Ben Toner

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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Interesting article by Mike Dano about mobile voice. But wow. 15 years after I started running “Future of Voice” workshops & advising on voice applications “beyond the call”, parts of the mobile industry are finally starting to wake up to the idea that there could be options beyond basic telephony. ☎️ But these use-cases are still the same old “session” and call-centric ideas. And they’re stuck in the trap of thinking that IMS is a platform. They’re blending dead-end phone calls with undead zombie RCS 🤦🏻‍♂️ As a reminder, IMS was already obsolete in 2006 and yet here we are, nearly 20 years later, still trying to pretend it’s a suitable basis for voice innovation… just because operators were forced to deploy it to support the deeply-flawed VoLTE. 📞 Meanwhile the real world of value in voice communications has bypassed telcos. Look at the world of non-call voice, from chatbots & smart speakers, to in-game voice chat and even podcasts. There are no 5G microphones at 5G conferences, for instance. 🎤 I’ll have to do a deep dive on this at some point, but I’ll note that the GSMA “5G New Calling” paper doesn’t once mention the words “acoustic”, “echo” or “noise”. This should give a warning of how much they understand the broader world of audio communications and human voice experience. A further warning of irrelevance should be its use of the term “OTT” and its insistence on the 140 year model of a “call”. 🔊 (Edit: a historical note that in the 1890s, it was already possible to get one-way "streaming music" via phone networks, aka The Theatrophone. No, it wasn't monetised by telecom operators, beyond the user paying for a phone call as access) #5G #standards #VoLTE #GSMA #RCS #mobile

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Our CEO Rajiv Datta spoke at ISPA UK’s Business Summit alongside Andrew Kernahan, Ana Baide, Richard Allwood, Tim Creswick and Wil Wadsworth on the evolution of the fibre market. UK connectivity is at a crossroads. Though the emergence of altnets has injected much-needed competition into the market, historical underinvestment means the UK lags behind other developed economies on full-fibre broadband. Rajiv Datta said: I firmly believe that by prioritising competition, investment and innovation, policymakers can foster the development of a dynamic, consumer-centric telecoms market that will power the UK’s digital future. https://lnkd.in/eexYmnMw

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New data from UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has shown further throttling back on rollout plans by the country’s fibre players, amid more constrained financial circumstances. Read the full article on TelcoTitans: https://lnkd.in/gwYDeUgC #TelcoTitans #Telecoms #UK #Fibre #FibreCos #Network #Ofcom #BDUK

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New Ofcom rules demand clarity on broadband tech. No more 'fibre' confusion! At Grain, we've always been crystal clear: our network is 100% Full Fibre. Read our blog to learn more: https://zurl.co/1UVe #BroadbandTransparency #NoFakeFibre

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Trend report: Operational applications in the age of radio and broadband networks Many private radio users are migrating towards broadband networks, be they government mission critical broadband networks, private broadband networks or commercial broadband networks. A key feature for operational applications is that they serve all users, and bring all users together regardless of the device and network they are using. This enables organizations and teams to use the best tools for their operations. Users can also migrate towards broadband solutions at their own speed, while working together and communicating with all other stakeholders on various networks. Portalify solutions are ready-to-go for the hybrid (radio and broadband networks at the same time) and mission critical broadband networks. For example, Portalify Locate Server is a location tracking server that supports both TETRA radio and broadband device location tracking. It also supports advanced features like indoor location tracking, also on both TETRA radios and broadband smartphones. Portalify Locate Server has already been deployed large scale for public safety network operators using it on both TETRA and broadband public safety networks. Provide state of the art location services on your networks today and seamlessly into the future! Portalify SmartChat secure on-prem messaging solution supports messaging between all users: smartphone app, office users and TETRA radios. TETRA support includes ability to send text and photo to TETRA radios. Portalify SmartChat enables modern secure messaging and allows you to reach all of your users, regardless of their device. Portalify SmartQuery integrates mobile users with databases and IT systems. You can provide the same operational information access and reporting to users on smartphones and TETRA radios, in a suitable way for each device and network. Always available information enables more efficient data-oriented operations. https://lnkd.in/dRsx-VUp

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The #lack of #progress in #standalone #5G #deployments highlighted in the GSA May 2024 Market Snapshot Report is a point worth noting. Stalled #Standalone 5G -The report indicates that the number of operators with deployed standalone 5G networks hasn't increased since the end of 2023 (at 49). This suggests a #slowdown in the #rollout of the next-generation 5G technology. Expectations vs. Reality- Standalone 5G promises significant #improvements in network #performance, #efficiency, and #flexibility. The lack of progress could be due to various factors like technical challenges, regulatory hurdles, investment considerations, infrastructure limitations, or delays in developing applications that fully utilize standalone 5G capabilities. Additionally, the transition to standalone 5G networks requires substantial infrastructure upgrades and investments, which can be both costly and time-consuming for operators. Some operators might be in the process of deploying standalone 5G networks that haven't been publicly announced yet. What are your thoughts? 🤔🧐 Follow us on Kaneshwaran Govindasamy & Global 5G Evolution Click comment box. #subscribe our #youtube channel #5g #sa #nsa #telecom #connectivity #csp #mno #telco #telcos #SA #NSA

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In a recent NRTC webinar, panelists discussed some possible pitfalls to the BEAD application process that could emerge for rural electrics and telcos in some states. Panelists from NRECA and NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, suggested staying in touch with state broadband offices, as well as local authorities who may prefer to work with local rather than national or regional ISPs. https://lnkd.in/eQzh4yFS

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Check out the latest advancements on 6G radio design and innovation on topics including AI-driven air interface design, advanced MIMO transmissions, joint communication and sensing, integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, and a lot more from Hexa-X-II! https://lnkd.in/ddaSZXuM #SNSJU #6G #AI

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Time to get back into the swing of industry news with the latest #fibre updates! Explore our Telecom Digest, dive into the #insights from our Policy & Regulation Committee, and check out the upcoming #events by the FTTH Council Europe. Stay informed with the latest edition of Fibre Horizon ➡️https://lnkd.in/d_SExcmA

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🚀 Unlocking the potential of FTTH networks: Addressing key business challenges. In the dynamic landscape of fibre network deployment, decision-making hurdles and sluggish rollout times can impede progress. Our article delves deep into the pain points faced by stakeholders and unveils a transformative solution: High-Level Design (HLD). Learn how HLD streamlines decision-making processes, accelerates network rollout, and optimises cost-efficiency. Discover real-world case studies showcasing Setics' impact in revolutionising FTTH network planning. Read the article now to supercharge your network strategy! #FTTH #HighLevelDesign #NetworkPlanning #SeticsSttar Lit Fibre Setics Sttar

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Latest #BTwatch Weekly Briefing: 📈 Openreach Fibre Build Director Georgia Grimes laid out the latest FTTP progress 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The final Scottish 4G Infill mast was hooked up to EE’s network 🌧️ Openreach and nexfibre jointly dampened expectations of imminent 25G PON and 50G PON launches 🌐 Full briefing includes updates on ambitions to offload Irish business, confirmed legal panel, key new hires and partnerships, and much more... Read the full briefing: https://lnkd.in/eiQM7NYg ⚡ Weekly Briefings are new for 2024, crafted exclusively for those who need to be in the know by our authoritative editors and analysts. Subscribers get the full picture in one place online or by newsletter. Now available for Digital Infrawatch, Vodafonewatch, BTwatch, Deutsche Telekomwatch, Telefónicawatch. From TelcoTitans — #1 for EMEA Telco & Digital Infra Leaders. #TelcoTitans #Telecoms #BT BT Group #Openreach #EE #UK #Network #Fibre #ConnectedNorth #4G

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I think #6G will need a complete rework of the idea of localised roaming and network interconnect. There will be multiple scenarios and greater frequency of devices switching to alternative networks from an MNO, or connecting to other users locally. This fits the #6Greset concept. There are two sets of scenarios, with some overlap: 1) User switches to (or combines) a local network, for improvements in coverage, performance, cost, energy use or privacy 2) User connects to another user or resource locally "at the edge" without traffic going via a distant point. This improves latency, congestion, coverage etc as well. Some use-cases and scenarios: - Local roaming & federation onto indoor #WiFi for better coverage, lower energy consumption and (often) reduced latency to cloud-based applications - Local interconnect with 3rd party networks such as #neutralhost for urban densification, remote / rural and indoors - Both roaming and local interconnect between public and private #5G / 6G networks at a site - for instance for IoT devices moving outdoors from indoors - Local breakout or local interconnect between two different MNO networks, for instance for low-latency communications or gaming between two users at the same venue - Direct device-to-device (or "sidelink") connectivity, for instance for sending files and images/video locally in a similar fashion to AirDrop or casting to a TV. Also for public safety and #V2X at longer ranges - Direct peering (and perhaps radio coordination) between Wi-Fi networks, or between #private5G networks - either locally or as federations - Extending a device's Wi-Fi hotspot capability to offering a 5G / 6G local hotspot in unlicensed spectrum - Localised use of satellite or HAPs connections in particular regions (eg small dead zones) - Various proximity-sensing and positioning use-cases - Alternative local technologies such as Bluetooth, UWB, light - even USB cables - Links to #edgecomputing, #NetworkAPIs and AI A lot of different things will get blended into each other here. Arguably this is actually multiple categories, with a plethora of standards involved. But what I'm seeing is a "superset" of localised network events. There's no real parallel in #5G. That has lots of architectural and regulatory implications. Are any of these things billable? Does lawful intercept apply, and if so where and how? Is the 3GPP core involved, and if so, for control or user planes, or both? What about shared #OpenRAN CU & DUs? What happens if there's a conflict between (say) energy efficiency and privacy, or coverage vs. regulatory control? How much is driven by device or OS connection managers, vs the network(s)? Will there be huge volumes of signalling? This is outside traditional #mobile & IMT / #5G thinking. Some 6G visions talk about Network of Networks - this is what it implies, I believe. ⏰ This will be covered at my Nov 28th "6G For The Real World" workshop Early Bird ends this week - see Eventbrite link in comments⏰

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What types of training does the OSS / telco industry need? What do you need? I’d love to get your perspective on this. In recent times, quite a few people have reached out to suggest that PAOSS should create a comprehensive OSS/BSS training programme because there’s nothing really suited to their needs available on the market today. This has really got me thinking. I previously hadn't really thought it was much of an issue. Yes, there's a lack of ubiquitous OSS/BSS training courses. However, PAOSS has quite a few different courses already available, some free, some paid, but in all honesty, there’s never really been much take-up to date. There are possibly many reasons why that could be the case, but I'm now really curious whether there's a latent demand. As a result, I've recently reached out to a few trusted experts to ask their opinions. I’ve had some really interesting replies. There’s quite a range of different thinking about the types of materials that are needed – from beginner / entry level (to help overcome the burden of getting new starters up to speed quicker), to transformation methodologies / guidance, to architectural principles, to cutting-edge technology summaries, to mastery-level materials – from online to course-work to class-work – from no support materials to lots of support materials (e.g books, training guides, cheat-sheets, etc) – from generic to highly specific - for carriers or for vendors - for Tier-1 operators through to smaller network operators. Some have suggested that they don't want to pay much for training or don't have spare time - therefore the better way would be to create courses designed for organisations (eg carriers or vendors, or maybe even universities) to train their people. Others have pointed to their willingness to invest in their own learning in other areas such as networks, coding, cloud infra and more. I've also heard that some organisations are great at investing in the training of their staff, whilst others don't prioritise it at all, expecting their teams to learn on the job (OJT). In short, there hasn't been much commonality at all across these many discussions, other than to say that OSS training is widely desired because we all seem to be an inquisitive bunch of learners. I'd even argue that the nature of the industry and proliferation of technologies requires us to be endless learners to stay relevant. I'm even more intrigued now. What exactly does our industry need? How should we design the learning pathways to take the industry to the next level? We recently talked about the Ninja Academy, but this goes much further / wider. If you have any thoughts that might help clarify the situation, please share them in the comments below or via direct message. Your Insights Are Crucial! Please also leave me a note if you'd be willing to share your knowledge by participating in a training needs survey. I'd be delighted to share a summary of the survey findings with you

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The newest State of UK #Broadband report from thinkbroadband is out, covering UK #FTTP market, with a lot of analysis of #altnets. Well worth downloading and reading, especially for its analysis of #overbuild, where multiple players build parallel infrastructures along streets. Link: https://lnkd.in/eMvVvf9b The UK market is now at 69% homes passed, predicted to be 95% in May 2026. There isn't as much detail on homes (or businesses) connected, or exactly what "passed" really means. For those unfamiliar with the UK market, there has been a gold-rush in recent years, especially when interest rates were low. Over 150 networks started building out fibre, ranging from local cooperative ISPs to major PE-backed players such as CityFibre. New entrants mostly focused on specific towns / districts, rural areas or building types. Some went straight to XGS-PON. Consolidation is now ongoing. BT Group was slow to adopt full fibre, with both its retail ISP and wholesale Openreach more focused on FTTC / VDSL until about 3 years ago, when it started pushing FTTP *hard*. It has been overbuilding altnets' fibre in many places. #Overbuild is a contentious issue. Received wisdom is that a roughly 30% "take-rate" is needed for positive ROI on fibre build, although that varies by area and other factors. At the moment, the report estimates 22% of UK premises have two FTTP networks, and 3% have three or more. In theory, if there's good #openaccess wholesale with slick processes, high-quality build, flexibility (eg for symmetric 1G/2G if ISPs want) then overbuild can be inefficient. In reality, some overbuild is inevitable and even desirable, especially at a fine-grained level, such as fibre along both sides of a busy road. It helps keep the wholesale market "honest", especially as Openreach's footprint grows. It ensures coverage occurs faster and more completely, with access to not just homes but also MDUs, business premises, street assets like mobile towers and so on. Some homes on sideroads, like mine, don't have FTTP availability despite a build on the main street about 50 metres away. Wholesale regulation is broadly OK, but slow to keep pace - the next Ofcom Telecom Access Review is ongoing for 2026-2031, but presumably may be influenced by the recent change of government. There's a risk that altnets get ignored by policymakers, as seen in the EU. The fact that BT only overbuilds, rather than uses perfectly good existing alternative FTTP assets doesn't suggest confidence in the concept of wholesale. It's prepared to be a seller but not a buyer - even as a retail ISP. It doesn't suggest that competition or structural decomposition is currently as effective as it could be. That shoudl change. (I see a similar lack of symmetry in network APIs - telcos should be on both sides of the market). It will also be interesting to see if the new (delayed) one-touch switching process changes the competitive landscape. Plenty to keep an eye on!

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Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is becoming increasingly significant to the telecom industry📶 Did you know it is now a popular alternative to fixed broadband? Speed-based tariffs are now being offered by 40% of FWA service providers around the world 🌎 This compares to 27% of FWA service providers a year ago. The recently published June 2024 edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report has the full story of how FWA service providers are responding to consumer demands for speed-based tariffs of the type traditionally offered for fiber or cable broadband services. The report also has the latest telecom industry insights, data and analysis. Get your copy: https://lnkd.in/evQ3dhA9 #MobiltyReport #FWA #Technology

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Read the latest Broadband Forum press release 'Enhancements made to key #5G convergence standards' Major enhancements have been made for the advancement of next-generation applications, network resilience, and support of converged services for residential customers thanks to Broadband Forum’s latest 5G work that is integrating wireless and wireline networks. Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/d5R6UwbD

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As the number of customers who can access high-speed broadband increases, operators are faced with the questions of how they differentiate beyond speed and profitably grow new revenues. Join this webinar with Martin Morgan of Qvantel, Gareth Kentish and Marina Alonso of alvatross to find out 5 key strategies that enable differentiation and growth for fibre operators. https://lnkd.in/d3qUeiF2

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