Press release

Enterprises deploying private networks set to benefit from software agent to automate IoT SIM and eSIM connectivity into and out of their network.

International connectivity and global IoT enabler BICS has partnered with Able Device, a pioneer in SIM-based mobile device application technology. The partnership will add SIMbae™, Able Device’s software agent for SIM and eSIMs, to BICS’ ecosystem of IoT services to make it easier for devices to switch between private and public networks on a global scale.

This technology will be invaluable to enterprises as they look to deploy private networks. Traditionally, devices moving between a private and public network would have to switch networks manually – often causing performance issues for M2M and IoT applications. Instead, SIMbae™ – an applet – sits on top of a SIM or eSIM and expands its capabilities to include things like swapping to stronger connections automatically as well as additional security features such as debugging and encryption.

“This partnership is another exciting development in the enterprise IoT space”, says Divya Ghai Wakankar, VP Enterprise Market and Marketing. “BICS’ IoT solution already makes device activation and connection effortless for its enterprise customers. Now the powerful combination with Able Device’s applet software harmonizes seamless mobility of next generation connected devices”.

Historically, SIMs have had limited value by nature of being passive processors that require external input to trigger a predefined function. SIMbae™ on the other hand represents a new generation of SIM cards, transforming them into active processors in IoT systems that don’t rely on external input. For enterprises, this is a unique technology piece that automates the more technical telecommunications aspects of the IoT and private networks – reducing the barriers to implementation.

“We’re very proud to be to be working with BICS to address the global market for enterprise mobility solutions”, said Roger Dewey, CEO of Able Device. “Our agreement illustrates the benefits and utility of SIMbae across the connected device solution value chain.”

BICS’ all-in-one IoT solution helps businesses reduce complexity when deploying global IoT solutions by managing the connection, control, and optimization of the SIM ecosystem through its “SIM for Things” platform. BICS supports IoT connectivity and roaming with its backbone network across over 200 countries, making it easy for businesses to connect IoT devices anywhere in the world.

As the use of connected devices by enterprises grows increasingly global and complex, BICS and Able Device aim to remove complexity for businesses and improve the performance of IoT applications through intelligent applications and an open global ecosystem for SIM and eSIM technology.

About BICS

As a leading communications platform company, BICS is connecting the world by creating reliable and secure mobile experiences anytime, anywhere. We are a global voice carrier and the leading provider of mobile data services worldwide. Our solutions are essential for supporting the modern lifestyle of today’s device-hungry consumer – from global mobile connectivity, seamless roaming experiences, fraud prevention and authentication, to global messaging and the Internet of Things. We are headquartered in Brussels, with a strong presence in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe and Middle East.

For more information visit www.bics.com

About Able Device

Able Device is a provider of technology for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), IoT Service Providers, and mobile IoT device OEMs. Its flagship product SIMbae™ (short for “SIM based application engine”) enables hosting of IoT device controls and applications on standard SIMs. In this new architecture, the SIM is transformed to an intelligent independent processor. Based in Raleigh, NC, Able Device serves a global customer base.

For more information visit www.abledevice.com

Matteo Gatta, CEO of BICS will be joining the opening keynote panel at Total Telecom Congress on 1st November on “Building the modern telco”. Able Device will also be showcasing their innovative solutions on the Exhibition Floor. To find out how to join Matteo, Able Device and 1,000 senior connectivity leaders in London, head to the event website.

The post BICS and Able Device partner to simplify enterprise IoT first appeared on Total Telecom.

News

Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has struck a new partnership with the Snowdonia Aerospace Centre to explore the use of 4G and 5G drones to deliver emergency services in remote locations

The UK’s national parks are some of the most celebrated locations in the country, attracting millions of visitors every year to bask in their natural glory. But despite their popularity, many of these regions are lacking in crucial connectivity, particularly in some of their most mountainous areas, where deploying infrastructure is a challenge. This lack of connectivity represents a significant challenge for emergency services, with visitors often unable to contact help when lost or injured in the parks.

The scale of this problem should not be underestimated. Recent research from VMO2 indicates that 73% of British people have walked or hiked in a national park in 2022, with 31% saying they feared being unable to contact anyone if they got lost. The study also suggested that the number of Brits visiting these parks could soon increase, with 36% of respondents saying they would consider visiting a national park due to its inexpensive nature during the cost-of-living crisis.

Now, VMO2 is joining forces with the Snowdonia Aerospace Centre to test the latter’s ‘Dragon’ Unmanned Aircraft System as a potential flying base station, able to deliver 4G and 5G to visitors and emergency services.

The Dragon drone will not only be a relatively cheap and environmentally friendly way to provide connectivity to visitors but will also help provide emergency services with more precise location data for visitors in need of rescue, as well as picture sharing and video call capabilities. In some cases, this will allow lost visitors to be guided back to safety without the need to send out rescue personnel.

“Mountain Rescue is a volunteer service and there is only so much resource we have available to us. With more and more people visiting Snowdonia each year, a drone with mobile connectivity would be a powerful tool for the search and rescue teams to understand and assess a situation immediately, saving crucial time in life-threatening situations,” explained Paul Terry a Police Sergeant in the North Wales Police Drone Unit and Mountain Rescue volunteer.

“This project is a further example of how 5G technologies can provide real societal benefits for people around the UK, wherever they are. This trial could transform how emergency services operate and react to life-threatening situations, and make people feel safer while enjoying national parks,” explained Kirsty Bright, Director of Network Innovation and Transformation at VMO2. “We’ve already run our first successful test flights at the Llanbedr airport with the Snowdonia Aerospace team and look forward to demonstrating how it can support mountain rescue teams across Snowdonia.”

This drone project is currently funded by the Innovate UK Future Flight Challenge and a Department for Transport Drone Technology Research and Innovation Grant. In addition to VMO2 and Snowdonia Aerospace, the project also includes SwiftFlight Avionics, Wavemobile, and the Welsh Government.

VMO2 has been testing drones in an emergency services context for a while now, last year partnering with Swiss company Fotokite to trial 5G-connected tethered drones. These drones do not need a specialist operator and can fly 45 metres above an emergency site, providing emergency responders with live video feed of the surrounding area.

What role will 5G play in enabling drones for emergency services and beyond? Join the operators in discussion at this year’s live Total Telecom Congress

Also in the news:
How smart city technology is transforming Sunderland
Vodafone announces flurry of Open RAN partnerships
Saudi Public Investment Firm seeks majority stake in STC towerco

The post VMO2 to test emergency services drones in Snowdonia first appeared on Total Telecom.

Broadband ISP and mobile operator Virgin Media and O2 (VMO2) has teamed up with the Snowdonia Aerospace Centre in Wales to trial 4G and 5G connected drones, which in an emergency could be deployed to help create a temporary airborne mobile network for both visitors and emergency services (Mountain Rescue). The trials are exploring how […]

Box Broadband, which is owned (majority stake) by CommunityFibre (here) and presently rolling out a gigabit speed Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network across parts of South East England (e.g. Surrey and Sussex), has today announced the appointment of Nathan Vautier to be its new Divisional CEO. Vautier replaces Graham Sargood, who is stepping down from the CEO […]

At Connected Britain 2022, ACOME, a French industrial and cooperative company specializing in FTTH Telecom Infrastructure (cable and connectivity) launched The Nanomodule. Designed to reduce the Total Cost of Ownership of aerial deployment by 30%, especially in rural areas, this new cable structure has been hailed as an innovation breakthrough in helping altnets against fibre roll-out inflation.

We spoke to Xavier Renard, Telecom Business Unit Marketing Director at ACOME Group to find out how they are tackling roll-out inflation in the UK market.

For more information on ACOME’s latest innovation,  please visit https://www.acome.com/en/newsroom/telecom-networks-and-ftth/connected-britain-2022-acome-launched-its-counter-inflationary

The post ACOME launches breakthrough innovation against roll-out inflation: The Nanomodule first appeared on Total Telecom.

The Conservative MP, Robert Halfon, has proposed a new Private Members Bill that seeks to clampdown on utility providers (broadband ISPs, energy etc.) and “certain other services” that run telephone support lines, specifically those that make it difficult or force you to wait for ages before being able to speak with a human. The bill, […]

Contributed Article

By Ladan Pickering, Professional Services 5G Practice Lead, Fujitsu

Adoption of Open RAN infrastructure is heating up, with analysts predicting it will account for more than 5 percent of the overall RAN market this year. As a result, network operators are looking forward to promised improvements in operational efficiency and resiliency due to the freedom to choose the best vendors for each function or service from across the ecosystem. Yet in reality, multivendor network integration is not a simple matter of plug-and-play, despite industry standards and defined O-RAN ALLIANCE interoperability parameters.

As with any network deployment, system integration and testing is an important part of deployment and provisioning. However, unlike legacy proprietary infrastructure, a network built with hardware, virtual infrastructure and networking software from multiple vendors across open interfaces significantly complicates set-up, testing and performance verification. Add in the complexity of the disaggregated 5G New Radio (NR) vRAN architecture, and Open RAN system integration becomes quite challenging and time-consuming.

Facing the Facts

Deployment and integration of an Open RAN network requires a deep engineering knowledge of Open RAN specifications, 3GPP standards, virtualization, RAN transport and software. Challenges range from integration of open interfaces across multivendor infrastructure and various software versions, to dealing with security risks, and integrating the RAN into the service management and orchestration framework — not to mention the management of a large supply chain with varying lead times, which has become particularly convoluted since COVID.

Of all the moving parts involved in O-RAN system integration, arguably, interoperability testing is the pivotal component for success. Failure to conduct sufficient validation testing impacts not only network performance and quality of service (QoS), but also slows build-out and reduces competitive advantage, delaying return on investment (ROI).

Of course, in an open network there is no single vendor to be accountable, so all of the work and responsibility falls on the network operator and a third-party system integrator. In some cases, vendors will have different interpretations of the O-RAN standards, so both the operator and system integrator need a deep knowledge of the standards in order to solve network issues. Integrators possessing that deep knowledge base will be able to work with vendors to create alternate solutions and resolve conflicts.

From lab testing of integrated software and components before roll-out, to field testing of operability and performance before turn-up, the entire process of validating interoperability has become so complex that a traditional manual testing approach is no longer efficient or feasible. At this point, test automation is critical to ensuring interoperability and performance in an open, multivendor network, enabling operators to fully realize the promise of Open RAN.

Furthermore, by introducing automation, network operators can radically improve efficiency of operations and better manage the entire O-RAN lifecycle, from deployment to service delivery. Since most of today’s RAN infrastructure is virtualized, continuous O-RAN software delivery across commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware adds value to the network with new features and capabilities. This continuous improvement facilitates increasingly automated RAN operations, making traditional manual testing of the network nearly impossible.

Automate, Instantiate, Repeat

As network operators transition to 5G architectures, a considerable amount of capital is being invested in new spectrum licenses, infrastructure, RAN deployment, software and cloud expenses in order to keep the network operational. A number of new over the top (OTT) applications running on the network benefit from advanced network technologies; however, operators are not benefiting from OTT revenue in proportion to their investments.

The O-RAN architecture defines the non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Non-RT RIC) and near real-time RIC (Near-RT RIC) to allow third-party applications to run in the network infrastructure instead of OTT. Plus, integration of the Near-RT RIC with xAPPs allows low-latency and RAN optimization applications to run at the edge of the network, in addition to multi-access edge computing (MEC) applications.

RIC and x/rAPPs allow operators to host multivendor, revenue-generating applications in a cloud-native environment to unleash the full potential of an intelligent network leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Yet before new software applications can be introduced, network engineers need to instantiate the software, and then validate its quality and integrity. With RAN automation, a disaggregated test engine can be created to automate software testing across the network.

This decentralized pipeline can perform multiple tests across various topologies, with a test engine instantiated on the edge of the network, or automatically instantiated from the cloud. The test engine detects software delivery and automatically instantiates the correct set of test cases by accessing physical or container-based components.

In this way, network operators can take advantage of continuous software delivery to increase revenue opportunities and optimize network performance without increasing operational costs. With time, the AI/ML engine will automatically narrow down the root cause of problems and potentially repair faults.

Catalyst for Change

The transition to Open RAN architecture is sparking a catalyst for change and innovation, offering greater flexibility, efficiency, programmability and cost reductions. Operators will see these benefits from disaggregation, once the networks are operational and low-cost, revenue-generating applications have been deployed. In the meantime, however, the challenges of service assurance and interoperability testing across open interfaces also bring the need for increased coordination, diligence and transparency. There is no time for a ‘plug-and-pray’ strategy.

Network operators need to fully understand and accept the complexities so they can proactively take control of integrating and validating disaggregated infrastructure from multiple vendors. But they don’t have to face the future alone, because the Open RAN ecosystem is built on shared specifications, use cases, reference architectures and test cases developed with a variety of system integrators and vendor partners.

As today’s network becomes ever more complex, increasing reliance on network test automation is no longer optional; it is the key to enabling the next step in Open RAN evolution. Because getting off to a poor start with Open RAN 5G roll-out not only means that short-term RAN health and QoS will suffer, but long-term network growth and profitability will be in serious jeopardy as well.

***

Ladan Pickering is the Professional Services 5G Practice Lead at Fujitsu. Her areas of expertise include cloud-native O-RAN test automation, near real-time RAN Intelligent Controller, and xAPPs for operational efficiency and revenue generation. She has held a variety of positions at Fujitsu and other communications network companies, including software strategist, system engineer, technical lead, and technology specialist. Ladan has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of North Texas, and a master’s degree in computer architecture from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She holds three patents.

Want to hear the latest developments in the Open RAN debate? Join the operators in discussion at this year’s live Total Telecom Congress in London

 

 

 

The post How to take O-RAN to the next level first appeared on Total Telecom.

Mobile operator EE (BT) has announced that they’ve begun to rollout Ericsson’s new ultra-lightweight Antenna-Integrated Radio (AIR 3268) hardware to more than 1,000 UK sites, which is smaller and lighter than existing antennas, uses up to 40% less energy and should deliver better 5G (mobile broadband) speeds and coverage. At just 12kg and with 200W […]

Interview

In challenging times, Telcos have a responsibility to contribute to society in a meaningful and positive way. Babak Fouladi, Chief Technology and Digital Officer at KPN talks to Total Telecom about the role of the Telco in modern society and why we should take a solution-focused approach to using technology to address global challenges.

Can you tell us about your role as Chief Digital & Technology Officer at KPN? 

As Board member and Chief Technology and Digital Officer I’m responsible for the quality, security and reliability of the fixed and mobile networks of KPN. In addition, I’m working on the technological innovation of our company and the digitisation of processes and services. My position already indicates in which direction KPN is heading since CTO is currently still the standard name in the industry for people who have ultimately responsibility for ICT in a company. But technology is increasingly about digitisation, about digital connectivity. The future of KPN is also digital, a vision that we emphasise down to board level. 

What does the term “modern telco” mean to KPN? 

An important driver of digitisation is connectivity. A modern Telco therefore relies on the latest and best technology available. With 5G as mobile technology and with fast fibre optics, the promises of digitisation can also be substantiated. Strong infrastructure may sound ‘’old school’’ but it remains the key foundation of a modern telco. In KPN, we do not only invest in the technology, also in the services we offer. This service layer on top of the physical technology has three pillars: The first is ‘digital inside’. In order to propagate digitisation as a vision, you as an organisation have to act and think digitally. For us, this concerns the transformation of connectivity and services in this area to a fully digitised variant. It also concerns the digitisation of our own processes, of our instruments. The second pillar is ‘digital outside’. Looking at digitisation through the eyes of the customer. What are their needs in this area, what are they asking for? It’s not just about ‘one-click service’. It is also about how their data is handled. They need to be confident that their privacy will not be violated, that their data is safe and that they are in control of it. Finally, pillar three concerns the digital services themselves. You think and are digital yourself, you have digital interaction with your customers, but you also have to substantiate this with the right digital services and content, whether personalised or not. 

From your perspective, how do telcos need to evolve to remain competitive in the modern connectivity ecosystem? 

In my opinion telco’s will remain competitive with the best possible connectivity, with differentiated services and with an outstanding digital customer experience. That’s why our plan at KPN is to further accelerate the rollout of our next-generation fibre network to cover the majority of households and businesses in the Netherlands in the coming years. The importance of connectivity has never been stronger than today. Working from home has become the norm. Therefore, the need for fast and reliable Internet is greater than ever and that’s why this is 

key in our strategy; to ensure the Dutch society stays connected and will drive the digitisation of services across sectors – from healthcare to education. 

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges that telcos will need to overcome in the next 12-18 months? 

Of course Telcos and the rest of the world currently face some big challenges. For instance the current global conflicts, record high inflation, rising energy costs and extending delivery times from suppliers. Also the security part of our networks and services will remain an issue. A connected society has huge advantages, but is also extremely vulnerable. When digital systems don’t function well the consequences are serious. Raising awareness and improving the security of digital life should increasingly becoming a clear part of our mission. After all, a sustainable future must, first and foremost, be a safe and secure one. But also the raising uncertainty and complexity of the world today, with the current situation in Ukraine, the Covid-19 pandemic and the climate change issue. 

I also like to think in solutions, instead of in challenges. We as Telcos can contribute to solutions to combat some of these major issues. Our networks support massive digitisation, essential in crisis situations since online access is often the only door to the outside world and contact with others. And we enable people to work from home, study online or continue doing business. And the digital infrastructure contributes to the global economy and to keeping healthcare and education affordable. And digitisation is more and more important as accelerator for sustainability. 

Sustainability is a key strategic priority for KPN. As CTDO, what are the key sustainability goals and challenges that you’re working on currently? 

We see every day as a chance to do better. Such as playing our part in tackling the climate issue. We have set Sustainability at the heart of our operations and thinking. We are a leading Telco in sustainability across the world. Our operations have been climate neutral since 2015 and we are on track to have 55% energy consumption saving by 2030 and net-zero emissions in 2040. We see further future energy savings by our network modernisation, for instance by switching from copper to fibre and by phasing out older generation technologies such as 3G or ISDN and transferring customers and services to new-generation technologies. Reducing our own footprint is key, but through our networks and digital services we enable customers and society at large to reduce their footprint via our ICT-services. In the past year, our customers jointly saved more than three times the amount of energy that was needed to keep our networks running, just by using our digital services. 

What are you looking forward to at Total Telecom Congress next month? 

As a telecom sector, we have made billions of virtual meetings possible with our networks and services in recent Covid-19 years. We no longer have to fly to New York for a meeting. Meanwhile, I don’t believe in a world that fully consists of virtual contact, because it’s so nice to speak and see some colleagues again. That’s why I look forward to sharing ideas and best practices on how we as a telecom industry continue to contribute the society.

Babak will be joining the opening keynote session on 1st November at Total Telecom Congress on “Building the modern telco”. For more information on how to attend, head to the event website.

The post The future of KPN is digital first appeared on Total Telecom.

Broadband, mobile and energy provider Utility Warehouse (Telecom Plus) has today announced that they’ve extended and expanded upon their existing UK wholesale supply agreement with ISP TalkTalk, which looks as if it will give UW access to the provider’s growing range of alternative full fibre (FTTP) networks. Utility Warehouse, which is home to a UK […]