Simon Wright MBA

CCS Insight is producing high-quality research on the roll-out of high-capacity and high-speed broadband around Europe using either fibre or #5G. This research acknowledges that advanced optical networks are the backbone of the transformations that are sweeping the continent. But what's the next step for telecom providers? As demand grows exponentially, balancing investment with the potential revenue uplift is a challenge to plans for network roll-outs. Telecom providers must go beyond basic connectivity: they must now enrich user experiences, offer engaging digital content and unlock opportunities in multiple industry sectors. If deployed appropriately, advanced connectivity will give a significant boost to the economy and a real competitive advantage to nations and regions. Two large events took place recently in Germany that emphasised the urgency of expanding connectivity, and the immense opportunities it offers: the #ISC High-Performance event in Hamburg and #ANGACOM in Cologne. At both events, Chinese equipment manufacturer ZTE Corporation showcased several of its latest products for bringing fibre connectivity to homes and businesses, as well as smart home devices and server and data centre solutions. Traditionally recognised as one of the largest mobile infrastructure manufacturers, ZTE is striving to position itself at the forefront of enabling digital transformation. In addition to its traditional strengths, ZTE pioneers smart home solutions that revolutionise daily life and industrial solutions that empower businesses. Germany is just the first stop on ZTE's journey. Through its EuroDigitalWave mission, the company is participating in and attending events throughout this year and beyond. It's developing a reputation for innovative and valuable technology in fixed networks and for providing a wide range of consumer devices such as set-top boxes, customer-premises routers and smart speakers. It's already the number-one choice in many Asian markets and is looking to create a similar presence in the European market, not only among consumers but also businesses that need carrier-class server and accelerator technology in their networks. This month's debuts at the shows in Germany starts that journey.

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We are often asked about proven, scalable use cases for 5G technology and one of the key sectors we will highlight is broadcast and media. The ability to deliver very high capacity, high speed secure networks to broadcasters has been a huge success at many events. Expect to see many of these examples to be demonstrated at at the Olympics in Paris next month. Before that we have the 2024 European Championships kicking off at the end of this week and Deutsche Telekom has been pushing its private 5G networks will be used by broadcasters to beam the action around the world. Deutsche Telekom's partnership with RTL Deutschland for UEFA EURO 2024 is a prime example of how 5G SA is revolutionising these live events. Its private 5G SA network will ensure live broadcasts, even with heavy mobile network traffic at many of the venues. It's no surprise that Deutsche Telekom is leveraging this technology for Euro 2024, following its successful implementation at other high-profile events, 5G SA is proving to be a game-changer for live broadcasting.  We've already seen 5G SA deliver exceptional performance at the Coronation of King Charles in the UK last year, and at the Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham in 2022. These successful deployments demonstrate the power of 5G SA to transform live broadcasting, guaranteeing exceptional video quality, even in crowded and data-hungry environments. Deutsche Telekom is going seeking to create a deep reliable mobile experience for fans at Euro 2024. Their efforts extend beyond the deployment of a 5G SA network that echo what is happening elsewhere in the world in big location based event connectivity. Here's a closer look at the approach: ⚽ Infrastructure Upgrades: Mobile communications infrastructure at all 10 Euro 2024 stadiums is being significantly upgraded to handle the anticipated surge in mobile data traffic. This includes enhancing existing cell sites and installing new ones to ensure optimal network coverage throughout the venues. ⚽ Temporary Mobile Sites: To provide additional capacity Telekom is deploying over 130 temporary mobile sites around the stadiums. These temporary sites will be strategically placed to ensure a strong and consistent signal for all spectators, regardless of their location within the stadium. Wherever they are deployed, these commitments are not straightforward and can be extremely complex but networks and organisers understand that a significant and reliable mobile and data presence is vital both to those in the stadium and to amplifying the event on social media and video sites. #5GSA #5GEuro2024 #LiveBroadcasting #DeutscheTelekom #Connectivity #Innovation

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More consolidation in the UK Fibre market with Netomnia and Brsk announcing a merger. Not a surprise given the amount of altnets in the market, and a trend that mirrors the MNO landscape of consolidation in order to pursue growth. Will be interesting to see what happens next. #connectivity #networks #merger #investment #innovation #mnos #fibre #business #enterprise #altnet #UK #fibre #property #realestate #growth #telecoms #telecommunications #technology

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SHAKING UP UK BROADBAND: NETOMNIA AND BRSK’S GAME-CHANGING DEAL Big news in the UK broadband world: Netomnia and Brsk are joining forces in what's being called the biggest merger yet among alternative network providers. This move is part of the industry's bid to give BT and Virgin Media O2 a run for their money in the full-fibre rollout across the country. The companies struck the deal last week, creating one of the largest "altnets" out there. Investors have been pouring billions into these altnets, hoping to challenge the big players. With the focus shifting from just laying down fibre to actually signing up customers, this kind of consolidation was pretty much expected. Everyone’s looking to get a return on their investment in the digital upgrade. We've seen other big moves recently too. For example, CityFibre announced it was buying Lit Fibre back in March, and Virgin Media O2 agreed to take over Upp in September. In this deal, Brsk will come under Netomnia’s parent company, Substantial Group, but it’ll still run independently with Brsk's CEO, Giorgio Iovino, staying in charge. They’re also creating a new wholesale company to combine their networks and potentially bring other altnets on board. Jeremy Chelot, CEO of Substantial, Netomnia, and their sister company YouFibre, said this merger is a major step towards becoming the UK’s third-largest full-fibre network, aiming to compete with Openreach and Virgin Media O2. Chelot mentioned that the market has been pretty fragmented with many small players, leading to uncertainty. This deal aims to create a more stable competitive environment, and they’re open to further consolidations. Currently, their full-fibre services reach 1.5 million premises with 140,000 customers already connected. They’re planning to use up to £900 million in debt to expand to 3 million premises and around 500,000 customers by the end of 2025. Iovino added that merging will help them break even on earnings a lot sooner and make the group an attractive consolidator in the market. The merger is set to be finalised soon, pending regulatory approval. No job cuts are expected. By the end of 2023, altnets collectively reached 12.9 million premises and had 2 million customers. #broadband #consolidation #netomnia #brsk #altnets

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This is where delayaring makes a lot of sense for operators - both fixed and mobile - to move from capex/asset heavy to capex/asset light business. It's high time for most of them, if not already on the path. #FutureNetAsia #TWA24 #XyntacEnterprise #DTW #DTW24 #PTC25

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Ofcom recently published telecoms market data for the UK. https://lnkd.in/ehJa-5Xf 🔗 It shows mobile data growth rates of only 15% over the last year. Mobile data growth rates are slowing and at a rapid rate. Interestingly, mobile revenues in the UK increased 6.6% from the same period a year earlier. ARPU increased from £12.52 in 2022 up to £13.05, bucking the trend of years of steady decline. This increase is thanks, in no small part, to inflation-linked price increases from the major operators. Historic predictions out of Ofcom in 2022 offered data growth scenarios up to 55% by now. I wonder how many MNOs considered this data when assessing the ROI of 5G implementations! The debate continues about whether 5G is actually needed by the 98% of ‘normal’ users, where 4G seems perfectly sufficient. However, one could argue that the UK is still predominantly not sufficiently 5G SA, and therefore, do 5G users experience the full benefits 5G has to offer yet? The data growth story gets skewed when looking at a global view where countries with large populations are still experiencing significant growth. Ericsson is putting numbers out like 59Gb by 2029 in Western Europe. Ofcom shows growth from Q3-Q4 2023 was only 1.5%, or 6% if annualised. So question marks arise over Ericsson’s view❓. What is apparent from Ofcom is that data growth rates in many mature markets are decreasing. What will be the new device or use case that drives growth again? Virtual reality, connected cars….? #mobile #data #telecoms

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Bulk Broadband Contracts are the very reason there is more competition and more providers to choose from than ever before in our industry! However, well intended regulation could put a halt to this competition and the increasing provider choices we have to service residents! Come hear the discussion.

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At Telecom Infrastructure Partners (TIP) we are building the largest and most prolific global mobile and digital site lease and infrastructure aggregator in history. The reality is that, outside the United States and the UK, mobile and digital site lease aggregation really hasn’t been tried at scale. Only some “low hanging fruit” has been picked by “boiler room” sales types sending term sheets en masse. This is why only hundreds of investments have been made — even in jurisdictions with literally tens of thousands of sites. The UK is the world’s only jurisdiction with professionally licensed mobile site lease advisors: chartered surveyors. This is because, unlike in the rest of the world, renewing and renegotiating site leases is a bit of a cottage industry, historically based on the UK Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. In the UK many leases are renewed based on “Open Market Valuation” rather than mere inflation increases. Often advisors to property owners are in fact paid by the tenants (operators and tower companies) to renegotiate. At TIP we don’t hire salespeople and we don’t do sales training. A sale is when I give you a vacuum cleaner and you pay me. We are, first and foremost, world-wide investment advisors, just like the chartered surveyors in the UK. The fact is that an individual lease is a bad investment. Mobile site lease tenants are the only commercial lease tenants in the world who determine lease rates. In no other area of commercial leasing would the tenant have the gumption to try to set the rates. Mobile site leases can be terminated at will by the tenant, and tenants that stay often try to negotiate the rent down. Some investment! No wonder that no banker in the world will lend against an individual site lease! Luckily, portfolios of sites are GOOD investments (portfolio theory). Bankers WILL in fact lend against thousands of of sites in a single portfolio. Which means that lease aggregators can create significant value in the mobile telecommunications ecosystem. We can contribute literally billions of Dollars/Euros/Pounds to mobile network buildouts. We invite investment professionals, operators and infrastructure companies to work with us to create value in powerful ways not seen before. Because we are all stronger together! Find us at www.telecom-ip.com. #peoplefirstculture #youbeyou #professionalservices #continuouslearning #continuousdevelopment #thinkglobalactlocal #globalgrowth #exponentialgrowth #telecominfrastructure #telecoms #infrastructureinvestment

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I've written a report on the differences and synergies between 5G Network APIs and #CPaaS, on behalf of a new client, Shabodi. The theme is "Co-existence not Convergence". The download link is in the comments. The two worlds coexist, but there is limited overlap. Both sets of APIs are valuable for CSPs and other providers. But I think that with some exceptions, they are suitable for *different* groups of developers, in different situations. (Note: I'm one of few analysts who has covered both wireless networks and CPaaS). Several previous posts covered the evolution of Network APIs, especially for #5G networks. I've been watching ongoing work relating to #CAMARA and #OpenGateway initiatives - my general stance has been that they are "necessary but not sufficient", particularly for public MNO networks. I've also been skeptical of some of the quantitative forecasting of revenues, especially for quality-on-demand and #networkslicing. A key challenge I've identified is that APIs for quality are only useful in locations with sufficient, reliable network coverage and capacity - and public 5G SA networks are very patchy, especially indoors. It's been noticeable that more discussion has been about using APIs to *create* #Private5G slices from national networks, than using APIs *inside* dedicated P5G networks for industry or other use-cases. I think the latter are more important. IMO that's the immediate opportunity for fine-grained network awareness and control: specific locations where networks have been tightly engineered for relevant applications. Factories, mines, sports venues, ports, hospitals etc. Those are not the places or applications most in need of VoIP calling or SMS messaging APIs. Most CPaaS users and platforms are completely distinct to those for (wireless) network capabilities and awareness. They focus on contact centres, customer experience, messaging, or building voice/video applications with protocols like #WebRTC and SIP. Some CPaaS providers also offer APIs for email and marketing campaign management. At the moment, the main current emphasis from 5G Network API platforms appears to be on aspects such as fraud management, numbering and SIM-swaps, location and so forth. These are more plausibly "CPaaS adjacent" although developers have lots of other choices for those as well. I've long said network-aware applications are more important than application-aware networks. So APIs which give network status data to developers, and also allow them to specify requirements such as necessary latency and bandwidth, are potentially useful - as long as they apply to the right network(s). In summary - while there are some overlaps between CPaaS and Network APIs for abstraction and enablement, they fundamentally have very different characteristics. They may coexist on broader API/XaaS platforms and aggregated marketplaces, but that will be “complementary”, not “converged”. Download the report from the link & let me know what you think.

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Thursday School: Spectrum Access : Improved Opportunities and Outcomes? Access to spectrum is the lifeblood of Mobile Networks. There are currently a number of initiatives in the UK and elsewhere aiming to improve access to spectrum for non-MNOs, largely recognising that these mechanisms have positive effects of society. The mechanisms vary, from CBRS, Local Access Licensing, Campus Spectrum, Shared Access (Lightly Licensed) and now new initiatives in Spectrum Sandbox. Looking, for example, at the proliferation and use of Shared Access Spectrum, we can see that the numbers and distribution are broadly good. 890 - mostly outdoors - licenses issued right across the UK. But what are they used for? The major use is different slants of Private Networks. Private Networks add coverage and capacity in unserved and underserved locations. They maybe Neutral Host Networks – deploying publicly accessible spectrum – Host Private Networks – deploying spectrum for exclusive use of the deploying body or landlord – or a Hybrid, deploying spectrum for both. For Neutral Host, integration with MNO systems and processes is needed. Freshwave’s Omni solution announced yesterday is an example of this, as well as Shared Access, Boldyn Networks, Dense Air, Cellnex UK, Wireless Infrastructure Group, NET CS and many others. For Host Private Networks, integration with Enterprise IT systems and processes is needed. Industrial and FWA are 2 examples of this. For Hybrid, it’s clearly both. A campus network could be a great example, opening up Private Land for Public Mobile Access, but also allowing connection and processing of private data, such as sensor data, CCTV cameras (optionally including Video Analytics/Computer vision). But it’s clear from measures to further improve access, that the spectrum access is adding value and will continue to do so!  #InvisibleInfrastructure #EveryDaysaSchoolDay #Mobile 🤳🏼 #Telecommunications Previous Post: https://lnkd.in/epakF_6T

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The sharing of RAN kit, allowing telcos to save even more, can be only a negative for the companies that sell it. #technology #telecom #telcos #orange #samsung #ericsson #nokia #vodafone

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We acknowledge BT's recent announcement to extend the switch-off deadlines from 2025 to 2027. While this move was not entirely unexpected, it remains frustrating for us and many other providers who have diligently worked to transition customers to replacement products and services in anticipation of the original 2025 deadline. As a business, we have consistently advocated for increased awareness of this transition, as the lack of communication with end users has led to significant confusion. Customers must receive clear messaging moving forward to fully understand the implications of the switch-off and the necessary steps to take. Despite the revised deadline, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the original timeline. Openreach will continue to raise prices, and we are urging businesses to move away from outdated services. Proactive communication is essential for a smooth and efficient transition. If you're in the dark about what the switch-off means for your business, get in touch. We're here to keep you informed. #bigswitchoff

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Check on the most viewed session of the ONE Summit by István Kispál about how to orchestrate Nokia CNFs using Nephio . Intent based network management realized with open source.

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State of the US fixed Broadband market in 2024 This week, Jonathan Chaplin visited Roger Entner and Don Kellogg to discuss US fixed broadband in the spring of 2024. 1. The US Fixed broadband rate is coming down from 2.7% as subsidy programs taper off. 2. Historically, The maximum US reach for mass market technology has been 96%, the peak number for fixed telephony. 3. Cable faces the challenge of addressing the culturally related customer service proposition or the technology-related speed and reliability proposition. 4. Consumers who subscribe to a fiber provider that advertises symmetrical capabilities think they need it more than consumers with different fiber providers. 5. Spectrum assets are crucial when looking at further redefinitions of the competitive landscape. An insightful episode on the state of fixed Broadband in the US. #5G #FWA #Fiber #Cable #DigitalDivide John Yazlle | Paul Challoner | Jaime Gomezjurado

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FWA June 2024 Report: This report on the global status of the fixed wireless access (#FWA) market brings updates about the availability of FWA broadband services based on LTE and 5G; #tariff structures; service #portability; service #speeds and #device support for FWA. 🟦 In FWA broadband services, GSA has identified announced service offers from 467 operators in 188 countries and territories, and launched services from 407 operators in 176 countries and territories worldwide. 🟦 Europe and the Middle East and Africa have the highest number of operators delivering FWA services using LTE or 5G. 🟦 More than 50% of tariffs for LTE FWA are based on data volume, with speed-based structures favoured by 19% of operators. The difference is less marked with 5G FWA. 🟦 The average of the marketed maximum peak download speeds for LTE FWA was 178.6 Mbps, down from 180.5 Mbps in November 2023, based on data for 330 operators in May 2024. For 5G-based offerings, the average maximum peak download speed was 974 Mbps, down from 1,059 Mbps in November 2023 but still up from 875 Mbps in November 2022. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Follow us on Kaneshwaran Govindasamy & Global 5G Evolution PLEASE CHECKOUT THIS MONTH'S #5G CONFERENCE, XCHANGING IDEAS #50 / Click comment box. #subscribe our #youtube channel

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Great coverage of the LINXC Bridge from Mobile World Live at the link below which describes the problem that the LINXC Bridge solves: Fixed Wireless Broadband signals struggle to penetrate walls and windows. Just how much may surprise you... One of our field tests showed that moving a carrier-grade FWA modem from just inside a low energy window to just outside of the window using a LINXC Bridge doubled the downlink data rate to 800 Mbps from 400 Mbps. The uplink data more than tripled from 20 Mbps to over 70 Mbps.

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Nothing short of a phenomenal piece of insight work from our very talented Malwina Roczniak. Last year, Malwina compiled the most important eSIM statistics in a Mobilise blog. Fast forward one year, and a lot has changed in the eSIM space, so it only seemed fitting to give it an update. We now offer 123 most relevant and up-to-date statistics about consumer eSIM across the following topics: 💡Consumer eSIM Market – Size & Worth 💡eSIM Market Share by Region 💡eSIM Compatibility in Consumer Devices 💡eSIM Adoptions by Mobile Operators 💡eSIM Awareness and Adoption by Consumers 💡The impact of eSIM on Sustainability ‼️Warning: It's a 31-minute read. Get yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy! (and let Malwina know what you think) Full blog: https://lnkd.in/dB26eBxn Shout out to GSMA Intelligence, Juniper Research, Statista, The Business Research Company, Cognitive Market Research, Counterpoint Technology Market Research, Holafly, Light Reading and more for their data points. Looking at these statistics, the eSIM industry has well and truly kicked into overdrive.🚀 #esim #telecoms #mobile

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Podcast 67: Truth in Telecoms, MEF Member Wrestling https://lnkd.in/eZhQ2NFw After the success of Podcast 65 across the summary and deep dive videos about #TNID, we currently have a total of 1724 views after only a couple of days since publishing. Johnny, Giovanni Tarone, lured Noah back for a head-to-head verbal wrestling match on how we can solve the spam SMS problem. Noah Rafalko is a member of Mobile Ecosystem Forum. Johnny's opening statement was the MEF members are like suckerfish hanging around carriers/telcos. Until there is regulation, which will take time only the suckerfish can affect change on spam SMS. The current behavior of the mid-tier of suckerfish is squeezing ecosystem members out of the business, and pushing web brands away from A2P SMS. For example, in Europe some companies are being excluded from gateway SMS deals. While we've seen in the US the trials and tribulations of CSPs (Campaign Service Providers) trying to send 10DLC and 800SMS. The ecosystem is trying to remove competition, and smothering the smaller members. While the carriers have nothing to enforce given the lack of regulation, so simply focus on growing their SMS profit center. Johnny points his finger at Twilio for generating a significant proportion of SMS spam. Which is partially revealed by Syniverse's recent announcement on the closure of its non-sanctioned 10DLC SMS path. He labels Twilio the 4th largest carrier in the US, though there is an arguement Google could take that crown given it broadband network and running carriers' messaging infrastructure. There is also the fighting amongst the mid-tier suckerfish, with netnumber , Aegis Mobile, Proofpoint and MEF running events without The Campaign Registry present. Tata Communications has TCR up for sale by Lazard according to several sources. None on this is helping tackle the #SMS #spam problem. Noah responded by reviewing how we got to here, how the tribal nature of messaging has created many mid-tier companies generating revenues through their association with carriers. And how #AI opens up an even greater threats to consumers, which will result in attempts to squeeze even more cash out of consumers. AI is simply a money maker for the carriers and suckerfish. Noah's key point is the carriers need help. He describes how TNID, and a little light regulation, could resolve the current problems and protect US consumers. I raised to Noah the issue one why carriers are not measuring the SPAM SMS problem. His response is when they can measure the problem, they'll then have to fixed the problem. Hence the current failure to launch in adoption of TNID. Towards the end of this podcast Johnny and Noah get feisty as they discuss the origins of the TCR, and the challenges going forward.

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