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 Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:55:51 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQg0pZrJDBs7byRFMxTa8z4W Facebook revealed Andrew Bosworth, head of its Reality Labs AR and VR unit (pictured), will replace Mike Schroepfer as CTO in 2022, with the latter stepping back to a more advisory role. In a statement, CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained Schroepfer was moving to a role as senior fellow, which will involve helping in recruitment of technical staff and work on specific projects. Facebook's outgoing CTO added the move would allow him to dedicate more time to his family and personal philanthropic efforts while also staying connected to the company for “key initiatives”. He has been in the role 13 years. Bosworth is credited with creating the company’s AR and VR unit now known as Facebook Reality Labs. He will continue to lead the division, which also includes responsibility for Oculus and Portal consumer hardware, as part of his CTO role. Zuckerberg added Schroepfer had “played a critical role in almost everything we’ve done, from building and scaling our teams to mentoring many of our key leaders, and from helping us develop new technologies like AI and VR to operating our infrastructure and business services at global scale”.]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2021 12:51:25 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQg0pZrJDBs7byRFMxTa8z4W https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQh5Tu9yYFHKaHKSkciKEY1s BT Group warned the potential for Cellnex to increase its stronghold over the UK market could damage competition, lead to higher prices and impact services, as it hit out at the Spanish tower company’s proposed purchase of CK Hutchison’s infrastructure assets in the country. In a submission to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), BT cautioned the proposed deal would increase an already substantial share of the market held by Cellnex, in turn strengthening the infrastructure company's bargaining position in commercial negotiations for access to existing macro sites. The CMA is probing the UK element of a wider €10 billion deal for CK Hutchison's European assets [1]. BT stated the move represented “a significant development in the UK wireless telecommunications sector”. Mobile operator 3 UK currently uses the towers in question. BT added the proposed deal would “remove any realistic scope” for smaller competitors to achieve critical scale in the short-to-medium term, inevitably leading to higher prices for BT and other providers, and lower service levels. The operator also believes the deal will adversely impact its ability to use the Mobile Broadband Network joint venture it runs with 3 UK to deploy 5G services. BT asserted Cellnex already holds 80 per cent to 90 per cent of the UK’s developed macro sites and 90 per cent to 100 per cent of available PoPs. The CMA moved to a deeper phase two [2] investigation in July, after deeming Cellnex and CK Hutchison had failed to alleviate its competition concerns following an initial probe [3] commenced in April. Cellnex received clearance for its CK Hutchison’ move in all the other European markets involved: Italy; Austria; the Republic of Ireland; Denmark; and Sweden. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/cellnex-inks-e10b-europe-deal-with-ck-hutchison [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/uk-cellnex-ckhutchison-heat [3] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/uk-examines-cellnex-tower-buy]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2021 12:35:01 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQh5Tu9yYFHKaHKSkciKEY1s https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQj6EIlQBoJUnlT72x6uxjiK ]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2021 12:02:52 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQj6EIlQBoJUnlT72x6uxjiK https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhgLQTwBUh1ye4DA87rvhPr LIVE FROM 5G WORLD, LONDON: Senior network experts at Telenor and Orange cautioned it was premature to define how operators would make money from provision of services on the network edge, with work still required by all parties. During a panel on the prospects of edge computing, Orange director of network strategy Yves Bellego (pictured on screen, bottom right) said it was too soon to define commercial models for the architecture, noting this was also the case with selling verticals slices of the 5G network. “There is still a lot of work to be done in the value chain to see how we can make money, both [for] the operators and companies.” “We need to go step-by-step, some will go fast...but most of the industries have a lot to do before business have their minds set on what they will really do.” Bellego said there was also continued need for testing and proof of concepts in many cases. Agreeing with his counterpart at Orange, Telenor Group SVP of network architecture Terje Jensen (pictured on screen, bottom left), said the market had not yet settled and was still maturing. He noted the business model would partly depend on “what enterprise customers are asking for” citing analytics, security, AI capabilities or operations as potential areas.]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2021 11:35:47 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhgLQTwBUh1ye4DA87rvhPr https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgZlFt_gs0Tx3Mq2h3ehXEp Ericsson introduced a lightweight, low power Massive MIMO radio, aiming to help operators meet targets for sustainability and mid-band 5G deployments. BT Group worked with Ericsson on the development of the AIR 3268 radio. In a statement, the operator noted the product is less than half the size and weight of its current equipment. Compared with Ericsson's previous smallest Massive MIMO radio, AIR 3268 is 10 per cent more energy efficient and 40 per cent lighter at 12kg, Ericsson stated. It offers 200W output power, and features 32 transceivers and passive cooling Greg McCall, MD of service platforms at BT, noted the reduced power output will help “deliver on our sustainability ambition [1]”. The AIR 3268 includes 128 antenna elements, a feature important to operators as they try to maximise 5G throughput. McCall noted the “3.5GHz band and Massive MIMO technology are important" in delivering "the best customer experience in urban areas”. Products for mid-band spectrum are also increasingly important in the US, where operators are deploying recently-acquired C-band spectrum [2]. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/bt-accelerates-net-zero-targets-to-2030 [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/fcc-hands-out-c-band-licences]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2021 11:09:37 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgZlFt_gs0Tx3Mq2h3ehXEp https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgSHV-xIxuV1htLdxSOwF-n Bharti Airtel released price details for a plan to raise up to INR210 billion ($2.9 billion) through a rights issue, with its largest shareholder Singtel planning to support the fundraising effort. In a stock marketing filing, Airtel outlined plans to issue 392.29 billion shares at an issue price INR535 each. A special committee of directors approved the size and price of the offering yesterday (22 September). The rights issue opens on 5 October and closes 21 October. In a separate statement, Singtel explained it will spend INR29.4 billion to subscribe to the offering proportional to its 14 per cent direct stake, noting after the fundraising Airtel will be equipped to invest in 5G capabilities and “ride the digital growth momentum in India”. Singtel CFO Arthur Lang said its decision underscores its confidence in Airtel's growth prospects. “Not only will the Indian government’s recently announced reform package result in improved regulatory conditions supporting the healthy growth of the industry, it will also significantly improve Airtel’s liquidity to invest in becoming a truly digital-first company that will serve India’s digital vision.” Airtel’s board approved [1] the rights issue plan in August, though it requires regulatory approval. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/airtel-seeks-billions-through-equity-sale]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2021 10:23:03 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQgSHV-xIxuV1htLdxSOwF-n https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjDrujwrh4h5pJTpfXVttXD DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION WORLD SERIES 2021: Rakuten Mobile CTO Tareq Amin (pictured) noted partnerships and collaboration across the value chain are vital to the long-term success of a new cloud connectivity business [1] rather than pursuing a hardware strategy. During a Q&A session, Amin explained cloud unit Rakuten Symphony has some unique IP, but noted the overall value lies in the external businesses it can work with. The strategy “must revolve around not only products that Symphony or Rakuten Mobile bring, but also must include external partners”, Amin explained, adding the creation of a diversified trusted supply chain for hardware manufacturing is a “critical mission for Symphony’s success”. He highlighted a close but separate relationship with Rakuten Symphony, with the operator providing a testing ground for the platform to pilot and improve its software offering, enabling it to expand globally. “We want Rakuten Mobile to be successful as a standalone business, and Rakuten Symphony is our cloud connectivity business that has a different business objective and different P&L.” Rakuten Symphony has five business units: unified cloud; network functions from an acquisition of Altiostar [2]; intelligent operation; billing platform; and internet and ecosystem services group. It has offices in Singapore, India, Europe and Boston in the US. Amin noted the Symphony team shares Rakuten Mobile’s mentality for disruption in its efforts to build an elastic software cloud architecture for mobile service providers, governments and private enterprises. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/rakuten-mobile-hails-b2b-traction [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/rakuten-set-to-buy-open-ran-player-altiostar]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2021 10:05:21 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjDrujwrh4h5pJTpfXVttXD https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjYnOVn48byj5u9CxXrVx4c StarHub revealed plans to strengthen its position in the Singaporean broadband market by taking a majority interest in rival MyRepublic’s internet business for SGD70.8 million ($52.4 million). In a statement, the operator detailed its subsidiary StarHub Online will acquire a 51.1 per cent stake in a newly-incorporated entity called Republic Broadband, which will become a subsidiary of StarHub. StarHub stated MyRepublic Broadband currently holds a 6 per cent share of Singapore's broadband market and the purchase will boost its portion to around 40 per cent. CEO Nikhil Eapen stated the collaboration would boost "innovation" and customer value. The operator has the option to inject an additional SGD92 million if certain financial performance targets are hit and agreed to refinance SGD74.2 million of MyRepublic’s debt for three years. MyRepublic CEO Malcolm Rodrigues explained the investment and partnership “validate the vision of digital transformation we set out to bring to the industry”, and advanced the company's "journey towards IPO”. Rodrigues will lead MyRepublic Broadband. The transaction will be funded using StarHub’s internal cash resources and is expected to close by December, subject certain conditions and standard regulatory approvals. MyRepublic operates an MVNO in Singapore using StarHub’s network. It failed to become the city state's fourth mobile operator [1] in 2016. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/tpg-wins-fourth-mobile-licence-issued-by-singapore]]> Wed, 22 Sep 2021 18:37:07 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjYnOVn48byj5u9CxXrVx4c https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjYqi1ewhwfc5NaYRWadcX6 HMD Global launched 5G handset the Nokia G50, the latest in a spate of low- and mid-priced devices [1] supporting the new network technology brought to market in the last two months. The device is promoted on price, retailing at just under £200 with the company also claiming the build quality makes it future-proof and more environmentally friendly. Nokia G50 runs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G platform, has a 48MP triple camera set-up, 8MP front camera, 6.82-inch HD+ screen and a 5000mAh battery the company stated could last two days between charges. HMD Global also pointed to the phone being able to last “a long time” with Android 11 built-in, two years of OS upgrades and three years of security updates. The device is the latest handset targeting the mid- and lower-tier of the market with 5G. Earlier this month Xiaomi [2] and TCL Communication launched sub-£320 devices sporting the technology, joining the likes of Lenovo, Oppo and Vivo targeting the segment. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/devices/news-devices/tcl-ups-value-5g-play-with-sub-e250-device [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/xiaomi-pitches-to-project-itself-as-video-leaders]]> Wed, 22 Sep 2021 17:00:29 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjYqi1ewhwfc5NaYRWadcX6 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiKbCgGNM5J6OifqJurszLU Verizon announced two public sector contracts, one with the US Air Force and the other with an emergency services district near Houston, Texas. The operator will deliver 5G to seven US Air Force Reserve Command installations in California, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas, bringing the total number of sites served to 17. A Verizon representative told Mobile World Live the deployments will include outdoor C-Band radios at each site, along with a combination of 4G and mmWave 5G used indoors at certain locations. In a statement, Verizon explained its network will support animated simulation and training; full-motion, HD video for telemedicine; ultra-fast AI for biometric identification; and flight line test equipment, among other services. Separately, the operator’s Verizon Frontline emergency services unit won a contract to provide smartphones and network services to a Texas district handling roughly 55,000 emergency calls annually. Verizon has maintained momentum in the sector despite rival AT&T’s contract with FirstNet [1], which includes spectrum which can be dedicated to public safety. Work to make Verizon Frontline interoperable with other operator’s public safety networks is ongoing to ensure first responders can interact. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/att-bags-major-us-army-contract]]> Wed, 22 Sep 2021 16:51:43 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiKbCgGNM5J6OifqJurszLU https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiv4wIL5hpAF-ifqJurszLU LIVE FROM 5G WORLD, LONDON: UK converged player BT expects 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) to be no more than a marginal play, tipping its fibre network to continue to take the majority of the strain for home connectivity in the country. Speaking as operators and analysts [1] across several markets have been talking up the technology [2], BT Consumer CEO Marc Allera (pictured) said although it offered FWA, he expected it to be used in areas where fibre remains unavailable as the latter was more cost effective and generally provided greater reliability. “We’ve got quite a few [customers] already using 4G or 5G FWA where there isn’t an adequate fibre connection, but the UK is going through a rapid transition to full fibre. You have the infrastructure division of BT rolling out 25 million homes in the next few years.” “When we look at the economics of fixed wireless we see fibre being preferential,” Allera emphasised. “It’s lower cost, delivering customers probably, on balance, greater levels of reliability. So for us FWA will be a more marginal use case.” The executive estimated it would eventually make-up a maximum of between five per cent to ten per cent of its fixed base, focused on areas where fibre remained limited. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/verizon-extends-fwa-5g-business-service-again [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/3-uk-urges-focus-on-fwa-over-fixed]]> Wed, 22 Sep 2021 13:13:44 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiv4wIL5hpAF-ifqJurszLU https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhc6rD0QGnVB0ZPHFZJLI3I LIVE FROM 5G WORLD, LONDON: Vodafone Business CEO Vinod Kumar (pictured, bottom right) delivered a bright prognosis for use of 5G in healthcare applications as authorities look to address weaknesses exposed by the Covid-19 (coronvirus) pandemic. In a virtual panel session Kumar predicted 5G to “play a massive part” in the next three-to-five years as authorities seek to improve infrastructure used by their healthcare systems. Kumar noted a significant part of the European Union’s post Covid-19 (coronavirus) recovery fund was earmarked for upgrading healthcare systems, which he believes would include adoption of new technologies. The Vodafone executive predicted 5G "will play a really big part in everything from connected hospitals to patients using 5G at home for telehealth”. “I believe in the next few years there will be a massive change in the landscape because [of] the pressure on the system and weaknesses that were identified during Covid.” Kumar said although “we can always be a bit sceptical about the public sector adopting technology” there was evidence from tenders and discussions with authorities this outlook was changing following the pandemic. Outside of healthcare, the executive pointed to significant 5G opportunities across sectors including media, entertainment and fan experience. However, in a session dominated by discussion on new, innovative use cases such as gaming, he was also quick to highlight the benefits brought by simply improving connectivity for the likes of working remotely and home education.]]> Wed, 22 Sep 2021 12:58:32 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQhc6rD0QGnVB0ZPHFZJLI3I https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiLNQiMl9aSArb9ICM-PHur Iliad Group looked to solidify its presence in Poland through a deal to acquire fixed provider UPC Poland from Liberty Global in a deal worth PLN7 billion ($1.8 billion), adding to its acquisition of mobile operator Play [1] in 2020. The French company stated if the UPC Poland deal is successful, the combined company would become the second-largest telecoms operator in Poland, with combined revenues amounting to €1.96 billion in 2020. Iliad first approached Liberty Global with an indicative offer at the end of July, and the agreed sum represents a multiple of 9.3-times its 2020 EBITA before synergies. The deal will be financed through available cash and will be operated under the Play subsidiary. Illiad added it expects the integration of UPC Poland with Play to support product innovation and investments in fibre networks for B2C and B2B segments, while the operation will serve more than 17 million customers nationwide. Determined The deal is expected to close in H1 2022 after clearance by the relevant authorities. Liberty Global stated separately it will generate $600 million of net cash proceeds from the deal after repaying debt. Iliad CEO Thomas Reynaud commented the company was “determined to invest in next-generation mobile and broadband networks and services”. “This long-term ambition to foster nationwide connectivity will contribute to the digital transformation of the Polish economy and benefit the consumers and businesses with more innovative and comprehensive offers,” Reynaud added. Iliad’s move to bolster its Polish presence comes a few months after founder and controlling shareholder Xavier Niel made a €3.1 billion offer [2] to increase its stake in the company and take it private. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/iliad-targets-poland-in-latest-european-push [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/iliad-founder-moves-closer-to-privatisation-plan]]> Wed, 22 Sep 2021 12:24:58 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiLNQiMl9aSArb9ICM-PHur https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjMbXs59GsbzLG7Iy_4u0x9 Satellite service provider Lynk Global signed its first commercial operator agreements, enabling their customers to connect directly to its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) birds from standard mobile phones. Bahamian operator Aliv and Telecel Centrafrique of the Central African Republic are the two customers, with service to commence in early 2022. Aliv stated Lynk Global will help its customers maintain connectivity during extreme weather and Telecel Centrafrique cited the potential to bridge a digital divide by boosting coverage. Lynk Global co-founder and CEO Charles Miller told Mobile World Live it is in negotiations with operators worldwide, with smaller businesses first because they “can make a decision faster”. Miller explained the strongest interest is from operators covering hard-to-reach areas, with connectivity to the satellites enabled by provisioning SIMs: “We look like a roaming partner”. The company is seeking a US operating licence. Miller noted regulator the Federal Communications Commission is interested in its ability to back-up mobile networks during natural disasters. “We think this could really save a lot of lives”. Lynk Global has two satellites in orbit with two more due to launch soon as it targets a total of 5,000 by 2026. Text only Mobile users can currently send and receive text messages using the satellites. Miller noted voice is possible, but the economics are better for SMS because operators can charge for each. Lynk Global will offer broadband internet once more satellites are launched: more connections now would knock others off the network, Miller explained. He pitched Lynk Global as complementary to SpaceX’s Starlink [1] and OneWeb [2], offering an alternative for people who can’t afford to access their ground stations. “We will never compete head-to-head against Starlink”. “Starlink or OneWeb will always be faster because they have an 18-inch antenna and we use the antenna in your phone”. Vodafone-backed AST SpaceMobile is also working on satellite-to-phone connectivity, winning a deal with Smart Communications [3] in July. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/kddi-selects-starlink-for-rural-backhaul [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/oneweb-fires-up-latest-satellites [3] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/smart-rural-satellite]]> Wed, 22 Sep 2021 12:01:17 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjMbXs59GsbzLG7Iy_4u0x9 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjMbXs59GsbzGnhpmeYcemU In recent years, the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda has made its way to the top of the list of priorities for most organisations. Unsurprisingly, the question of how organisations can support efforts to tackle climate change sits at the centre of many of these ESG discussions and has driven the mobile industry to be one of the first to align itself with the goals of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Green transformation Did you know? In February 2019, the GSMA board, on behalf of the entire industry, set an ambition for the mobile industry to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 [1] at the latest. This ambition has been supported by the launch of science-based pathway and milestone targets, with step-by-step guidance for operators to align their carbon reduction targets to the pathway. This spurred a clear commitment from the industry: as of April, operators representing 65 per cent of the mobile market (by revenues) had committed to science-based targets for carbon reductions and net zero emissions. This is also echoed in our operator survey results [2], where more than 50 per cent of operators surveyed identified sustainability/energy efficiency as extremely important and one of the top network transformation priorities. Some operators have even set ambitious timelines to achieve net zero emissions as early as 2025 or 2030. Against this backdrop, operators are identifying and adopting numerous energy efficiency measures such as use of renewable energy sources, infrastructure-level improvements like new lithium-ion batteries, AI-enabled sleep and wake patterns of BTS to save energy, power efficient equipment, and modernising networks through retiring old and legacy networks. These measures are paving the way for operators to achieve their energy efficiency targets in the net zero journey and they are a reason why green telecom remains in the news on a daily basis. So what? An increasing number of operators are committing to reduced carbon emissions, making progress on their goals and experimenting in the name of further efficiencies. This not only helps to combat climate change, but also has positive opex implications for operators. For a telecom operator, maximum energy consumption happens at the network level, mainly the RAN (ranging from 70 per cent to 90 per cent of total energy consumption), which translates into a bigger slice of network costs allocated towards energy expenses (can be as high as 90 per cent). The energy efficiency measures implemented by operators can therefore drive significant cost savings. But what else does the industry need to do to achieve these targets? Operators work with multitude of partners (infrastructure vendors, third-party data centres and outsourced business operations) to deliver their products and services. It is therefore imperative for all the partners involved to work together, and not in silos, to align and achieve the industry-wide targets of net zero emissions. An overarching framework should bring all of the partners together and align their goals and targets. At the same time, a list of universally agreed KPIs, along with their definition and reporting criteria is important to measure progress and allow an apple to apple comparison for players. The absence of properly-defined KPIs reporting criteria married with erroneous data availability of energy consumed at every point in the network makes things difficult and complex. Done right, this will be a win-win for both the global economy and telecom industry. Related Reading: Going Green: benchmarking the energy efficiency of mobile [3] Energy efficiency in the 5G era: going lean, going green [4] The year of network sunsets Did you know? Network sunsets are also one of the measures used by operators in their energy efficiency initiatives, but also with wide-ranging impacts on device sourcing, roaming agreements, VoLTE rollout and more. The advent of LTE networks also marked the dawn of network sunsets. Starting around 2009/2010 with operators shutting down CDMA networks, the rationale was expansion of 3G networks or support for newer 4G networks. But, it was only around 2015/2016 when operators truly started warming to the concept of network sunsets to support their LTE launch or expansion plans. Now, as 5G goes global, 2021 is the year when we will see the concept gaining full momentum. Compared with 43 networks shutdowns in the last six years, closure of 35 networks will be completed or planned in 2021 alone. In the five year period from 2021-2025, a total of 69 networks from 61 operators are expected to be shut (see chart, below, click to enlarge). [5] So what spurred the growth in network sunsets and what is the one key thing operators need to do right to make a network sunset a success? The decommissioning of legacy networks offers a number of benefits to operators: The spectrum can be refarmed (regulations permitting) for the launch and expansion of new technologies. It contributes to the energy efficiency goals of operators: the standards and infrastructure requirements for newer technologies allow for less energy consumption per bit of data, like with the NR standard of 5G. Legacy networks usually operate in low- and mid-frequency bands while more than 50 per cent of 5G launches have been in the 3.5GHz to 3.7GHz bands, making legacy bands ideal to enhance the coverage and capacity of 4G and 5G networks. Where ageing 2G/3G networks eat up a significant portion of an operator’s opex, the new infrastructure innovations in 4G and 5G, such as open RAN, RIC and cloud-based networks are touted to drive significant opex, thereby presenting a good reason to sunset legacy networks. These benefits conflated with the fact operators in numerous countries still do not have access to 5G-specific spectrum, makes the case for retiring legacy networks to support newer launches and expansions. Sounds like a perfect scenario, right? But, what often gets concealed behind these benefits is the challenges involved in the process. Phasing out a network generation completely is a complex process and usually takes years to complete. Transitioning of retail customers, for example, is still manageable by offering handset subsidies and continuation of existing tariffs, but transitioning enterprise or IoT customers can be a lengthy and difficult process given the reliance on low cost 2G devices and networks. To ensure no hiccups for customers it is imperative an operator undertakes a detailed risk assessment and fully plans for all implications, including new device demands, VoLTE support and so on. The entire transition process needs to be planned carefully while ensuring timely communication with affected customers and the provision of advice and customer support to ensure the smooth transition. Related Reading Spectrum Navigator, Q2 2021: new insights and trends to watch [6] Slow pace of 5G assignments is spurring spectrum refarming [7] Intelligence Brief: What does 2021 hold for network sunsets? [8] All the above analysis is based on news curated by GSMA Intelligence’s team of analysts and taken from their Industry Updates feed, available here [9]. – Radhika Gupta – head of data acquisition, GSMA Intelligence The editorial views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and will not necessarily reflect the views of the GSMA, its Members or Associate Members. [1] https://www.gsma.com/betterfuture/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mobile-Net-Zero-State-of-the-Industry-on-Climate-Action.pdf [2] https://data.gsmaintelligence.com/research/research/research-2021/network-transformation-2021 [3] https://data.gsmaintelligence.com/research/research/research-2021/going-green-benchmarking-the-energy-efficiency-of-mobile [4] https://data.gsmaintelligence.com/research/research/research-2020/energy-efficiency-in-the-5g-era-going-lean-going-green [5] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/GSMAi_network_sunsets.jpg [6] https://data.gsmaintelligence.com/research/research/research-2021/spectrum-navigator-q2-2021-new-insights-and-trends-to-watch [7] https://data.gsmaintelligence.com/research/research/research-2021/slow-pace-of-5g-assignments-is-spurring-spectrum-refarming [8] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/blog/intelligence-brief-what-does-2021-hold-for-network-sunsets [9] https://data.gsmaintelligence.com/signin?returnPath=%2Findustry-updates]]> Wed, 22 Sep 2021 11:40:49 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjMbXs59GsbzGnhpmeYcemU https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjwf8o023ItEK7VFky8BpXO AT&T CTO Andre Fuetsch (pictured) outlined a vision of wireless technology with 100-times the capacity of 5G during the 6G Symposium, an online event. Like 5G, 6G will push radio communications into higher frequency bands, Fuetsch said. The technology “will push the spectrum envelope to the terahertz region, with throughputs 100-times that of 5G”. He added the lower spectrum bands will continue to serve as “the backbone for wide area coverage”. The next generation tech “is almost a decade away, but we need to start defining it now”, Fuetsch said noting AT&T’s leadership role in the Next G Alliance, a group which “intends to drive actions with governments and industry”. Fuetsch said 6G will likely not be part of a 3GPP Release until “after Release 19 or 20”, and will not be commercialised until around 2030. The line between the RAN and core will blur with 6G Fuetsch predicted, as these elements will be collocated in some instances. He described 6G as a “network of networks”, including aerial access points, non-public networks and Wi-Fi integration. End points could include “screen-less skin-wearable devices”. The promise of 6G is an “ambient internet of everything that brings intelligence to living and business environments”. He called for more research into technologies to enable 6G, including volumetric spectrum sharing and efficiency, intermodulation interference, energy management, battery life and “further integration of software communities with standards and processes” to “allow for quicker testing of features”. Fuetsch is a former chair of the O-RAN Alliance. He stressed the need for open architectures, disaggregation of network elements, and interoperability as the industry moves towards the next generation of wireless technology. He said AT&T’s strategy “is to adopt and implement open RAN as technology becomes available”.]]> Wed, 22 Sep 2021 09:59:22 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQjwf8o023ItEK7VFky8BpXO https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiKgy9mLWm60vdczOo_8W9B Fabien Jautard, EVP of the company’s mobile operator business unit, discusses the future of 5G IoT connectivity and security with eSIM.]]> Tue, 21 Sep 2021 18:33:49 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiKgy9mLWm60vdczOo_8W9B https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiKgy9mLWm60u4sICfMfkNm IBM teamed with Airspan Networks to provide open RAN 5G testing to European operators, with plans to update a pair of current sites in Germany and France to cover multi-vendor integration. The plans involve providing a 5G core network at IBM's Global Industry Solution Center (GISC) in Nice. In a statement, the companies explained the goal is to use open RAN to conduct long-distance trials of technologies which will enable private 5G, including edge computing and network slicing. Airspan Networks will provide the indoor radio units, and open RAN Centralised Unit and Distributed Unit. It is also supplying 5G-connected customer premise equipment to operators seeking to test use cases. The 5G open RAN collaboration builds on previous technology testing initiatives in Europe by both companies. IBM announced an Open RAN Centre of Excellence in Spain in 2020, and Airspan Networks opened a 5G Innovation Lab in the UK in May. The move expands on recent IBM operator deals in the US, including constructing a hybrid cloud-platform to underpin Verizon's core 5G network and a deal with Dish Network [1]. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/ibm-joins-dish-network-vendor-list]]> Tue, 21 Sep 2021 18:33:48 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiKgy9mLWm60u4sICfMfkNm https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiP0qSNdmNJ9GFk24e89-qg Telkom South Africa told shareholders it was assessing a separate company listing for a business housing its mast and tower assets, with a final decision on the move expected by the end of its financial year in March 2022. In a Johannesburg Stock Exchange announcement the operator said it researched several options for the unit before making its decision to investigate a listing. The tower business operates as Swiftnet and has been running as a separate company for more than three years. Swiftnet owns and operates 6,200 towers in South Africa. It supplies various telecommunications services including passive mobile infrastructure, in-building coverage systems and small cells to its parent company and third parties. Any proceeds will be used by Telkom to reinvest in its core business and “rebase the balance sheet”. Telkom was the third-largest of five operators in South Africa by connections at end-Q2 on almost 16 million, GSMA Intelligence data showed. It is currently switching its CEO, with Serame Taukobong set to take over from incumbent Sipho Maseko in June 2022 following a handover period of almost nine months. Telkom is one of many operators around the globe assessing their passive infrastructure assets [1] with a spate of sales to investment companies [2] and spin-off businesses taking place in recent years. [1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/vantage-european-tower-ma [2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/telkom-indonesia-subsidiaries-strike-tower-deal]]> Tue, 21 Sep 2021 17:36:51 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQiP0qSNdmNJ9GFk24e89-qg https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQilsfp-cHHRXeQEmsPXZ5C9 US energy giant Chevron expanded its mobile services through a deal with m-commerce platform provider P97 Networks covering almost 8,000 petrol stations in the country. Chevron Products tapped P97 Networks to provide mobile payments for fuel and charging electric vehicles, along with personalised offers and marketing campaigns. The energy company explained in a statement the work aimed to “enhance its mobile apps” by preparing a network of more than 7,800 own-brand and Texaco petrol stations for future developments around contactless payments. Chevron senior manager of Americas marketing Harry Hazen stated the company is “dedicated” to providing retail products which deliver “a premium consumer experience” through “consistency, speed, consumer value and security”. The energy company already collaborates with Venmo and PayPal for mobile payments, and explored connected car options with Honda Innovations. Don Frieden, P97 Networks founder and CEO, highlighted the company’s long experience in developing “secure, cloud-based mobile commerce and digital marketing”. On its website, P97 Networks claimed to be the first to deliver a system capable of handling payment methods spanning credit and debit cards, mobile wallets and the US Automated Clearing House transfer system “without requiring additional hardware” at fuel pumps.]]> Tue, 21 Sep 2021 17:15:10 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/IpNUjknbAQilsfp-cHHRXeQEmsPXZ5C9