In our upcoming Independent Analyst Panel, the IIAR> brings together five leading independent analysts and six AR co-hosts to discuss the value they bring to organizations. Read more on our blog post and register to attend the Panel CLICK HERE.
Date> Thursday 13 March 2025
Time> 0800 PST / 1100 EST / 1600 GMT / 2130 IST
Today’s IIAR> Around in 10 questions interview is with Dean Bubley Director of Disruptive Analysis, (LinkedIn) who covers wireless and fixed telecoms technology, policy & strategy
1. What are your coverage areas?
Pretty much everything to do with telecoms, networks and elements of cloud and IT, but focusing on wireless technologies such as 5G, 6G, Wi-Fi, satellite and network APIs, as well as policy areas like spectrum and the impact of geopolitics. I also cover FTTX fibre broadband, aspects of cloud and AI and some broader futurist themes and emerging technologies like quantum.
2.What are your opinions of the IT Analysis Marketplace and where do you see it going?
I firstly think there are some huge differences between IT and Telecoms analysis, especially around the importance of policy and regulation, but also because of the different role of service providers (telcos) as both customers and suppliers of tech products / services. More generally, I see the analysis marketplace as facing some existential challenges and opportunities around the rise of AI and GenAI, which will make a lot of generic writing and material obsolete. It will favour analysts with strong, unique opinions, powerful voices and proprietary datasets or content.
3. What’s your typical day like?
Firstly, I should note that I’m involved with 30-40 conferences, client workshops or similar events a year. If I’m not attending or speaking somewhere (or on a flight), then I’ll typically spend the day writing pieces for clients or my LinkedIn, doing background research, on calls or webinars, or dealing with email. I also tend to walk for an hour or two a day, mostly listening to tech and telecoms podcasts at 2.5x speed, or thinking through my next written document or presentation. I also tend to work from various cafes as well as WFH, for a change of scenery.
4.Now, c’mon, tell me an AR horror story?
A certain major industry association in the wireless industry invited me to an analyst event. And then called me the day before to disinvite me. I think they were scared I’d call out some of their questionable positions. A few years later, the same organisation also booted me off a webinar for asking awkward questions. Oddly, I no longer attend their events, and now quite enjoy dissecting their various policy white papers and visions for errors and fallacies.
5. How do you position your firm? What is your business model?
These days I’d say that Disruptive Analysis is a boutique advisory and analysis firm. The breakdown is a really hard one and varies year-to-year. I’d say it’s split roughly 30 / 30 / 30 / 10 between vendors, various types of comms service provider, government / regulatory organisations, and investors + other consulting partners. In recent years I’ve found the policy aspects to be taking much more of my time.
6. What is your research methodology ?
A lot is face-to-face discussions and meetings at industry conferences and forums, as well as regular calls and Teams meetings. My secondary research involves copious reading, listening to a lot of audio content like podcasts and webinars – and increasingly, AI tools like OpenAI Deep Research (in Feb 2025)
7. Any favourite AR professional you’d like to mention? Any why?
Philippa Tozer and Clare Flanagan at Amdocs are both fantastic. Friendly, responsive, knowledgeable – and great to meet in person as well.
8. Tell us about one good AR practice you’ve experienced or one good AR event you’ve atttended.
I went to Ericsson’s analyst day and facility tour in Dallas, which combined some very good high-level presentations and Q&A, with a fascinating visit to the factory floor where they make some of their 5G radios.
9. What are your offerings and key deliverables?
My core product focus is on private workshops and retainer-based consulting work, public -facing articles and occasional long-form reports, and paid speaking engagements. I also publish a regular stream of free output via LinkedIn posts and newsletter articles – and sometimes highlight clients where I’ve gained new perspectives or insights.
10. Any hobbies or favourite restaurant / food that you’d like to share?
Combining eating and travelling is always good (and the occasional tipple). I’ve also done some improv comedy in the past and want to get back to it when I have a chance, as it’s awesome fun
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