Dean Bubley

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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🧊 In July, the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGMN Alliance) published “Green Future Networks: A Roadmap to Energy Efficient Networks,” offering new guidance & recommendations on reducing #energy #consumption in #mobile #networks. This comprehensive roadmap aims to enhance energy-saving methods for #MNOs & the wider industry. 🧊This latest NGMN publication outlines 16 different #energysaving techniques & intelligent solutions that are currently used or under development in the industry. Supported by real-world data, the publication highlights the energy saving potential of each solution & classifies each by type and by the time needed to develop and deploy them. 🧊“Reducing energy consumption while maintaining service performance is a key ongoing challenge for the industry,” said Arash Ashouriha, Chairman of the NGMN Alliance Board and SVP Group Technology at Deutsche Telekom. “NGMN’s Green Future Networks Programme continues to provide the industry with valuable actionable guidance by pooling the very best of industry knowledge & shaping clear recommendations.” 🧊According to the publication, energy consumption can be reduced through #process #optimisations, engineering & operational improvements, and the deployment of recent technologies. This is the latest phase of NGMN’s Green Future Networks programme, building on the previous publications that addressed the short-term solutions that #mobile #network #operators could deploy. 🧊The use of #AI & #ML to better plan and manage networks and match planned and operational capacity to #predicted #traffic is a key new addition to a number of the identified solutions. The publication outlines that AI can help #estimate #energy #consumption, AI algorithms can help MNOs make improved energy saving decisions & highlights the importance of #identifying #low #energy #efficiency sites. 🧊As part of the publication, MNOs are encouraged to #share #wireless & #RAN #infrastructure and utilise the network resources to limit energy consumption and carbon emissions. It is also recommended that standards development organisations enhance interworking between mobile networks & energy suppliers as a method to reduce carbon footprints & costs, while maintaining service availability. 🧊“Energy reduction, the use of renewables, and the continued delivery of high quality mobile services are non-negotiable cornerstones of how the mobile industry must operate now & in the future,” said Luke Ibbetson, Member of the NGMN Alliance Board & Head of Group R&D at Vodafone. “#Vodafone is proud to have acted as co-lead for this initiative within NGMN and will continue to actively lead & support this important work going forward.” 🧊The publication was developed with input from across the industry, with NGMN Partners representing operators, vendors, research institutes. Follow us on Kaneshwaran Govindasamy & Global 5G Evolution Click comment box. #subscribe our #youtube🧊 Tune in this month's #5G #Conference 🧊

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The #microwave industry has reached a consensus on the evolution direction of 5G/5.5G to ultra-broadband, simplified, multi-channel, is fully prepared for the new era Because #microwave #transmission is such a widely adopted technology, each evolutionary advance of the broader industry tends to spur further innovations in microwave in particular The needs of #5G & 5.5G spurred the development of wider, smarter microwave pipes; increasing scarcity of spectrum resources drove more spectral efficiency gains with microwave; the digital transformation of enterprises was met with new microwave solutions tailored to their needs; carriers' commitments to provide universal coverage prompted efforts to bring down the #TCO of microwave technology; with the emergence of new applications like ultra-broadband, multi-channel microwave, ultra-long-haul transmission, microwave again rose to the occasion with new #innovations in planning & delivery The larger bandwidth of 5G and 5.5G puts increasing the capacity of microwave backhaul high on the agenda. Demand for backhaul capacity could soon be tens of times higher than what it is now. Among all the microwave spectrum options, E-band is considered the sweet spot for 5G and 5.5G deployments, hence the importance of fully exploring its potential capacity. The increasing #density of microwave networks & paucity of #spectrum #resources necessitates the improvement of spectral efficiency In the current climate of global economic recovery, industry digital transformation is catalyzing a myriad of industrial applications of microwave transmission, such as in offshore wind power, disaster relief, power transmission. Microwave plays an important role in connecting industries & bringing network access to every part of society Universal coverage requirements imposed on carriers have driven innovation in the microwave transmission space. Those innovations are bringing down TCO through flexible modular design of products & solutions, lean deployments, simplified O&M. Long-haul microwave leverages new technologies such as high-gain beamforming (#HGBF) to bring down TCO The communications industry has evolved from Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy (#PDH), Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (#SDH), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (#ATM) to Internet Protocol (#IP), & #mobile #backhaul has likewise been changing from carrying only voice and data traffic to supporting the mobile Internet. In this process, ultra-broadband microwave has led to the emergence of new KPIs for future microwave planning The mass deployment of networks and introduction of new technologies such as multi-channel microwave & long-haul transmission inevitably result in complexities & challenges in planning, installation, O&M, optimization, but have also spurred the industry to develop new solutions for efficient microwave deployment & O&M Follow us on Kaneshwaran Govindasamy & Global 5G Evolution click comment box. #subscribe our #youtube channel #Huawei Huawei

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I've identified a whole new use-case category for #Private5G and #NetworkAPIs in enterprises: it's called Uncooperative Applications. I've written a paper about it for Shabodi. (Link in the comments). Normally, we categorise applications and use-cases for #privatewireless as verticals or horizontals. A vertical is an industry sector such as energy, healthcare, manufacturing or transport. A horizontal is a common application or device group, such as security cameras, mobile robots or safety-stop functions. This is a *thematic* category, which describes a specific type of problem, which needs a particular solution approach. It spans many different verticals and horizontals. By "uncooperative", I mean a single network which has multiple concurrent applications or users / tenants, that do not or cannot coordinate with each other. They might compete for network resources, cause congestion or interference, or have wider impacts on the business goals and outcomes. For instance, a #P5G network might be used for many different onsite companies and contractors at a port or major logistics site. At different times, some may have particularly urgent network needs and need to be prioritised. But the different tenants cannot coordinate directly - and may be rivals. Or it could mean that within a given device-class (or "slice" perhaps) a particular unit becomes critical - say, camera 5 watching a perimeter fence detects an intrusion, or robot 7 carrying a valuable component needs rock-solid 4K video analytics. Often we think of use-cases as isolated and independent. But as the paper illustrates, sometimes that's not true. They might actually be inter-dependent. The network and its administrator then needs to act as policemen, looking at the specific applications and their calls for network resources, mapped onto the value and importance for the business on a dynamic basis. This is typically aimed at a particular enterprise site, but also potentially applies to wide-area carrier networks as well. Verticals are useful in terms of defining sales and marketing initiatives (or account coverage) for tech vendors and operators, but tend to be less useful for creating products and solutions. A given vertical may have 20 subsectors with very different needs and applications. (eg Oil industry = exploration + production + refining + shipping + storage + retail + trading etc). Horizontals are useful for defining products (for instance connected cameras and AGVs) and self-contained application + network solutions for #privatewireless. But they don't really show the fit into an overall enterprise complex business process. Thematic categories like Uncooperative Applications are perhaps less useful for defining a salesperson's territory. But they are really good for understanding the role of a *platform*. Click the link in the comments, and download the paper. Let me know if you have any thoughts - or if there are other thematic categories you've spotted.

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Download the report on CPaaS API vs Network APIs     This report, written by Dean Bubley at Disruptive Analysis, clears the industry's confusion about CPaaS APIs vs. #NetworkAPIs and explains their roles in unleashing programmable network capabilities.

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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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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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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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𝟓𝐆 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐬 - 𝐼𝑡'𝑠 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑎 𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑃𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛. In addition to three service verticals (eMBB, uRLLC, mMTC) in the early 5G Network, two more service verticals (or Network Slices in the right context) are added in later releases- 𝑽2𝑿- "Vehicle-to-everything (V2X)" was introduced in R16 and it denotes the seamless exchange of data among various transportation elements and traffic-related sensors, characterized by high bandwidth, low latency, and utmost reliability. The forthcoming 5G mobile networks will play a pivotal role in furnishing connectivity for both vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications. 𝑯𝑴𝑻𝑪 - HMTC, or High-Performance Machine Type Communication, was introduced in R17 and it represents a category of 5G networks enabling efficient communication between machines and the network. Within the framework of 5G, networks are engineered to accommodate diverse needs, such as machine-type communications, throughput, latency, availability, and high-performance communications. Did you know about it or still stuck with the first 3? Do let me know in the comments. For more content like this, Please follow Sanjay Kumar ↗️ and TelcoLearn #5g #embb #urllc #mmtc #hmtc #v2x

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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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