Yesterday, dstelecom took part in the Great Leadership event, organised by Great Place to Work in partnership with the weekly newspaper Expresso, a gathering dedicated to reflecting on the role of leaders and organisations in social and economic transformation.
During the event, Ricardo Salgado, CEO of dstelecom, took part in a panel discussion where he highlighted the importance of connectivity as an essential infrastructure for business competitiveness, territorial cohesion and equal opportunities.
dstelecom’s participation forms part of the company’s commitment to a positive, people-oriented organisational culture, recognised by the Great Place to Work Certification. This certification recognises organisations that promote trusting work environments, helping to attract and retain talent, strengthen employer branding, improve productivity and gain valuable insights into their internal culture.
Connectivity as a driver of economic and social development
During the interview, Ricardo Salgado emphasised that connectivity is no longer merely a technological infrastructure but has established itself as a genuine infrastructure for economic and social development. “Just as with energy or transport networks, digital networks are now a key factor in the competitiveness of businesses, in attracting investment and in the quality of life of communities,” he said.
The CEO of dstelecom also emphasised that a robust digital infrastructure enables companies to innovate, increase productivity and compete in global markets, whilst creating the conditions to retain people, attract talent, support new ways of working and facilitate access to education, healthcare and digital public services.
Investing where the impact is greatest
Ricardo Salgado also highlighted dstelecom’s investment in sparsely populated areas, where connectivity plays a decisive role in reducing disparities. The company currently has a fiber optic network covering around one million homes across 154 municipalities in mainland Portugal.
“At dstelecom, we often say that we are building the country’s digital motorways,” said Ricardo Salgado, arguing that digital infrastructure has a profound impact on regional planning by removing economic and social barriers between regions.
dstelecom’s open, multi-operator network model was also highlighted as a key differentiator, as it allows citizens and businesses in many regions to choose between different operators and services, benefiting from conditions similar to those found in major urban centres.
Connectivity as a 21st-century utility
For Ricardo Salgado, connectivity should now be viewed as a true 21st-century utility, as indispensable as electricity or water. Ensuring access to robust digital networks, regardless of geographical location, is essential for promoting inclusion, strengthening territorial cohesion and boosting the country’s competitiveness.
dstelecom’s participation in Great Leadership thus reinforces the company’s vision of the role of connectivity as a tool for transforming regions and communities, as well as its commitment to an organisational culture focused on people, innovation and sustainable development.
Watch the full presentation via the livestream available here.
