Ex-Deutsche Telekom executive Abdu Mudesir resurfaced at US rival Verizon as EVP and president of the operator’s global networks, platforms and technology (GN&T).

The move to Verizon pits Mudesir in direct competition with T-Mobile US, which is majority owned by Deutsche Telekom.

Mudesir will succeed 30-year veteran Joe Russo, who is retiring over the coming months. He will sit on an 11-member leadership team reporting directly to CEO Dan Schulman.

Russo is currently EVP and president of global networks and technology.

A representative for Verizon told Mobile World Live (MWL) the company hired Mudesir following a thorough global search.

“He has a brilliant track record in building 5G capabilities, scaling fibre architecture, and is a recognised pioneer in Open RAN, cloud infrastructure, and AI-driven network automation,” the representative stated.

Mudesir, who served as Deutsche Telekom’s head of product and technology, left the company abruptly in late March 2026 after eight years in various roles.

Verizon noted it is still finalising the exact dates for the transition, but stated Russo remains fully in charge of GN&T for now and will be staying through Q1 2027 to ensure a seamless transition.

“Abdu is obsessed with the customer experience and network excellence,” Schulman said in an internal announcement to employees. “He will help drive the convergence of Network, Platforms, Technology, Products and AI, using our unrivaled connectivity and the transformative power of AI to define what comes next for our business and the customers we serve.”

The post Former DT exec migrates to US rival Verizon appeared first on Mobile World Live.

T-Mobile US inked another big-name deal in the world of golf, with the United States Golf Association (USGA) adopting its 5G network to improve on-course decisions and enhance spectator experiences.

A multi-year partnership involves the USGA employing the operator’s technology to aid rulings during play, and deliver event connectivity and immersive experiences for its members.

It is the company’s latest swing at putting 5G front and centre in golf, having already struck a long-term partnership with the PGA Championship.

The operator stated the latest deal sets “a new standard at the sport’s biggest events, powering the action on the course and experience around it”.

Starting at the association’s US Women’s Open held in June, USGA officials will use a 5G network slice to gain faster access to what is going on in the course.

They will be able to assess video footage and communicate with colleagues in real-time, providing the means to deliver decisions from anywhere on the course and eliminating coverage dead zones.

Other uses for T-Mobile’s network technology include connecting ticket scanners, point of sale terminals and distributing media from content providers.

The arrangement is also to be used during the men’s open and other USGA national championships.

The post T-Mobile US slices 5G on the fairway appeared first on Mobile World Live.