What does it take to keep a country connected? – Behind the scenes of Deutsche Telekom’s infrastructure

This episode of Unmute All features Nabil Karsheh, Head of the Technik at Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions Hungary. He shares insights about what it takes to support and operate Germany’s vast telecommunications network from afar. From physical cables to digital innovation, Nabil’s team plays a critical role in keeping millions connected.

Building and supporting a monumental network

The conversation begins by painting a picture of the sheer scale of Germany’s telecom infrastructure, including over 800 000 km of optical cable, and over 1.5 million km copper cables. Nabil emphasizes the complexity of managing such an extensive network and how Hungarian teams are responsible for many critical operations—from antenna installation to network lifecycle management.

Digitalization, AI, and quality assurance

A major theme is the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital tools in infrastructure planning and maintenance. Nabil shares how specially equipped vehicles scan terrain to aid in smarter cable placement, and how digital solutions—like 3D trench imaging—allow remote quality control without needing to be physically present on-site.
The conversation touches on how these innovations improve speed, precision, and efficiency. AI is also used to support predictive maintenance, identifying issues before they escalate—a shift that marks the beginning of a smarter, more proactive telecom operation.

Dealing with the unexpected

From massive public events like music festivals to emergency situations like natural disasters, Telekom teams are trained to respond quickly and effectively. Whether it’s deploying temporary mobile towers or restoring network access in disaster zones, the emphasis is on reliability and preparedness—especially when public safety is involved.

Conclusion

This episode is a deep dive into the hidden world of telecommunication operations, where cables, antennas, and digital platforms form the backbone of modern life. It highlights the importance of collaboration across borders, the cautious but purposeful use of AI, and the people who keep the system running smoothly every day. Above all, it’s a story of responsibility, innovation, and the value of always striving for excellence.

Listen to the episode here (Hungarian): https://www.deutschetelekomitsolutions.hu/podcasts/mire-jo-ha-van-800-000-km-optikai-kabeled/