Special Recognition
This special category recognises initiatives that are changing the world in the environmental, societal, state and government spheres. Judges will also be presenting the best initiative in implementing measures to promote diversity and inclusiveness and the best Covid-19 initiative put into motion during what has been a once in a lifetime call for action.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Who should submit:
Not available for submissions - the award will be chosen at the judges discretion.
Bestowed at the judges discretion.
Project of the Year – Subsea, Terrestrial, Satellite and/or Wireless
Who should submit:
Subsea cable operator, Towerco, MNO, telco, last mile/ dark fibre provider, IX, satellite operator, wireless operator
This award will recognise the most ingenious, visionary and demonstrably impactful digital infrastructure project of the year – be it subsea, terrestrial, satellite or wireless. There is no limit to the size or scope of the project, and it can be from any region of the world.
Best Sustainability & Environmental, Social, Governmental (ESG) Initiative
Who should submit:
Data centre, telco, MNO, subsea operator, satellite operator, cloud service provider, hyperscaler, software & tech companies and vendors, retail and e-commerce, banking and finance, technology
This special category recognises initiatives that are changing the world in the environmental, societal, state and government spheres. This can include charity initiatives, corporate environmental commitments either now or for the future, or anything in the CSR space.
Best Diversity & Inclusion Initiative
Who should submit:
Telco, MNO, SMS Aggregator, software/ hardware vendor, cloud service provider/ hyperscaler, data centre operator, satellite operator, subsea cable operator, last mile/ dark fibre provider, towercos, IX, software & tech companies and vendors, retail and e-commerce, banking and finance, technology
In partnership with the Empowered Network and the Women in Tech World Series, this award recognises the year's best diversity and inclusion initiative – a vital part of business. Entries can cover any kind of initiative, whatever the focus.
Best Strategic Acquisition
Who should submit:
Telco, MNO, cloud service provider/ hyperscaler, data centre operator, satellite operator, subsea cable operator, last mile/ dark fibre provider, towercos, IX, private equity/ finance, software & tech companies and vendors, retail and e-commerce, banking and finance, technology
This award will recognise the year's outstanding M&A transaction or strategic acquisition – the deal that improved service provision, enhanced market standing, or led to a high level of excellence among both parties. Submissions should include rationale for the acquisition and what it means for the market and the companies involved.
Digital Infrastructure Investment Deal of the Year
Who should submit:
Private equity, Investment bank, sovereign wealth fund, pension fund, Telco, MNO, cloud service provider/ hyperscaler, data centre operator, satellite operator, subsea cable operator, last mile/ dark fibre provider, towercos, IX
This award spotlights a noteworthy digital infrastructure investment (data centre, tower, subsea, terrestrial fibre, satellite) over the last 12 months. Please note that this relates to private equity, governmental, funds or banking as well as independent industry investors and/ or entrepreneurs.
GLF Chair's Award
Who should submit:
Not available for submissions - the award will be chosen at the judges discretion.
This award is designed to publicly recognise individual and company-level contributions to our industry. It is awarded annually by the Chair of the GLF to an individual who has gone above and beyond to deliver collaborative action on behalf of the industry.
Brynn Fowler Agent of Change Award
Who should submit:
Telco, MNO, SMS Aggregator, software/ hardware vendor, cloud service provider/ hyperscaler, data centre operator, satellite operator, subsea cable operator, last mile/ dark fibre provider, towercos, IX, software & tech companies and vendors, retail and e-commerce, banking and finance, technology
In partnership with the Women's Tech Forum, this award celebrates an individual who actively champions the message of inclusion and diversity in the technology and connectivity industry.
Rising Star Award
Who should submit:
Telco, MNO, SMS Aggregator, software/ hardware vendor, cloud service provider/ hyperscaler, data centre operator, satellite operator, subsea cable operator, last mile/ dark fibre provider, towercos, IX, software & tech companies and vendors, retail and e-commerce, banking and finance, technology
This award is dedicated to the brightest up-and-comer, recognising how they are innovating and driving change in the space and why they are ones to watch for the future. Nominees must be working in a junior or entry-level role, relevant to our industry.