NOW Leads Strategic Dialogue on ICT Networks and Trusted Connectivity at AFCEA Indo-Pacific Technet Summit, Gifts Historic 1734 Murillo Velarde Map as Symbol of Alliance

Honolulu, Hawaii
October 22-24, 2024

The Indo-Pacific region, increasingly central to global strategic interests, faces a heightened demand for secure and resilient communications. The recent AFCEA Indo-Pacific TechNet Summit held in Honolulu, Hawaii, brought this issue to the forefront, featuring a high-profile panel on the rapid deployment of private 5G and trusted networks in disputed territories. Kristian Pura, Managing Director of NOW Corp, was invited to moderate and lead a discussion on how private 5G and trusted networks could transform mission-critical operations in the region.

Pura set the stage by addressing the urgency of secure infrastructure amid regional tensions, citing the rapid technological and military rise of China. “The People’s Republic of China is a real threat in the Indo-Pacific. I’m from the Philippines, and I know firsthand the reality of this threat. The continued and rapid rise of China in military, cyber, chip manufacturing, and technological advancements presents a clear challenge in this region,” he said. Pura emphasized that robust connectivity is essential, adding, “Connectivity is far more than a convenience—it’s a cornerstone of resilience and readiness. As our allies and partners navigate potentially contested environments, secure, reliable networks become essential not only for mission success but for protecting the foundations of national security.”

The panel included key experts such as Dave McDonald, CIO for Plans and Programs at NCTAMS PAC, U.S. Navy; Steve Vogelsang, CTO of Nokia Federal; and Christopher Ling, CEO of Ericsson Federal, each contributing critical perspectives on deploying secure communications.

Pura also used this platform to highlight the Trusted Network Alliance (TNA), a coalition led by NOW Corp, NOW Telecom, and the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication, which works to establish secure, trusted infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific. Through partnerships with defense contractors and local operators, the TNA model ensures that each nation’s critical infrastructure can be safeguarded from external threats. “Our vision is to create a network of trusted connectivity across Indo-Pacific nations, enabling reliable communication, economic growth, and security. In partnership with U.S. defense contractors, we take care of navigating local regulations, spectrum assignments, and network implementation so that trusted networks can be rapidly deployed and maintained in high-risk environments,” Pura explained.

To symbolize the Philippines’ commitment to regional stability and the rule of law, Pura presented a replica of the Murillo Velarde Map, an artifact from 1734 that played a critical role in the Philippines’ 2016 legal victory against China in the West Philippine Sea dispute. “This map is more than just a historical artifact; it’s a symbol of our sovereignty, our commitment to the rule of law, and the shared values that connect the Philippines with its allies. We are a small nation, but we stand ready to defend our territory—with the support of allies like the United States,” he said, as he distributed limited copies of the map to attendees as a token of solidarity.

This conference underscored the crucial role of trusted connectivity in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing NOW Group’s commitment to building resilient, secure infrastructure and strengthening alliances to protect the region’s future stability.