Pioneering the Future of Decentralized Telecom with Samer Bishay of Iristel

In this episode of Tank Talks, Matt Cohen sits down with Samer Bishay, a telecom trailblazer and the founder of Iristel, to discuss his journey in revolutionizing Canada's telecommunications industry. From growing a small startup focused on VoIP services into one of Canada's largest independent telecom providers to pioneering decentralized satellite-based solutions, Samer has made a lasting impact in the tech world.

Samer shares his experiences of breaking into the telecom market, competing with industry giants like Bell and Rogers, and building solutions for underserved communities. He also delves into the challenges of navigating regulatory hurdles and using cutting-edge technologies like Voice over IP (VoIP) and satellite communications to solve critical connectivity issues in remote regions.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast, or interested in the future of telecommunications, this episode offers unique insights into telecom innovation, regulatory struggles, and how technology can bridge the digital divide.

The Early Spark for Aviation and Space Tech (00:07:04)

* From his childhood fascination with planes to studying space technology, Samer talks about his deep interest in aviation and communications, which laid the foundation for his later ventures.

Launching Iristel and the VoIP Revolution (00:14:00)

* Samer explains how he launched Iristel in 1999, focusing on Voice over IP, disrupting the traditional telecom model, and overcoming technical and regulatory challenges.

The Power of VoIP to Disrupt Telecom Giants (00:17:20)

* Samer reveals how VoIP technology allowed him to offer significantly cheaper international calls, challenging the industry’s status quo.

Connecting Remote Communities in Africa (00:19:43)

* A pivotal moment came when Samer deployed servers in Africa to reduce the cost of international calls, ultimately helping underserved communities gain access to affordable telecom services.

Battling Regulatory Challenges in Canada (00:27:11)

* Samer discusses the regulatory scrutiny faced when launching Ice Wireless and Sugar Mobile, and the lessons for founders entering heavily regulated industries like telecom, healthcare, and insurance.

The Vision for a Decentralized Telecom Future (00:39:05)

* Samer introduces Karrier One, a company leveraging blockchain technology to decentralize telecom infrastructure and allow communities to control their own connectivity.

Taking on the Telecom Industry Giants (00:23:50)

* Samer talks about competing against Bell and other telecom giants, and the hurdles that came with scaling Iristel into Canada’s largest independent telecom provider.

Exploring the Role of Satellites in Expanding Connectivity (00:30:24)

* As a co-founder of Kepler Communications, Samer explains how satellite technology is a game-changer for connecting remote regions and overcoming the limits of traditional telecom infrastructure.

The Future of Canadian Innovation and Entrepreneurship (00:45:53)

* Samer discusses the future of tech innovation in Canada, how entrepreneurs should navigate regulatory barriers, and the importance of fostering a risk-taking culture.

About Samer Bishay

Samer Bishay is a pioneering telecom entrepreneur and the Founder of Iristel, Canada’s largest independent telecommunications provider. With a background in VoIP technology, satellite communications, and decentralized telecom networks, Samer has spent over two decades disrupting the industry. He co-founded Kepler Communications to expand satellite connectivity in remote areas and Karrier One, a blockchain-powered platform for decentralized telecom infrastructure. Recognized as one of Canada’s top 25 immigrants, Samer is driven by his mission to bridge the digital divide and create innovative solutions for underserved communities.

Connect with Samer Bishay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samerbishay/

Visit the Iristel website: https://www.iristel.com/

Connect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1

Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/