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 […]

SpaceX has informed customers that they’ve launched a new variant of their Starlink for RVs (Recreational Vehicles / Motorhomes) product via their constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) based ultrafast broadband ISP satellites, which includes new hardware that enables the service to be used while in-motion. Starlink’s network currently has around 3,200 LEO satellites in […]

With traditional revenue streams failing to deliver substantial growth, telcos must leverage their networks to find new opportunities beyond their normal scope – but where does the hunt begin?

In this age of 5G and gigabit fibre, the dynamics of the telecoms industry are rapidly evolving. New technologies are offering new opportunities, enabling use cases and business models that were unthinkable just a few short years ago. From the rise of private networks, allowing telcos to offer bespoke solutions to enterprises and industries, to the emerging field of extended reality, there are no shortage of new revenue streams for telcos to maximise.

But as the opportunities for telcos increase, so too does their competition. Hyperscalers, cloud players, software specialists, hardware vendors – all of these and more are moving circumvent the telcos, increasingly offering their own solutions directly to enterprise customers.

So, how can telcos differentiate themselves and bring customers more meaningful, personalised services? Ultimately, how can they go beyond simple connectivity to better engage their partners and customers?

On the morning of Day 2 of Total Telecom Congress, the opening keynote panel session will discuss these fascinating topics, exploring the lessons from the industry’s successes so far and what must be done to ensure success in the future.

“The session will be incredibly valuable to attendees because it’s about what we need to do now in practice to be successful in 2023 and beyond. And it is not just ‘more of the same’”, explained Andrew Collinson, Executive Director & Chief Research Officer of STL Partners and moderator of the upcoming session.

“This is a critical time for the industry. Customers face urgent challenges in the global economy, in security and sustainability. Telecoms can take key roles beyond connectivity in addressing these challenges, and others too – but it is a choice. My view is that if they don’t choose to do more, they will become increasingly marginalised as the industry becomes increasingly modular and cloudified, and other players will do more of the things that customers value. And the world will be a worse place for it, too.

I am excited about finding out from the presenters (and attendees) what key steps we need to take now – and what lessons they’ve learned that helped them succeed.”

Panellists

Willem Brinkert, Co-Founder, RegioHELP

Henri Korpi, EVP International Digital Services, Elisa

Shaima Alhamed, Chief Commercial Officer, BNET Bahrain Network

Antonio Ivankovic, Chief Commercial Officer, GO Plc

 

Total Telecom Congress will take place in the Business Design Centre, London, on the 1st–2nd November. Check out the agenda and book your place today.

 

The post Going beyond connectivity: A Total Telecom Congress keynote teaser first appeared on Total Telecom.

News

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has awarded an operating licence to Malcel, with the new mobile player eying a commercial launch in October 2023

With only two mobile network operators (MNOs), Airtel Malawi and Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM), the Malawi telecoms sector has been struggling to introduce competition for almost 20 years.

This week the hunt for a third operator is finally over, with MACRA officially licencing Malcel to provide mobile services throughout the country.

The new operator, founded by CEO Bonface Ndawala, says it will invest over $280 million into the country in the next five years, aiming to roll out over 1,300 sites in both urban and rural areas during this period.

The infrastructure rollout itself will begin later this year, with the company targeting a commercial launch is for October 2023.

Malcel is majority owned (60%) by Eferio Communications, a Scandinavian telco group focussing on launching local mobile network operators, mobile virtual network enablers, and mobile virtual network operators in Sub-Saharan Africa. The remaining 40% equityis split between investment firm Bedrock Holdings (30%) and local and international stakeholders (10%).

“Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Malcel for successfully acquiring the mobile network licence, it is my hope that this will induce competition in the telecommunications industry which will level the playing field and yield effective communication services for the ICT consumer,” said Malawi’s Minister of Information, Gospel Kazako. “I urge Malcel to roll out their services with speed as consumers are anxious to see new services […] My plea to Malcel is that you must not get into the trap of concentrating your operations in urban areas because rural people also need ICT services.”

The company has also registered the mobile money firm MCASH within the country, presumably indicating Malcel’s intent to fight for a share of this burgeoning market against its rivals existing services, TNM Mpamba and Airtel Money Malawi.

In related news, MACRA has also awarded an operating licence to SpaceX’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite subsidiary Starlink, with the company having applied for permission back in February.

Malawi will join Nigeria and Mozambique among the first African nations to give the LEO satellite service the green light.

As connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa continues to improve, the role of the continent’s telcos is becoming more diverse, from providing mobile banking services to business support. Join the operators in discussion on the intricacies of the African market 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 Newcomer Malcel set to break mobile duopoly in Malawi first appeared on Total Telecom.