Shay Walsh

Hats off to this initiative - A regional-based 5G model in the UK bringing telecom innovation to the local level - why not in Canada? Interesting model for Canada to consider - a focus on the local & regional level for telecom innovation and investment, instead of the same-old single broad-brush to paint all of Canada. The article below highlights an initiative by Belfast City Council, which has secured £3.8 million wireless innovation funding from the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and become one of 10 5G Innovation Regions across the UK. Over £36 million is being invested in regions across the UK, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to drive economic growth and innovation in key local sectors by unlocking the opportunities presented by advanced wireless connectivity and digital technologies.  See here for more details on this innovative UK telecom initiative: https://lnkd.in/giTVVQS2 The quotes say it all - per the UK's Minister of Data and Digital Infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale: “We’re channeling millions into local areas to unlock the potential of cutting-edge 5G wireless and digital technologies which will reshape our public services, drive economic growth and boost innovation. This new fund will give local areas from across the country the opportunity to be at the forefront of the UK’s world-leading 5G revolution. “For instance, by using 5G for farming and creating science parks, we’re not just helping local communities, but also encouraging new ideas all over the UK. This is more than just linking smartphones. It’s about using powerful digital connections to transform various sectors in the economy and the public sector throughout the entire country.” As a counterpoint to this UK approach in fostering grassroots telecom innovation - Canada has consistently taken a highly centralized & top-down model. Canada's top-down / broad brush approach has created economic barriers to telecom investment, with poor end-results on cost & middling results on bridging our chronic rural & First Nations digital divide. Given our poor & middling telecom policy results, why not change things up a bit in Canada? Perhaps it's time for a policy change at Canada's Federal Ministry of ISED and at the CRTC - a subtle change with a shift to a spectrum strategy that optionally allocates some more (not all - just some) spectrum resources to the regional level for distribution & for fostering local / regional tech innovation with municipalities, industry & universities. Given that the municipal & regional level often is able to foster innovation & address service gaps in a more nimble & focused manner - a policy model change worth considering in Canada. #innovation #Canada #ISED #CRTC #telecommunication #policychange #policyalternatives #spectrum #digitaldivide #PSBN #wireless #5G #rural #FirstNations #municipalities #changeisgood

9

On Monday, Mario Draghi presented a crucial report on EU competitiveness, highlighting urgent issues in technology and connectivity with significant implications for Ireland. Building on previous reports, Draghi emphasised the telecom sector’s insufficient scale, outdated competition policies, poor spectrum management, and digital ecosystem imbalances, all contributing to Europe’s lagging global performance. We are accustomed to Ireland ranking exceptionally highly on international competitiveness overall, often second or third in the world, but that is not matched by our digital competitiveness where we rank only 21st. As the next College of Commissioners is appointed and the Dáil resumes, these reports open the door for vital discussions on Europe’s competitiveness and the future of telecommunications. Vodafone has long advocated that Europe’s and Ireland’s economic success hinges on next-generation connectivity. Ireland’s Enterprise White Paper focuses on digitalisation and decarbonisation, both reliant on robust connectivity. But the fundamental challenge of balancing ever-increasing regulation with the investment in connectivity that will be required to improve our competitiveness remains. Getting this right means building the world’s best connectivity in the EU, delivering the service and innovation citizens and businesses deserve. For Ireland, it’s about thriving in the digital age and strengthening our position in a competitive Europe. The message is clear: urgent action is required and we look forward to working with policy makers here to ensure Ireland is best positioned to compete. https://lnkd.in/eq8WvRiJ

29

Vodafone has reaffirmed its commitment to providing 5G Standalone (5G SA) to Northern Ireland, as a result of its proposed merger with Three UK. Northern Ireland stands to gain billions in productivity benefits from 5G Standalone (5G SA). The roll out of the latest version of 5G technology (5G SA), would mean communities across Northern Ireland – including those in rural locations – could take advantage of the most up-to-date technology in areas spanning Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education and Agriculture. The Proposed merger could also commit to exceeding the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network 4G coverage targets, and extend 5G into rural Northern Ireland communities. Vodafone’s existing 4G network is a lifeline for many of Northern Ireland’s rural communities, while 5G is already available in a number of locations across the country. https://lnkd.in/dSGGqVzK

8

Sky Mobile launches in Ireland using Vodafone as its host network. 🎉 Long anticipated, it's great to see them finally launched. This is also a pretty fantastic launch offer. Dubbed ‘Price for Life,’ the launch plan includes Unlimited calls, texts, and 5G data for €15—meaning customers will pay just €15 per month for life. In addition to this, Sky Mobile offers a 10GB plan from as little as €10 for customers who don’t want or need an unlimited plan. Other value proposition details include: Fairer Contracts: Splitting of device and airetime contracts. Consumers can avoid that handset sleeper revenue the telecoms industry was built on. 😉 Mix: Change data plans at any time. Customers can do this easily through their ‘My Sky’ app. Consumers can avoid breakage margin, which the telecoms industry was also built on. 😉 Swap: Sky Mobile customers will be able to swap their handsets for the latest model a year before their phone contract ends, at no extra cost. Piggybank: Sky Mobile customers can expect more value from their mobile plan, like sharing data with family and friends, discounts on handsets, and rewards, including return European flights or cinema tickets. Sharing data will also attack breakage margin, although reports suggest this has worked well in the UK. Obviously, you'd expect there will be limits on this sharing feature for the unlimited launch plan. Some great consumer value here but margin diluting comes to mind. Not a lot mentioned regarding bundling of other Sky products and services. No doubt bundling will come and when it does Mobile could be a loss leader with the margin from the bundle of Sky products giving a net margin increase overall. #sky #mvno #telecoms #5G #vodafone #ireland

36

1 Comment

As we navigate through these turbulent times, it’s essential to stay informed and vigilant about changes to your mobile plan. Keep an eye out for notifications from your provider regarding any upcoming price adjustments, and don’t hesitate to explore alternative options if necessary.

1

Ireland has been a key centre of R&D for Ericsson since the first factory opened in Athlone, 1974, celebrating its 50th anniversary this week! 🎉 50 years on, that 250-strong factory has grown into a software development hub which now employs over 1,300 people! That makes it one of the largest R&D centres in Ireland. Ericsson celebrated the milestone with great fanfare, featuring the CEO and top executives, government and industry representatives, and 1400 employees marking the milestone together. To make the occasion even more special, Ericsson announced new partnerships with Enterprise Ireland and the Technical University of the Shannon (TUS). This new partnership is focused on managing mobile networks. They’ll be using digital twins, AI, and machine learning to create a virtual copy of the network. This way, they can experiment, tweak, and develop groundbreaking solutions without having to test on the real network. How do you think this new partnership between Ericsson, the Irish government and industry players has the potential to drive Ireland’s digital transformation and boost innovation across multiple sectors? 🔗 Ericsson's Athlone R&D center celebrates 50th anniversary #TeamEricsson #Athlone #R&D #MobileNetworks #DigitalTwins #AI #MachineLearning

16

I am immensely proud of the BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp initiative created in BT Ireland in 2009 and in collaboration with Nova UCD since 2013. This program was designed to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and the business world. Our goal is to equip young scientists with the entrepreneurial skills needed to transform their ground-breaking ideas into viable business ventures. We recognised the need to support young innovators beyond the laboratory. By providing them with commercialisation skills, we aim to foster a new generation of scientists who can bring their innovations to market successfully. Why BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp?: Skills Development: Participants gain invaluable insights into technology commercialisation and entrepreneurship through hands-on workshops and expert presentations. Networking Opportunities: The Bootcamp offers a unique platform for students to connect with industry leaders, mentors, and peers, building a network that supports their future endeavours. Real-World Experience: Students experience the practical aspects of turning a scientific idea into a business, preparing them for real-world challenges. Career Advancement: The skills and connections gained during the Bootcamp open doors to new career opportunities and pathways. The experience of working as part of the team at BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp empowers young innovators to make a real impact in the world of science and business. As a judge at the Bootcamp, I’m continually inspired by the creativity and ingenuity of these young innovators. Their ability to transform scientific concepts into viable business solutions is truly remarkable. I’m excited to see the continued success and growth of the Bootcamp participants as they lead the way in innovation and entrepreneurship. This reaffirms my belief in a bright future for science and innovation. @BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) @JohnLoftus @NovaUCD @MariCahalane #BTYoungScientist #BusinessBootcamp #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #FutureLeaders

120

3 Comments

Our monthly phone bills have decreased by 26% (37% when counting for inflation) over the past decade, resulting in €2.5 billion in savings for Irish consumers. Simultaneously, the telecoms industry has witnessed remarkable growth in product quality, with faster downloads and expanded data allowances. Cheap and abundant mobile connectivity has paved the way for highly successful digital business models, including popular platforms like Deliveroo, YouTube, social media, WhatsApp, Uber, Spotify, and many more. These applications have become integral to our daily lives. Mobile connectivity now plays a pivotal role in our economy, supporting numerous jobs across various sectors. It's fascinating to see how advancements in technology have transformed the way we live and work.

87

9 Comments

As companies look to implement AI into workflows, it’s important to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. My colleague, April Durrett, explained the need for a customer-first approach at the #DubTechSummit.

3

A new report shows that Huawei makes an €800m economic contribution to Ireland annually. The report by Amárach reveals that Huawei employs 543 people in Ireland. It also supports the employment of a further 6,100 people through indirect (3,170) and induced (2,949) effects from its activities which include significant research and development. Huawei have four offices across the country including three R&D centres in Dublin, Cork, and Athlone. Since its arrival here in 2004, Huawei's activities have developed from supplying mobile dangles and building Ireland's first national fixed wireless network, to powering the country's digital connectivity and its green energy ambitions. According to today's report, Huawei will contribute €4.5 billion in economic value to Ireland between now and 2030, with the potential for this figure to be bigger.

71

Multi-tenant cell sites can enhance coverage in Ireland by strategically targeting areas where two or more Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) experience coverage gaps or partial service. This approach enables more efficient resource allocation and improved connectivity.

2

Find out how your business can become more neuro-diverse inclusive

1

Liberty Global has ramped up investment into its Irish Virgin Media unit, with record capital intensity observed in recent quarters, as its flagship fibre upgrade programme reached a milestone in the last quarter - nearly 40% of its footprint passed by its XGS-PON rollout. The cable turned fibre operator continues to contend with challenging operating conditions in the Irish market, however, and there are few signs the outlook is improving. It is sustaining material subscriber losses and high churn in its consumer fixed-line business, a trend that is afflicting both its broadband and TV platforms. The operator reported 4,100 fixed customer losses in 2Q24, contributing to a broader 3.9% YoY decrease in residential fixed revenue. The sustained decline of Virgin's residential subscription base prompted a decisive shift in strategy in recent quarters, exemplified by the adoption of a more aggressive pricing approach aimed at better competing at the low to mid-end of the market where there is now increased competition. Despite this strategic recalibration, stemming the subscriber decline will continue to be a challenge as the operator faces increasing footprint encroachment from open eir as it moves at considerable pace with its own fibre upgrade programme - ratcheting up competition on both the retail and wholesale sides of Virgin's business. While the operator has expanded its retail market reach through its off-net programme, adding 254,000 NBI premises to its addressable base, it is too early to assess the impact of this on the profile of its residential subscription performance. The ability of Virgin to sell its services to a novel rural base in the same way it has in urban Ireland remains uncertain. After several drab quarters of subscriber losses and ARPU declines in its MVNO platform, there are positive early signs that the operator is starting to succeed in stabilisng the business. It reported 2Q24 mobile postpaid net adds of 1,400, bringing its total base to 135,600 subscribers (down from 139,800 a year ago) with monthly ARPU per subscriber of €21.42. The improving outlook of its mobile business comes on the back of Virgin's strategic decision to change the balance of focus of its MVNO business from trying to aggressively attract new subscribers with low value tariffs to instead targeting higher ARPU convergence bundles with its broadband and TV platforms. The operator's enterprise unit continues to materially outperform the rest of its business and is a notable bright spot in its overall financial performance in recent quarters. Much of this stems from its entry into wholesale access, which has seen it open up access to its infrastructure to retailers such as Vodafone for the first time.

55

3 Comments

Funding is tricky in the Alt-Net world, but that’s not dampening Matthew Hare’s ambition to build Zzoomm into a 1 million+ premises passed Alt-Net, despite the company halting all new build and laying off staff. Acquisition/merger is the key, Matthew tells me, and although he doesn’t share specific details, it’s clear he sees Zzoomm doing well from the Big Alt-Net Consolidation. Check out my interview with Matthew on my YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/eKVpe2xm   Last time Matthew visited me at our HQ in Rochdale, he was CEO of Gigaclear, so he certainly knows his beans when it comes to building full fibre networks.   We cover lots of interesting ground, including:   * Zzoomm has stopped building, but would build more if the debt markets were not completely constipated, due to nexfibre and CityFibre filling up the banks’ loan books. * How big does an Alt-Net need to be to attract scale retailers like Zen Internet? * Where will Zzoomm fit in the big consolidation? * What will Zzoomm do long-term with its retail business? * Will BT Group’s finance people decide to buy wholesale from rural Alt-Nets rather than funding Openreach build? * Just how much personal money did Matthew put into Zzoomm?   Huge thanks Matthew for doing this interview – it was very insightful, very open, energetic, and a real pleasure. #fullfibre #altnet #gigabit #broadband #isp

50

On 9th October Colt Technology Services held its first analyst event since it closed its 2023 $1.8bn acquisition of Lumen Technologies’s EMEA assets. In Brian Washburn's write up (link below for Omdia subscribers) one thing he flags is Colt's green credentials: "The company has been retiring legacy TDM switch and SDH transport networks, and reclaimed hundreds of tons of network electronics for recycling. Consolidating the network will also reduce energy, and Colt is deploying a higher speed, more efficient, and smaller form factor network gear that ... can reduce Colt’s power consumption per Gbps by 90% or more." Colt can also helps its enterprise customers meet their own environmental objectives by using virtual router services hosted at its edge, with a lower carbon footprint than a dedicated on-premises router. Network functions virtualization is alive and well and green 💚 https://lnkd.in/eecqPXSa

19

The significant earnings asymmetry in the Irish telecoms market is a striking allegory for the tale of David vs. Goliath — Eir vs. everyone else. The French-owned former state incumbent generated adjusted EBITDA to the tune of €591 million last year, dwarfing the combined returns (€472 million) of a select crop of some of the market's other largest players. The extraordinary degree to which the lion's share of the market's profits are concentrated in a single dominant player is grossly underappreciated. It is a case of overperformance of Eir relative to the market rather than underperformance of the market relative to Eir — with an EBITDA margin of 47% in the last quarter, the operator is among the most profitable of its kind anywhere in the developed world.

201

7 Comments

Below is FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel's nifty video explaining the broadband labels rule. Background: Beginning April 10, 2024, consumers should look for broadband labels at any point of sale, including online and in stores. The labels must disclose important information about broadband prices, introductory rates, data allowances, and broadband speeds. They also include links to information about network management practices and privacy policies. While many providers will begin displaying their labels in April, providers with less than 100,000 subscribers have until Oct. 10, 2024, to comply with the FCC rules to display broadband labels at their points of sale.  Regarding accessibility - the new rules require that the broadband label be accessible to people with disabilities at all points of sale, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are strongly encouraged to comply with the legal requirements included in the ADA and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). New 47 CFR Sec. 8.1(a)(1) expressly states: "Any person providing broadband internet access service shall create and display an accurate broadband consumer label for each stand-alone broadband internet access service it currently offers for purchase. The label must be prominently displayed, publicly available, and easily accessible to consumers, including consumers with disabilities, at the point of sale with the content and in the format prescribed by the Commission in “[Fixed or Mobile] Broadband Consumer Disclosure. . .”. https://lnkd.in/eCdpWa6X). Outstanding accessibility issues in this proceeding include: Additional ways to improve accessibility of the broadband label, such as video calling services to provide customer service in American Sign Language, irrespective of whether the broadband label information is provided in hard copy or digitally; whether to require Braille or a Quick Response (QR) code with a tactile indicator for blind or visually impaired consumers at the point of sale; and whether to mandate any specific WCAG suggestions, sections, and criteria for the broadband label, such as specific sections of WCAG 2.1, which suggests providing text alternatives for any non-text content, or providing definitions of idioms, jargon, and abbreviations. The comment period closed March 16, 2023. https://lnkd.in/eD77veYn. For general broadband labeling information, visit: https://lnkd.in/eJWQjv4k. For accessibility questions, contact us at [email protected], 202-418-2517, or 844-432-2275 (ASL/videophone). #fcc #disabilityrights

22

1 Comment

RCS definitely has been the buzzword for almost a year now post Apple's announcement. However, for the past few weeks I've been wondering which of these channels will come out as a champion product for the Global brands - Will it be RBM as now it will be compatible with all the mobile phones or will it be WhatsApp which already has massive penetration in some of the key geographies and Meta continues to fund it's growth in other regions? Will the Global brands incentivize and try to influence the consumer behavior in order to move the consumers to a channel which the brand prefers or will the brands integrate both these rich media channels and use them as per the consumer behavior in various geographies ?

37