
How is the SEA telecom industry different from the rest of the world?
The Southeast Asia (SEA) telecom industry differs from the global telecom industry in several key aspects, influenced by the region’s unique economic, demographic, and technological characteristics. The region is characterized by strong growth potential due to a young, digitally savvy population and relatively lower penetration rates for advanced telecom services like 5G and fiber broadband in rural areas. Countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines present significant opportunities for expansion.
In developed markets like North America and Western Europe, telecom penetration is already high, with growth coming primarily from service upgrades (e.g., 5G, IoT, AI services) and value-added services rather than new customer acquisitions. Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) is lower than global averages due to high price sensitivity. Operators rely on cost-efficient prepaid models and innovative digital services to improve ARPU. Consumers are highly mobile-centric due to the affordability and accessibility of smartphones, with mobile internet often the primary means of connectivity.
The region has seen rapid adoption of mobile payments, social media, and streaming services. Telecom operators are increasingly becoming enablers of digital ecosystems, with investments in fintech, e-commerce, and health tech. In developed economies, there is greater adoption of fixed-line services, including home broadband and triple-play bundles (TV, internet, and phone). In some cases, consumers rely on multiple devices and connectivity channels, including desktops and smart TVs, which are less dominant in SEA.
A significant urban-rural divide exists in terms of connectivity and access to advanced telecom services. Efforts to narrow this gap include affordable fixed wireless access and prepaid broadband solutions. Operators focus heavily on infrastructure expansion (4G, 5G, and fiber) and cost optimization due to price-sensitive consumers. Investments are also driven by partnerships with global tech firms like Google and Nvidia to deploy AI and cloud-based solutions. In advanced markets, investments are geared toward higher-value services like IoT, private 5G networks for enterprises, and edge computing. Operators also face increasing competition from Over-the-Top (OTT) players, driving diversification into content and IT services. In SEA, many countries have dynamic regulatory environments aimed at fostering competition and expanding digital inclusion. Price competitions among operators are common, affecting margins.
What keeps you motivated, especially when the going gets tough?
It’s the impact of our work that keeps me motivated. Knowing that a project we’re working on can help transform a telco business and shape the overall industry. The telecom sector is inherently rewarding because its advancements touch millions of lives.
I’m also motivated by the constant evolution of the telecom sector. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s a breakthrough in network technology or an innovative way to improve customer experiences. That constant drive to stay ahead of the current keeps the work exciting and meaningful.
On a personal level, I’m driven by my belief that technology can be a force for good. Seeing how telecommunications can empower individuals, businesses, and societies—whether it’s through education, healthcare, or entrepreneurship—is a powerful motivator. It’s a reminder of why I entered this field in the first place.
For aspiring professionals looking to enter the telecom industry, what advice would you give?
My advice would be to embrace curiosity and lifelong learning. The telecom sector is ever-evolving, and staying ahead requires a willingness to learn and adapt. Build a strong foundation in both technical and strategic aspects of the industry, as both perspectives are invaluable. It’s not enough to understand how networks work; you also need to grasp how they create value for businesses and society.
Also, don’t shy away from challenges. Whether it’s working in a new market, taking on a complex project, or navigating an unfamiliar regulatory landscape, those experiences are where the most growth happens. Finally, find mentors and build relationships—this is a collaborative industry, and having a strong network can make a significant difference. Mentors, in particular, can provide insights and guidance that accelerate your growth.
I always remind my team that it’s not about whether you get knocked down, but whether you choose to get back up. This has been a guiding principle in my life, helping me overcome personal hardships as a child and rise above them to focus on the bigger picture and achieve success.
With such powerful closing words, one can see why Anurag Gaur has become such a transformative force in his sector–both to his team and to the wider Asian market itself.
