interview with Ahmed Zeddam

Thanks to its R&D expertise, the Group is a reference partner in worldwide discussions about our industry. Via dynamic standardization and innovation policies, France Telecom-Orange took a stance very early regarding the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on climate and the environment. The Group provides access to this expertise and these specific skills, specifically held by its Research & Development division, to major institutions such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a specialist United Nations agency for ICTs.

though you have worked at the ITU since 1988, your involvement with the Group is no less substantial. What has your career path been?
With a postgraduate thesis in electromagnetism obtained in 1980 from Lille 1 University, I joined the Group in 1982 within CNET (the precursor of Orange Labs) in Lannion. My career path can be split into 3 broad phases.
The research years between 1982 and 1990 were devoted to studying the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of telecoms networks – for instance: their immunity when faced with high-amplitude disruptive elements, such as lightning. In this EMC domain that was undergoing major expansion at the time, 2 commandments underpinned our action: “Thou shalt not disrupt and thou shalt not be disrupted”. During this period, I also defended a governmental thesis on network lightning protection.
Next were my years of management and expertise, up to 2008, when I managed a research unit that was in charge of EMC work mainly related to improving service quality with customers, network protection, electrical safety and standardization.

what is Study Group 5’s field of study? And what role does its chairman play?
The initial Study Group 5 mandate in 2008 concerned the “protection of installations against the effects of the electromagnetic environment”, before being widened a year later to include a “climate change” section.
In terms of the chairman, he must appoint the chairpersons of the working parties, take part in selecting rapporteurs, make the decision when a blockage occurs in the approval of a standard, ensure that the work schedule is respected, carry out representation missions, etc.
Lastly, the chairman’s position provides a great opportunity to lobby on behalf of France Telecom-Orange and defend the Group’s interests in the area.
Despite the time and work that this post requires, I also carry out coordination of ITU-T works on the Group’s behalf, making sure I remain in contact with the laboratory teams, and giving support and guidance to doctoral researchers.