Startup Story

Developing workforce skills is an ongoing issue for CSP’s. LabLabee have developed the first telco cloud interactive learning platform, enabling employees to gain the skills they need while saving money, effort, headaches, and months of time. LabLabee partners with you and helps you prepare the migration of telco to the cloud, with dedicated and tailored labs without any client constraints. This is their Startup Story.

Tell us about your start up
LabLabee is an interactive, on-demand, and gamified telco cloud-based skills platform. Telco cloud is a new solution revolutionizing how applications are created, delivered and how the world communicates.

As “Learning Catalysers”, LabLabee believes its role is to make learning and training on these technologies easier, more accessible and more attractive for both students and professionals.
Theory has never been enough and that is why LabLabee promises to deliver real-world practice with real-world use cases, built, validated and reviewed by telco cloud experts. The problem is global, and we are a SaaS platform

What is your USP?
Today if you want a lab, you have to buy very expensive hardware and you have to add cost of installation and maintenance

What is your relationship with the telecom sector?
We are helping telcos and industrials to adopt Telco Cloud through an online virtual skills platform

How have you got to your current stage of development?
LabLabee has recently announced their first funding round. Details are here

Why did you establish the business?
We faced the issue to get labs in Telco multiple times as engineer, manager and expert. If you compare with computer science, if you want to start in python dev you can get online terminal and start to work with use cases, in Telco it is quick difficult

What does the future hold for your business
Create a marketplace of virtual labs in Telco Cloud space, you can compare between the 5G of Nokia and Huawei from one single platform

COMPANY CV
HEADQUARTERS: Paris
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 15 (Global)
LAST FUNDING TYPE: Preseed 1.4M – Lead brighteye
URL: https://www.lablabee.com/
FOUNDERS:
Samir Tahraoui
Mahfoud Sidi Ali Mebarek

You can meet LabLabee in the Startup Village at Total Telecom Congress in London, 1-2 November 2022. To confirm your seat for the event visit www.totaltele.com/congress

The post Startup Stories: addressing the skills gap by practicing telco cloud technologies anywhere first appeared on Total Telecom.

Contributed Article

by Brendan O’Reilly, Group CTO, BAI Communications 

Imagine you are driving to an important meeting. You receive an alert on your smartphone about an incident ahead and are prompted to take an alternate route to avoid it. Traffic light sensors connected to a centralised traffic management platform automatically adjust traffic lights to ease congestion and manage traffic flow. As you approach your destination you are alerted of occupancy levels of nearby parking stations and directed to the one with the most availability. Despite the unexpected detour, you arrive with time to spare.  

This is just one example of smart community applications in action. Imagine what the impact could be if we rollout more technologies to create truly connected communities.  

As the appetite for smart applications grows, our smart communities report 2022,’The building blocks of smarter, more connected communities’ observes that network infrastructure remains a critical challenge for organisations today. If not addressed, urban centres risk losing talent and investors, as well as economic competitiveness.  

So, how can we overcome these challenges to achieve smart communities? 

Understand the barriers holding us back  

According to our research, inadequate foundational network infrastructure, as cited by 89% of respondents, poor awareness of potential partners, with 87% rating it as a challenge, and insufficient funding are three key barriers preventing businesses from investing in smart communities. 

The consensus is that improved connectivity infrastructure is useful for solving a range of business challenges, however, this does not always translate into necessary network upgrades. Many businesses choose to continue using older generations of infrastructure, and then leapfrog multiple generations at once. 

This ‘wait and leap’ strategy puts them in a more difficult position later, having to maintain older networks and navigate cost and technology barriers when jumping ahead multiple generation upgrades.  

New technologies are key to moving forward 

While many organisations are putting off network upgrades, they understand the need to adopt new technologies. Specifically, respondents believe Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and small cells will help increase public connectivity across buildings, factories, and campuses; and 74% cite better speed and latency as the primary driver for improving their networks. 

BAI’s research highlights how the neutral host model offers significant benefits to organisations, with virtually all respondents believing shared infrastructure is relevant to meeting their connectivity objectives of servicing multiple networks, enabling coverage in areas with limited space and increasing coverage at lower costs. 

That said, bringing together all the technologies in an advanced ecosystem is a complex matter. We need to find ways to ensure a coordinated effort between various stakeholders to build connected and intelligent communities. 

 

Shared infrastructure partners can take the lead  

Neutral hosting partners can help bridge these gaps. By drawing on their expertise, they can bring together the right players to enable smart community transformations that enhance business outcomes, support local governments, and improve the lives of residents.  

For instance, in 2021 BAI signed a 20-year strategic partnership with Sunderland City Council to design, build and operate a next-generation 5G network based on a neutral host model. The network is already supporting business growth and innovation – in smart manufacturing, for example, where Connected and Automated Logistics (CAL) is improving efficiency, competitiveness and increasing investment and export opportunities. Also, 5G is supporting advanced research around Internet of Things (IoT) and digital technologies at the University of Sunderland.  

While connected technology can enable a seamless journey from A to B for some, there is still legacy, network challenges to overcome to deliver widespread benefits to citizens around the world. Many are eager to move ahead with new technologies and solutions, but creating smart communities is a group effort. It requires continued private‑public partnerships with investments and contributions from local businesses, governments, and network infrastructure providers to enable truly transformational smart communities.  

BAI refers to BAI Communications, a leading provider of shared communications infrastructure. For more insights on how to deliver ubiquitous connectivity for smart and intuitive communities, read our full report here. 

Also in the news:
Optus confirms 2.1 million customers affected by cyberattack
Cloud Metro: Reimagining metro networks for sustainable business growth
Vodafone UK and Three confirm talks over a potential merger

The post Three building blocks to realising smart communities   first appeared on Total Telecom.

NEWS

The deal will see Cellnex launch a new business unit, Cellnex UK In-Building Solutions (CUKIS), led by Herbert In-Building Wireless (HiBW)’s director Tim Loynes

This week, Cellnex has announced a new deal to expand its Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) business in the UK, spending an undisclosed sum to acquire DAS specialist HiBW.

HiBW is part of the Herbert Retail Group, with a DAS portfolio that includes “high-profile clients from across the communications, healthcare, pharmaceutical, and government industries”, according to the company press release.

The deal will see HiBW combined with Cellnex UK’s existing DAS portfolio, notably including their deployment at Manchester City football club’s Etihad Stadium, creating a new business unit known as CUKIS.

The newly formed CUKIS will be led by HiBW’s director Tim Loynes and will handle all of Cellnex UK’s and HiBW’s combined DAS operations.

“I’m really excited about the growth opportunities the acquisition of HiBW will create for our customers and for us,” said David Crawford, Managing Director, Cellnex UK.  “By combining HiBW’s agility and diverse customer portfolio with our current strong DAS business and ability to scale, Cellnex UK will be able to provide best-in-class solutions across all industries. I look forward to welcoming Tim and his team on board and growing our business together.”

Cellnex’s increasing focus on DAS and small cell connectivity should come as no surprise. While mobile tower infrastructure – the heart of Cellnex’s international portfolio – is naturally an integral part of the mobile ecosystem, the nature of 5G spectrum means that macro deployments alone will struggle to provide coverage to indoor locations, where the majority of 5G’s usage will take place.

As such, the role of small cells and DAS will naturally increase in the years to come, with Cellnex seeking its fair share of the pie via CUKIS.

“Together as CUKIS, we have all the components to deliver a market-leading DAS offering to enterprises,” explained Tim Loynes as new director of CUKIS. “I look forward to getting started and driving real growth for our customers and MNO partners.”

In related news, Cellnex UK recently announced a new partnership with CPI to create a new 5G testbed focussed on commercialising IoT solutions for the healthcare sector.

Want to learn more about the role of DAS and small cells in the evolution of 5G? Join the experts in discussion at this year’s live Total Telecom Congress event

Also in the news:
Optus confirms 2.1 million customers affected by cyberattack
Cloud Metro: Reimagining metro networks for sustainable business growth
Vodafone UK and Three confirm talks over a potential merger

The post Cellnex continues UK expansion with Herbert In-Building Wireless acquisition first appeared on Total Telecom.

Belfast-based broadband ISP Fibrus, which is deploying a new gigabit-capable full fibre (FTTP) network across Northern Ireland and Northern England, appears to be working with a growing number of estate agents in their deployment areas in order to help make home buyers aware of their growing network coverage. Customers of the service typically pay from […]

Contributed Article 

By Lyca Mobile Chairman, Subaskaran Allirajah

The cost-of-living crisis has delivered another blow to the UK consumer after two and a half tough years.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics reported inflation of 9.9% for the 12 months ending August 2022, as prices across the board continue to rise. People across the UK are facing soaring bills and consumers are looking for value wherever they can to keep household costs as low as possible. Yet, as Brits enjoyed the first full summer holiday season post-pandemic, the reintroduction of roaming charges when travelling in the EU by many providers is yet another unwelcome hit to household expenses.

Rising data costs is set to change the way we use our phones abroad

These additional charges are not insignificant. For a family of four travelling to Europe on a two-week holiday, roaming fees could add more than £100 in costs. And the reintroduction of these charges is not going unnoticed.

To understand the problem, we recently surveyed over 1,000 contract customers at four of the UK’s leading telecommunications companies. The numbers underlined that many consumers are looking to limit the amount of data they use when on holiday to bring down costs.

More than two in five plan to rely solely on Wi-Fi on holiday, while 11% plan to go off-grid altogether. What’s more, we expect to see a rise in the purchase of local SIM cards, with 19% of people considering buying them abroad, even though three in four have not bought local SIM cards before.

EU roaming charges are stopping people from being able to stay connected when travelling, threatening the possibility of a significant mobile usage drop. However, it is not just changing behaviours that operators reintroducing roaming charges need to be concerned about.

Consumers will vote with their feet when it comes to cost

Our research also showed that the implementation of roaming fees is likely to make consumers consider abandoning their current provider in search of a better deal.

While almost two thirds (65%) of Brits blame the current cost of living crisis as the economic factor making them most likely to reconsider their phone contract, 44% also said that the return of roaming charges makes them question if they should switch providers.

Further, over a third (36%) stated that free roaming tariffs offered by alternative providers outside of the big four UK operators would prompt them to switch.

As the country is set to enter a potential recession and a biting cost of living crisis, seeking value is going to be the number one priority for customers. Being able to stay in touch with loved ones and enjoy the benefits of connectivity is vital, which is why Lyca Mobile has remained committed to not reintroducing EU roaming charges and continues to double-down on providing great value packages that make household budgets go further.

Customers shouldn’t pay a loyalty tariff

We’ve all become used to free roaming in the UK – it’s all most of us can remember. Changing this, particularly amidst the current cost of living crisis, is likely to land like a lead balloon – and operators can expect the impacts to be significant. Currently, customer loyalty simply isn’t being rewarded in the mobile sector, and for many, roaming charges are likely to be the final straw. After years of steady price rises, roaming is the latest in a long list of hikes that hit people in the pocket. And for the average mobile user, enough is enough. Our research shows that customers are not afraid to look for better value as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, even if that means finding a new provider.

The cost of living crisis is disproportionately affecting the North, threatening to exaerbate the digital divide. Are telcos doing enough to support their vulnerable customers? Join us in April for Connected North 2023, bringing together the telecoms community to tackle the North’s biggest connectivity challenges

Also in the news:
Optus confirms 2.1 million customers affected by cyberattack
Cloud Metro: Reimagining metro networks for sustainable business growth
Vodafone UK and Three confirm talks over a potential merger

The post Customers set to roam: Why UK telecoms providers risk losing customers as EU roaming charges bite first appeared on Total Telecom.

The UK telecoms and media regulator, Ofcom, has today opened a new investigation into mobile and broadband provider EE, which relates to a concern that the operator may have “failed to comply” with rules that require them to provide new customers with clear and simple contract information before they sign-up to a new deal. In […]

Nokia has expanded their relationship with UK ISP Hyperoptic, which is deploying a new gigabit speed “full fibre” (FTTP/B) broadband network to serve 2 million UK homes by the end of 2023. Under the agreement, Nokia will now also upgrade the provider’s IP core network with more flexibility and capacity. Under the deal, Hyperoptic will […]

Budget UK ISP Plusnet, which is part of the wider BT Group, has announced that from today it will no longer be providing managed broadband and phone services to new residential customers under the John Lewis brand and the service will eventually close. The move appears to form part of the BT Group’s new branding […]

The Essex County Council in England has this week launched its new £1.88m Digital Essex programme – part of the wider Digital Strategy for Essex (here), which among other things will develop a “local grant scheme” to provide additional funding to reach the final 1% of rural premises that still cannot access “decent broadband“. At […]

The United Kingdom has succeeded in getting itself elected to hold a seat on the influential governing council of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which will give it more of a say in future standards (broadband, satellite, mobile technologies etc.) and the allocation of global radio spectrum etc. As part of the Western European Regional […]