Follow Mobile World Live, filter it, and define how you want to receive the news (via Email, RSS, Telegram, WhatsApp etc.) https://follow.it/mobile-world-live Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:57:05 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjxGGepRPF3cUQqW5gBv7mX As the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) prepares for its second FYUZ event [1], Mobile World Live caught up with the group’s executive director Kristian Toivo (pictured) to find out what he expects to be the hot topics. The latest event continues the cookery analogy [2] developed for the inaugural running in 2022, a nod to how creating open networks is similar to combining various ingredients to create dishes. Toivo noted TIP is focusing on its latest initiatives around open Wi-Fi and LAN, in addition to the broader open RAN theme. The executive explained the appetite for a second FYUZ is high, with industry stakeholders showing a clear interest in the event and expressing “an ambition that is higher than” 2022 in terms of the agenda. Toivo said FYUZ 2023 is on track to reach "a similar order of magnitude” as the first edition in terms of participation, with demand across the board for an event which offers the “opportunity to meet the right stakeholders for a particular segment of the industry”. The intervening 12 months have seen “steady progress in a number of areas, some really positive development”, Toivo explained, adding there has also been “clarification of the challenges we face”. TIP began targeting the optical packet transport sector earlier this year and is “already in the first phases of true commercial deployment”, albeit “more remains to be done”. He highlighted open Wi-Fi as “a bit of a different beast”, bringing TIP into contact with an alternative set of stakeholders from its core open RAN sector. Ultimately, Toivo expects a merging of the interests of the various groups involved in TIP’s Wi-Fi and RAN efforts, though he emphasised the group is not losing focus on its core networking moves, keeping pace with a still complex ecosystem which is “transforming itself” as attention shifts towards industrialisation and commercial deployments. AI future With the groundwork across each focus area largely established in terms of working groups and other collaborations, Toivo said TIP is now also beginning to eye fresh areas which participants have identified as likely to “have a profound impact” on the industry “either in the way you develop and implement products and solutions, or the way you operate them”. Chief among these is AI, which Toivo conceded the industry as a whole is currently “only scraping the surface” of, but which has the potential to deliver a “fundamental transformation over the next years”. Cloud developments are another pillar of TIP’s current and future focus: Toivo noted there remains “work to be done in charting out” a broad strategy to deliver set-ups compatible with numerous “alternative strategies” which enable “disaggregated technologies and platforms”, while keeping a keen eye on ensuring these are as efficient as possible. Chipsets will play a key part in delivering on the potential of AI and further cloud developments, Toivo explained, citing the use of silicon to advance hardware disaggregation for open RAN and beyond. Silicon “actually impacts also fixed networks and optical solutions, because you just need more silicon-based solutions for creating, let’s say the right capabilities”, cost points and “power-consumption model”. TIP remains keen to push disaggregation deeper than the RAN, with Toivo highlighting fixed broadband as an opportunity, particularly around open fibre networks. The executive believes the challenge in the open RAN sphere now lies more in “process and transformation load” than the technical side, though he noted TIP must not ease up on its mission to bring various stakeholders together to overcome potential challenges. Legacy equipment and corporate cultures spanning almost 30 years are, of course, still a challenge when promoting openness and disaggregation in fixed and mobile networks. Budget planning and equipment lifetimes are another challenge Toivo highlighted, noting a typical seven-year “depreciation period for most of the kit you put in…certainly in the mobile network”, meaning even when TIP and its stakeholders propose a set-up they believe is better than the old ways, there is a degree of persuasion involved in getting businesses to pay for it. It is a challenge incumbent to the mobile industry. Consider making the case first for GSM and then subsequent technology generations to operators, an approach largely still underway today as the industry talks 6G while many companies are still investing heavily in 5G. [3]Toivo said it had become “fundamentally clear” to him over the past 12 months that there is a need for carrier-grade integration, a concept discussed in detail at the first FYUZ event. “This is devilishly hard because you come from a situation where you basically take a disaggregated set of components and you’re supposed to put them together,” ensure it “performs as well as or better than” legacy equipment and then work to match this with the services on offer. Reality phase Toivo argued the sector has moved beyond peak hype and is “passing that valley and starting to go into that more mature thinking” where the industry is focusing on eradicating obstacles for specific fields of development. He predicts some interesting discussion of these challenges during FYUZ, an event he noted will offer real-world examples of open RAN and disaggregation moves by a host of established operators. The participation of companies including Vodafone Group, NTT Docomo and MTN Group, among others, highlights open RAN is not necessarily restricted to new entrants, though Toivo noted the involvement of so-called greenfield operators is equally important because “you need both sides of the story”. “I think you need those trailblazers and people who’ve been kind of able to execute faster”, he continued, citing Rakuten Group and Dish Network as examples of companies which have “launched and built networks while the technology was evolving”. Equally, though, Toivo sees the questions posed by established players as essential to developing open and disaggregated technology, noting they help to build momentum around new approaches, something which will be discussed in several case studies during FYUZ keynotes. Keep your eyes peeled for more from FYUZ 2023 in the coming days and stay tuned for live coverage of the event, which is scheduled to take place in Madrid from 9 October to 11 October. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/fyuz22/ [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/fyuz22/tip-serves-up-tech-fusion-at-fyuz-22/ [3] https://assets.mobileworldlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/16114125/FYUZ_generic.jpg]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:16:53 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjxGGepRPF3cUQqW5gBv7mX https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhtU-Nt9Iq7JzErtZyObPkc Ericsson's latest ConsumerLab report found one in five 5G adopters are willing to pay a premium for a differentiated quality of service, highlighting another potential business case to help operators cash-in on the network technology. In total, 20 per cent of 10,000 5G users surveyed for the report stated they would pay a premium price for a plan that guarantees improved connectivity tailored to their specific needs. 37,000 people were interviewed across 28 markets, a research scope reflecting the opinions of about 1.5 billion consumers, claimed the vendor. Currently, the study found 13 per cent out of 105 CSPs in 30 markets are offering Quality-of-Service pricing plans. These include China Unicom’s live streaming plan with uplink prioritisation, Ooredoo Kuwait’s premium offering which allows low-lag 5G mobile gaming, and a plan by 3 Hong Kong which allocates more network resources for stock trading apps. Ericsson's research further found a big factor behind switching providers is “predominantly network-related rather than pricing considerations”, with 17 per cent of 5G users having switched since the launch of the network for enhanced performance in key locations, including event venues and airports. Among other key findings, Ericsson revealed consumer expectations of 5G have largely moved beyond coverage, as mature adopters of the technology prioritise video quality and upload speeds. Early users, however, still value 5G outdoor coverage. Further, Ericsson identified India as market that will witness accelerated 5G adoption, citing high daily engagement with apps. 31 million users could upgrade to 5G smartphones by year-end, according to its forecast.]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:23:36 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhtU-Nt9Iq7JzErtZyObPkc https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiOqa57_0l_DHOFESPuQWsX Telefonica Germany became the latest European operator [1] to firm-up plans to commercially launch standalone (SA) 5G, with its network set to cover 90 per cent of the population when switched-on next week. The operator plans to open the technology to customers on 10 October, with the new service branded 5G Plus. It aims for the network to cover the entire country by end-2025. Contract customers with compatible Samsung or Xiaomi handsets will be able to access it at launch with the upgrade free of charge. Telefonica noted the technology would eventually support near real time communications upping experience for advanced applications including AR, VR and mobile gaming. In a statement, Telefonica claimed users will be the first in the country to be able to access voice-over-new-radio. The operator’s enterprise arm has already deployed the technology in various private and public sector campuses, but it noted the broader launch will open the door to industries including healthcare. Rival Vodafone Germany launched its commercial SA network in April 2021, claiming to be the first in Europe. In an update in mid-August, Vodafone noted the new architecture covered 45 per cent of the population. Although offering SA for some corporate customers and kitting out some 5G sites [2], Deutsche Telkom is yet to launch it commercially to consumers. In a disclosure on a new TV service based on the architecture in September, the company noted it was currently still in the testing phase. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/vodafone-germany-pulls-trigger-on-sa-5g/ [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/deutsche-telekom-hails-5g-sa-progress/]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:00:54 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiOqa57_0l_DHOFESPuQWsX https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQi2QuC6ygIyO1e5jCclomp- BT Group launched a testbed to develop and trial a range of XR applications across work, home, health and entertainment, using its mobile unit EE’s 5G infrastructure and private networks. The operator stated it is inviting partners and customers to collaborate at the testbed and explore opportunities and challenges of capabilities including network exposure functions, cloud-rendering, enhanced localisation and 5G in delivering XR use cases. BT wants to understand how networks, platforms, services and apps can be optimised for cloud GPU-rendered immersive XR experiences delivered over EE’s public and private 5G networks. It believes immersive XR has the potential to revolutionise numerous aspects of society, but warned development relies upon strong foundations in networks, technologies and standards. While the testbed will initially be a testing environment, BT added it had already completed demonstrations of services for car retail, education, sports broadcasting and medical imaging. Andy Gower, head of immersive connect and comms research at BT, said it wants to use the testbed to understand what future experience might require from a network service provider like BT, platform operators and application service developers, which he noted would vary depending on use cases. “By understanding the demands of future service use cases, networks, platforms and applications can be optimised to provide the best possible quality of experience for users.”]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 12:33:15 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQi2QuC6ygIyO1e5jCclomp- https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQidOoeIOiW5uarkJyTkC_2b US regulator the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) detailed the latest target for new entrant Dish Wireless to achieve in a deployment of a 5G network after ratifying earlier work. The FCC gave Dish Wireless six months to conduct drives tests to prove its network can deliver minimum downlink data rates of 35Mb/s across at least 70 per cent of the US population. Dish Wireless is required to achieve the data rates under "ordinary" usage conditions. The operator's drive test methodology was approved by the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, the Office of Economics and Analytics and the Office of General Counsel. Jeff Blum, EVP of external and legislative affairs for parent Dish Network, stated the operator looked forward “to demonstrating compliance with the single remaining 5G commitment” and to expanding its “coverage and service offerings to provide competition in the wireless market as the nation’s fourth facilities-based carrier”. The FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau confirmed last week Dish Wireless had met a commitment to deploy more than 15,000 5G sites and another involving offering at least an average of 30MHz of spectrum in the downlink over all its sites.]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:24:07 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQidOoeIOiW5uarkJyTkC_2b https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjl6txp597gcyoxzwoq1nFt Bharti Airtel surpassed 50 million 5G subscribers a month after Indian rival Reliance Jio claimed the number [1], with both operators hitting the figure less than 12 months after beginning to roll out the technology. Airtel CTO Randeep Sekhon expressed happiness at the rate of uptake in a statement. “We are thrilled at the speed of adoption to 5G by millions of our customers and we are reaching this milestone earlier than planned." The service covers all districts in the country, across 28 states and eight union territories. Airtel hit the 10 million-mark in June [2]. In August, rival Jio detailed plans to deploy nearly 1 million 5G base stations and provide nationwide coverage by December. GSMA Intelligence data showed Jio closed September with 457 million mobile connections and Airtel 341 million. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/jio-finally-reveals-5g-user-numbers/ [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/airtel-5g-user-base-tops-10-million/]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 09:55:21 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjl6txp597gcyoxzwoq1nFt https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQityjAcE9wKAwaB2UxGNFpJ SoftBank Corp detailed plans to grow its global IoT business across Asia Pacific, setting the target of acquiring 2 million flat-rate connections globally by end-March 2026. It plans to quadruple its IoT salesforce in the region and launch online IoT shops in partnership with German-based 1NCE. SoftBank currently has marketing operations in 22 locations in nine Asia-Pacific countries. Daichi Nozaki, SVP responsible for its global business, stated SoftBank will "collaborate with strong business partners like 1NCE" and use experience gained in providing IoT services in Japan to establish the APAC business. SoftBank said it also will explore launching smart meter services. As part of an aim to diversify away from its core telecoms business, The operator took an equity stake in 1NCE [1] in 2022 and began selling its services in 19 APAC markets as part of an aim to diversify away from its core telecoms business. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/softbank-cosies-up-to-iot-player-1nce/]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 09:18:54 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQityjAcE9wKAwaB2UxGNFpJ https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjq1mKoiTgKEQX50KYzL9tX Micron Technology secured subsidies of up to JPY192 billion ($1.3 billion) from the Japanese government to build a chip production facility in Hiroshima, with the US-based memory chipmaker committed to spending around JPY500 billion, Bloomberg reported. The allocation will cover JPY167 billion in production expenses and JPY25 billion of development costs, with the company planning to produce advanced chips using ASML’s extreme ultraviolet lithography machinery, the news outlet wrote. Backing Micron is part of a government effort to up domestic production and reduce reliance on supplies from China. In April, Japan outlined plans to triple sales of semiconductors and follow European Union [1] and US moves [2] to boost chip production. Micron Technology is investing CNY4.3 billion [3] ($590.1 billion) in a chip factory in China to get round a ban [4] on domestic operators of critical information infrastructure buying its wares. It is also investing heavily in a chip assembly and test facility [5] in India, with government backing [6] of INR110 billion ($1.3 billion). [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/europe-to-pump-billions-into-chip-sector/ [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/fcc-us-supply-chain/ [3] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/micron-plans-factory-expansion-in-china/ [4] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/china-bans-micron-sales-after-failed-security-review/ [5] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/micron-earmarks-825m-for-india-chip-facility/ [6] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/india-approves-1-3b-in-incentives-for-micron-plant/]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 09:10:22 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjq1mKoiTgKEQX50KYzL9tX https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjq1mKoiTgKEYIAmcWJ0TmB Bloomberg claimed at least four Taiwan-based companies are supporting a Huawei move to expand its domestic chip manufacturing capabilities, likely bypassing widening US trade sanctions [1] by setting up undisclosed facilities. The news outlet reported an investigation found employees from several Taiwan companies at a number of Huawei-affiliated facilities being built in Shenzhen, identifying staff from a unit of chip material reseller Topco Scientific and subsidiaries of L&K Engineering, along with construction specialist United Integrated Services. Bloomberg wrote Cica-Huntek Chemical Technology Taiwan posted on its website it was awarded contracts to build chemical supply systems for local chipmakers Shenzhen Pensun Technology and Pengxinwei IC Manufacturing, which were added to a US list of excluded companies [2] in 2022. The pair are understood to work with Huawei on building its chipmaking capabilities. Bloomberg noted it is unclear if the Taiwan companies' work for Huawei violates the latest US sanctions, which restrict the export of chip technology to China rather than halting all joint business. A Topco Scientific representative told Bloomberg a local subsidiary has an ongoing contract to handle waste water for Pengxinwei IC Manufacturing, which does not supply chip equipment or materials. The source added the project is not prohibited by US sanctions and the contract was in place before the company was added to the list. Bloomberg reported in August the US Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) had claimed Huawei was secretly building [3] chip manufacturing capabilities, with an estimated $30 billion in official funding. Huawei’s latest Mate 60 Pro [4] is thought by some to have 5G capabilities despite the chip restrictions, indicating gains in advanced chip manufacturing in the country. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/china-hits-back-at-expanded-us-export-controls/ [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/huawei-lands-on-us-trade-blacklist/ [3] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/sia-flags-huawei-home-chip-push/ [4] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/huawei-pushes-satellite-calling-on-latest-mate/]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 08:56:12 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjq1mKoiTgKEYIAmcWJ0TmB https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiuSNNVKCFBQ2Fk24e89-qg Canada-based AI chip startup Tenstorrent selected Samsung’s foundry business to manufacture its next-generation chiplets, products designed to support various applications spanning edge devices to data centres. In a statement, Tenstorrent noted Samsung’s foundry design service team will help it produce and market chiplets, although financial details or size of the deal was not disclosed. The chiplets will be manufactured using Samsung’s four-nanometre technology designed for high-performance applications including GPUs and CPUs. Marco Chisari, head of Samsung US foundry business said its silicon manufacturing node will accelerate Tenstorrent’s innovations in AI for data centres and automotive solutions. Tenstorrent develops advanced AI hardware accelerators and chips with a technology known as RISC-V and open-source semiconductor architecture, allowing developers to tailor processors according to specific applications. In August, the company bagged [1] funding worth $100 million from Samsung’s investment vehicle and Hyundai Motor Group. Previously, it raised around $235 million and had a $1 billion valuation. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/ai-chipmaker-bags-100m-in-funding/]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 18:11:59 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiuSNNVKCFBQ2Fk24e89-qg https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgRHSuk67BiTWsGk81fO-bN TalkTalk outlined plans to sell its B2B division to a special purpose vehicle owned by the telecoms group’s main shareholders in a £95 million deal, as it pushes ahead with a break-up of the business. News of the deal comes less than a week after the company announced it would demerge [1] into three standalone businesses: B2B Wholesale Platform; TalkTalk Consumer; and TalkTalk Business Direct. The sale of the B2B unit keeps the business under ownership of the company’s biggest shareholders while continuing a separate wholesale connectivity agreement with another TalkTalk operation. Bloomberg reported the deal could represent a preliminary step towards attempts to refinancing. The three-way split of the group was driven by pressure to meet debt repayment deadlines, with high-yield bonds worth around £685 million maturing in February 2025. As part of the demerger, group CEO Tristia Harrison is vacating the role to head up an oversight board to ensure the three units become operationally separate from 1 November and legally separate from 1 March 2024. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/talktalk-split-to-cost-jobs/]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:44:11 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgRHSuk67BiTWsGk81fO-bN https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQj82cVJksCmD6gzzHWHxDTV Apple reportedly attributed overheating of iPhone 15 Pro devices uncovered by some users to software and app-related issues, following complaints from customers on social media and its support forum. In a statement published by Bloomberg, Apple explained the handsets might feel warmer after initial set-up or a restoring process due to what it described as increased background activity, though it also highlighted issues with third party apps and its own software. The company explained a bug in its latest iOS software would be resolved in an update, while it is working with developers of problematic third party apps on fixes which are in the process of being released. Apple's comments came after days of complaints on social media and its online support forum, with some users claiming the devices were too hot to hold for prolonged periods of time. Dismissing social media speculation on other potential causes, Apple emphasised it was nothing to do with the titanium frame, which is being used in the device line for the first time, nor related to the enhanced graphics chip or USB-C charging [1], which are also new on its latest batch of handsets. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/apple-ports-usb-c-into-iphone-15-updates-watch/]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:09:51 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQj82cVJksCmD6gzzHWHxDTV https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQg3bVNAhSkK0heIF_fEM9tn PRESS RELEASE: Huawei AUTIN solutions have successfully passed TM Forum “Ready for ODA” certification at its first batch, which fully demonstrates AUTIN’s industry standard compliance and product leadership throughout solution design, development and implementation. In 2017, TM Forum officially launched Open Digital Architecture (ODA) program, and in 2023 started “Ready for ODA” assessment for telecom vendors. Huawei has collaborated with CSPs to build data models and API interfaces based on platform capabilities such as iEM (intelligent Event Management). In early September 2023, AUTIN completed seven open API certifications, including recently completed "Real World Open API" joint certification. After two rounds of in-depth clarification on August 30th and September 8th, TM Forum has awarded “Ready for ODA” certification at its first batch to Huawei AUTIN solutions on September 19th. The ODA program is designed to enable CSPs to innovate rapidly, launch new digital services, and create more agile and intelligent system architecture. It not only serves as a guidance but also a reference architecture for service design, API management, and data management. TM Forum has actively worked with its members to develop and perfect the ODA framework, and continuously adopted new technology innovations and industry trends. Lucas Lu, President of Huawei ICT Assurance and Operation Services Domain, stated in the certification ceremony, “Huawei is committed to provide better openness and integrability to global CPSs, and help CSPs to accelerate digital operation transformation to enhance their business agility and innovation capability. “Ready for ODA” and “Open API” certifications are proven effective interconnections between Huawei AUTIN and CSPs. In the future, we believe ODA will deliver more values and opportunities to the whole industry as a reference architecture for digital operation transformation. TM Forum as the leading industry organization has provided a superb communication and collaboration platform for global CSPs and vendors. Huawei is willing to continuously participate in and invest to industry standard development.” Next, Huawei will strengthen its collaborations with TM Forum to continuously lead breakthroughs and innovations in digital operation industry.]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 15:24:16 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQg3bVNAhSkK0heIF_fEM9tn https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQg_mCc9PYLYIC1Ly282xAAw Executives from many of Europe’s largest mobile operators made a fresh push in a long-running campaign [1] pleading with authorities to force large content companies to contribute to network costs. The latest open letter on the issue targeted at European Union regulators was signed by the heads of 20 players including Telefonica, BT Group, Deutsche Telekom, A1 Telecom Austria Group, Vodafone Group, KPN, Telecom Italia, Telia, Telenor and Orange. Alongside calls for so-called “fair share” contributions from the largest traffic generators, the executives want a revision of spectrum policy from authorities and the acceptance of a “need for scale to avoid market fragmentation”. The chiefs indicated this regulatory overhaul would aid “Europe’s industrial champions and SMEs to compete globally”. Among familiar arguments [2] in the latest document were the need for 5G and fibre to underpin the next wave of digital transformation, and support emerging applications in AI, VR and IoT. The operators also pointed to a relentless increase in demand for data. Citing European Union (EU) estimates stating at least €174 billion of new investment would be needed to deliver EU 2030 connectivity targets, the group claimed “the telecoms sector is currently not strong enough to meet that demand, with many operators barely earning their cost of capital”. The executives noted they want rules to target only the very largest content companies and should be in compliance with net neutrality regulations. Calls from the players are the latest arguments made by mobile industry heavyweights in favour of fair share: unsurprisingly large content providers have been less welcoming of potential legislation [3] in this area, claiming they make other contributions. The issue has been pushed heavily by the mobile industry [4] over the last 18 months and is currently being debated by European authorities [5] as part of a wider look at the sector [6]. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/gsma-etno-keep-heat-on-eu-over-network-costs/ [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/vodafone-piles-pressure-on-ec-to-reboot-policy/ [3] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/meta-platforms-blasts-network-contribution-calls/ [4] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/gsma-etno-keep-heat-on-eu-over-network-costs/ [5] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/majority-of-eu-ministers-reportedly-unsold-on-fair-share/ [6] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/meps-indicate-support-for-fair-share/]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:52:13 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQg_mCc9PYLYIC1Ly282xAAw https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjmVNM5BeGE_qJCIqJppjfU MTN Group expanded a collaboration with software specialist Genesys and Accenture to improve customer experience through the adoption of cloud-native solutions and advanced AI capabilities. In a joint statement, the African operator explained it will now deploy Genesys Cloud CX platform for thousands of agents across its markets, highlighting the use of machine learning technology to help understand customer queries “more intuitively” and generate real-time analytics. The company began to adopt the platform in select countries over the past year, including in home market South Africa, Nigeria and Uganda. The company said adoption in South Africa had already resulted in a 40 per cent year-on-year reduction in call volume from subscribers, MTN claims AI analytics will further enhance customer service by offering highly personalised solutions, assisting agents to better understand behaviours and preferences. This enables agents to tailor interactions according to the needs of each subscriber. Nitesh Singh, Accenture Africa’s communications, media and telecoms lead said it is assisting MTN through optimising costs and building resilient cloud technology. New Zealand operator Spark had also deployed [1]Genesys' platform to personalise customer experience and streamline its contact centre operations. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/spark-streamlines-contact-centre-operations/]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:22:05 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjmVNM5BeGE_qJCIqJppjfU https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjl4YiOqCSY3J8v71dCn6bG The European Commission (EC) reportedly opened an early stage probe into alleged anti-competitive behaviour in the AI chip market, a segment currently dominated by Nvidia. Bloomberg reported the EC is analysing potential anti-competitive practices in the market of GPUs, which are used to train large language models and other AI software alongside gaming. The probe so far involves informally collecting views on alleged abuse, which will be used to decide on the need for future intervention. A formal investigation could result in a company found guilty of violations facing penalties of as much as 10 per cent of global annual revenue and an order to change business models. Nvidia has been a major beneficiary [1] of the generative AI boom, stating demand for AI-capable silicon was a factor for a 101 per cent year-on-year rise in revenue to $13.5 billion in its fiscal Q2 2024 (ending 30 July). It forecast revenue of $16 billion in its next quarter. The company is, however, now seemingly starting to gain attention from regulators. Along with EC, Bloomberg reported French authorities also started to interview market players about Nvidia, focusing on its pricing policy. French competition authorities last week raided Nvidia offices over claims of anti-competitive practices in the graphics card sector, The Wall Street Journal reported. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/ai-feeding-frenzy-fuels-nvidia/]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:10:22 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjl4YiOqCSY3J8v71dCn6bG https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgut6DS_T9xX95ZnUTwRGH7 Singtel struck a deal to offload its stake in US cybersecurity player Trustwave for an enterprise value of $205 million, completing a near 30-month [1] strategic review of its business prompted by rising costs. The operator lined up a conditional share purchase deal for Trustwave with equity company MC Titanium. It reclassified the cybersecurity business as a subsidiary for sale on 30 September and will deconsolidate it from financials. Singtel stated the deal should not have a material impact on earnings in fiscal year 2024, which runs to end-March 2024. Reuters placed Singtel’s equity stake in Trustwave at 98 per cent and noted the operator acquired the business for $770 million in 2015. Singtel anticipates concluding the deal in the next three months, subject to “regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions”. The operator explained the Trustwave deal completes a strategic review commenced in May 2021 to drive growth by divesting assets. It highlighted the sale of SecureTrust [2] in October 2021 and a consolidation of its APAC business in early 2022 as other elements in the overhaul [3]. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/singtel-profit-falls/ [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/singtel-sharpens-security-focus-with-securetust-sale/ [3] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/singtel-to-sell-1-6b-stake-in-airtel/]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 10:12:11 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgut6DS_T9xX95ZnUTwRGH7 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQigJpShUSMSZwO5yOwvVe_2 PARTNER CONTENT: The 14th edition of Huawei’s Global Mobile Broadband Forum (MBBF) returns to the ultra-modern city of Dubai, with the spotlight on how to ‘Bring 5.5G into Reality’, and again featuring a vast line-up of executives from across the world speaking on the hottest issues impacting the industry. The event runs from 10 to 11 October at the Jafza One Convention Centre, with support from industry partners GSMA, GTI and the Samena Telecommunications Council. It is set to attract more than 1,200 influential leaders from operators, vertical industries and the wider ecosystem. The two-day conference and exhibition gives executives in mobile and adjacent vertical industries the opportunity to hear, and observe, how 5G business models, the overall ecosystem and 5.5G commercialisation are evolving in the Middle East and all around the world. First full-series 5.5G product solutions [1]One of the biggest highlights of this year’s MBBF will be the release of the industry's first full-series 5.5G products and solutions. Since 19 operators joined the GSMA 5G Futures Community this March, there has been considerable progress on the innovation and verification of key 5.5G technologies and scenarios. Huawei, with this advocate launch, will help operators smoothly evolve from 5G to 5.5G, promote network experience from ubiquitous gigabit to 10Gb/s, and help operators build simplified, green, and intelligent top-quality networks. The next question is which operators will experience Huawei’s 5.5G products? As the definition of the main network capabilities of 5.5G is to improve the bandwidth capability by 10 times based on 5G, achieve a 10-fold increase in the number of connections, 10-fold latency reduction, and 10-fold energy efficiency improvement, it imposes strict requirements on wireless technology innovation. With the launch of the industry's first full series of 5.5G products and solutions, Huawei will reveal its latest technologies and hard capabilities, such as ELAA-MM, ultra-bandwidth, "0 bit 0 watt", and network intelligence enabled by large models. It is expected to generate widespread attention from the global ICT industry.  First 5.5G outdoor showcase in the Middle East During MBBF 23, Middle East operators will jointly launch the first overseas 5.5G outdoor showcase in Dubai, featuring 10Gb/s peak rate, cost-effective reduced capability (RedCap) innovations, and FWA² home experience, all showing the reality of 5.5G. Now that 5G FWA has become a benchmark service in the Middle East, local operators have focused on FWA², which provides differentiated services to different customers to help operators in the Middle East continue to succeed in 5G. This year’s MBBF will also will host special invitation-only discussions. Returning again for its 24th anniversary is the prestigious CTO Roundtable on the opening day, where mobile industry leaders will share 5G best practice and explore 5.5G innovations. As operators continue to build high-quality networks, how can they work with industry partners to create a prosperous industry ecosystem, sustain 5G business value, open up new business growth, and enable enhanced network experience and sustainable development? MBBF 23 provides the optimal platform for global ICT leaders to talk and share ideas. In addition to the FWA business that stands out in the Middle East, it is expected that more business applications, for example, naked eye 3D, XR, and AIGC, are destined to become hot topics. Join us in Dubai to gain exclusive insight into these new trends, as we ‘Bring 5.5G into Reality.’ [1] https://assets.mobileworldlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/01193933/5.5G.jpg]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 20:40:11 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQigJpShUSMSZwO5yOwvVe_2 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhwayy7DfJxakZPHFZJLI3I The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) opened an investigation into Qualcomm’s proposed acquisition of Israeli automotive chip-maker Autotalks, a month after the European Commission (EC) also announced intentions [1] to examine the deal. A filing by the CMA showed it will launch a first phase probe and it has invited comments from interested parties on the merger's impact. CMA warned of the deal’s potential to “result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market, or markets in the UK for goods or services”, adding comments on the transaction will assist the early stage of the examination. Qualcomm announced [2] a deal to acquire Autotalks in May to beef up its automotive portfolio, claiming a combined company will develop technologies to improve driver and road safety. EC launched a probe after receiving requests from 15 member states, which had voiced the importance for customers to be able to “retain access to V2X technology at competitive prices and conditions". CMA has not detailed a deadline for a decision of the first stage of the procedure. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/ec-to-investigate-qualcomm-autotalks-tie-up/ [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/qualcomm-snares-automotive-chip-company-autotalks/]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2023 17:18:45 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhwayy7DfJxakZPHFZJLI3I https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiZ8P8qNIYvcK7VFky8BpXO PRESS RELEASE: ZTE Corporation together with Thailand's mobile operator AIS (Advanced Info Service) and MediaTek accomplished the first collaborative validation of 5G RedCap at 2.6Ghz in Southeast Asia in August. This milestone signifies the further expansion and application of RedCap technology in the global market, ushering in new possibilities for the development of the global cellular Internet of Things (IoT). At the same time, this collaboration will further promote the development of RedCap global ecosystem and provide the foundation for the global commercial deployment of RedCap. RedCap: Bridging the Future  RedCap, short for Reduced Capability, sometimes referred to as NR Light, is an innovative technology in the 3GPP R17 standard, which obtains the advantages of low-cost and low-power by reducing terminal complexity and inherit 5G unique capabilities such as larger bandwidth, network slicing, and low latency, providing a highly cost-effective cellular IoT solution. The RedCap validation was successfully completed at the AZ Innovation Center in Bangkok through the close collaboration of AIS, ZTE and MediaTek. The tests were executed under AIS's commercial 5G spectrum TDD (Time Division Duplex) 2.6GHz, including the test cases such as network access, mobility, and voice services. The comprehensive mobility tests were conducted, ensuring that RedCap technology offers users smoother communication experiences. The First Call for VoNR services validated RedCap's ability to provide users with clearer and more natural calling experiences. The throughput test outcomes consistently achieved theoretical peak values. The downlink rate of a single user in TDD network can reach 163Mbps using 20MHz bandwidth. In addition, based on ZTE's NodeEngine solution which is the industry-only computing power base station, it can provide RedCap users with an end-to-end low latency experience of about 10ms.The test verified the compatibility of MediaTek's forthcoming RedCap platforms with ZTE's wireless systems for AIS 5G commercial spectrum and paved the way for RedCap deployment in commercial 5G network. Tripartite Collaboration Shapes Future Prospects The success of this testing hinges on the close collaboration of the three parties. AIS, a leading Southeast Asian mobile operator, contributed ample network resources. ZTE, as a leading communication solutions provider, provided an end-to-end testing environment. MediaTek, as the world’s largest smartphone chipset supplier, supplied its highly efficient RedCap platform for use during the test. The collaboration of the three parties not only achieved success at the technical level but also laid a solid foundation for deeper cooperation in the 5G realm. Outlook for the Future The collaboration between ZTE Corporation, MediaTek, and AIS is not merely a validation of innovative technology; it serves as a vivid example of international cooperation in the communication domain. This successful testing establishes a sturdy foundation for the application of RedCap technology in Thailand and charts new pathways for the global development of 5G new technology. In the future, the three parties will continue to deepen their collaboration, exploring more innovative applications to offer users more convenient, efficient, and intelligent communication experiences.]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:42:07 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiZ8P8qNIYvcK7VFky8BpXO