From Quantum Lasers to 5G: Routing the Future with Peter Marshall

In the latest episode of the Route to Networking Podcast, host Louis Parratt sits down with Peter Marshall, Telecoms & 5G Innovation Leader With more than 25 years in the telecoms industry, spanning roles at Vodafone, Ericsson, and beyond, Peter has become a respected voice on innovation, ecosystems, and the role of technology, particularly 5G, in shaping our future.
 
Their conversation ranges from bold career transitions and the importance of mentorship to the misconceptions surrounding 5G and why curiosity is still the most important tool in a leader’s toolkit.
 
From Quantum Lasers to Telecoms
Peter’s career didn’t start in telecoms at all; in fact, he trained as a chemical physicist and was building quantum lasers straight out of university.
 
“I was making lasers that changed from red to green under the Atlantic using quantum technology… and then BT said, ‘This isn’t working for us. Peter, what do you fancy doing?”
 
It was a moment of uncertainty, but also opportunity. His response? “This mobile telecoms thing seems quite interesting.” Just three months later, he found himself working at BT Cellnet in Slough.
 
That leap outside his comfort zone was a risk, but one that shaped the rest of his career. For Peter, discomfort has always been a sign he’s moving in the right direction.
 
The Power of Mentorship and Learning Through Others
Mentorship plays a central role in Peter’s journey. At one point, he was actively mentoring over 20 people across industries as diverse as finance, PR, and entertainment. He believes the best mentoring relationships are reciprocal:
 
“If the mentee is engaged and provides challenges, it broadens both their skills and my own. It’s fascinating for me as a mentor and for them as a mentee.”
 
One of his mentees even explored how 5G could transform cinema experiences at Imaginarium, the creative studio behind blockbuster films. For Peter, these moments highlight how cross-industry collaboration can spark unexpected innovation.
 

Collaboration and Challenge: Two Sides of the Same Coin
If there’s one theme that has run through Peter’s career, it’s the balance of collaboration and challenge.
 

“Collaboration and challenge together are absolutely incredible. The collaboration gives you energy, and the challenge pushes you to go further than you thought possible.”
 

He shares an example of the Tactile Internet project, where robotics, VR, audio, systems integration, and telecom experts came together to create technology capable of transmitting the sense of touch remotely. It was only possible because ten different specialists worked side by side.
 

For Peter, this is the essence of progress in telecoms: not working in silos, but drawing from diverse expertise to make new ideas real.

5G: More Than Just Faster 4G
Ask Peter about the biggest misconception in the industry, and he’s quick to respond:
 
“It’s not just 4G but faster. 5G is about things - industry, healthcare, society - not just phones and bundles.”
 
So what’s holding 5G back? According to Peter, two things: imagination and boldness. Too many organisations still view it through a 4G lens, while others hesitate because of cultural resistance or fear of moving away from familiar Wi-Fi-based systems.
 
“Are you bold and courageous enough to have confidence in what 5G can do? That’s the real question.”
 
For Peter, unlocking the full potential of 5G isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about mindset.
 
Curiosity as a Career Driver
Throughout the conversation, curiosity comes up again and again. Whether through LinkedIn posts, conversations at conferences, or even inspiration from sci-fi films, Peter constantly looks for ways to stretch his thinking.
 
“You’ve seen the Iron Man visor, haven’t you? That extra layer of information in front of you as you walk down the street; it’s physically possible now. So what’s stopping us?”
 
 He sees curiosity as infectious. By asking questions, even simple ones, you spark others to think differently, and together new ideas take shape.
 
Advice for Emerging Leaders
When asked what advice he’d give the next generation of leaders, Peter comes back to what he calls the Three C’s:

• Collaboration – work with a diverse range of people to broaden your knowledge.
• Challenge – push beyond what’s comfortable to unlock new possibilities.
• Curiosity – never stop asking questions and seeking to learn.

“If you lose your hunger, you’ll always be one step behind. Be hungry for the right reasons, not selfish ones.”

Alongside that, he highlights the importance of role models and networking, not the superficial kind, but genuine relationships that provide value, guidance, and inspiration.
 
The Quick-Fire Round
To wrap up, Louis put Peter on the spot with a series of quick-fire questions, from the best piece of leadership advice he’s ever received, to the one skill every engineer should master, and even his pick for the most underrated emerging technology. His answers reveal a mix of simplicity, practicality, and forward-looking vision.
 
If you’re curious about his take on collaboration, leadership, and the future of tech, you won’t want to miss this!
 
Final Thoughts
Peter leaves us with a reminder that applies not just to telecoms, but to any career:
 
 “Just keep the hunger. Keep the curiosity.”
 
 His journey from quantum lasers to leading roles in global telecoms proves that success comes from mindset as much as technical expertise and that the real breakthroughs often begin with the courage to ask, “What if?”

🔗 Connect with Peter here