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 Mon, 24 Jan 2022 17:57:27 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhax3iZqb1XLoIAmcWJ0TmB Telecom Italia’s board of directors unanimously appointed Pietro Labriola (pictured) as the company’s new CEO, a move expected after he was handed control of the group following the departure of Luigi Gubitosi in November 2021. In a statement, Telecom Italia noted Labriola had the full support of the operator’s nomination and remuneration committee, and he would continue to serve in his current role as GM. Labriola resigned from his role at Telecom Italia Brasil, where he served as CEO since 2019. The executive had been the front runner following Gubitosi’s departure [1] less than a week after Telecom Italia received a takeover bid [2] from investment company KKR. During the two-month period between his official appointment, it was clear Labriola’s influence over the operator was increasing as he closed in on the job. Last week, he reportedly presented a plan [3] to managers outlining the future direction of the company should it reject KKR’s takeover bid. Labriola notably also has significant backing from Vivendi, the Italian operator’s largest shareholder. The incoming CEO stated driving the group “to realise its full potential and maximising the value of our assets in the interests of all our shareholders” were key goals. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/telecom-italia-ceo-departs-following-kkr-bid [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/kkr-makes-e11b-approach-to-takeover-telecom-italia [3] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/telecom-italia-plots-revamp-as-kkr-circles-report]]> Mon, 24 Jan 2022 13:20:03 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhax3iZqb1XLoIAmcWJ0TmB https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhax3iZqb1XLlw3HFUzDTIP Schneider Electric’s head of Europe and Orange independent director Christel Heydemann (pictured) was identified by French media as the likely permanent successor to operator's long-term boss Stephane Richard, who resigned [1] late in 2021. Newspaper Le Monde reported Heydemann was the likely winner of the race to lead the operator group, with a board meeting scheduled for 28 January to make a final decision. However, the publication’s sources noted there was still a question mark on a potential starting date. Reports earlier this month claimed the Schneider Electric executive was among three candidates [2] alongside Orange CFO Ramon Fernandez and Verizon CRO Frank Boulben. Le Figaro reported Boulben dropped out of the running on 22 January. Alongside her role at Schneider Electric, Heydemann is an independent director of Orange and has extensive experience in the mobile indutry having spent around 15 years with Alcatel-Lucent prior to its buyout by Nokia [3]. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/orange-boss-resigns-following-guilty-court-verdict [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/orange-readies-ceo-shortlist-report [3] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/nokia-completes-alca-lu-buy]]> Mon, 24 Jan 2022 13:07:56 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhax3iZqb1XLlw3HFUzDTIP https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgHgTE3o5arfbDXWBZfdr71 Iliad Group and Vodafone Group began discussions over a merger of their operations in Italy, seeking ways to end cut-throat competition in the market, Reuters reported. The news agency reported discussions are ongoing. It added Iliad Italia is also expected to introduce fixed services from tomorrow (25 January). Sources told Reuters the French-headquartered operator is working with investment bank Lazard on its strategic plans for the country. Iliad's entry to Italy in 2018 kicked-off a fierce contest with incumbent mobile operators. The Italian business generated revenue of €674 million in 2020 while Vodafone Italia brought around €5 billion in the financial year to 31 March 2021. Reuters noted any deal would create a group with a 36 per cent share of the mobile market. Any merger would require regulatory approval from Italy and the European Commission. Efforts to reduce the number of operators from four to three within European Union member states have not always been successful [1], however. Worth noting is Iliad was able to enter the Italian market on the back of the merger of Wind and CK Hutchison’s 3 Italy to create WindTre. To get the original deal through the European Commission [2], the two agreed to sell assets to the French company. CK Hutchison has since lamented continued intense competition [3] in Italy, which it blamed for a drop in revenue and customers at its largest division. Telecom Italia, meanwhile, faces a near €11 billion takeover bid [4] by US investment group KKR. Vodafone Group CEO Nick Read has called for consolidation [5] between players in Europe to help the industry return to growth. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/european-commission-blocks-hutcho2-tie-up [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/iliad-entry-secures-ec-support-for-italian-merger/ [3] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/ck-hutchison-takes-2b-hit-on-italy-unit-wind-tre [4] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/kkr-makes-e11b-approach-to-takeover-telecom-italia [5] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/vodafone-chief-hints-at-deals-in-europe]]> Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:57:06 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgHgTE3o5arfbDXWBZfdr71 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjk-S7PS9_1CyuZukmJ4mr4 Smartphone shipments in India increased in Q4 2021 despite supply chain constraints, with Realme and vendors outside the top five driving growth, Canalys reported. Shipments grew 2 per cent year-on-year to 44.5 million units. Canalys analyst Sanyam Chaurasi stated competition intensified as new players emerged in the low-end segment, with many gaining momentum in Q4. Chaurasi noted the JioPhone Next [1] made a strong start with several million units sold, and Infinix Mobile and Tecno Mobile efficiently used brand promotional campaigns on e-commerce platforms Amazon and Flipkart. Vendors were forced to adapt to the changing environment by focusing on omni-channel, diversifying supply chains and expanding their product mix, he explained. Realme's shipments grew 49 per cent to 7.6 million units, moving it to third from fifth with market share increased 5 percentage points to 17 per cent. Vendors falling into the others category posted 263.2 per cent growth to 8.5 million units, more than doubling the market share to 19 per cent. Xiaomi's shipments dropped 22.5 per cent to 9.3 million, maintaining top position despite market share declining from 27 per cent to 21 per cent. Samsung remained second on shipments of 8.5 million units, down 7.6 per cent, for a 19 per cent share versus 21 per cent. Vivo fell from third to fourth with a 27.3 per cent decline to 5.6 million units leaving it with a 13 per cent share compared with 18 per cent. Oppo remained in fifth with an 11 per cent share down from 14 per cent as it shipments fell 19.7 per cent to 4.9 million. Full year shipments grew 12 per cent to 162 million units. Chaurasi stated the market was "plagued" by the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic "volatile consumer demand and supply chain disruptions". [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/devices/news-devices/jio-unveils-budget-smartphone]]> Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:40:15 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjk-S7PS9_1CyuZukmJ4mr4 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQg7ZQmJ10SFwy3FFO_xyF25 Jio Platforms booked profit gains in fiscal Q3 2022 (ending 31 December 2021), driven by steady revenue growth and improved ARPU, which it forecast to continue climbing over the next few quarters. Net profit rose 8.9 per cent year-on-year to INR37.95 billion ($510.1 million), on revenue of INR241.8 billion, up 5.8 per cent. In an earnings release, chairman and MD of parent Reliance Industries Mukesh Ambani noted the digital unit recorded the highest ever revenue and EBITDA during the quarter. Subscriber growth slowed in the 12 months to end-December, with Reliance Jio adding 10.2 million users for a total of 421 million compared with the 40.8 million added in calendar year 2020. Fiscal Q3 ARPU increased marginally to INR151.60, aided by price hikes [1], but the company expects the full impact of tariff increases to be reflected in future results. Average data consumption per user increased from 12.9GB a month in fiscal Q3 2020 to 18.4GB. Jio noted it completed 5G network planning in about 1,000 cities across India, targeting high-consumption locations. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/jio-follows-rivals-with-prepaid-tariff-hikes]]> Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:04:42 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQg7ZQmJ10SFwy3FFO_xyF25 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQg7ZQmJ10SFw-GrEXdXG_66 Hon Hai Precision (Foxconn) chairman Young Liu expressed optimism for Q1 2022 in an address to staff, forecasting solid growth as vendors reportedly stockpile inventories, but warned of continued challenges and uncertainties. Liu told employees Foxconn could record unprecedented results in Q1, with the performance likely to be better than recent years. He said the company will put more focus on metaverse and electric vehicles projects. Achieving any Q1 uplift "would have been absolutely impossible if it weren't for everyone's hard work", the executive stated. While the company could face more challenges this year, he noted these will bring new opportunities for growth. Foxconn founder and former chairman Terry Gou agreed 2022 would be a year of more turbulence but also full of opportunities. Despite facing a number of challenges in 2021, Liu said revenue grew 11 per cent year-on-year to a record high of TWD5.9 trillion ($213 billion), with net profit for the first nine months up 70 per cent to TWD94.9 billion.]]> Mon, 24 Jan 2022 11:58:30 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQg7ZQmJ10SFw-GrEXdXG_66 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjX9P_tmCw3DmW0GqTRQSgk Vodafone Idea suffered more pain its fiscal Q3 2022 (calendar Q4 2021) as its losses increased and revenue tumbled due to continued declines in ARPU and subscribers. Net loss grew 60 per cent year-on-year to INR72.3 billion ($968.5 million), with revenue declining 10.7 per cent to INR97.2 billion. In an earnings release, MD and CEO Ravinder Takkar stated Vodafone Idea remains focused on executing a strategy to "improve our competitive position and win in the marketplace". The operator claimed it achieved 90 per cent of intended savings in operating expenses on a run rate basis, with an annual target of INR40 billion. "With this, we have achieved the desired cost optimisation in line with our operating model," Takkar noted. ARPU dropped 5 per cent to INR115 and total subscribers fell 8.4 per cent to 247.2 million. Its LTE user base rose to 117 million from 110 million. Average 4G data usage increased 12.2 per cent to 14GB. Capex was down 8.3 per cent to INR10.5 billion. Vodafone Idea added around 4,400 towers in the 12 months to end-December, taking its total to 184,579. It increased 3G and 4G base stations by nearly 2,400 sites to 450,330. The operator explained its total gross debt, covering deferred spectrum obligations, adjusted gross revenue liabilities and bank loans, totalled INR2 trillion.]]> Mon, 24 Jan 2022 11:20:10 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjX9P_tmCw3DmW0GqTRQSgk https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgb5b63ScGvrQp41t9tiERU Research company Dell’Oro Group reported better-than-expected uptake for open RAN, predicting the technology will account for 15 per cent of overall revenue by 2026. VP and analyst Stefan Pongratz stated the open RAN market had grown quickly and surpassed expectations. But he noted increasing operator scepticism about the cost savings the technology can provide as a potential risk to future deployments. Pongratz told Mobile World Live traditional network equipment vendors Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung are expected to play a leading role in open RAN and are included in Dell’Oro Group’s projections. However, the analyst noted the company sees a widening technology gap between traditional and new RAN vendors. The Asia Pacific region continues to lead in open RAN deployments and Dell'Oro Group expects it to account for more than 40 per cent of revenue between 2021 and 2026. It predicted hardware-based open RAN deployments to account for a significant portion of the total, noting virtualised RAN is not growing as quickly: Pongratz predicts the latter will account for between 5 per cent and 10 per cent of overall revenue by 2026. Dell’Oro Group’s forecast includes all deployments using open interfaces, whether or not they conform to O-RAN Alliance specifications.]]> Mon, 24 Jan 2022 10:57:34 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgb5b63ScGvrQp41t9tiERU https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjEybv5m3HV5waB2UxGNFpJ Vehicle manufacturer Zhejiang Geely Holding Group reportedly entered talks to buy Chinese smartphone company Meizu Technology in an apparent bid to boost a mobile business connected to the car company. Nikkei Asia reported talks between Geely and Meizu Technology were underway. The move comes four months after the car company's former chairman launched a mobile business. Meizu produces mid- to high-tier handsets largely sold in its home market, but it also ships to countries including Turkey and Russia. Alongside smartphones it sells a variety of headphones and related accessories. Geely owns a number of global car brands and related businesses through its various subsidiaries. In September 2021, the company announced its chairman Eric Li set-up Hubei Xingji Shidai Technology with the aim of entering the high-end smartphone market. At the time, Li stated there was a close correlation between car and mobile device technologies. “Mobile phones and devices have quickly evolved into mobile terminals and application platforms which not only allow users to enjoy the fruits of innovation in the quickest manner possible, they also act as a pathway to greater automotive applications.”]]> Mon, 24 Jan 2022 10:35:35 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjEybv5m3HV5waB2UxGNFpJ https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhxcRyPS7DG8pJTpfXVttXD Intel revealed plans to invest more than $20 billion in two new chip manufacturing plants in the US state of Ohio, its second major commitment [1] to production in its domestic market. The chip maker stated the move will be the largest single private sector investment in Ohio's history. It expects to begin building the factories this year, with production coming online in 2025. Intel stated a 1,000-acre site in Ohio could ultimately accomodate up to eight factories, forecasting its total investment could hit $100 billion over the next decade. In a press conference, CEO Pat Gelsinger said the US investments will "help meet the unprecedented demand for chips". Gelsinger was joined by US President Joe Biden, who commented on the important role semiconductors play in devices including smartphones, domestic appliances and medical equipment as he pressed for the nation to retake the initiative in chip making. "China's doing everything it can to take over the global market", the President said. The President is currently pressing for politicians to approve funding [2] of more than $50 billion to spur domestic production, an initiative backed by leading chipmakers mobile operators in the nation. Ohio governor Mike DeWine predicted Intel's move would create thousands of jobs. Intel noted up to 10,000 roles could be created in the planning and construction phases alone. Intel also outlined plans to invest approximately $100 million over the next decade in partnership with local universities, colleges and the National Science Foundation to deliver skilled staff to the site. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/intel-puts-20b-into-major-chip-manufacturing-move [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/us-operators-chip-push]]> Fri, 21 Jan 2022 19:31:15 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhxcRyPS7DG8pJTpfXVttXD https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgZBRywMJIW096jHbRcHw3s Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of SpaceX and its satellite internet provider Starlink, took to Twitter to offer support to Tonga after communications in the the South Pacific archipelago were knocked out by a series of natural disasters. The eruption of an underwater volcano and resulting tsunami last week caused two breaks in key subsea cables providing internet and other communications to Tonga. Responding to a Reuters report stating the internet outage could last for around a month, Musk took to Twitter to ask citizens if they want SpaceX to provide Starlink terminals. The news agency reported difficulties in repairing the 827km Tonga Cable, which connects the archipelago to Fiji and international networks. Operator Digicel Tonga stated there is also a break in a domestic cable, close to the origin of the volcanic eruption. However, Musk also noted difficulties in providing satellite coverage in the area, hence his call for "clear confirmation". This is a hard thing for us to do right now, as we don’t have enough satellites with laser links and there are already geo sats that serve the Tonga region. That is why I’m asking for clear confirmation. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2022 [1] Rival satellite service provider SES apparently has no such difficulties: yesterday (20 January) it asserted an instrumental role in helping Digicel Tonga restore international calling capabilities. The operator previously stated its mobile network was operational on Tongatapu, the archipelago's main island. [1] https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1484424055071641602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]]> Fri, 21 Jan 2022 15:12:35 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgZBRywMJIW096jHbRcHw3s https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQj0IdeZY4cVIETXPGaG87AR Autonomous driving technology company Pony.ai chose a compatible Nvidia platform for a fleet of self-driving vehicles, claiming the technology will enable mass production of driverless vehicles. Pony.ai incorporated Nvidia's Drive Orin SoC in its sixth-generation autonomous driving system, which it stated is compatible with Level-4 autonomy. In a related blog, Nvidia noted its silicon can process 254 trillion operations per second. James Peng, Pony.ai co-founder and CEO, claimed the Nvidia platform will enable mass production "at an unprecedented scale". Pony.ai stated its system will be trialled in car maker Toyota's S-AM vehicle on public roads in China this year before being deployed in the start-up's robotaxi operations in H1 2023. In its blog, Nvidia noted the vehicles will include rooftop signalling units. Level 4 self-driving cars can be overridden by drivers and are typically permitted to operate within prescribed areas. Pony.ai has conducted trials of its technology in China and California, though The Verge reported last month the US state suspended tests following a collision. Nvidia is one of several chipmakers chasing the market for autonomous vehicles, with Qualcomm [1] and Intel [2] also investing heavily in the technology. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/bmw-drives-qualcomm-automotive-opportunity [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/intel-plots-ipo-for-adas-business-mobileye]]> Fri, 21 Jan 2022 13:42:33 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQj0IdeZY4cVIETXPGaG87AR https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQg6E-55sbue2gX50KYzL9tX A proposed takeover of Telenor Group's Myanmar unit by M1 Group was reportedly reignited after the latter met conditions imposed by the government. Reuters reported Myanmar authorities approved a deal for M1 Group to partner with Shwe Byain Phyu Group, which will take a majority stake. Shwe Byain Phyu Group chair Thein Win Zaw is a director of Mahar Yoma, one of the companies owning shares in military-owned operator Mytel [1], Reuters stated. Telenor agreed to sell [2] the Myanmar unit to M1 Group for $105 million in 2021, but authorities raised concerns [3], preferring a local buyer. The Norwegian operator had previously booked a massive write-down [4] on the business following political unrest in the country. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/viettel-backed-group-wins-4th-myanmar-licence [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/telenor-offloads-myanmar [3] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/telenor-mulls-alternative-myanmar-buyers-report [4] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/telenor-books-loss-on-780m-myanmar-write-off]]> Fri, 21 Jan 2022 12:17:25 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQg6E-55sbue2gX50KYzL9tX https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgoFXWpt_ePqZ8v71dCn6bG The three major mobile operators in China closed 2021 with a combined 729.5 million 5G package subscribers, more than double the number at end-2020. Net additions of 5G package subscribers stood at 407.2 million. The number refers to customers on next-generation plans without necessarily owning a compatible device. In an operating statistics update, China Mobile disclosed 386.8 million 5G package customers at end-2021, up 221.8 million year-on-year. China Telecom added 101.3 million, taking its total to 187.8, while China Unicom picked up 84.1 million for a total of 154.9 million. The operators grew their overall mobile customer base by 47.7 million: China Mobile added 15 million to take sum to 957 million, China Telecom's increased by 21.4 million to 372 million and China Unicom's rose by 11.3 million to 317 millon. China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reported the operators added 654,000 5G base stations in 2021, taking the total to 1.4 million. Xinhua News Agency recently reported China Academy of Information and Communications Technology data showed an increase in 5G smartphone shipments [1], citing a drop in ASPs to less than CNY1,000 ($157.72) as a factor. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/devices/news-devices/china-5g-device-uptake-surges-on-cheaper-prices]]> Fri, 21 Jan 2022 11:59:22 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgoFXWpt_ePqZ8v71dCn6bG https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQg4lm3-8S1ZG5u9CxXrVx4c Singtel's investment subsidiary shelled out IDR500 billion ($34.9 million) on a 16.26 per cent interest in Bank Fama International, as the operator moved to explore digital banking opportunities in Indonesia. The operator's Singtel Alpha Investments unit acquired 2.4 billion new shares in Bank Fama International, which is majority owned by Indonesian conglomerate Emtek Group. Taxi-booking platform Grab also invested. Singtel explained in a stock exchange filing Indonesia has the largest unbanked and underbanked population in ASEAN, adding the investors "bring significant capabilities and insights" to develop the digital banking service and drive financial inclusion. The company stated the investment is part of a strategic reset [1] unveiled in May 2021 to build new digital businesses across Asia. Singtel and Grab operate a digital banking joint venture [2] in Singapore. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/singtel-profit-falls [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/money/news-money/singapore-issues-digital-licences-to-open-up-banking]]> Fri, 21 Jan 2022 11:46:47 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQg4lm3-8S1ZG5u9CxXrVx4c https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQijQbAd9c5xOGW0GqTRQSgk PRESS RELEASE: ZTE Corporation has been honored with a 2021 ATD Excellence In Practice Award from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) for its capability enhancement program. This is the third consecutive year from 2019 for ZTE to win the award, epitomizing a very high recognition from the international industries for the company's talent development efforts. Executing this program, ZTE gains knowledge and practical experience from the differentiated projects in the company and revolutionizes the capability enhancement technique. Based on the learning characteristics of its employees, ZTE has developed a set of closed-loop methods for end-to-end capability enhancement, including pre-class learning, scenario-based simulation courses, project practices and project post-mortem. This program enables core employees to draw successful, practical and complete experience and knowledge from past project implementations. It has effectively supported the market breakthrough of ZTE’s  diversified products as well as the deep operation of the existing markets. In addition, ZTE has incubated an effective end-to-end  capability enhancement flows and methodologies in line with actual business scenarios. ZTE is consistently dedicated to building a learning organization. On the basis of over 30 years of practical experience, ZTE has taken into consideration the rapidly developing and changing social background, and established a business-centric, end-to-end closed-loop employees capability enhancement system. Based on ZTE’s strategic mode of “the front-line staff focuses on expanding business, and the enterprise operation specialists focuses on operation system construction”, the system bolsters the company’s operation and boosts the capability growth of employees. The consecutive winning of this award marks that ZTE has stepped on the international stage in the field of learning and development for enterprises. The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is one of the world's largest associations committed to talent development in organizations. Established in 1943, ATD has over 35,000 members from more than 120 countries. The ATD Excellence in Practice Awards are granted to companies with practices of comprehensive talent development, which have demonstrated clear and measurable results in achieving organizational goals. The ATD Excellence in Practice Award is an industry-renowned award, also known as the “Oscar” award of world talent development.  ]]> Fri, 21 Jan 2022 10:51:02 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQijQbAd9c5xOGW0GqTRQSgk https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQim_YfBylctP_9M7fKGWt0o Verizon inked seven new clean energy deals it stated position it to meet a goal of sourcing or generating renewable energy equivalent to 50 per cent of its total annual electricity consumption by 2025. These are virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), meaning Verizon will not take delivery of the renewable energy produced. Instead, the investments offset the operator’s carbon footprint with the production of clean energy. The VPPAs will be financed with the proceeds of Verizon’s most recent green bond [1]. Verizon struck four agreements with Leeward Renewable Energy, which operates wind and solar plants across the US. The operator signed two deals with Lightsource bp and one with Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions. All the agreements cover solar or wind power facilities. Verizon stated the latest renewable energy deals bring the total signed since 2019 to 20. It estimates the agreements will yield 2.6 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity. CFO Matt Ellis branded the latest agreements as “fundamental” to Verizon's effort to achieve net zero operational emissions by 2035. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/verizon-readies-lates-1b-green-bond]]> Thu, 20 Jan 2022 19:21:50 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQim_YfBylctP_9M7fKGWt0o https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgbVRcXVQsRW1e5jCclomp- Apple fired back in a patent fight with Ericsson, countersuing the vendor and pressing the US International Trade Commission (ITC) to ban imports of its mobile infrastructure equipment. The iPhone maker claims Ericsson’s mmWave antenna radios and baseband units infringe its patents, but noted any equipment the vendor manufactures in the US would not be impacted if the ITC backs its request. Ericsson turned the screw [1] earlier this week when it initiated fresh legal action covering a total of 12 5G patents. The vendor reportedly also sought an ITC ban, covering imports of iPhones. Apple asserts excluding Ericsson base stations from the US would not have a “significant adverse affect” on competitive conditions in the country, noting mmWave equipment is also available from Nokia and Samsung. The US company offered to drop its actions if Ericsson did the same. Investment bank Raymond James and Associates estimated Apple's patent payments to Ericsson at around $200 million to $300 million per year. The bank's MD Simon Leopold predicted the pair would ultimately settle their dispute and Apple would resume patent licence payments. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/ericsson-sues-apple-again-over-mobile-patents]]> Thu, 20 Jan 2022 18:10:22 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgbVRcXVQsRW1e5jCclomp- https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhnPi7cpbAtWgX50KYzL9tX PARTNER INTERVIEW: Operators globally, large and small are preparing to leverage 5G by investing in open, autonomous networks that can support all software in any cloud environment. These investments will enable mobile broadband today, and deliver a range of new services tomorrow, from real-time video analytics to remote medicine to vehicle-to-everything. Expectations have changed. Speed matters. There is a requirement for innovation to take place at software speed. Telecom software vendors play a pivotal role as operators undertake this transformation. That is why Mavenir is building the future of networks and pioneering advanced technology, focusing on the vision of a single, software-based automated network that runs on any cloud.  Mavenir brings to market an end-to-end fully cloud-native open solution portfolio, enabling operators to migrate functions to software and manage the entire network with a single automation toolset. Platforms for innovation Forward-thinking operators see their networks as platforms for innovation, and understand the value created when 5G is combined with enterprise applications. This requires open interfaces and network functions defined by software rather than hardware. According to a recent Mobile World Live survey [1] of 156 global operators, 74 per cent have virtualised some network functions, and 11 per cent stating to have all functions virtualised. 98 per cent confirm to be currently considering open architectures, with 75 per cent of the respondents listing the move to open architectures as an ‘essential step’ or ‘critical process’. Software-based network functions based on open interfaces give operators maximum flexibility. “It started with core for the brownfield operators”, explained Mavenir’s Bejoy Pankajakshan, chief technology and strategy officer. He said greenfield operators like Dish Network and Rakuten are “starting end-to-end” with open interfaces. Open interfaces will also make it easier for enterprises to leverage 5G on their chosen infrastructure. For example, Mavenir uses 5G to run artificial intelligence (AI) applications on Nvidia GPUs, enabling real-time video analytics for manufacturers. “You’re seeing all these layers being disrupted, starting with the radio layer and all the way up to the application” said Pankajakshan. “That is all possible because it’s an open system”. Open systems make it possible to validate solutions across a range of hardware and infrastructure, and Mavenir has led the industry here. This enables the vendor to offer operators the greatest possible range of choices when it comes to hardware, software, and cloud environments. When network functions can run in any cloud environment, operator networks can support a wide range of applications and use cases. Clarity on the cloud There are increasingly more operators that are moving forward, embracing the future, leveraging cloud scale and innovating to offer new, exciting and cost-effective services to their customers. 92 per cent of the MNOs surveyed classify as serious about Open RAN by stating to be either in current deployment, on trial or evaluating Open RAN, and 94 per cent have plans to deploy within the next five years. Operators understand the value of cloud-native networks. More than three quarters of those surveyed by Mobile World Live are moving toward the cloud, and 78 per cent favor a hybrid cloud or other cloud model. One network that runs all software in any cloud is now the gold standard for network operators, enabling them to dynamically launch new services, adopt innovative technologies, and support enterprise applications in any environment. As operators integrate gear made by multiple radio vendors, they will need sophisticated yet simple automation solutions to orchestrate their networks. Pankajakshan said MNOs will want a common toolset that can manage the RAN software as well as the packet core. In addition, MNOs will want automation software that can run in multiple cloud environments, since operators and their enterprise customers will want to leverage best of breed solutions from all the public cloud providers. Pankajakshan thinks this trend will only accelerate as more companies invest in 5G and Open RAN. “The investment in this ecosystem far outweighs the investment of any one company investing in proprietary solutions”, he said. “That’s what Open RAN enables”. Indeed, investment is flowing into mobile networks from many industries, and this trend is likely to accelerate in the coming years, as mobile becomes foundational to industrial operations, healthcare, education and logistics. Mavenir will help MNOs thrive in this new environment by developing agile, autonomous networks that can run all software in any cloud. To download a full copy of the survey results click here [2]. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/operators-embrace-virtualised-open-networks-with-agile-automation-to-meet-future-demands [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/operators-embrace-virtualised-open-networks-with-agile-automation-to-meet-future-demands]]> Thu, 20 Jan 2022 15:51:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhnPi7cpbAtWgX50KYzL9tX https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQihNEMgF2Rje0Gb1Jh49AJn Canalys figures showed Apple overtook Samsung to return to the top of the global smartphone market, taking a 22 per cent share of shipments during Q4. The research group credited strong demand for the iPhone 13 as the driver of Apple's success, resulting in it overhauling Samsung which topped the tables in the opening nine months of 2021. Samsung took a 20 per cent share in Q4, Xiaomi 12 per cent, Oppo 9 per cent and Vivo 8 per cent. Canalys' figures are based on sell-in data. However, the South Korean vendor was the only player in the top five to record market share growth, with its recent figure up from 17 per cent in Q4 2020. Canalys noted shipments in the recent quarter continued to be impacted by supply chain woes and a resurgence of Covid-19 (coronavirus). Analyst Sanyam Chaurasia said Apple's Chinese shipments were strong, while its supply chain also showed signs of recovery. However, the vendor was still forced to cut production in Q4 due to shortages of key components and could not manufacture enough iPhones to meet demand. "In prioritised markets, it maintained adequate delivery times, but in some markets its customers had to wait to get their hands on the latest iPhones," Chaurasia said. Canalys data shows Apple last took the spot spot in Q4 2020, when it accounted for 23 per cent of the market.]]> Thu, 20 Jan 2022 15:07:02 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQihNEMgF2Rje0Gb1Jh49AJn