TUCSON, USA: Fujitsu, a leading supplier of business, information technology, and communications solutions, announced that the Center for Integrated Access Networks (CIAN) has selected the Fujitsu FLASHWAVE 9500 Packet Optical Networking Platform (Packet ONP) for its state-of-the-art optical communications testing facility.
The Fujitsu platform was selected to support their goal of driving toward a higher level of integration through optical aggregation.
“We chose the FLASHWAVE 9500 Packet ONP because it can aggregate, switch, and deliver Connection-oriented Ethernet (COE) services across any type of access network,” said Bob Norwood, professor and CIAN industry liaison officer at the University of Arizona.
“This capability affords us maximum flexibility for our research while being able to maintain a standardized set of Ethernet service definitions regardless of access network technology. By incorporating COE, ROADM, and SONET/SDH transport technologies in a single, addressable optical networking element, the FLASHWAVE 9500 platform will allow us to reconfigure our network to allow efficient cross-collaboration among system, sub-system, and device research efforts.”
CIAN, a premier engineering research center, is comprised of member universities working together to broadly enhance technology in optical communications. Their telecommunications industry research is designed to create transformative technologies for optical access networks where virtually any application requiring any resource can be seamlessly and efficiently aggregated and interfaced with existing and future core networks.
“We view continued advances in optical communications at both the component and system level as extremely important to the growth and future success of our country,” continued Norwood. “With Fujitsu we get a rare partner who is both a leading research entity and an equipment supplier who still maintains a high degree of vertical integration (from component to system). We appreciate that Fujitsu can look at CIAN research programs and provide feedback to us from multiple perspectives.”
“Research collaboration between corporate and university entities often generate fresh ideas and perspectives that can result in true optical networking breakthroughs,” said Rod Naphan, vice president of product and strategic planning at Fujitsu Network Communications. “CIAN is performing telecommunications research to speed development of products that advance the information-sharing capabilities of our country.”
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Arkadin strengthens Asia-Pacific presence with SingTel
SINGAPORE: Arkadin Global Conferencing announced a strategic agreement with SingTel. SingTel will exclusively offer Arkadin’s audio and web conferencing and collaboration solutions for its WorldConference virtual meeting service to all its customers in Singapore.
ArkadinAnytime, ArkadinEvent and ArkadinAnywhere audio and web conferencing solutions will be offered under SingTel’s WorldConference brand as SingTel Anytime, SingTel Anywhere and SingTel Event.
Olivier de Puymorin, founder and CEO of Arkadin commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with SingTel, who will be using our proprietary Conferencing and Collaboration platform to provide all their audio and web conferencing services. This agreement adds to the phenomenal growth of Arkadin to further strengthen our global footprint in the Asia Pacific region. Our Singapore team will be working closely with SingTel to grow and expand market share under the SingTel WorldConference brand.”
Chan Yim Leng, SingTel’s Vice President for Business Products, said: “SingTel works closely with top-tier technology vendors to support our customers’ business needs with superior performance, reliability and flexibility. Our agreement with Arkadin further enhances the SingTel WorldConference service and enables us to offer an unrivalled virtual meeting and collaboration experience.”
ArkadinAnytime, ArkadinEvent and ArkadinAnywhere audio and web conferencing solutions will be offered under SingTel’s WorldConference brand as SingTel Anytime, SingTel Anywhere and SingTel Event.
Olivier de Puymorin, founder and CEO of Arkadin commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with SingTel, who will be using our proprietary Conferencing and Collaboration platform to provide all their audio and web conferencing services. This agreement adds to the phenomenal growth of Arkadin to further strengthen our global footprint in the Asia Pacific region. Our Singapore team will be working closely with SingTel to grow and expand market share under the SingTel WorldConference brand.”
Chan Yim Leng, SingTel’s Vice President for Business Products, said: “SingTel works closely with top-tier technology vendors to support our customers’ business needs with superior performance, reliability and flexibility. Our agreement with Arkadin further enhances the SingTel WorldConference service and enables us to offer an unrivalled virtual meeting and collaboration experience.”
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
ZTE completes board and management reshuffle
SHENZHEN, CHINA: ZTE Corp. announced the proposal of the fifth-term board chairman and vice chairmen was approved at the first meeting of its fifth term of board in Shenzhen on March 30, 2010. Hou Weigui was elected as Chairman, with Lei Fanpei and Xie Weiliang as Vice Chairmen. Meanwhile, Directors Yin Yimin, Shi Lirong and He Shiyou will continue to hold seats on the board.
In addition, the proposal of naming a new term of executives was also granted approval at the meeting. Shi Lirong was appointed as President of ZTE, while He Shiyou, Wei Zaisheng, Xie Daxiong, Tian Wenguo, Qiu Weizhao and Fan Qingfeng will continue to act as Executive Vice President. Wei Zaisheng will also continue to act as ZTE’s Financial Director.
According to the announcement, Ms. Chen Jie, Zhao Xianming, Pang Shengqing, Zeng Xuezhong, Xu Huijun, Ye Weimin, Ni Qin, Wu Zengqi, Zhu Jinyun and Zhang Renjun will continue to act as ZTE’s Senior Vice President. Feng Jianxiong nominated by Chairman Hou Weigui, will continue to perform the role of ZTE’s Board Secretary.
The appointment of the new term of management came into effect immediately. As required by the new-term board, the management will further explore the changes in the global telecommunications marketplace, as well as advance and innovate the company’s strategies in accordance with the clients’ dynamic demand. For the next stage of its development, the company aims to grow into a global leading company, as well as to further benefit the society, its shareholders and its employers with premier performance.
In addition, the proposal of naming a new term of executives was also granted approval at the meeting. Shi Lirong was appointed as President of ZTE, while He Shiyou, Wei Zaisheng, Xie Daxiong, Tian Wenguo, Qiu Weizhao and Fan Qingfeng will continue to act as Executive Vice President. Wei Zaisheng will also continue to act as ZTE’s Financial Director.
According to the announcement, Ms. Chen Jie, Zhao Xianming, Pang Shengqing, Zeng Xuezhong, Xu Huijun, Ye Weimin, Ni Qin, Wu Zengqi, Zhu Jinyun and Zhang Renjun will continue to act as ZTE’s Senior Vice President. Feng Jianxiong nominated by Chairman Hou Weigui, will continue to perform the role of ZTE’s Board Secretary.
The appointment of the new term of management came into effect immediately. As required by the new-term board, the management will further explore the changes in the global telecommunications marketplace, as well as advance and innovate the company’s strategies in accordance with the clients’ dynamic demand. For the next stage of its development, the company aims to grow into a global leading company, as well as to further benefit the society, its shareholders and its employers with premier performance.
Nokia redefines the face of mobile email
BANGALORE, INDIA: With a great user experience and a focus on consumers across the spectrum, Nokia has further increased momentum on its email services.
As part of its email solutions offering, Nokia India now enables young professionals to stay ahead of their work, while remain connected with their social lives using Nokia Messaging and the Nokia E63. Now available in an all new white version, priced at Rs. 10,599, the Nokia E63 equips young professionals with a host of enterprise and personal solutions as they embark on their professional journey.
Viral Oza, Head – Activation, Media & Online Marketing, said: “Nokia believes email has become a standard part of the mobile experience, not a unique class of solution for a select part of the market. We are committed to serving the mobile email needs of the entire market with a complete portfolio of solutions across the full range of our devices and this move underlines that commitment.
“Stepping into the corporate arena is perhaps the most exciting phases of one’s career. Fresh graduates, in particular, undergo a huge transition at this point in life where they want to “gear up” to fast track into the corporate world, while staying connected with their old days and friends.
“We believe the Nokia E63 and Nokia Messaging solutions are the best companions of today’s young professionals. It accommodates multiple work and personal email accounts, letting users easily toggle from one email account to another, thus enabling them to be flexible and choose how, when, where and who to respond to and stay on top of both their personal and professional lives.”
Email @Nokia
Nokia offers email to consumers in three ways – for business users through Lotus Notes and Mail For Exchange, for individual consumers through Nokia Messaging (ones who have existing email accounts) and Ovi Mail for first time email users.
For consumers: Nokia Messaging for consumers is a push email UI that aggregates all the consumer email accounts through one client. It can support and mobilize up to 10 email accounts such as Gmail, Yahoo, Rediffmail, Sify and Indiatimes amongst others.
Nokia’s email solution removes the barriers and prohibitive costs associated with mobile email Nokia Messaging is easy to configure (simply in 3 steps!) with the consumer having to click on the email icon and then enter his email address and password. It ensures easy toggling from one email account to another, without closing the existing email account, and without having to go through the web browser. Supported on more than 35 device models, it has over 2 million active users in more than 100 countries today.
For enterprise buyers: Nokia works together with Microsoft and IBM in delivering best in class business email and business instant messaging experience. Business email solutions such as Mail for Exchange and IBM Lotus Notes Traveler deliver full mobile office experience with email, calendar, contacts and tasks. These cost efficient solutions utilize existing company email infrastructure.
Utilizing the presence information, business instant messaging enables users to streamline and manage the way they communicate with their colleagues, (be it chat, file sharing or calls). Companies utilizing standard internet email solutions (POP3/IMAP4) can take advantage either of Nokia Messaging, a service by Nokia, which provides a basic push email for standard internet email (POP3/IMAP4) accounts or the direct internet email access client included in Nokia devices.
For first time users: Mail on Ovi is a free, out-of-the box, email for first-time and more advanced users. Seventy five percent of the world's population has not used email services yet. Nokia aims to offer the first experience of email to these people on a mobile device.
Unlike any other email service which exists today, an Ovi Mail account can be created directly on the mobile phone. For first time email users, Ovi Mail provides an internet identity, as well as cross access to other Ovi services.
Ovi Mail is available across 100 devices in 180 countries in 20 languages currently, with many more planned. Since its launch in December 2008, more than 6 million Ovi Mail accounts have been created and India is among the top 10 countries where Ovi Mail subscribers come from.
As part of its email solutions offering, Nokia India now enables young professionals to stay ahead of their work, while remain connected with their social lives using Nokia Messaging and the Nokia E63. Now available in an all new white version, priced at Rs. 10,599, the Nokia E63 equips young professionals with a host of enterprise and personal solutions as they embark on their professional journey.
Viral Oza, Head – Activation, Media & Online Marketing, said: “Nokia believes email has become a standard part of the mobile experience, not a unique class of solution for a select part of the market. We are committed to serving the mobile email needs of the entire market with a complete portfolio of solutions across the full range of our devices and this move underlines that commitment.
“Stepping into the corporate arena is perhaps the most exciting phases of one’s career. Fresh graduates, in particular, undergo a huge transition at this point in life where they want to “gear up” to fast track into the corporate world, while staying connected with their old days and friends.
“We believe the Nokia E63 and Nokia Messaging solutions are the best companions of today’s young professionals. It accommodates multiple work and personal email accounts, letting users easily toggle from one email account to another, thus enabling them to be flexible and choose how, when, where and who to respond to and stay on top of both their personal and professional lives.”
Email @Nokia
Nokia offers email to consumers in three ways – for business users through Lotus Notes and Mail For Exchange, for individual consumers through Nokia Messaging (ones who have existing email accounts) and Ovi Mail for first time email users.
For consumers: Nokia Messaging for consumers is a push email UI that aggregates all the consumer email accounts through one client. It can support and mobilize up to 10 email accounts such as Gmail, Yahoo, Rediffmail, Sify and Indiatimes amongst others.
Nokia’s email solution removes the barriers and prohibitive costs associated with mobile email Nokia Messaging is easy to configure (simply in 3 steps!) with the consumer having to click on the email icon and then enter his email address and password. It ensures easy toggling from one email account to another, without closing the existing email account, and without having to go through the web browser. Supported on more than 35 device models, it has over 2 million active users in more than 100 countries today.
For enterprise buyers: Nokia works together with Microsoft and IBM in delivering best in class business email and business instant messaging experience. Business email solutions such as Mail for Exchange and IBM Lotus Notes Traveler deliver full mobile office experience with email, calendar, contacts and tasks. These cost efficient solutions utilize existing company email infrastructure.
Utilizing the presence information, business instant messaging enables users to streamline and manage the way they communicate with their colleagues, (be it chat, file sharing or calls). Companies utilizing standard internet email solutions (POP3/IMAP4) can take advantage either of Nokia Messaging, a service by Nokia, which provides a basic push email for standard internet email (POP3/IMAP4) accounts or the direct internet email access client included in Nokia devices.
For first time users: Mail on Ovi is a free, out-of-the box, email for first-time and more advanced users. Seventy five percent of the world's population has not used email services yet. Nokia aims to offer the first experience of email to these people on a mobile device.
Unlike any other email service which exists today, an Ovi Mail account can be created directly on the mobile phone. For first time email users, Ovi Mail provides an internet identity, as well as cross access to other Ovi services.
Ovi Mail is available across 100 devices in 180 countries in 20 languages currently, with many more planned. Since its launch in December 2008, more than 6 million Ovi Mail accounts have been created and India is among the top 10 countries where Ovi Mail subscribers come from.
ip.access contributes to femtocell plugfest success
CAMBRIDGE, UK: ip.access, the leading developer of femtocell and picocell solutions, today welcomed the success of the world’s first femtocell plugfest organised by the Femto Forum in cooperation with the European Telecommunications Standards Institute.
The company confirmed that it fully and success sfully participated in the plugfest, and is committed to the development and commercial deployment of 3GPP’s Iuh standard which lies at the heart of future femtocell interoperability.
“This plugfest was about more than simply validating the Iuh standard on a one-to-one basis,” said ip.access CTO Nick Johnson. “It was a learning experience for all the participants and has helped add clarity to the path towards full plug’n’play interoperability.”
“The industry still has a long way to go,” he added, “but a number of important technical milestones were achieved at the plugfest, and we have made significant progress.”
As well as testing interoperability at the plugfest, ip.access is also leading the effort to create formal Iuh test specifications within the Network Vendors Interoperability Testing (NVIOT) Forum.
“NVIOT is where the leading 3GPP-based wireless equipment suppliers collaborate on standards-based interoperability,” explained Johnson. “The specifications we are developing there will support formal interoperability testing of future commercial Iuh compliant products.”
The company confirmed that it fully and success sfully participated in the plugfest, and is committed to the development and commercial deployment of 3GPP’s Iuh standard which lies at the heart of future femtocell interoperability.
“This plugfest was about more than simply validating the Iuh standard on a one-to-one basis,” said ip.access CTO Nick Johnson. “It was a learning experience for all the participants and has helped add clarity to the path towards full plug’n’play interoperability.”
“The industry still has a long way to go,” he added, “but a number of important technical milestones were achieved at the plugfest, and we have made significant progress.”
As well as testing interoperability at the plugfest, ip.access is also leading the effort to create formal Iuh test specifications within the Network Vendors Interoperability Testing (NVIOT) Forum.
“NVIOT is where the leading 3GPP-based wireless equipment suppliers collaborate on standards-based interoperability,” explained Johnson. “The specifications we are developing there will support formal interoperability testing of future commercial Iuh compliant products.”
Ascom launches world’s toughest DECT handset yet
GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN: Ascom Wireless Solutions, a leading supplier of on-site wireless communications, has launched a new handset featuring market-leading levels of physical robustness and operating safety.
The handset, which will carry the name Ascom d81, has been created specifically to answer the demands of users who work in the most challenging physical environments and require superior levels of alarm protection. For example, heavy industry and petrochemical plants, prisons and psychiatric wards.
Product Manager Robert Hassel explains what drove development: “In recent years, we’ve seen an increasing demand for handsets that can be used in extremely tough environments. The Ascom d81 has been created specifically to deliver a longer working life in exactly these situations.”
Users will appreciate the fact that both the handset and headset connector are IP65 classified - classification that makes the Ascom d81 unique on the market. For workplaces with hazardous areas exposed to explosive gas and dust the Ascom d81 handset will be available in an intrinsically safe version certified according to IECEx, ATEX and CSA.
However, safety can be looked at from another perspective and the Ascom d81 has been designed to offer optimal user protection in a number of scenarios. Potentially, staff at prisons, psychiatric wards, hospitals, hotels and even retail outlets face physical danger on a daily basis and need equipment they can rely on. With this in mind, the Ascom d81 features advanced alarm functions like a man-down/no-movement alarm, silent assistance option and alarm prioritisation.
In other words, staff who might be considered as vulnerable can now work more freely and with more confidence, secure in the knowledge that if they need assistance, the new Ascom d81 won’t let them down.
Dennis Andersson, VP Sales at Ascom believes the new handset meets the demands of its target groups head-on: “Our customers indicated a desire to protect their employees to the highest possible standards while simultaneously enjoying more sophisticated functionality – we’re sure the Ascom d81 delivers this in the market’s toughest package.”
In addition to its robust and protective characteristics, the Ascom d81 is a part of the company’s IP-DECT system and integrates fully with their Centralised Management platform. This means that software updates and upgrades, contact information and much more can be managed over the air, meaning less administration time, smoother application of internal routines and ultimately, a leaner, more productive business.
The handset, which will carry the name Ascom d81, has been created specifically to answer the demands of users who work in the most challenging physical environments and require superior levels of alarm protection. For example, heavy industry and petrochemical plants, prisons and psychiatric wards.
Product Manager Robert Hassel explains what drove development: “In recent years, we’ve seen an increasing demand for handsets that can be used in extremely tough environments. The Ascom d81 has been created specifically to deliver a longer working life in exactly these situations.”
Users will appreciate the fact that both the handset and headset connector are IP65 classified - classification that makes the Ascom d81 unique on the market. For workplaces with hazardous areas exposed to explosive gas and dust the Ascom d81 handset will be available in an intrinsically safe version certified according to IECEx, ATEX and CSA.
However, safety can be looked at from another perspective and the Ascom d81 has been designed to offer optimal user protection in a number of scenarios. Potentially, staff at prisons, psychiatric wards, hospitals, hotels and even retail outlets face physical danger on a daily basis and need equipment they can rely on. With this in mind, the Ascom d81 features advanced alarm functions like a man-down/no-movement alarm, silent assistance option and alarm prioritisation.
In other words, staff who might be considered as vulnerable can now work more freely and with more confidence, secure in the knowledge that if they need assistance, the new Ascom d81 won’t let them down.
Dennis Andersson, VP Sales at Ascom believes the new handset meets the demands of its target groups head-on: “Our customers indicated a desire to protect their employees to the highest possible standards while simultaneously enjoying more sophisticated functionality – we’re sure the Ascom d81 delivers this in the market’s toughest package.”
In addition to its robust and protective characteristics, the Ascom d81 is a part of the company’s IP-DECT system and integrates fully with their Centralised Management platform. This means that software updates and upgrades, contact information and much more can be managed over the air, meaning less administration time, smoother application of internal routines and ultimately, a leaner, more productive business.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Mobile web presence based revenues to generate $6 billion by 2012
HAMPSHIRE, UK: The value of presence based Mobile Web 2.0 services will increase to more than $6 billion by 2012, according to a new report from Juniper Research. Increasing smartphone penetration in developed markets, allied to rising global usage of both on-net and off-net mobile IM (instant messaging) will help to drive this trend.
Defining Mobile Web 2.0
Web 2.0 has been the catalyst for renewed growth in the mobile industry, comprising:
Presence – SMS-based presence (alerts) and server-based presence services Geolocation – services that enable users to share location details with other users, third-parties or applications, collaborate with those nearby, and exploit local knowledge
Social Web – including social networking sites, user generated content, and a variety of sub-categories including blogs and dating
The report found that monetising Mobile Web 2.0 services was still posing a challenge across the mobile value chain. Nevertheless, it concluded that opportunities exist for service providers across a range of business models, ranging from subscription-based services to ad-funded solutions.
Presence services on the increase
The Mobile Web 2.0 report found that revenues from presence-based services were currently almost exclusively derived from operator-billed mobile IM accounts.
Mobile VoIP traffic on the other hand has been severely constrained by the need for higher speed networks such as 3G or HSPA in order to provide the QoS (quality of service) required. In addition many operators have historically sought to block VoIP services in order to protect their voice revenues. Juniper believes that both these issues will begin to ease as mobile broadband becomes more prevalent and new operator business models facilitate the inclusion of VoIP services.
Report author Ian Chard observed “Since the use of IP delivers lower-cost calling rates, for international calls in particular, then as 3G service adoption gradually becomes more prevalent there is likely to be a marked migration of voice traffic across to mobile VoIP.”
Defining Mobile Web 2.0
Web 2.0 has been the catalyst for renewed growth in the mobile industry, comprising:
Presence – SMS-based presence (alerts) and server-based presence services Geolocation – services that enable users to share location details with other users, third-parties or applications, collaborate with those nearby, and exploit local knowledge
Social Web – including social networking sites, user generated content, and a variety of sub-categories including blogs and dating
The report found that monetising Mobile Web 2.0 services was still posing a challenge across the mobile value chain. Nevertheless, it concluded that opportunities exist for service providers across a range of business models, ranging from subscription-based services to ad-funded solutions.
Presence services on the increase
The Mobile Web 2.0 report found that revenues from presence-based services were currently almost exclusively derived from operator-billed mobile IM accounts.
Mobile VoIP traffic on the other hand has been severely constrained by the need for higher speed networks such as 3G or HSPA in order to provide the QoS (quality of service) required. In addition many operators have historically sought to block VoIP services in order to protect their voice revenues. Juniper believes that both these issues will begin to ease as mobile broadband becomes more prevalent and new operator business models facilitate the inclusion of VoIP services.
Report author Ian Chard observed “Since the use of IP delivers lower-cost calling rates, for international calls in particular, then as 3G service adoption gradually becomes more prevalent there is likely to be a marked migration of voice traffic across to mobile VoIP.”
Telstra to begin LTE trials in May
AUSTRALIA: Telstra will start Australian trials of Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology in May, to assess its capability and performance as the next generation evolution for the Next G network.
Michael Rocca, acting Chief Operations Officer, said the trials will help Telstra understand how the new technology can complement the Next G network - already Australia’s largest and fastest national mobile broadband network.
"LTE is globally acknowledged as the dominant next generation technology for mobile technology. It will be an important evolution for the Next G network in due course because it will give consumers access to higher speeds while giving Telstra the capacity to serve an increasing number of customers and support an even wider range of applications," Rocca said.
"We’re already achieving speeds and capacity that are among the best in the world and there’s plenty left in the tank, so while LTE will be an important evolution for the Next G™ network, it won’t be a revolution because HSPA+ is already setting the benchmark for our customers’ experience.
Telstra will spend the next three to six months testing the feasibility and technical capability of LTE for future commercialisation and will draw on three of the most prominent providers of the mobile technology industry for the tests, including its long standing network partner, Ericsson. Joining the testing ranks will be Huawei and Nokia Siemens Networks.
Jacqueline Hey, CEO, Ericsson Australia/NZ said, "Ericsson has partnered with Telstra for more than ten years and helped to build Next G into one of the world’s most advanced mobile networks.
"LTE isthe nextstage in theevolution of3GPPstandards and technology, anda natural extension of the Next G network,as Telstra increases capacity to handle the ever-growing demand for mobile broadband.Asthe leader in HSPA andLTE development, Ericsson looks forward to workingwith Telstra to showcase the benefits andpotential of LTE forbusiness,consumers, and operators."
The Telstra tests will seek to understand a variety of LTE’s attributes including radio access characteristics, coverage, performance, signal propagation and various enhanced packet core features. As a reflection of Telstra’s track record and commitment to serving rural Australia, the testing will comprise not only urban but also rural evaluations of LTE in addition to extensive laboratory trials.
Huawei CTO Peter Rossi said: "Huawei is excited to be working with Telstra in trialling next-generationLTE mobile services. Australian users clearly can’t get enough of mobile broadband, and LTE will be the next evolution in delivering high-speed mobile data,allowing operators to deliveracompletely new set of applications and content."
Kalevi Kostiainen, Head of Nokia Siemens Networks, Australia and New Zealand said: "Wireless technology has been advancing in great strides in recent years and LTE is the next big step beyond 3G. This willenhance theuser experience for many Australiansjust as the number ofwireless broadband users continues to grow. Nokia Siemens Networks are delighted to be working with Telstra in the LTE trial."
The results of the Australian tests will be complemented by the experience of Telstra’s subsidiary company CSL in Hong Kong, where ZTE equipment is being put through its paces. The collective information gathered through these trials will be used to guide planning and design of Telstra’s future Next G network evolution.
Michael Rocca, acting Chief Operations Officer, said the trials will help Telstra understand how the new technology can complement the Next G network - already Australia’s largest and fastest national mobile broadband network.
"LTE is globally acknowledged as the dominant next generation technology for mobile technology. It will be an important evolution for the Next G network in due course because it will give consumers access to higher speeds while giving Telstra the capacity to serve an increasing number of customers and support an even wider range of applications," Rocca said.
"We’re already achieving speeds and capacity that are among the best in the world and there’s plenty left in the tank, so while LTE will be an important evolution for the Next G™ network, it won’t be a revolution because HSPA+ is already setting the benchmark for our customers’ experience.
Telstra will spend the next three to six months testing the feasibility and technical capability of LTE for future commercialisation and will draw on three of the most prominent providers of the mobile technology industry for the tests, including its long standing network partner, Ericsson. Joining the testing ranks will be Huawei and Nokia Siemens Networks.
Jacqueline Hey, CEO, Ericsson Australia/NZ said, "Ericsson has partnered with Telstra for more than ten years and helped to build Next G into one of the world’s most advanced mobile networks.
"LTE isthe nextstage in theevolution of3GPPstandards and technology, anda natural extension of the Next G network,as Telstra increases capacity to handle the ever-growing demand for mobile broadband.Asthe leader in HSPA andLTE development, Ericsson looks forward to workingwith Telstra to showcase the benefits andpotential of LTE forbusiness,consumers, and operators."
The Telstra tests will seek to understand a variety of LTE’s attributes including radio access characteristics, coverage, performance, signal propagation and various enhanced packet core features. As a reflection of Telstra’s track record and commitment to serving rural Australia, the testing will comprise not only urban but also rural evaluations of LTE in addition to extensive laboratory trials.
Huawei CTO Peter Rossi said: "Huawei is excited to be working with Telstra in trialling next-generationLTE mobile services. Australian users clearly can’t get enough of mobile broadband, and LTE will be the next evolution in delivering high-speed mobile data,allowing operators to deliveracompletely new set of applications and content."
Kalevi Kostiainen, Head of Nokia Siemens Networks, Australia and New Zealand said: "Wireless technology has been advancing in great strides in recent years and LTE is the next big step beyond 3G. This willenhance theuser experience for many Australiansjust as the number ofwireless broadband users continues to grow. Nokia Siemens Networks are delighted to be working with Telstra in the LTE trial."
The results of the Australian tests will be complemented by the experience of Telstra’s subsidiary company CSL in Hong Kong, where ZTE equipment is being put through its paces. The collective information gathered through these trials will be used to guide planning and design of Telstra’s future Next G network evolution.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Nokia acquires Novarra
ESPOO, FINLAND: Nokia has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of Novarra Inc., a privately-held company based in Chicago, IL. Novarra is a provider of a mobile browser and service platform and has more than 100 employees.
Novarra's mobile browser and services platform will be used by Nokia to deliver enhanced Internet experiences on Nokia mobile devices. Novarra has deployed their solution with leading mobile operator and internet services customers globally.
"Connecting the next billion consumers to the Internet will happen primarily on mobile devices," said Niklas Savander, Executive Vice President, Services, Nokia, "and delivering an optimized internet experience on our devices is core to our mission. By driving innovation in all segments of our portfolio, we are building one of the largest consumer audiences for web services and content. Novarra's Internet services technology delivered on the world's most widely-used mobile platform, Nokia's Series 40, will help us achieve this."
Nokia expects a new service offering utilizing the Novarra technology platform to be available later this year. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010, and is subject to the customary closing conditions, including regulatory reviews. Following the acquisition, Novarra will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nokia.
Novarra's mobile browser and services platform will be used by Nokia to deliver enhanced Internet experiences on Nokia mobile devices. Novarra has deployed their solution with leading mobile operator and internet services customers globally.
"Connecting the next billion consumers to the Internet will happen primarily on mobile devices," said Niklas Savander, Executive Vice President, Services, Nokia, "and delivering an optimized internet experience on our devices is core to our mission. By driving innovation in all segments of our portfolio, we are building one of the largest consumer audiences for web services and content. Novarra's Internet services technology delivered on the world's most widely-used mobile platform, Nokia's Series 40, will help us achieve this."
Nokia expects a new service offering utilizing the Novarra technology platform to be available later this year. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010, and is subject to the customary closing conditions, including regulatory reviews. Following the acquisition, Novarra will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nokia.
Commetrex announces FoIP 'breakthrough'
ATLANTA, USA: Commetrex has applied for a patent on technology the company says may finally make IP-based fax directly connected to IP-carrier networks nearly as reliable as PSTN fax.
The technology, which Commetrex calls "Smart FoIP," applies to servers that support both T.38 and G.711-pass-through fax, gateways, and ATAs to make SIP-based call setup and the ensuing transaction nearly error free.
According to Cliff Schornak, Commetrex' CTO, and one of the listed inventors: "Over a three-month period last year, we worked with Copia International, a user of our BladeWare fax-server platform, in an effort to allow Copia's fax-broadcast customers to take full advantage of the economics of IP telephony. We succeeded, but not before we found that without the technology we developed, the success of our fax calls was well below that of traditional multi-line fax boards and even lower than that of T.38-only servers."
Schornak continued: "We thought that our fax-server platform, BladeWare, with its support for 711 pass-through fax in addition to T.38, would have the highest success rate. But when we disallowed G.711 on the server, the success rate, much to our surprise, actually improved by 10 percent. It wasn't due to the well-known problems of G.711 IP fax.
"The problem was that frequently, by the time the carrier networks issue their SIP re-invite from G.711, which is the initial mode of all network-based IP fax calls, to T.38, the fax session had progressed beyond the point where the switch to T.38 could be made."
With this in mind, Commetrex developed Smart FoIP, which puts intelligence into the decision by the on-ramp (calling) gateway of whether to accept or reject the T.38 re-invite of the off-ramp (receiving) gateway.
Servers with support for T.38 and G.711 pass-through fax and Smart FoIP have call-completion rates on a par with PSTN fax and five-percent better than a server with support for only T.38. Versions of the new technology have been developed for BladeWare and Commetrex' T.38 fax relay licensed technology for semiconductor, gateway, and ATA OEMs.
Steve Hersee, CEO of Copia International, commented: "Now, our customers can enjoy outbound completion rates on a par with multi-line fax boards and well above that of fax servers that only support T.38 and are not equipped with this new technology."
The technology, which Commetrex calls "Smart FoIP," applies to servers that support both T.38 and G.711-pass-through fax, gateways, and ATAs to make SIP-based call setup and the ensuing transaction nearly error free.
According to Cliff Schornak, Commetrex' CTO, and one of the listed inventors: "Over a three-month period last year, we worked with Copia International, a user of our BladeWare fax-server platform, in an effort to allow Copia's fax-broadcast customers to take full advantage of the economics of IP telephony. We succeeded, but not before we found that without the technology we developed, the success of our fax calls was well below that of traditional multi-line fax boards and even lower than that of T.38-only servers."
Schornak continued: "We thought that our fax-server platform, BladeWare, with its support for 711 pass-through fax in addition to T.38, would have the highest success rate. But when we disallowed G.711 on the server, the success rate, much to our surprise, actually improved by 10 percent. It wasn't due to the well-known problems of G.711 IP fax.
"The problem was that frequently, by the time the carrier networks issue their SIP re-invite from G.711, which is the initial mode of all network-based IP fax calls, to T.38, the fax session had progressed beyond the point where the switch to T.38 could be made."
With this in mind, Commetrex developed Smart FoIP, which puts intelligence into the decision by the on-ramp (calling) gateway of whether to accept or reject the T.38 re-invite of the off-ramp (receiving) gateway.
Servers with support for T.38 and G.711 pass-through fax and Smart FoIP have call-completion rates on a par with PSTN fax and five-percent better than a server with support for only T.38. Versions of the new technology have been developed for BladeWare and Commetrex' T.38 fax relay licensed technology for semiconductor, gateway, and ATA OEMs.
Steve Hersee, CEO of Copia International, commented: "Now, our customers can enjoy outbound completion rates on a par with multi-line fax boards and well above that of fax servers that only support T.38 and are not equipped with this new technology."
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Bharti Airtel launches iPhone 3GS in Bangalore
BANGALORE, INDIA: Bharti Airtel, one of Asia’s leading integrated telecom service providers, today announced the India launch of the most powerful mobile of the year - Airtel iPhone 3GS in Karnataka. V. Venkatesh, CEO – Karnataka Circle, Bharti Airtel, accompanied by leading sandalwood actress Aindrita Ray, unveiled the much awaited Airtel iPhone 3GS mobile phone in Bangalore.
He said: “Airtel has always been in the forefront to bring in the finest experience for its customers. The awareness and demand for the most advanced products is increasing rapidly in India. We are very much delighted to offer the strength of Airtel brand and network for the avid mobile users in the city, there by bringing in the eagerly-awaited Airtel iPhone 3GS that will take mobile communications to a whole new level.”
Airtel iPhone 3GS is the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, packed with incredible new features including improved speed and performance - up to twice as fast as iPhone 3G - with longer battery life, a high-quality 3 megapixel autofocus camera, easy to use video recording and hands free voice control.
The groundbreaking App Store provides access to more than 150,000 applications from games to social networking to financial planning and health management, generating more than 3 billion downloads to date. iPhone is now available in over 80 countries around the world.
Airtel iPhone 3GS will be available from Rs. 35,500 for the 16GB model and Rs 41,500 for the 32GB model. Airtel iPhone 3GS customers will enjoy 500 MB of free data every month for a year from the date of their iPhone 3GS activation.
To take advantage of this offer, customers should call 121. Additionally, iPhone 3G continues to be available in the 8GB version for Rs 29,500.
Customers can purchase Airtel iPhone 3GS from Airtel authorized retail stores across India including select Airtel Relationship Centres.
He said: “Airtel has always been in the forefront to bring in the finest experience for its customers. The awareness and demand for the most advanced products is increasing rapidly in India. We are very much delighted to offer the strength of Airtel brand and network for the avid mobile users in the city, there by bringing in the eagerly-awaited Airtel iPhone 3GS that will take mobile communications to a whole new level.”
Airtel iPhone 3GS is the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, packed with incredible new features including improved speed and performance - up to twice as fast as iPhone 3G - with longer battery life, a high-quality 3 megapixel autofocus camera, easy to use video recording and hands free voice control.
The groundbreaking App Store provides access to more than 150,000 applications from games to social networking to financial planning and health management, generating more than 3 billion downloads to date. iPhone is now available in over 80 countries around the world.
Airtel iPhone 3GS will be available from Rs. 35,500 for the 16GB model and Rs 41,500 for the 32GB model. Airtel iPhone 3GS customers will enjoy 500 MB of free data every month for a year from the date of their iPhone 3GS activation.
To take advantage of this offer, customers should call 121. Additionally, iPhone 3G continues to be available in the 8GB version for Rs 29,500.
Customers can purchase Airtel iPhone 3GS from Airtel authorized retail stores across India including select Airtel Relationship Centres.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Femtocell base stations poised for spectacular growth
EL SEGUNDO, USA: The ecosystem surrounding femtocells, or cellular base stations that improve indoor wireless coverage, is headed toward critical mass among all major nodes of the wireless supply chain and will vault into explosive growth after
reaching a decisive watershed this year, iSuppli Corp. believes.
Unit shipments of femtocells will more than triple this year, rising to 1.9 million, up from 571,000 in 2009, according to iSuppli projections. A period of phenomenal expansion then will follow, with shipments reaching 7.2 million units in 2011, up 289 percent from 2010. Shipments will rise by 232 percent to reach 23.9 million units in 2012 and by a whopping 657 percent to hit 39.6 million units in 2013.
Fig. 1 presents iSuppli’s forecast for femtocell base stations from 2009 to 2013.
Source: iSuppli, USA
“Throughout the wireless supply chain, companies are busy mobilizing to provide solutions for femtocells, which resemble Wi-Fi routers in appearance,” Francis Sideco, principal analyst for wireless research at iSuppli. “Instead of enabling wireless local area networks, however, femtocell base stations improve 3G coverage inside buildings or homes—locations where wireless signals tend to be weak because of building materials blocking the signal or the site’s distance from a cell tower.”
Among participant nodes, Tier 1 entities in the United States and major global operators like Vodafone Group plc in the United Kingdom have launched femtocell solutions. Commercial deployments also are being launched by an increasing number of carriers around the world.
In addition to carriers, several device manufacturers are firming up their femtocell positions after recently announcing the selection of England-based company picoChip to supply the key baseband chipset components for their products.
Femtocells likewise are being evaluated by chipset suppliers such as Qualcomm Inc. and Texas Instruments Inc., which are examining entry strategies for breaking into the market.
A fourth node comprising test and measurement companies—including the likes of AirHop Communications Inc. and Continuous Computing—is leading the charge for self-optimization of coverage for femtocell deployments.
Given the inherent use cases and environmental requirements of indoor deployments, self-optimizing networks are essential to the success of femtocells.
“Taking into account developments across the wireless communications ecosystem, iSuppli expects 2010 to be the year in which femtocell units become a key ingredient in the foundation for future radio access network topologies,” Jagdish Rebello is the senior director and a principal analyst for wireless research.
While technical and commercial challenges remain, femtocells are proving to be viable solutions for players in the wireless industry—especially mobile network operators—seeking to optimize their resources in providing seamless wireless coverage inside indoor environments.
Source: iSuppli, USA
reaching a decisive watershed this year, iSuppli Corp. believes.
Unit shipments of femtocells will more than triple this year, rising to 1.9 million, up from 571,000 in 2009, according to iSuppli projections. A period of phenomenal expansion then will follow, with shipments reaching 7.2 million units in 2011, up 289 percent from 2010. Shipments will rise by 232 percent to reach 23.9 million units in 2012 and by a whopping 657 percent to hit 39.6 million units in 2013.
Fig. 1 presents iSuppli’s forecast for femtocell base stations from 2009 to 2013.
Source: iSuppli, USA“Throughout the wireless supply chain, companies are busy mobilizing to provide solutions for femtocells, which resemble Wi-Fi routers in appearance,” Francis Sideco, principal analyst for wireless research at iSuppli. “Instead of enabling wireless local area networks, however, femtocell base stations improve 3G coverage inside buildings or homes—locations where wireless signals tend to be weak because of building materials blocking the signal or the site’s distance from a cell tower.”
Among participant nodes, Tier 1 entities in the United States and major global operators like Vodafone Group plc in the United Kingdom have launched femtocell solutions. Commercial deployments also are being launched by an increasing number of carriers around the world.
In addition to carriers, several device manufacturers are firming up their femtocell positions after recently announcing the selection of England-based company picoChip to supply the key baseband chipset components for their products.
Femtocells likewise are being evaluated by chipset suppliers such as Qualcomm Inc. and Texas Instruments Inc., which are examining entry strategies for breaking into the market.
A fourth node comprising test and measurement companies—including the likes of AirHop Communications Inc. and Continuous Computing—is leading the charge for self-optimization of coverage for femtocell deployments.
Given the inherent use cases and environmental requirements of indoor deployments, self-optimizing networks are essential to the success of femtocells.
“Taking into account developments across the wireless communications ecosystem, iSuppli expects 2010 to be the year in which femtocell units become a key ingredient in the foundation for future radio access network topologies,” Jagdish Rebello is the senior director and a principal analyst for wireless research.
While technical and commercial challenges remain, femtocells are proving to be viable solutions for players in the wireless industry—especially mobile network operators—seeking to optimize their resources in providing seamless wireless coverage inside indoor environments.
Source: iSuppli, USA
Verizon Wireless names Reliance Communications as authorized distributor of wireless devices
HAUPPAUGE, USA: Reliance Communications, a national distributor of wireless products, has entered into an agreement to distribute a full line of wireless devices to authorized Verizon Wireless agents.
With this announcement, authorized agents/retailers of Verizon Wireless will be able to source tested and approved wireless devices, including smart phones, multimedia phones and wireless modems from a variety of branded manufacturers through Reliance Communications.
“We are very pleased to have been selected to support Verizon Wireless agents/retailers with innovative marketing programs and supply chain efficiency," stated Mike Narula, President and CEO of Reliance Communications. “The relationships Reliance has fostered with retailers across the country, combined with our experience and expertise in the wireless industry will benefit Verizon Wireless authorized agents/retailers.”
With this announcement, authorized agents/retailers of Verizon Wireless will be able to source tested and approved wireless devices, including smart phones, multimedia phones and wireless modems from a variety of branded manufacturers through Reliance Communications.
“We are very pleased to have been selected to support Verizon Wireless agents/retailers with innovative marketing programs and supply chain efficiency," stated Mike Narula, President and CEO of Reliance Communications. “The relationships Reliance has fostered with retailers across the country, combined with our experience and expertise in the wireless industry will benefit Verizon Wireless authorized agents/retailers.”
Thursday, March 25, 2010
OS battleground expands from handsets to mobile devices
EL SEGUNDO, USA: The battle for mobile Operating System (OS) dominance is spreading beyond the smart-phone arena and into other mobile and consumer devices, forcing developers to create applications and content that can be enjoyed across multiple platforms, according to iSuppli Corp.
“Mobile OSes, from Google’s Android, to Symbian, to Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Mobile, have been fighting it out for leadership in the burgeoning smart-phone market,” said Jagdish Rebello, Ph.D., senior director and principal analyst for wireless research at iSuppli Corp.
“However, with wireless carriers supporting more types of devices on their networks, the mobile OS battle now is spreading beyond the smart-phone arena and is entering the larger realm of Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs), a category that includes netbook PCs, Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs), MP3 players, automotive infotainment systems and Internet Access Devices (IADs). With the carriers also supporting multiple OSes, the challenge for developers is to offer application and content that is compelling on multiple platforms.”
The potential market for such content is huge.
Global shipments of smart phones and other wirelessly enabled Internet-connected devices are set to rise to approximately 735.6 million units in 2014, almost three times the projected shipments of 262.7 million in 2009. The figure presents iSuppli’s global forecast of wirelessly connected mobile devices.
Source: iSuppli, USA
iSuppli defines mobilized connectable devices as gadgets that have integrated connectivity for WLANs, WMANs or 3G-or-higher WWANs.
The OS with the most
Over the past two years, a battle royal has been escalating in the smart-phone operating system arena as industry heavyweights including Nokia, Apple, Microsoft, RIM and Google compete aggressively with one another for market share.
In addition, the availability of Software Development Kits (SDKs) and the active promotion of an energetic application developer community by all of the major OS vendors echoes the fact that applications and device user interface have emerged as critical factors in the customer selection of smart phone devices.
The proliferation of applications for the iPhone and other platforms now has put the spotlight firmly on the importance of high-level OS structure, access to application programming interface, usability and user interactions and behaviors related to the devices.
Today, all of the major OS vendors are working to create an active ecosystem of application developers to create attractive applications for their OS platforms. And all of the handset vendors are working to create customizable, intuitive and intelligent user interfaces with content aggregation functionality for their devices.
OEMs also are preloading popular social network applications on their devices and opening up their own app stores in order to capture a share of the revenue from the sale of applications.
As content and application sharing among multiple devices becomes increasingly important for consumers, connectivity technologies are aggressively penetrating consumer electronics products.
Furthermore, content and application compatibility across different platforms is emerging as a critical differentiator for device manufacturers.
OS vendors are responding to this trend with the adoption of cross-category operating system strategies.
Vendors like Nokia and Google are trying to promote OSes that can be adopted across different hardware platforms. Apple has announced that its highly anticipated iPad will use the same operating system as the iPhone 3G. Microsoft’s latest operating system, WinMo 7, appears to be targeted at several products besides the smart phone.
Porting display trends
“While companies are creating tools to allow developers to port applications across multiple platforms, they also face the fact that the challenges applying to content enjoyment also extend to display design,” said Vinita Jakhanwal, principal analyst, small/medium displays, for iSuppli.
“Displays are usually customized according the device model and OS specifications. As applications get written for various OSes, the native display resolution support must be customized.”
For example, among current smart phones, Apple’s OS uses a half-VGA pixel format on a 3.5-inch screen, while the Android OS supports an 800 by 480-pixel format. However the display size itself can vary.
Features like multitouch displays and zooming also impact display design.
“The biggest challenge will concern porting applications across different device types, Jakhanwal said. “Clearly, the display resolution, number of pixels and display size must be worked out to enable similar viewing experiences of the same applications across multiple device platforms. Displays and display resolutions are a very important piece of user viewing experience and will have a great impact on the success of the device, OS and applications.”
“Mobile OSes, from Google’s Android, to Symbian, to Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Mobile, have been fighting it out for leadership in the burgeoning smart-phone market,” said Jagdish Rebello, Ph.D., senior director and principal analyst for wireless research at iSuppli Corp.
“However, with wireless carriers supporting more types of devices on their networks, the mobile OS battle now is spreading beyond the smart-phone arena and is entering the larger realm of Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs), a category that includes netbook PCs, Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs), MP3 players, automotive infotainment systems and Internet Access Devices (IADs). With the carriers also supporting multiple OSes, the challenge for developers is to offer application and content that is compelling on multiple platforms.”
The potential market for such content is huge.
Global shipments of smart phones and other wirelessly enabled Internet-connected devices are set to rise to approximately 735.6 million units in 2014, almost three times the projected shipments of 262.7 million in 2009. The figure presents iSuppli’s global forecast of wirelessly connected mobile devices.
Source: iSuppli, USAiSuppli defines mobilized connectable devices as gadgets that have integrated connectivity for WLANs, WMANs or 3G-or-higher WWANs.
The OS with the most
Over the past two years, a battle royal has been escalating in the smart-phone operating system arena as industry heavyweights including Nokia, Apple, Microsoft, RIM and Google compete aggressively with one another for market share.
In addition, the availability of Software Development Kits (SDKs) and the active promotion of an energetic application developer community by all of the major OS vendors echoes the fact that applications and device user interface have emerged as critical factors in the customer selection of smart phone devices.
The proliferation of applications for the iPhone and other platforms now has put the spotlight firmly on the importance of high-level OS structure, access to application programming interface, usability and user interactions and behaviors related to the devices.
Today, all of the major OS vendors are working to create an active ecosystem of application developers to create attractive applications for their OS platforms. And all of the handset vendors are working to create customizable, intuitive and intelligent user interfaces with content aggregation functionality for their devices.
OEMs also are preloading popular social network applications on their devices and opening up their own app stores in order to capture a share of the revenue from the sale of applications.
As content and application sharing among multiple devices becomes increasingly important for consumers, connectivity technologies are aggressively penetrating consumer electronics products.
Furthermore, content and application compatibility across different platforms is emerging as a critical differentiator for device manufacturers.
OS vendors are responding to this trend with the adoption of cross-category operating system strategies.
Vendors like Nokia and Google are trying to promote OSes that can be adopted across different hardware platforms. Apple has announced that its highly anticipated iPad will use the same operating system as the iPhone 3G. Microsoft’s latest operating system, WinMo 7, appears to be targeted at several products besides the smart phone.
Porting display trends
“While companies are creating tools to allow developers to port applications across multiple platforms, they also face the fact that the challenges applying to content enjoyment also extend to display design,” said Vinita Jakhanwal, principal analyst, small/medium displays, for iSuppli.
“Displays are usually customized according the device model and OS specifications. As applications get written for various OSes, the native display resolution support must be customized.”
For example, among current smart phones, Apple’s OS uses a half-VGA pixel format on a 3.5-inch screen, while the Android OS supports an 800 by 480-pixel format. However the display size itself can vary.
Features like multitouch displays and zooming also impact display design.
“The biggest challenge will concern porting applications across different device types, Jakhanwal said. “Clearly, the display resolution, number of pixels and display size must be worked out to enable similar viewing experiences of the same applications across multiple device platforms. Displays and display resolutions are a very important piece of user viewing experience and will have a great impact on the success of the device, OS and applications.”
Mobile broadband subscriptions surpassed 271 million by year end 2009
SINGAPORE: GSM subscriber growth, on an absolute basis, is slowly grinding to a halt. According to forecasts from ABI Research that growth is expected to flatline by mid-2011.
“There is still some mileage in EDGE subscriptions (28 percent) and GSM voice-only subscriptions (8 percent), but otherwise GPRS subs are shrinking,” comments vice president of forecasting Jake Saunders.
“However 3G and 3.5G subscriptions are ramping up as the ‘need for speed’ encourages end-users to upgrade. At the end of 2009, there were 181 million HSxPA subscriptions. Overall, mobile broadband subscriptions grew to 271 million for a YoY growth rate of 43 percent.”
Global cellular subscription numbers surpassed 4.35 billion by the end of 2009, with a YoY growth of 10.4 percent. Cellular subscriptions slowed perceptibly in the first half of 2009 as emerging markets took the brunt of the economic slowdown.
The rate of adoption slowed, and existing end-users reduced spending on cellular subscriptions. Cellular subscription adoption has since recovered in late 2009, resulting in global cellular penetration topping 66 percent.
Most industrialized countries pushed through the 100% penetration barrier by the end of the 1990s, with the help of prepaid subscription plans. “There is a very real prospect that within the next five to 10 years, cellular subscription penetration will pass through 200 percent in a number of developed countries,” adds analyst Bhavya Khanna.
“USB dongles, embedded modems in netbooks, laptops, tablets and consumer electronics will test the definition of ‘mobile cellular subscriber’. Operators will need to evolve to multiple devices per subscription to retain customers.”
The Asia-Pacific region accounts for a staggering 45 percent of the global cellular market compared to just 29 percent 10 years ago. The next-largest market is Western Europe (13 percent) followed by North America (7.2 percent).
In Asia-Pacific, cellular penetration has only reached 52.5 percent compared to 140 percent in Western Europe and 93 percent in North America. Cellular penetration will include 80 percent of the world’s population by early 2014.
“There is still some mileage in EDGE subscriptions (28 percent) and GSM voice-only subscriptions (8 percent), but otherwise GPRS subs are shrinking,” comments vice president of forecasting Jake Saunders.
“However 3G and 3.5G subscriptions are ramping up as the ‘need for speed’ encourages end-users to upgrade. At the end of 2009, there were 181 million HSxPA subscriptions. Overall, mobile broadband subscriptions grew to 271 million for a YoY growth rate of 43 percent.”
Global cellular subscription numbers surpassed 4.35 billion by the end of 2009, with a YoY growth of 10.4 percent. Cellular subscriptions slowed perceptibly in the first half of 2009 as emerging markets took the brunt of the economic slowdown.
The rate of adoption slowed, and existing end-users reduced spending on cellular subscriptions. Cellular subscription adoption has since recovered in late 2009, resulting in global cellular penetration topping 66 percent.
Most industrialized countries pushed through the 100% penetration barrier by the end of the 1990s, with the help of prepaid subscription plans. “There is a very real prospect that within the next five to 10 years, cellular subscription penetration will pass through 200 percent in a number of developed countries,” adds analyst Bhavya Khanna.
“USB dongles, embedded modems in netbooks, laptops, tablets and consumer electronics will test the definition of ‘mobile cellular subscriber’. Operators will need to evolve to multiple devices per subscription to retain customers.”
The Asia-Pacific region accounts for a staggering 45 percent of the global cellular market compared to just 29 percent 10 years ago. The next-largest market is Western Europe (13 percent) followed by North America (7.2 percent).
In Asia-Pacific, cellular penetration has only reached 52.5 percent compared to 140 percent in Western Europe and 93 percent in North America. Cellular penetration will include 80 percent of the world’s population by early 2014.
Clearwire extends 4G leadership in the United States
LAS VEGAS, USA: At the International CTIA WIRELESS 2010 show, Clearwire Communications, LLC, an operating subsidiary of Clearwire Corp. and the largest 4G service provider in the United States, today announced new details about the company’s planned expansion of its 4G mobile broadband network in 2010.
In addition to the newly named markets, the company announced the launch of the 30th 4G-embedded computer, and 4G service for the forthcoming Apple iPad. The company also outlined a series of advancements in network architecture that will increase capacity, enhance data speeds, and help reduce the environmental impact of the company’s growing wireless data network.
“Across our 4G markets today, we’re experiencing data usage levels that could shake the rest of the wireless industry to its core,” said Bill Morrow, CEO of Clearwire. “On average, our mobile 4G customers are using more than 7 GB of data per month, and we’re very pleased about the implications. Those who want to have a misguided debate about competing 4G radio technologies are missing the bigger picture. To deliver true mobile broadband requires deep spectrum resources and an all-IP network, and Clearwire remains unrivaled on both fronts.”
“In fact, the efficiency of our IP-network and scale of our spectrum holdings have not only enabled us to launch our own successful CLEAR service, but they have enabled us to become the 4G ‘Network of Networks,’” Morrow said. “Whether customers sign up for 4G service through us, Sprint, Comcast, or Time Warner Cable, it is our network and our spectrum making it all possible. And, we continue to look ahead. Today, we announced advancements across markets, devices, and our network, that we believe will continue to keep Clearwire at the forefront of 4G leadership and innovation.”
Additional 4G markets
Clearwire currently provides 4G service in 27 markets across the United States. The company expects to cover up to 120 million people by the end of 2010. The CLEAR customer experience is similar to that provided by Wi-Fi, but without the short-range limitations of a traditional Internet hotspot.
CLEAR uses a wireless 4G technology that differs from Wi-Fi called WiMAX, which provides service areas measured in miles, not feet. Today, CLEAR delivers speeds comparable to DSL connections, with average mobile download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps and bursts over 10 mbps.*
The company previously indicated that some of its new 4G markets scheduled to launch in 2010 include: New York City, Houston, Boston, Washington, D.C., Kansas City, Denver, Minneapolis, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Today, the company disclosed the names of some additional cities where Clearwire plans to launch 4G service in 2010, including: Los Angeles, Miami, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Salt Lake City. Additional cities will be announced later this year. As previously announced, Clearwire will launch service in Houston in the coming weeks and the majority of the new 4G markets will launch toward the end of the year.
Additional 4G devices
On April 1, the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 netbook featuring the Intel Atom processor N450 with embedded 4G technology will be available for customers through select CLEAR retail locations, telesales and www.clear.com. This addition will further extend the company’s leadership in 4G mobile computing.
Today, Clearwire customers can select from one of 30 different 4G-ready Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 embedded netbooks and notebooks from leading manufacturers including Dell, Lenovo, Fujitsu, Samsung, and Toshiba. The Mini 10 will be available for $249.99 after instant rebate.
In addition, consumers unsatisfied with the speeds and limitations of 3G networks, or the need to seek out Wi-Fi hotspots, can use the upcoming Apple iPad on Clearwire’s open 4G network. With the portable and battery-powered CLEAR Spot, any off-the-shelf Wi-Fi device (compatible with 802.11b/g) – including the Apple iPad – can experience 4G wireless speeds at home or on the go.
When coupled with a CLEAR USB modem, the CLEAR Spot ($139.99) creates a personal Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight users that travels with consumers anywhere they happen to be within Clearwire’s 4G service areas. Later this year, Clearwire expects to introduce a next generation CLEAR Spot with integrated 4G technology.
Network enhancements
The company also announced that it has embarked on a series of new 4G network initiatives to deliver faster service to end users, increase its microwave backhaul capacity and significantly improve the energy efficiency of its thousands of base stations across the United States.
Employing advanced antenna signal processing technology, Clearwire will expand its cell site capacities by doubling the number of transmitters and receivers per site, thereby boosting potential end user speeds by approximately 20-30 percent. Upgrades will be made on a rolling basis across Clearwire’s 4G network and have already been completed in some of the company’s existing markets, including Seattle, Honolulu and Maui.
Ongoing enhancements to Clearwire’s cost-efficient microwave backhaul network are expected to increase total backhaul capacity by 250 percent or more, with long-term capability to support gigabit per second speeds in high-density, high-traffic areas. This added capacity will give Clearwire’s robust, cost effective network the ability to leverage its unrivaled spectrum portfolio and support the growth in mobile data traffic, which Cisco projects will double annually across the industry for the next five years.
As recently noted in Sidecut Reports’ “Clearwire’s Spectrum – The 4G Advantage,” “Clearwire has anywhere from two to seven times as much spectrum ’depth’ as incumbent 3G cellular operators in many major population centers in the US.”
The report states: “[It is these] holdings that will allow Clearwire to provide high-speed data to millions and millions of new customers, without having to rely on the government or industry to re-allocate airwaves anytime soon. This wealth of spectrum depth also allows Clearwire to build its network more cheaply and efficiently than existing 3G networks, many of which currently struggle to carry data over infrastructures originally designed only for voice calls.”
Clearwire also announced that it has begun trials in Chicago of its first high-efficiency “green” base station cabinets. This new generation of base station cabinets is capable of achieving up to 90 percent reduction in electrical operating expenses and would not require the use of HVAC equipment in the majority of the company’s nationwide deployment. Following completion of the trials, the new base station designs are expected to be introduced throughout the Clearwire network.
In addition to the newly named markets, the company announced the launch of the 30th 4G-embedded computer, and 4G service for the forthcoming Apple iPad. The company also outlined a series of advancements in network architecture that will increase capacity, enhance data speeds, and help reduce the environmental impact of the company’s growing wireless data network.
“Across our 4G markets today, we’re experiencing data usage levels that could shake the rest of the wireless industry to its core,” said Bill Morrow, CEO of Clearwire. “On average, our mobile 4G customers are using more than 7 GB of data per month, and we’re very pleased about the implications. Those who want to have a misguided debate about competing 4G radio technologies are missing the bigger picture. To deliver true mobile broadband requires deep spectrum resources and an all-IP network, and Clearwire remains unrivaled on both fronts.”
“In fact, the efficiency of our IP-network and scale of our spectrum holdings have not only enabled us to launch our own successful CLEAR service, but they have enabled us to become the 4G ‘Network of Networks,’” Morrow said. “Whether customers sign up for 4G service through us, Sprint, Comcast, or Time Warner Cable, it is our network and our spectrum making it all possible. And, we continue to look ahead. Today, we announced advancements across markets, devices, and our network, that we believe will continue to keep Clearwire at the forefront of 4G leadership and innovation.”
Additional 4G markets
Clearwire currently provides 4G service in 27 markets across the United States. The company expects to cover up to 120 million people by the end of 2010. The CLEAR customer experience is similar to that provided by Wi-Fi, but without the short-range limitations of a traditional Internet hotspot.
CLEAR uses a wireless 4G technology that differs from Wi-Fi called WiMAX, which provides service areas measured in miles, not feet. Today, CLEAR delivers speeds comparable to DSL connections, with average mobile download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps and bursts over 10 mbps.*
The company previously indicated that some of its new 4G markets scheduled to launch in 2010 include: New York City, Houston, Boston, Washington, D.C., Kansas City, Denver, Minneapolis, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Today, the company disclosed the names of some additional cities where Clearwire plans to launch 4G service in 2010, including: Los Angeles, Miami, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Salt Lake City. Additional cities will be announced later this year. As previously announced, Clearwire will launch service in Houston in the coming weeks and the majority of the new 4G markets will launch toward the end of the year.
Additional 4G devices
On April 1, the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 netbook featuring the Intel Atom processor N450 with embedded 4G technology will be available for customers through select CLEAR retail locations, telesales and www.clear.com. This addition will further extend the company’s leadership in 4G mobile computing.
Today, Clearwire customers can select from one of 30 different 4G-ready Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 embedded netbooks and notebooks from leading manufacturers including Dell, Lenovo, Fujitsu, Samsung, and Toshiba. The Mini 10 will be available for $249.99 after instant rebate.
In addition, consumers unsatisfied with the speeds and limitations of 3G networks, or the need to seek out Wi-Fi hotspots, can use the upcoming Apple iPad on Clearwire’s open 4G network. With the portable and battery-powered CLEAR Spot, any off-the-shelf Wi-Fi device (compatible with 802.11b/g) – including the Apple iPad – can experience 4G wireless speeds at home or on the go.
When coupled with a CLEAR USB modem, the CLEAR Spot ($139.99) creates a personal Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight users that travels with consumers anywhere they happen to be within Clearwire’s 4G service areas. Later this year, Clearwire expects to introduce a next generation CLEAR Spot with integrated 4G technology.
Network enhancements
The company also announced that it has embarked on a series of new 4G network initiatives to deliver faster service to end users, increase its microwave backhaul capacity and significantly improve the energy efficiency of its thousands of base stations across the United States.
Employing advanced antenna signal processing technology, Clearwire will expand its cell site capacities by doubling the number of transmitters and receivers per site, thereby boosting potential end user speeds by approximately 20-30 percent. Upgrades will be made on a rolling basis across Clearwire’s 4G network and have already been completed in some of the company’s existing markets, including Seattle, Honolulu and Maui.
Ongoing enhancements to Clearwire’s cost-efficient microwave backhaul network are expected to increase total backhaul capacity by 250 percent or more, with long-term capability to support gigabit per second speeds in high-density, high-traffic areas. This added capacity will give Clearwire’s robust, cost effective network the ability to leverage its unrivaled spectrum portfolio and support the growth in mobile data traffic, which Cisco projects will double annually across the industry for the next five years.
As recently noted in Sidecut Reports’ “Clearwire’s Spectrum – The 4G Advantage,” “Clearwire has anywhere from two to seven times as much spectrum ’depth’ as incumbent 3G cellular operators in many major population centers in the US.”
The report states: “[It is these] holdings that will allow Clearwire to provide high-speed data to millions and millions of new customers, without having to rely on the government or industry to re-allocate airwaves anytime soon. This wealth of spectrum depth also allows Clearwire to build its network more cheaply and efficiently than existing 3G networks, many of which currently struggle to carry data over infrastructures originally designed only for voice calls.”
Clearwire also announced that it has begun trials in Chicago of its first high-efficiency “green” base station cabinets. This new generation of base station cabinets is capable of achieving up to 90 percent reduction in electrical operating expenses and would not require the use of HVAC equipment in the majority of the company’s nationwide deployment. Following completion of the trials, the new base station designs are expected to be introduced throughout the Clearwire network.
Enterprise mobility in China: $4.1 billion market in 2014
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: According to a new report from Ovum, the global analyst and consulting company, enterprises in China are beginning to express increasing demand for enterprise mobility for reasons such as higher affordability, more option for customization, and easier deployment.
Chinese companies are still in the early phases of enterprise mobility deployment. “This is evident from the limited types of mobile devices which have been procured and issued to their mobile employees,” explains Jane Wang, Senior Analyst at Ovum.
The China enterprise mobility market is not large compared to leading Asia-Pacific markets, but Ovum forecasts that future growth rate will be fast. “We expect enterprise mobility revenues to steadily grow, exceeding $4.1 billion by 2014,” said Jane Wang, based in Beijing.
Applications will be expanded and upgraded. As 3G and WLAN become more popular in China, and enterprise users recognise the benefits of mobile applications, enterprise users will extend their mobility requirements from the initial usage, such as network construction and push email into mobile OA, mobile ERP and other high end enterprise applications.
“The potential of enterprise mobility in each vertical industry is determined by its level of ICT adoption”, advised Wang. “In China, the vertical industries with higher adoption of ICT are finance, telecommunications, government and manufacturing.”
Among these industries the proportion of enterprise mobility spending is less than 10 percent of their ICT annual budget; Ovum observes that these industries, in varying degrees, have strong potential demand on the enterprise mobility.
For example, the banking industry shows the interests of mobile banking, mobile payments, and there are pilot cases in several banking. Central and local governments in the process of building e-government systems are also raising demand, such as electronic police force to use of PDA and cellular applications. Although the adoption are still small scale and at an early stage, Ovum believes if the enterprise mobility services provider offer a good experience to users at headquarters, enterprises will extend mobility services to their branches in the future.
Also, Ovum expects new verticals to emerge in the short term. Starting in 2009, for example, the Chinese government has been investing to reform the health care industry, and generating IT and communications requirements such as networked medical record systems and mobile applications to manage patient/doctor appointments and other communications. The electric power industry is also trying to set up intelligent grid planning, which will drive the demand of the power industry for machine-to-machine (M2M) mobile applications.
Ovum’s 2009 SME survey results show that SME demand and spending for enterprise mobility is relatively low. Service providers are offering them mobility services such as push email and SMS platforms. However, with the great enterprise number, over 90 percent of the amount of Chinese enterprises, SMEs represent a largely market space with opportunities and potential for high growth.
SMEs expect to expand the share of their telecoms budget devoted to mobility, and many companies expect to use more mobility applications such as mobile IM and mobile multimedia.
Chinese companies are still in the early phases of enterprise mobility deployment. “This is evident from the limited types of mobile devices which have been procured and issued to their mobile employees,” explains Jane Wang, Senior Analyst at Ovum.
The China enterprise mobility market is not large compared to leading Asia-Pacific markets, but Ovum forecasts that future growth rate will be fast. “We expect enterprise mobility revenues to steadily grow, exceeding $4.1 billion by 2014,” said Jane Wang, based in Beijing.
Applications will be expanded and upgraded. As 3G and WLAN become more popular in China, and enterprise users recognise the benefits of mobile applications, enterprise users will extend their mobility requirements from the initial usage, such as network construction and push email into mobile OA, mobile ERP and other high end enterprise applications.
“The potential of enterprise mobility in each vertical industry is determined by its level of ICT adoption”, advised Wang. “In China, the vertical industries with higher adoption of ICT are finance, telecommunications, government and manufacturing.”
Among these industries the proportion of enterprise mobility spending is less than 10 percent of their ICT annual budget; Ovum observes that these industries, in varying degrees, have strong potential demand on the enterprise mobility.
For example, the banking industry shows the interests of mobile banking, mobile payments, and there are pilot cases in several banking. Central and local governments in the process of building e-government systems are also raising demand, such as electronic police force to use of PDA and cellular applications. Although the adoption are still small scale and at an early stage, Ovum believes if the enterprise mobility services provider offer a good experience to users at headquarters, enterprises will extend mobility services to their branches in the future.
Also, Ovum expects new verticals to emerge in the short term. Starting in 2009, for example, the Chinese government has been investing to reform the health care industry, and generating IT and communications requirements such as networked medical record systems and mobile applications to manage patient/doctor appointments and other communications. The electric power industry is also trying to set up intelligent grid planning, which will drive the demand of the power industry for machine-to-machine (M2M) mobile applications.
Ovum’s 2009 SME survey results show that SME demand and spending for enterprise mobility is relatively low. Service providers are offering them mobility services such as push email and SMS platforms. However, with the great enterprise number, over 90 percent of the amount of Chinese enterprises, SMEs represent a largely market space with opportunities and potential for high growth.
SMEs expect to expand the share of their telecoms budget devoted to mobility, and many companies expect to use more mobility applications such as mobile IM and mobile multimedia.
Demand for Google's Nexus One smartphone jumps on global parallel market
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL: RCS Ltd, the world's largest international trader of cellular phones, digital cameras and other portable electronics, announced that demand for Google's Nexus One Smartphone has been increasing steadily since the beginning of the year.
In February, worldwide demand for the Nexus One was 16% higher than that of the iPhone, and this trend is expected to continue toward the end of the first quarter.
Unlike the Apple iPhone, Google's Nexus One is unlocked and can be purchased without a service plan from a cellular operator.
"According to the trading data from RCS' global network, Nexus One is expected to continue to increase its market share in the Smartphone market moving into Q2," said Rami Feller, President of RCS. "In our opinion, the main factors that lead to the increased demand for Nexus One are the lower unit price compared to other Smarthphones, Google's unlocked business model and the easy interface with other Google web-based applications."
In February, worldwide demand for the Nexus One was 16% higher than that of the iPhone, and this trend is expected to continue toward the end of the first quarter.
Unlike the Apple iPhone, Google's Nexus One is unlocked and can be purchased without a service plan from a cellular operator.
"According to the trading data from RCS' global network, Nexus One is expected to continue to increase its market share in the Smartphone market moving into Q2," said Rami Feller, President of RCS. "In our opinion, the main factors that lead to the increased demand for Nexus One are the lower unit price compared to other Smarthphones, Google's unlocked business model and the easy interface with other Google web-based applications."
Source Photonics announces 6 Gigabit SFP+ for wireless backhaul networks
CHATSWORTH, USA: Source Photonics Inc., a leading provider of optical transceivers for fiber to the home and telecom networks, announced the availability of the industry’s first 6 Gigabit module in SFP+ form factor for applications in 3/4G wireless backhaul networks supporting Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) and Open Base Station Architecture Initiative (OBSAI) standards.
Source Photonic’s 6 Gb/s SFP+ product family includes interfaces for both 2km and 15km transmission distances on single mode fiber (SMF) networks and 300m transmission on multimode fiber (MMF). Both Fabry Perot (FP) and Distributed Feedback (DFB) lasers are used to cover the range of transmission distances. The product family also supports an industrial temperature operating range from -40C to +85C, enabling deployment in outdoor and indoor applications.
Thomas Yu, director of product management at Source Photonics, said: “Increasing use and ubiquitous demand for mobile internet is creating increased requirements for high bandwidth on backhaul traffic to the core network. The highest data rate and new standard to support this evolution is 6Gigabit, more than twice the traditional bandwidth used for such applications.
“Source Photonics’ 6 Gigabit SFP+ product line provides cost-effective and high quality optical transceivers designed specifically for this emerging market. Our products provide a smooth upgrade for customers when they transition their systems from 2Gbps to 6Gbps.”
The 6Gb/s SFP+ product family complements Source Photonics’ existing 8Gb/s and 10Gb/s SFP+ product families.
Source Photonic’s 6 Gb/s SFP+ product family includes interfaces for both 2km and 15km transmission distances on single mode fiber (SMF) networks and 300m transmission on multimode fiber (MMF). Both Fabry Perot (FP) and Distributed Feedback (DFB) lasers are used to cover the range of transmission distances. The product family also supports an industrial temperature operating range from -40C to +85C, enabling deployment in outdoor and indoor applications.
Thomas Yu, director of product management at Source Photonics, said: “Increasing use and ubiquitous demand for mobile internet is creating increased requirements for high bandwidth on backhaul traffic to the core network. The highest data rate and new standard to support this evolution is 6Gigabit, more than twice the traditional bandwidth used for such applications.
“Source Photonics’ 6 Gigabit SFP+ product line provides cost-effective and high quality optical transceivers designed specifically for this emerging market. Our products provide a smooth upgrade for customers when they transition their systems from 2Gbps to 6Gbps.”
The 6Gb/s SFP+ product family complements Source Photonics’ existing 8Gb/s and 10Gb/s SFP+ product families.
GigOptix moves 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s polymer modulators to production
OFC/NFOEC 2010, SAN DIEGO, USA: GigOptix Inc. disclosed this week the company’s progressive plans to commercialize its proprietary polymer based modulator for all 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s modulation formats during 2010. The company has partnered with Sanmina-SCI to contract manufacture the modulators.
Over the last year, since the acquisition of Lumera by GigOptix, the company’s Bothell, Washington based LX Product Line group has made unparalleled developments in polymer material thermal–related electro-optical and mechanical stability; enabling the first-ever achievement of the required 85C, 25 years electro-optical stability of the polymer-coated silicon modulator chip. The design rules that were deployed allow the smallest overall modulator foot print for all speeds and formats.
The GigOptix LX modulators use standard semiconductor production flows and industry standard modulator package assembly technology, allowing for a smooth transfer of the product to a mass production partner like Sanmina-SCI.
The company announced that the first Telcordia qualified volume production of 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s DPSK modulators, will be available in the fourth quarter of 2010. Engineering samples of 40Gb/s DQPSK and 100Gb/s DP-QPSK modulators will be also be available in the fourth quarter of 2010, with Telcordia qualified volume production available in the first quarter of 2011.
Over the last year, since the acquisition of Lumera by GigOptix, the company’s Bothell, Washington based LX Product Line group has made unparalleled developments in polymer material thermal–related electro-optical and mechanical stability; enabling the first-ever achievement of the required 85C, 25 years electro-optical stability of the polymer-coated silicon modulator chip. The design rules that were deployed allow the smallest overall modulator foot print for all speeds and formats.
The GigOptix LX modulators use standard semiconductor production flows and industry standard modulator package assembly technology, allowing for a smooth transfer of the product to a mass production partner like Sanmina-SCI.
The company announced that the first Telcordia qualified volume production of 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s DPSK modulators, will be available in the fourth quarter of 2010. Engineering samples of 40Gb/s DQPSK and 100Gb/s DP-QPSK modulators will be also be available in the fourth quarter of 2010, with Telcordia qualified volume production available in the first quarter of 2011.
Syniverse, RealNetworks sign long-term alliance
TAMPA & SEATTLE, USA: Syniverse Technologies and RealNetworks Inc. have entered into a nine-year alliance to use Real’s intercarrier short message service (SMS) platform as the power behind Syniverse’s peer-to-peer (P2P) messaging interoperability solutions. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The extension of the relationship between the two companies means Real, which today provides the technology foundation underlying Syniverse’s intercarrier SMS solution in the Americas, also will supply the same platform for Syniverse’s global SMS Interworking Gateway, SMS Open Connectivity and SMS-IP solutions.
Charles Landry, Executive Vice President, Messaging, Syniverse, said this strategic alliance combines Syniverse’s understanding of the mobile messaging ecosystem, global footprint, and network and messaging expertise with the superb development capabilities of Real.
“Subscribers around the world expect one thing from mobile messaging: That it works,” Landry said. “Real, with its proven reliability, is an excellent fit with our ongoing commitment to excellence in our own platforms. Implementing their technology across all our global SMS solutions means operators everywhere will have access to the same industry-leading messaging solutions our customers have come to expect from Syniverse and will have the ability to give their subscribers a superior, consistent messaging experience anytime, anywhere.”
Under the agreement, Real supplies core message processing software and services while Syniverse implements, manages and maintains the SMS interoperability offerings that include a robust set of next-generation reporting tools.
Vern Poyner, Senior Vice President, Technology Products and Solutions, RealNetworks, said he is looking forward to the opportunity to expand the benefits of Real’s proven, scalable messaging platform to even more operators around the globe.
“SMS volumes are exploding worldwide as more mobile device users than ever before choose SMS as their preferred mode of mobile communication,” Poyner said.
“We understand, like Syniverse, that stability and reliability are essential elements of any messaging solution. With zero downtime during the past four years, the Real platform has earned an industry reputation as the premier provider of SMS technology. We are pleased to be working with Syniverse to raise the standard of mobile messaging across the world.”
The extension of the relationship between the two companies means Real, which today provides the technology foundation underlying Syniverse’s intercarrier SMS solution in the Americas, also will supply the same platform for Syniverse’s global SMS Interworking Gateway, SMS Open Connectivity and SMS-IP solutions.
Charles Landry, Executive Vice President, Messaging, Syniverse, said this strategic alliance combines Syniverse’s understanding of the mobile messaging ecosystem, global footprint, and network and messaging expertise with the superb development capabilities of Real.
“Subscribers around the world expect one thing from mobile messaging: That it works,” Landry said. “Real, with its proven reliability, is an excellent fit with our ongoing commitment to excellence in our own platforms. Implementing their technology across all our global SMS solutions means operators everywhere will have access to the same industry-leading messaging solutions our customers have come to expect from Syniverse and will have the ability to give their subscribers a superior, consistent messaging experience anytime, anywhere.”
Under the agreement, Real supplies core message processing software and services while Syniverse implements, manages and maintains the SMS interoperability offerings that include a robust set of next-generation reporting tools.
Vern Poyner, Senior Vice President, Technology Products and Solutions, RealNetworks, said he is looking forward to the opportunity to expand the benefits of Real’s proven, scalable messaging platform to even more operators around the globe.
“SMS volumes are exploding worldwide as more mobile device users than ever before choose SMS as their preferred mode of mobile communication,” Poyner said.
“We understand, like Syniverse, that stability and reliability are essential elements of any messaging solution. With zero downtime during the past four years, the Real platform has earned an industry reputation as the premier provider of SMS technology. We are pleased to be working with Syniverse to raise the standard of mobile messaging across the world.”
Wavesat announces partnership with picoChip for LTE demos and testing
SAN MATEO, USA: UK-based picoChip and Wavesat have signed a MoU to conduct end-to-end LTE interoperability testing, leading to the availability of fully-proven 4G network solutions.
This co-operation combines picoChip’s expertise in developing scalable, multi-processor base station and femtocell baseband LTE chipsets and Wavesat’s high-performance, low-power LTE UE silicon. LTE network operators, systems integrators and OEM/ODM system manufacturers will benefit from the availability of the combined, tested technologies.
“We are enthused to be working with Wavesat in this way. At picoChip we firmly believe that LTE will be a disruptive technology, offering new opportunities for network operators and for OEMs. That inevitably means we must support interoperability testing with UE technology partners such as Wavesat, in order to supply ‘ready to ship’ eNodeB,” said picoChip’s LTE Product Manager Paul Neil. “Wavesat is one of the first companies to have an LTE UE reference design commercially available and we are delighted to be working together.”
The initial focus of this forthcoming cooperation is to demonstrate over the air interoperability between picoChip eNodeB and Wavesat UE with both TDD and FDD modes of operation on a range of E-UTRA bands. In addition to the interoperability testing, Wavesat and picoChip will engage in joint market development activities and customer engagements and plan to deploy their combined solutions in customer LTE trials, with an estimated start date of 3Q 2010.
“Wavesat and picoChip have a long history of collaboration around 4G wireless technology,” stated Anil Barot, VP of Marketing & Business Development at Wavesat. “We believe our common experience with IP-based network technologies, now including LTE, and our respective focus on base station and UE baseband chipsets, will allow our mutual customers to deploy with a high degree of confidence.”
This creation of a dynamic testing arrangement signals that the Wavesat/PicoChip venture will lead to increasingly innovative development opportunities for both companies.
This co-operation combines picoChip’s expertise in developing scalable, multi-processor base station and femtocell baseband LTE chipsets and Wavesat’s high-performance, low-power LTE UE silicon. LTE network operators, systems integrators and OEM/ODM system manufacturers will benefit from the availability of the combined, tested technologies.
“We are enthused to be working with Wavesat in this way. At picoChip we firmly believe that LTE will be a disruptive technology, offering new opportunities for network operators and for OEMs. That inevitably means we must support interoperability testing with UE technology partners such as Wavesat, in order to supply ‘ready to ship’ eNodeB,” said picoChip’s LTE Product Manager Paul Neil. “Wavesat is one of the first companies to have an LTE UE reference design commercially available and we are delighted to be working together.”
The initial focus of this forthcoming cooperation is to demonstrate over the air interoperability between picoChip eNodeB and Wavesat UE with both TDD and FDD modes of operation on a range of E-UTRA bands. In addition to the interoperability testing, Wavesat and picoChip will engage in joint market development activities and customer engagements and plan to deploy their combined solutions in customer LTE trials, with an estimated start date of 3Q 2010.
“Wavesat and picoChip have a long history of collaboration around 4G wireless technology,” stated Anil Barot, VP of Marketing & Business Development at Wavesat. “We believe our common experience with IP-based network technologies, now including LTE, and our respective focus on base station and UE baseband chipsets, will allow our mutual customers to deploy with a high degree of confidence.”
This creation of a dynamic testing arrangement signals that the Wavesat/PicoChip venture will lead to increasingly innovative development opportunities for both companies.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wireless carrier infrastructure market to decline in 2010
EL SEGUNDO, USA: Global capital expenditures by wireless carriers, a key measure of health in the wireless industry, will decline in 2010 for the second year in a row because of continuing caution among carriers as they dig out of the recession, according to iSuppli Corp.
Total capital spending on wireless communications this year will reach $120.6 billion, a decline of 1.8 percent from $122.8 billion in 2009—which already was down 8.6 percent from $134.3 billion in 2008. The attached figure presents iSuppli’s worldwide capital expenditures forecast for wireless communications.
“During 2010 and in 2011, all the major wireless carriers in the developed nations will be extremely cautious in their investments,” said Jagdish Rebello, Ph.D., senior director and principal analyst for wireless research at iSuppli.
“Given the continued uncertainties of the global macroeconomic environment, iSuppli expects that wireless subscribers in regions like the United States, Europe, Japan and South Korea will reduce their spending on wireless voice and data communications—in the process adversely affecting the revenue streams of carriers. In response, carriers will scale back their investments in technology upgrades.”
Rather than deploy the successor 4G technology—designed to support mobile wireless access at very high data transmission speeds—carriers will focus on proliferating currently dominant 3G/3.5G technologies to enhance the data rate capabilities of their cellular networks, Rebello added. Mass deployment of technologies considered as 4G, including Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and WiMAX, is not expected to occur before 2011, until carriers have recovered their investments in 3G.
In contrast to their strategy in the developed world, carriers in the developing countries mostly will continue to expand the reach of older 2.5G networks, allowing them to provide higher data transmission rates without making major investments in new infrastructure. For the majority of these carriers, the maturity of 2.5G networks represents the most economical option for extending wireless coverage to increasing sections of the population being served.
The deployment of 3G, however, is starting in a few developing countries, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brazil. And in China, an aggressive 3G deployment campaign by Chinese carriers that had gotten under way in 2009 is continuing in 2010.
Software/network maintenance dominates spending
Of the three major components comprising total capital expenditures, spending on software and network maintenance will make up the largest portion, amounting to $60.9 billion in 2010. In comparison, capital spending on wireless infrastructure equipment, the second largest area, will reach $36.7 billion this year. A third segment, capital expenditures on non-infrastructure equipment such as cables, plants, and site procurements, will top $23.0 billion.
Despite the overall depressed expenditure levels anticipated for this year, carriers will continue to invest selectively in key areas that provide revenue growth—specifically, data and video services—to offset declining voice revenues. And beginning next year, total capital expenditures will inch up back toward growth, increasing to $126.9 billion by 2013.
Carriers look to femto base stations
The decision by carriers to delay the deployment of 4G technologies, coupled with the increased adoption of smart phones by wireless subscribers, is increasingly causing traffic congestion and overload problems for the networks of many carriers in the developed world.
As a result, carriers are seeking to ease traffic congestion issues in the radio access and backhaul segments of their networks by evaluating different bandwidth-offloading solutions. Several carriers in 2009 trialed femtocell base stations to provide improved indoor 3G coverage and to offload data traffic from their access networks, and then launched commercial deployments in 2010.
iSuppli believes that femtocell base stations are a viable solution to a real problem facing carriers today. To this end, 2010 will be the year of mass-market deployment of 3G femtocell base stations, iSuppli expects.
Source: iSuppli, USA
Total capital spending on wireless communications this year will reach $120.6 billion, a decline of 1.8 percent from $122.8 billion in 2009—which already was down 8.6 percent from $134.3 billion in 2008. The attached figure presents iSuppli’s worldwide capital expenditures forecast for wireless communications.
“During 2010 and in 2011, all the major wireless carriers in the developed nations will be extremely cautious in their investments,” said Jagdish Rebello, Ph.D., senior director and principal analyst for wireless research at iSuppli.
“Given the continued uncertainties of the global macroeconomic environment, iSuppli expects that wireless subscribers in regions like the United States, Europe, Japan and South Korea will reduce their spending on wireless voice and data communications—in the process adversely affecting the revenue streams of carriers. In response, carriers will scale back their investments in technology upgrades.”
Rather than deploy the successor 4G technology—designed to support mobile wireless access at very high data transmission speeds—carriers will focus on proliferating currently dominant 3G/3.5G technologies to enhance the data rate capabilities of their cellular networks, Rebello added. Mass deployment of technologies considered as 4G, including Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and WiMAX, is not expected to occur before 2011, until carriers have recovered their investments in 3G.
In contrast to their strategy in the developed world, carriers in the developing countries mostly will continue to expand the reach of older 2.5G networks, allowing them to provide higher data transmission rates without making major investments in new infrastructure. For the majority of these carriers, the maturity of 2.5G networks represents the most economical option for extending wireless coverage to increasing sections of the population being served.
The deployment of 3G, however, is starting in a few developing countries, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brazil. And in China, an aggressive 3G deployment campaign by Chinese carriers that had gotten under way in 2009 is continuing in 2010.
Software/network maintenance dominates spending
Of the three major components comprising total capital expenditures, spending on software and network maintenance will make up the largest portion, amounting to $60.9 billion in 2010. In comparison, capital spending on wireless infrastructure equipment, the second largest area, will reach $36.7 billion this year. A third segment, capital expenditures on non-infrastructure equipment such as cables, plants, and site procurements, will top $23.0 billion.
Despite the overall depressed expenditure levels anticipated for this year, carriers will continue to invest selectively in key areas that provide revenue growth—specifically, data and video services—to offset declining voice revenues. And beginning next year, total capital expenditures will inch up back toward growth, increasing to $126.9 billion by 2013.
Carriers look to femto base stations
The decision by carriers to delay the deployment of 4G technologies, coupled with the increased adoption of smart phones by wireless subscribers, is increasingly causing traffic congestion and overload problems for the networks of many carriers in the developed world.
As a result, carriers are seeking to ease traffic congestion issues in the radio access and backhaul segments of their networks by evaluating different bandwidth-offloading solutions. Several carriers in 2009 trialed femtocell base stations to provide improved indoor 3G coverage and to offload data traffic from their access networks, and then launched commercial deployments in 2010.
iSuppli believes that femtocell base stations are a viable solution to a real problem facing carriers today. To this end, 2010 will be the year of mass-market deployment of 3G femtocell base stations, iSuppli expects.
Source: iSuppli, USA
China IPTV subscribers to double in 2010
EL SEGUNDO: USA: Subscribers in China to Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) will double in 2010, the result of an official government push to accelerate convergence among the country’s various telecom, broadcast and Internet operators.
Subscribers in China to IPTV delivered via the Internet and broadband networks will jump to 8.5 million in 2010, rising by a hefty 96 percent from 4.4 million in 2009, according to iSuppli Corp. And while growth rates during the next three years will not equal the 2010 peak, IPTV development will continue to acquire impressive momentum, reaching expansion rates as high as 51 percent, iSuppli estimates. By 2014, IPTV subscribers in China will exceed 31 million.
The figure presents iSuppli’s forecast for China IPTV subscribers from 2006 to 2014.
“The rise in IPTV subscribers in 2010 and beyond will be driven primarily by deployments among China’s broadcasters, which hold the prized IPTV licenses,” said Loren Zhao, an analyst for iSuppli’s China Research.
“Despite a policy by the State Council of China in January 2010 encouraging the country’s telecom carriers, broadcast operators and Internet firms to enter one another’s fields and provide services, the three-way convergence policy is skewed against telecom carriers. Unlike the broadcast operators, which are allowed a wider leeway in the range of services they offer, telecom carriers face strong regulation, can participate only in radio and television transmission and are proscribed from taking part in the content integration and broadcast sectors.”
Numbers game
IPTV services currently extend to more than 20 provinces and cities in China, but IPTV subscribers are concentrated in only a few areas. Out of the country’s 22 provinces, no more than eight count greater than 100,000 IPTV subscribers. Furthermore, fully 56 percent of total IPTV subscribers are to be found in just three locations: China’s largest city of Shanghai, as well as the two densely populated provinces of Jiangsu in the east and Guangdong in the south.
In spite of the uneven distribution of IPTV subscribers, the players in the China IPTV market are raising their 2010 targets and hope to spread their services to more provinces in 2010, iSuppli believes.
Several drivers will push IPTV growth from now to 2014, including Beijing’s continuing advancement of its triple-play convergence policy, the ongoing competition between telecom carriers and broadcast operators to carve out their own territories and the strategy among the players to bundle wireline and wireless broadband with IPTV services.
Source: iSuppli, USA
Zlango brings SMS to life with icon messages
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL: Zlango, the telco-grade icon-enhanced mobile text messaging service, is now available directly to the public from www.zlango.com and several independent online application stores.
Zlango is the world’s first free, natively integrated, icon-based mobile messaging application, infusing individual personality and emotional expression into the mobile texting experience.
Zlango launched its first direct-to-consumer application with the introduction of two new icon themes – Urban and Gorgeous - in addition to the Classic theme. Each theme includes an extensive icon library within the mobile application to suit a wide range of expression preferences.
Users worldwide easily exchange icon-based messages with friends on any mobile networks. The user experience is just like plain text messaging. The user simply selects ‘Icon Message’ rather than ‘Text Message’ and starts writing messages. Icon suggestions automatically appear to replace words throughout the message. Zlango is free to download and use. Standard operator SMS charges apply.
Roni Haim, CEO of Zlango said: “We are excited to introduce the first direct-to-consumer icon-messaging service enabling users on any mobile network to send and receive exciting, emotive and colorful mobile messages as easily as they send SMS. Zlango’s new Urban and Gorgeous themes were created to further personalize and enrich the mobile messaging experience, enabling users to visually express themselves via simple SMS-like messages."
Until now, Zlango has been available via selected mobile operators worldwide. Several million users send hundreds of millions of Zlango icons monthly. Zlango expects these numbers to increase significantly with direct-to-consumer availability. Zlango can be downloaded to mobile devices for free from www.zlango.com, many independent online mobile application stores and partnering operators in several countries. Zlango works on more than 500 smart phones and mid-range devices.
Zlango is the world’s first free, natively integrated, icon-based mobile messaging application, infusing individual personality and emotional expression into the mobile texting experience.
Zlango launched its first direct-to-consumer application with the introduction of two new icon themes – Urban and Gorgeous - in addition to the Classic theme. Each theme includes an extensive icon library within the mobile application to suit a wide range of expression preferences.
Users worldwide easily exchange icon-based messages with friends on any mobile networks. The user experience is just like plain text messaging. The user simply selects ‘Icon Message’ rather than ‘Text Message’ and starts writing messages. Icon suggestions automatically appear to replace words throughout the message. Zlango is free to download and use. Standard operator SMS charges apply.
Roni Haim, CEO of Zlango said: “We are excited to introduce the first direct-to-consumer icon-messaging service enabling users on any mobile network to send and receive exciting, emotive and colorful mobile messages as easily as they send SMS. Zlango’s new Urban and Gorgeous themes were created to further personalize and enrich the mobile messaging experience, enabling users to visually express themselves via simple SMS-like messages."
Until now, Zlango has been available via selected mobile operators worldwide. Several million users send hundreds of millions of Zlango icons monthly. Zlango expects these numbers to increase significantly with direct-to-consumer availability. Zlango can be downloaded to mobile devices for free from www.zlango.com, many independent online mobile application stores and partnering operators in several countries. Zlango works on more than 500 smart phones and mid-range devices.
Sanmina-SCI, GigOptix announce optical polymer modulator manufacturing partnership
SAN JOSE & PALO ALTO, USA: Sanmina-SCI Corp. and GigOptix, a leading provider of electronic engines for the optically connected digital world, have announced a manufacturing partnership to produce GigOptix' revolutionary high bandwidth polymer modulator designed for 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s long-haul optical transponders.
"This partnership with GigOptix exemplifies Sanmina-SCI's optical strategy to provide significant value-added manufacturing services across the entire range of optical products," said Dave Dutkowsky, Executive Vice President of Sanmina-SCI's Communications Infrastructure Division.
"We offer the most comprehensive and technologically advanced service capabilities in the optical manufacturing segment which we use to develop unique and innovative solutions for our customers. We will be providing GigOptix with industry leading design, process development, test development, manufacturing and supply chain management services across Sanmina-SCI's global optical infrastructure, including our optical manufacturing capability in China."
"Just over a year since the GigOptix acquisition of Lumera we are now gearing up for volume production. The prospects for this and our future modulators look very positive as major customers we have been visiting see the benefits of our technology, and also value that GigOptix offers a full suite of driver, modulator and receiver TIAs for 10, 40 and 100Gb/s which eases interoperability challenges," stated Dr. Avi Katz, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors for GigOptix.
"This partnership is bringing immediate benefits to our products. We selected Sanmina-SCI due to their world-class optical manufacturing capabilities, competitive cost structure and ideal location for servicing the important China market, and are delighted with their solid vote of confidence in our revolutionary modulators."
The first product for the partnership to be brought to production is the GigOptix LX8401, a 40Gb/s DPSK Mach-Zehnder modulator that will be the industry's first EO polymer modulator. Planned to be fully qualified for volume production in the fourth quarter of 2010, it will offer price and specification advantages over currently available products. Benefits include its low power consumption and small size.
At just 84mm in length, the LX8401 is not only 30 percent shorter than comparable Lithium Niobate modulators, but also fits easily into a 3.5" by 4.5" SFF (small form factor) 300pin transponder. GigOptix proprietary materials technology has been under development for several years and is now optimized for thermal and optical stability to the telecom requirements of 85 degrees C for 25 years.
GigOptix, in partnership with Sanmina-SCI, intends to bring a family of modulators to production to address the various modulation formats – DPSK, DQPSK and DP-QPSK covering 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s for telecom and RF communication market applications. The polymer modulator chips, based on GigOpitx' proprietary and protected technology, are designed, developed and produced by GigOptix while the optical packaging is jointly developed and then manufactured by Sanmina-SCI.
Sanmina-SCI has design, manufacturing and logistics facilities strategically located in every region of the world, including the Shenzhen, China Optical facility. Sanmina-SCI provides more than 30 years of optical design and engineering experience to its customers.
"This partnership with GigOptix exemplifies Sanmina-SCI's optical strategy to provide significant value-added manufacturing services across the entire range of optical products," said Dave Dutkowsky, Executive Vice President of Sanmina-SCI's Communications Infrastructure Division.
"We offer the most comprehensive and technologically advanced service capabilities in the optical manufacturing segment which we use to develop unique and innovative solutions for our customers. We will be providing GigOptix with industry leading design, process development, test development, manufacturing and supply chain management services across Sanmina-SCI's global optical infrastructure, including our optical manufacturing capability in China."
"Just over a year since the GigOptix acquisition of Lumera we are now gearing up for volume production. The prospects for this and our future modulators look very positive as major customers we have been visiting see the benefits of our technology, and also value that GigOptix offers a full suite of driver, modulator and receiver TIAs for 10, 40 and 100Gb/s which eases interoperability challenges," stated Dr. Avi Katz, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors for GigOptix.
"This partnership is bringing immediate benefits to our products. We selected Sanmina-SCI due to their world-class optical manufacturing capabilities, competitive cost structure and ideal location for servicing the important China market, and are delighted with their solid vote of confidence in our revolutionary modulators."
The first product for the partnership to be brought to production is the GigOptix LX8401, a 40Gb/s DPSK Mach-Zehnder modulator that will be the industry's first EO polymer modulator. Planned to be fully qualified for volume production in the fourth quarter of 2010, it will offer price and specification advantages over currently available products. Benefits include its low power consumption and small size.
At just 84mm in length, the LX8401 is not only 30 percent shorter than comparable Lithium Niobate modulators, but also fits easily into a 3.5" by 4.5" SFF (small form factor) 300pin transponder. GigOptix proprietary materials technology has been under development for several years and is now optimized for thermal and optical stability to the telecom requirements of 85 degrees C for 25 years.
GigOptix, in partnership with Sanmina-SCI, intends to bring a family of modulators to production to address the various modulation formats – DPSK, DQPSK and DP-QPSK covering 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s for telecom and RF communication market applications. The polymer modulator chips, based on GigOpitx' proprietary and protected technology, are designed, developed and produced by GigOptix while the optical packaging is jointly developed and then manufactured by Sanmina-SCI.
Sanmina-SCI has design, manufacturing and logistics facilities strategically located in every region of the world, including the Shenzhen, China Optical facility. Sanmina-SCI provides more than 30 years of optical design and engineering experience to its customers.
Anritsu, Mindspeed to showcase 10G-EPON technology
OFC/NFOEC 2010, SAN DIEGO, USA: Anritsu Co. and Mindspeed Technologies Inc. announced that Anritsu’s MP1800 Signal Quality Analyzer (SQA) will serve as the hub of a 10G-EPON test system that will highlight the performance of Mindspeed’s optical chipsets.
Mindspeed plans to use Anritsu’s 10G-EPON system to perform burst traffic transmit and receive data eyes, as well as bit-error-rate (BER) and dynamic range tests to validate the performance of the chipsets and underline certain 10 Gbps technology being developed by Mindspeed.
Mindspeed will demonstrate its 10G-EPON Optical Network Unit (ONU) chipset, including the M02170 low-power direct-modulated laser (DML) driver and M02142 multi-data rate post-amplifier, in a 10 Gigabit Small Form Factor Pluggable (XFP) reference design and the M02172 low-power 10 Gbps Electroabsorption Modulated Laser (EML) driver for Optical Line Terminal (OLT).
To verify the design, the MP1800 is configured with one LVTTL level converter to conduct the burst mode control, and a unit with a pulse pattern generator (PPG) and Error Detectors (ED) for dual ONU to OLT burst mode Rx dynamic testing.
“Anritsu has a tradition of working with companies for the purpose of advancing technologies. Our demonstration at OFC with Mindspeed Technologies continues that practice. Our MP1800 is a unique test solution that can conduct the measurements necessary to validate the performance of the innovative products being designed by Mindspeed Technologies,” said Hiroshi Goto, Optical Product Specialist, Anritsu Company.
For OLT/ONU evaluation, the MP1800 SQA has a flexible gating function that allows the analyzer to conduct parallel BER testing. The MP1800 can support four synchronized 14G BERTs or two 28G BERTs, which can be upgradable to a serial 56G BERT. The MP1800 SQA delivers the highest quality waveforms that include the lowest intrinsic jitter.
Complicated searching for input thresholds or phase adjustments is simplified with the touch of a single key. It is ideal for research and development of 100 GE, optical modulators, high-speed logic, integrated circuits (ICs), digital systems and PON.
“Mindspeed designs solutions that enable high-performance optical communications in support of today’s enterprise, mobile, broadband access, metropolitan, and wide area networks. Our ability to deliver leading-edge 10G-EPON products is greatly enhanced by high-quality test solutions like Anritsu’s MP1800,” said Angus Lai, senior product marketing manager, lightspeed connectivity solutions at Mindspeed.
Mindspeed’s fiber optic portfolio spans the entire spectrum of optical networking. It includes Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) solutions from 100 Mbps to 12 Gbps speeds in support of Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH), Passive Optical Network (PON) and Gigabit Ethernet/Fibre Channel digital data transmission standards.
Mindspeed plans to use Anritsu’s 10G-EPON system to perform burst traffic transmit and receive data eyes, as well as bit-error-rate (BER) and dynamic range tests to validate the performance of the chipsets and underline certain 10 Gbps technology being developed by Mindspeed.
Mindspeed will demonstrate its 10G-EPON Optical Network Unit (ONU) chipset, including the M02170 low-power direct-modulated laser (DML) driver and M02142 multi-data rate post-amplifier, in a 10 Gigabit Small Form Factor Pluggable (XFP) reference design and the M02172 low-power 10 Gbps Electroabsorption Modulated Laser (EML) driver for Optical Line Terminal (OLT).
To verify the design, the MP1800 is configured with one LVTTL level converter to conduct the burst mode control, and a unit with a pulse pattern generator (PPG) and Error Detectors (ED) for dual ONU to OLT burst mode Rx dynamic testing.
“Anritsu has a tradition of working with companies for the purpose of advancing technologies. Our demonstration at OFC with Mindspeed Technologies continues that practice. Our MP1800 is a unique test solution that can conduct the measurements necessary to validate the performance of the innovative products being designed by Mindspeed Technologies,” said Hiroshi Goto, Optical Product Specialist, Anritsu Company.
For OLT/ONU evaluation, the MP1800 SQA has a flexible gating function that allows the analyzer to conduct parallel BER testing. The MP1800 can support four synchronized 14G BERTs or two 28G BERTs, which can be upgradable to a serial 56G BERT. The MP1800 SQA delivers the highest quality waveforms that include the lowest intrinsic jitter.
Complicated searching for input thresholds or phase adjustments is simplified with the touch of a single key. It is ideal for research and development of 100 GE, optical modulators, high-speed logic, integrated circuits (ICs), digital systems and PON.
“Mindspeed designs solutions that enable high-performance optical communications in support of today’s enterprise, mobile, broadband access, metropolitan, and wide area networks. Our ability to deliver leading-edge 10G-EPON products is greatly enhanced by high-quality test solutions like Anritsu’s MP1800,” said Angus Lai, senior product marketing manager, lightspeed connectivity solutions at Mindspeed.
Mindspeed’s fiber optic portfolio spans the entire spectrum of optical networking. It includes Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) solutions from 100 Mbps to 12 Gbps speeds in support of Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH), Passive Optical Network (PON) and Gigabit Ethernet/Fibre Channel digital data transmission standards.
Bring on the 4G battle
CTIA Wireless 2010, LAS VEGAS, USA: At CTIA, Strategy Analytics hones in on the battle for position in 4G networks, devices and applications.
“With every new generation of mobile, we have seen new leaders emerge, as others stumble and lose market share. The leaders in LTE will be those who understand that it is all about the user experience, the value proposition and the broader ecosystem,” explains David Kerr, Vice President of the Global Wireless Practice at Strategy Analytics.
Susan Welsh de Grimaldo, Director of Mobile Broadband Opportunities at Strategy Analytics, adds: “The US is the leading battleground for 4G. With broad commitments to LTE and WiMAX service launches, US operators will speed up the competition and create one of the most influential markets for new mobile broadband services and devices. Any company positioning for growth in LTE needs to secure a position in the US market.” Early winners will include Verizon Wireless, Alcatel Lucent, Ericsson, Apple, Sony, Google—and others.
Strategy Analytics forecasts the US will have around 20 million LTE subscriptions by end of 2012, and an additional 6 million mobile WiMAX subs – close to 25 percent of the global total of 4G subscriptions.
“With every new generation of mobile, we have seen new leaders emerge, as others stumble and lose market share. The leaders in LTE will be those who understand that it is all about the user experience, the value proposition and the broader ecosystem,” explains David Kerr, Vice President of the Global Wireless Practice at Strategy Analytics.
Susan Welsh de Grimaldo, Director of Mobile Broadband Opportunities at Strategy Analytics, adds: “The US is the leading battleground for 4G. With broad commitments to LTE and WiMAX service launches, US operators will speed up the competition and create one of the most influential markets for new mobile broadband services and devices. Any company positioning for growth in LTE needs to secure a position in the US market.” Early winners will include Verizon Wireless, Alcatel Lucent, Ericsson, Apple, Sony, Google—and others.
Strategy Analytics forecasts the US will have around 20 million LTE subscriptions by end of 2012, and an additional 6 million mobile WiMAX subs – close to 25 percent of the global total of 4G subscriptions.
Clearwire to deploy Samsung's next-generation 4G base stations in 2010
CTIA Wireless 2010, LAS VEGAS, USA: At the CTIA Wireless convention, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a leading provider of wireless technology, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Clearwire Communications, LLC, an operating subsidiary of Clearwire Corporation, to deploy next generation U-RAS Flexible Plus base stations within Clearwire’s 4G network.
“Our all-IP 4G network delivers an unmatched combination of speed and mobility to meet the growing demand for mobile broadband services,” said Dr. John Saw, Chief Technology Officer for Clearwire. “As one of our key suppliers, Samsung continues to deliver innovative products that enable us to deliver true mobile broadband services to our customers and strategic wholesalers. We look forward to adding the new U-RAS Flexible base station within our footprint, and further strengthening our relationship with Samsung.”
Samsung Electronics has been a lead vendor to Clearwire for the 4G Mobile WiMAX project since the inception. At the International CTIA Wireless 2010 convention, one of the largest technology events in the world, Samsung is exhibiting the latest and the broadest Mobile WiMAX system and device line-ups, including the next generation U-RAS Flexible base station, which can be used as a common platform for Mobile WiMAX (802.16e), Mobile WiMAX 2 (802.16m), as well as both FDD-LTE and TD-LTE deployments.
Woonsub Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the Telecommunication Systems Business, Samsung Electronics, said: “Samsung’s wireless leadership starts with the early involvement and commitment in the development of new standards, as we leverage our knowledge of the emerging standards to provide end to end solutions ranging from wireless infrastructure equipment to devices and chipsets.”
Clearwire currently provides 4G service in 27 markets across the United States. The CLEAR customer experience is similar to that provided by Wi-Fi, but without the short-range limitations of a traditional Internet hotspot. CLEAR uses a wireless 4G technology that differs from Wi-Fi called WiMAX, which provides service areas measured in miles, not feet. Today, CLEAR delivers average mobile download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps and bursts over 10 mbps.*
As the world’s first Mobile WiMAX system and device provider, launching the world’s first commercial services in Korea in June 2006, Samsung is currently deploying Mobile WiMAX networks with 26 major operators in 22 countries, including Clearwire in the United States, UQ Communications in Japan, Yota in Russia and Mobily in Saudi Arabia.
“Our all-IP 4G network delivers an unmatched combination of speed and mobility to meet the growing demand for mobile broadband services,” said Dr. John Saw, Chief Technology Officer for Clearwire. “As one of our key suppliers, Samsung continues to deliver innovative products that enable us to deliver true mobile broadband services to our customers and strategic wholesalers. We look forward to adding the new U-RAS Flexible base station within our footprint, and further strengthening our relationship with Samsung.”
Samsung Electronics has been a lead vendor to Clearwire for the 4G Mobile WiMAX project since the inception. At the International CTIA Wireless 2010 convention, one of the largest technology events in the world, Samsung is exhibiting the latest and the broadest Mobile WiMAX system and device line-ups, including the next generation U-RAS Flexible base station, which can be used as a common platform for Mobile WiMAX (802.16e), Mobile WiMAX 2 (802.16m), as well as both FDD-LTE and TD-LTE deployments.
Woonsub Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the Telecommunication Systems Business, Samsung Electronics, said: “Samsung’s wireless leadership starts with the early involvement and commitment in the development of new standards, as we leverage our knowledge of the emerging standards to provide end to end solutions ranging from wireless infrastructure equipment to devices and chipsets.”
Clearwire currently provides 4G service in 27 markets across the United States. The CLEAR customer experience is similar to that provided by Wi-Fi, but without the short-range limitations of a traditional Internet hotspot. CLEAR uses a wireless 4G technology that differs from Wi-Fi called WiMAX, which provides service areas measured in miles, not feet. Today, CLEAR delivers average mobile download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps and bursts over 10 mbps.*
As the world’s first Mobile WiMAX system and device provider, launching the world’s first commercial services in Korea in June 2006, Samsung is currently deploying Mobile WiMAX networks with 26 major operators in 22 countries, including Clearwire in the United States, UQ Communications in Japan, Yota in Russia and Mobily in Saudi Arabia.
Samsung launches Galaxy S smartphone
LAS VEGAS, USA: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd has introduced the Galaxy S (Model: GT-I9000), a smartphone that makes users’ lives more convenient, more exciting, and more integrated.
JK Shin, president and head of Samsung Electronics’ Mobile Communications Business announced the global launch of the Galaxy S at his keynote speech at the International CTIA Wireless 2010. The Galaxy S will be available in Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia, and Asia soon.
The Android-powered Galaxy S incorporates a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen and a 1 GHz application processor that enables vibrant HD videos, rich augmented reality content through Layar Reality Browser, and advanced LBS (Location Based Services). The ‘Social Hub’ provides always-on social networks connectivity allowing users to enjoy communications with their friends, colleagues, and families whenever they want and wherever they are.
The Galaxy S is designed to provide immersive, intelligent and integrated experiences, with the power to enrich people’s lives through best-in-class services and technologies. The Galaxy S will allow users around the world to experience the “Smart Life,” which Samsung anticipates will shift the way that consumers view smart phones and how they interact with them in their daily lives.
The Galaxy S immerses users in a world of rich multimedia. The large 4-inch Super AMOLED display delivers unrivalled screen quality, with less reflection, free viewing angles and super-fast touch-response.
The mDNIe (mobile Digital Natural Image engine) – a technology used in Samsung’s best-selling LCD and LED TVs – boosts an even sharper and crisper viewing experience for photos, videos, and e-books. It creates a perfect environment to record, edit and play HD video, to browse the Internet, and to read your favorite e-books. A variety of applications from Android Market allows users to even more extend the benefits and excitement of smart phone experience. Plus, users have access to Google mobile services, such as Google Search, Gmail, and Google Maps.
Living a “Smart Life” requires intelligence, and the Galaxy S delivers just that by utilizing personal preferences to gather information online that each user needs and wants. With a user-defined daily briefing, lightning-fast processing speeds and location-based search options like Layar Reality Browser – the Galaxy S gives users the information they need wherever and whenever needed. The Galaxy S represents the next level of intelligence in smart phones.
The Galaxy S integrates every aspect of life in a smart and sophisticated way. In addition to wireless integration with a variety of other devices, such as notebooks, TVs and cameras, the highly advanced Social Hub plugs users quickly and conveniently into their complete world of social networking and email.
“The Android-powered Galaxy S will set a new standard for smart phones,” said JK Shin, president and head of Mobile Communications Business. “The Galaxy S is the perfect device for people in all corners of the world who want that extra edge; to be more effective, productive, better connected, and in tune with their smart life – both personal and professional – all in a very easy and simple way.”
JK Shin, president and head of Samsung Electronics’ Mobile Communications Business announced the global launch of the Galaxy S at his keynote speech at the International CTIA Wireless 2010. The Galaxy S will be available in Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia, and Asia soon.
The Android-powered Galaxy S incorporates a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen and a 1 GHz application processor that enables vibrant HD videos, rich augmented reality content through Layar Reality Browser, and advanced LBS (Location Based Services). The ‘Social Hub’ provides always-on social networks connectivity allowing users to enjoy communications with their friends, colleagues, and families whenever they want and wherever they are.
The Galaxy S is designed to provide immersive, intelligent and integrated experiences, with the power to enrich people’s lives through best-in-class services and technologies. The Galaxy S will allow users around the world to experience the “Smart Life,” which Samsung anticipates will shift the way that consumers view smart phones and how they interact with them in their daily lives.
The Galaxy S immerses users in a world of rich multimedia. The large 4-inch Super AMOLED display delivers unrivalled screen quality, with less reflection, free viewing angles and super-fast touch-response.
The mDNIe (mobile Digital Natural Image engine) – a technology used in Samsung’s best-selling LCD and LED TVs – boosts an even sharper and crisper viewing experience for photos, videos, and e-books. It creates a perfect environment to record, edit and play HD video, to browse the Internet, and to read your favorite e-books. A variety of applications from Android Market allows users to even more extend the benefits and excitement of smart phone experience. Plus, users have access to Google mobile services, such as Google Search, Gmail, and Google Maps.
Living a “Smart Life” requires intelligence, and the Galaxy S delivers just that by utilizing personal preferences to gather information online that each user needs and wants. With a user-defined daily briefing, lightning-fast processing speeds and location-based search options like Layar Reality Browser – the Galaxy S gives users the information they need wherever and whenever needed. The Galaxy S represents the next level of intelligence in smart phones.
The Galaxy S integrates every aspect of life in a smart and sophisticated way. In addition to wireless integration with a variety of other devices, such as notebooks, TVs and cameras, the highly advanced Social Hub plugs users quickly and conveniently into their complete world of social networking and email.
“The Android-powered Galaxy S will set a new standard for smart phones,” said JK Shin, president and head of Mobile Communications Business. “The Galaxy S is the perfect device for people in all corners of the world who want that extra edge; to be more effective, productive, better connected, and in tune with their smart life – both personal and professional – all in a very easy and simple way.”
3GPP2 publishes comprehensive specs for CDMA2000 femtocells
ARLINGTON, USA: 3GPP2, CDG, and the Femto Forum announced the formal publication of comprehensive specifications for femtocell devices that incorporate CDMA2000 1X and HRPD (EVDO) radio access technologies.
These specifications describe all aspects of a SIP/IMS-based femtocell architecture for highly-scalable deployment of femtocells that can provide voice, multimedia, and data services to existing CDMA2000 1X and HRPD mobile devices. The comprehensive 3GPP2 specifications will allow the integration of existing mobile devices, enhanced femtocell-aware mobile devices, femtocell devices (FAPs), security gateways, and femtocell convergence servers from multiple vendors.
Furthermore, the specifications support capabilities for new mobile devices that are femto-aware, providing Enhanced System Selection features for improved battery life, faster femtocell and macrocell system acquisition, improved handoff between the femtocell and macrocell system, and femtozone awareness when CDMA2000 femtocells are deployed.
3GPP2 has been engaged in highly successful Market Representation Partnerships with the CDMA Development Group (CDG) and the Femto Forum, and the new specifications reflect many of the building blocks for femtozone services that have been pioneered in the Femto Forum, including Local IP Access (LIPA) and Remote IP Access (RIPA).
The new 3GPP2 specifications feature support for LIPA, allowing packet data traffic to be directly offloaded from femtocells to customers’ home networks, corporate intranets, or to the public Internet. When mobile devices are operating outside of the femtocell subsystem, the 3GPP2 specifications also include a RIPA capability to allow mobile devices to connect to the user’s IP network at home and exchange IP data with their home network via a secure remote tunnel (for example to reach a printer, computer, or media server in a user’s home network while the user is receiving EVDO data service via the macrocellular network).
The 3GPP2 specifications provide a complete security architecture that allows CDMA2000 femtocell networks to support large numbers of femtocells via standard commercial IPsec/IKEv2-based security gateways. The 3GPP2 security architecture and protocols (most notably for the security gateway and FAP authentication mechanisms) are compatible with the security architecture for 3GPP radio technology-based femtocell devices.
The foundations of that common femtocell security model were pioneered in the Femto Forum. This architecture not only protects system operators’ core networks, but also provides for highly secure authentication of FAP devices using secure certificate-based mechanisms and protocols that are widely deployed and validated for security, robustness, manageability, and scalability.
Deployment of CDMA2000 femtocell networks is simplified by permitting system operators to exploit the advantages of SIP/IMS-based Femtocell Access Points (FAPs) that can be integrated into existing 1X mobility Core Networks (CNs) using a Femtocell Convergence Server. At the same time, HRPD (EVDO) packet data services can be directly integrated into system operators’ packet data core networks using existing interfaces to Packet Data Service Nodes (PDSNs). This minimizes the impact on system operators’ existing Core Networks while providing a smooth evolution to all-IP SIP/IMS-based networks that are compatible with the 3GPP/3GPP2 Common IMS architecture.
“This announcement represents culmination of the first major phase of 3GPP2’s extensive standardization project for femtocell devices – work that has been heavily supported by CDMA2000 system operators, many of whom have already announced commercial femtocell deployments or plans for commercial offerings in the near future,” said Cheryl Blum, 3GPP2 Steering Committee Chair. “The advanced SIP/IMS-based architecture and inclusion of industry-first femtozone service capabilities represent the commitment of the CDMA2000 vendors and system operators to delivering advanced interoperable femtocell solutions.”
“We are extremely pleased to see the substantial progress that 3GPP2 has demonstrated by providing the comprehensive foundation for multi-vendor integration of femtocells and core network elements for CDMA2000 system operators – and for end users of CDMA2000 1X and EVDO mobile devices,” said Simon Saunders, Chairman of the Femto Forum. “It is especially gratifying to see 3GPP2 provide industry standards that lay the groundwork for advanced femtozone services built on the framework pioneered within the Femto Forum.”
“The CDG is pleased to assist the development and incorporation of femtocell capabilities in CDMA2000 networks,” said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDMA Development Group (CDG). “Advanced femtozone solutions will help address the growing demand for network coverage and capacity, which is becoming increasingly important as smartphones, netbooks and other connected devices drive more data usage."
These specifications describe all aspects of a SIP/IMS-based femtocell architecture for highly-scalable deployment of femtocells that can provide voice, multimedia, and data services to existing CDMA2000 1X and HRPD mobile devices. The comprehensive 3GPP2 specifications will allow the integration of existing mobile devices, enhanced femtocell-aware mobile devices, femtocell devices (FAPs), security gateways, and femtocell convergence servers from multiple vendors.
Furthermore, the specifications support capabilities for new mobile devices that are femto-aware, providing Enhanced System Selection features for improved battery life, faster femtocell and macrocell system acquisition, improved handoff between the femtocell and macrocell system, and femtozone awareness when CDMA2000 femtocells are deployed.
3GPP2 has been engaged in highly successful Market Representation Partnerships with the CDMA Development Group (CDG) and the Femto Forum, and the new specifications reflect many of the building blocks for femtozone services that have been pioneered in the Femto Forum, including Local IP Access (LIPA) and Remote IP Access (RIPA).
The new 3GPP2 specifications feature support for LIPA, allowing packet data traffic to be directly offloaded from femtocells to customers’ home networks, corporate intranets, or to the public Internet. When mobile devices are operating outside of the femtocell subsystem, the 3GPP2 specifications also include a RIPA capability to allow mobile devices to connect to the user’s IP network at home and exchange IP data with their home network via a secure remote tunnel (for example to reach a printer, computer, or media server in a user’s home network while the user is receiving EVDO data service via the macrocellular network).
The 3GPP2 specifications provide a complete security architecture that allows CDMA2000 femtocell networks to support large numbers of femtocells via standard commercial IPsec/IKEv2-based security gateways. The 3GPP2 security architecture and protocols (most notably for the security gateway and FAP authentication mechanisms) are compatible with the security architecture for 3GPP radio technology-based femtocell devices.
The foundations of that common femtocell security model were pioneered in the Femto Forum. This architecture not only protects system operators’ core networks, but also provides for highly secure authentication of FAP devices using secure certificate-based mechanisms and protocols that are widely deployed and validated for security, robustness, manageability, and scalability.
Deployment of CDMA2000 femtocell networks is simplified by permitting system operators to exploit the advantages of SIP/IMS-based Femtocell Access Points (FAPs) that can be integrated into existing 1X mobility Core Networks (CNs) using a Femtocell Convergence Server. At the same time, HRPD (EVDO) packet data services can be directly integrated into system operators’ packet data core networks using existing interfaces to Packet Data Service Nodes (PDSNs). This minimizes the impact on system operators’ existing Core Networks while providing a smooth evolution to all-IP SIP/IMS-based networks that are compatible with the 3GPP/3GPP2 Common IMS architecture.
“This announcement represents culmination of the first major phase of 3GPP2’s extensive standardization project for femtocell devices – work that has been heavily supported by CDMA2000 system operators, many of whom have already announced commercial femtocell deployments or plans for commercial offerings in the near future,” said Cheryl Blum, 3GPP2 Steering Committee Chair. “The advanced SIP/IMS-based architecture and inclusion of industry-first femtozone service capabilities represent the commitment of the CDMA2000 vendors and system operators to delivering advanced interoperable femtocell solutions.”
“We are extremely pleased to see the substantial progress that 3GPP2 has demonstrated by providing the comprehensive foundation for multi-vendor integration of femtocells and core network elements for CDMA2000 system operators – and for end users of CDMA2000 1X and EVDO mobile devices,” said Simon Saunders, Chairman of the Femto Forum. “It is especially gratifying to see 3GPP2 provide industry standards that lay the groundwork for advanced femtozone services built on the framework pioneered within the Femto Forum.”
“The CDG is pleased to assist the development and incorporation of femtocell capabilities in CDMA2000 networks,” said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDMA Development Group (CDG). “Advanced femtozone solutions will help address the growing demand for network coverage and capacity, which is becoming increasingly important as smartphones, netbooks and other connected devices drive more data usage."
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Starhome awarded European patent for mobile home short code
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND: Starhome, the leading provider and acknowledged driving force of roaming services for mobile network operators, today announced that it has received a long-awaited patent for its Home Short Code solution.
In 1999, Starhome applied for a patent for the Home Short Code solution, one of the first and most basic solutions of the VHE (Virtual Home Environment) concept. The Home Short Code is a seamless, feature-rich solution that converts unrecognized home short codes into valid international formatted numbers and provides the mobile operator with a basis to increase its revenue potential from both the inbound and outbound roaming markets.
In addition, the Starhome Home Short Code solution supports CLI delivery for both inbound and outbound roamers and is not bound to a specific international carrier.
Shai Ophir, Starhome’s Intellectual Property Manager added: “It has taken 10 years for Starhome to receive a patent for the Home Short Code solution. The prolonged process involved extensive examination before the patent could be granted.”
More than 100 of Starhome’s customers have already deployed the Home Short Code solution that allows both inbound and outbound roamers seamless access their home VAS (Value Added Services). Mobile network operators can quickly expand their earning potential by continuing to serve their subscribers whenever and wherever they travel and also by attracting inbound travellers for the duration of their visits and encouraging the use of further Value Added Services and international airtime.
When an inbound international traveler dials a short code that has not been defined as a valid local short code in the mobile operator’s MSC (mobile switching center), the call is transferred to the visited Starhome IntelliGate platform for processing.
The IntelliGate analyzes the validity of the short code in relation to the caller’s home country and HPMN (Home Public Mobile Network) and with respect to the roaming network short codes and dialling rules. Finally the IntelliGate converts the dialed short code into an internationally formatted number and routes it back to the visited network MSC.
The Home Short Code is a complete service that supports postpaid and prepaid market segments for both CAMEL and Non CAMEL. The solution can also be used for one roaming segment only.
In 1999, Starhome applied for a patent for the Home Short Code solution, one of the first and most basic solutions of the VHE (Virtual Home Environment) concept. The Home Short Code is a seamless, feature-rich solution that converts unrecognized home short codes into valid international formatted numbers and provides the mobile operator with a basis to increase its revenue potential from both the inbound and outbound roaming markets.
In addition, the Starhome Home Short Code solution supports CLI delivery for both inbound and outbound roamers and is not bound to a specific international carrier.
Shai Ophir, Starhome’s Intellectual Property Manager added: “It has taken 10 years for Starhome to receive a patent for the Home Short Code solution. The prolonged process involved extensive examination before the patent could be granted.”
More than 100 of Starhome’s customers have already deployed the Home Short Code solution that allows both inbound and outbound roamers seamless access their home VAS (Value Added Services). Mobile network operators can quickly expand their earning potential by continuing to serve their subscribers whenever and wherever they travel and also by attracting inbound travellers for the duration of their visits and encouraging the use of further Value Added Services and international airtime.
When an inbound international traveler dials a short code that has not been defined as a valid local short code in the mobile operator’s MSC (mobile switching center), the call is transferred to the visited Starhome IntelliGate platform for processing.
The IntelliGate analyzes the validity of the short code in relation to the caller’s home country and HPMN (Home Public Mobile Network) and with respect to the roaming network short codes and dialling rules. Finally the IntelliGate converts the dialed short code into an internationally formatted number and routes it back to the visited network MSC.
The Home Short Code is a complete service that supports postpaid and prepaid market segments for both CAMEL and Non CAMEL. The solution can also be used for one roaming segment only.
Interop sells turnkey CDMA OTA solution for wireless provisioning to Indonesia's PT Smart Telecom
CTIA Wireless 2010, FORT MYERS, USA: Interop Technologies, a provider of core solutions for messaging, device management, and connectivity gateways, announced that PT Smart Telecom, one of the few wireless operators in the world using leading-edge CDMA EVDO Rev. B technology, has selected Interop’s turnkey CDMA OTA Provisioning solution to provide point-of-sale activation for devices on the company’s network.
The solution automates activations, reducing operating costs for the network operator and improving the customer experience.
When PT Smart Telecom deploys the Interop CDMA OTA solution at the end of Q2 2010, the company will support more than 2.5 million subscribers. PT Smart Telecom wanted a solution that would enable the company to activate more subscribers on the network quickly with higher activation success rates. The Interop CDMA OTA solution enables PT Smart Telecom to dramatically increase activation accuracy.
“PT Smart wants to lead the wireless market through innovation in Indonesia, and we believe Interop Technologies can help us reach that goal by helping to drive customer satisfaction and retention from the moment devices are activated,” said Richard Tan, Deputy CEO, PT Smart Telecom.
“We are pleased to deliver a reliable and highly scalable CDMA OTA solution to PT Smart to help the company activate all devices on its network,” said John Dwyer, President and CEO, Interop Technologies. “This world-class technology solution will help save time and money for PT Smart and its customers.”
The IS-683-compliant CDMA OTA solution automatically provisions Number Assignment Modules (NAMs) and Preferred Roaming Lists (PRLs) at the point of sale. By activating service right the first time, the solution significantly reduces activation time and related operating costs for operators and increases convenience for customers, who avoid subsequent trips to operator retail locations for activation fixes.
Although the wireless industry gradually is transitioning to new device management (DM) capabilities under Open Mobile Alliance technical standards, most wireless devices currently in use are not yet DM-capable, and a percentage of the customer base will likely remain on SS7-based provisioning indefinitely.
Deploying the turnkey Interop CDMA OTA Provisioning solution will enable PT Smart Telecom to activate legacy devices quickly and cost effectively during the transition period.
The solution automates activations, reducing operating costs for the network operator and improving the customer experience.
When PT Smart Telecom deploys the Interop CDMA OTA solution at the end of Q2 2010, the company will support more than 2.5 million subscribers. PT Smart Telecom wanted a solution that would enable the company to activate more subscribers on the network quickly with higher activation success rates. The Interop CDMA OTA solution enables PT Smart Telecom to dramatically increase activation accuracy.
“PT Smart wants to lead the wireless market through innovation in Indonesia, and we believe Interop Technologies can help us reach that goal by helping to drive customer satisfaction and retention from the moment devices are activated,” said Richard Tan, Deputy CEO, PT Smart Telecom.
“We are pleased to deliver a reliable and highly scalable CDMA OTA solution to PT Smart to help the company activate all devices on its network,” said John Dwyer, President and CEO, Interop Technologies. “This world-class technology solution will help save time and money for PT Smart and its customers.”
The IS-683-compliant CDMA OTA solution automatically provisions Number Assignment Modules (NAMs) and Preferred Roaming Lists (PRLs) at the point of sale. By activating service right the first time, the solution significantly reduces activation time and related operating costs for operators and increases convenience for customers, who avoid subsequent trips to operator retail locations for activation fixes.
Although the wireless industry gradually is transitioning to new device management (DM) capabilities under Open Mobile Alliance technical standards, most wireless devices currently in use are not yet DM-capable, and a percentage of the customer base will likely remain on SS7-based provisioning indefinitely.
Deploying the turnkey Interop CDMA OTA Provisioning solution will enable PT Smart Telecom to activate legacy devices quickly and cost effectively during the transition period.
Wind River extends reliable carrier-grade Linux to growing telecom server segment
BANGALORE, INDIA: Wind River has announced it has integrated support for HP BladeSystem carrier-grade and enterprise server blades into its industry-leading Carrier Grade Linux (CGL) operating system, tools and build system.
Wind River Linux is the first registered CGL 4.0 solution supported on HP ProLiant server blades for HP BladeSystem, allowing customers to standardize on one common carrier-grade operating system platform to build highly reliable network elements across different hardware platforms.
Wind River is committed to the adoption of Linux carrier-grade open platforms for the telecom server segment, allowing equipment providers and operators to achieve cost and time-to-market savings by utilizing a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) approach with volume-based servers and out-of-the-box support for Carrier Grade Linux. Wind River is currently the only embedded Linux provider offering this fully integrated solution for this class of enterprise server.
“Typically, a telecom server is simply a server being used as a telecom networking element, often in the core or edge of the network. An operating system specifically designed for carrier-grade deployments would help to maximize the reliability and performance of the entire telecom environment,” said Paul Anderson, vice president, Marketing and Strategy, Linux Products, Wind River. “Bringing Wind River Linux 3.0 to HP BladeSystem server blades gives customers the variety and flexibility they need to build best-in-class products while achieving reliability, cost and performance advantages.”
Wind River CGL with HP BladeSystem carrier-grade server blades provides network equipment providers and service providers the performance, cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency of proven enterprise platforms with the reliability of ETSI/NEBS Level 3 certified carrier-grade platforms. In addition, Intel Xeon processor family has been integrated with Wind River CGL and HP BladeSystem server blades, allowing customers to leverage investment, applications and tools across all networking devices.
Carrier-grade commonly refers to 99.999 percent availability in a single network element or application, meaning any one system can have no more than four minutes of downtime per year. Wind River introduced Wind River Linux 3.0 in 2009, including compliance with the CGL 4.0 specification from the Linux Foundation, a vital requirement for the high-end data networking and telecommunications segments.
Having a development-ready platform helps customers reduce cost and time-to-market by allowing them to focus resources on product differentiation and revenue impacting activities, rather than reinventing non-competitive base technologies or spending time and effort on open source integration and maintenance. Wind River Linux 3.0 provides a set of pre-configured system profiles for vertical industries including the networking, aerospace and defense and industrial market segments.
Wind River Linux is the first registered CGL 4.0 solution supported on HP ProLiant server blades for HP BladeSystem, allowing customers to standardize on one common carrier-grade operating system platform to build highly reliable network elements across different hardware platforms.
Wind River is committed to the adoption of Linux carrier-grade open platforms for the telecom server segment, allowing equipment providers and operators to achieve cost and time-to-market savings by utilizing a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) approach with volume-based servers and out-of-the-box support for Carrier Grade Linux. Wind River is currently the only embedded Linux provider offering this fully integrated solution for this class of enterprise server.
“Typically, a telecom server is simply a server being used as a telecom networking element, often in the core or edge of the network. An operating system specifically designed for carrier-grade deployments would help to maximize the reliability and performance of the entire telecom environment,” said Paul Anderson, vice president, Marketing and Strategy, Linux Products, Wind River. “Bringing Wind River Linux 3.0 to HP BladeSystem server blades gives customers the variety and flexibility they need to build best-in-class products while achieving reliability, cost and performance advantages.”
Wind River CGL with HP BladeSystem carrier-grade server blades provides network equipment providers and service providers the performance, cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency of proven enterprise platforms with the reliability of ETSI/NEBS Level 3 certified carrier-grade platforms. In addition, Intel Xeon processor family has been integrated with Wind River CGL and HP BladeSystem server blades, allowing customers to leverage investment, applications and tools across all networking devices.
Carrier-grade commonly refers to 99.999 percent availability in a single network element or application, meaning any one system can have no more than four minutes of downtime per year. Wind River introduced Wind River Linux 3.0 in 2009, including compliance with the CGL 4.0 specification from the Linux Foundation, a vital requirement for the high-end data networking and telecommunications segments.
Having a development-ready platform helps customers reduce cost and time-to-market by allowing them to focus resources on product differentiation and revenue impacting activities, rather than reinventing non-competitive base technologies or spending time and effort on open source integration and maintenance. Wind River Linux 3.0 provides a set of pre-configured system profiles for vertical industries including the networking, aerospace and defense and industrial market segments.
Ovum outlines Australia’s 3G mobile market future: 2010–15
Nathan Burley, Analyst, Ovum
AUSTRALIA: Competition intensifies while service quality becomes even more important. As the market continues to mature, end-user data service quality in terms of throughput, coverage, latency and overall experience will be in focus.
Telstra retains coverage and quality differentiation over its rivals but ‘national’ coverage becomes basic requirement of competing in this market, and the gap between Telstra and its competitors’ narrows. The government backed National Broadband Network (NBN) and the company set up to deliver its services (NBN Co.) potentially provides more backhaul options which further diminish Telstra’s advantages.
Capacity questions continue throughout 2010 as traffic growth continues rapidly. Managing capacity and efficient data delivery is focus of operators, outside of which operators struggle to differentiate. Volume-based pricing with ever increasing data caps will remain the norm. However, an operator may make a hard competitive decision on ‘unlimited data’ late in the period.
Mobile broadband provides growth but voice still crucial. Voice strategy will still have paramount importance given it accounted for 36 percent of revenue in 2009. It will not be until 2014 that voice revenue is overtaken by data. Mobile VoIP (both carrier but more disruptively non-carrier) will begin to have an impact in the forecast period. In terms of pricing, we will see more moves to unlimited based calling plans throughout the period.
Migration to 3G accelerates. 2G users upgrade to 3G as operators phase out 2G products for all but ultra low-end prepaid phones early in period, and completely by mid-period. Later in the period, as GSM reaches its sunset years, forced migration will begin, first by Telstra as it shuts down GSM completely. Ovum estimates that 68 percent of connections will be 3G by end 2010 and 94 percent of connections will be 3G/LTE by the end of 2014.
LTE impact only late in period. Continued evolution of HSPA networks, and LTE deployment will enhance but not revolutionise the user experience. Demand for wireless data will continue to grow and capacity, rather than speed, will be the major driver of further network investment.
Significant impact from LTE will not occur until 2014, as networks are deployed nationally in digital dividend spectrum. LTE will however be deployed earlier notably in the 2.5GHz band, yet as was the case with 3G, little will be gained by being first mover.
Smartphone adoption of multiple platforms continues. Data packs will increasingly be attached to handset accounts, and this will become standard practice by mid-period.
AUSTRALIA: Competition intensifies while service quality becomes even more important. As the market continues to mature, end-user data service quality in terms of throughput, coverage, latency and overall experience will be in focus.
Telstra retains coverage and quality differentiation over its rivals but ‘national’ coverage becomes basic requirement of competing in this market, and the gap between Telstra and its competitors’ narrows. The government backed National Broadband Network (NBN) and the company set up to deliver its services (NBN Co.) potentially provides more backhaul options which further diminish Telstra’s advantages.
Capacity questions continue throughout 2010 as traffic growth continues rapidly. Managing capacity and efficient data delivery is focus of operators, outside of which operators struggle to differentiate. Volume-based pricing with ever increasing data caps will remain the norm. However, an operator may make a hard competitive decision on ‘unlimited data’ late in the period.
Mobile broadband provides growth but voice still crucial. Voice strategy will still have paramount importance given it accounted for 36 percent of revenue in 2009. It will not be until 2014 that voice revenue is overtaken by data. Mobile VoIP (both carrier but more disruptively non-carrier) will begin to have an impact in the forecast period. In terms of pricing, we will see more moves to unlimited based calling plans throughout the period.
Migration to 3G accelerates. 2G users upgrade to 3G as operators phase out 2G products for all but ultra low-end prepaid phones early in period, and completely by mid-period. Later in the period, as GSM reaches its sunset years, forced migration will begin, first by Telstra as it shuts down GSM completely. Ovum estimates that 68 percent of connections will be 3G by end 2010 and 94 percent of connections will be 3G/LTE by the end of 2014.
LTE impact only late in period. Continued evolution of HSPA networks, and LTE deployment will enhance but not revolutionise the user experience. Demand for wireless data will continue to grow and capacity, rather than speed, will be the major driver of further network investment.
Significant impact from LTE will not occur until 2014, as networks are deployed nationally in digital dividend spectrum. LTE will however be deployed earlier notably in the 2.5GHz band, yet as was the case with 3G, little will be gained by being first mover.
Smartphone adoption of multiple platforms continues. Data packs will increasingly be attached to handset accounts, and this will become standard practice by mid-period.
Motorola, Sprint announce world's first push-to-talk Android-powered smartphone - Motorola i1
CTIA WIRELESS, LAS VEGAS, USA: Motorola Inc. and Sprint broke new ground with the announcement of Motorola i1, the world's first push-to-talk Android-powered smartphone.
Sleek and attractive, yet durable, Motorola i1 is the first iDEN device to carry the features of a modern smartphone including a 3.1-inch touch screen, Wi-Fi, optimized browsing experience with the latest Opera Mini 5 browser, access to thousands of apps and a push-to-talk experience that includes exciting new features. Sprint will begin offering Motorola i1 this summer.
With more than 17 years of expertise, Sprint is the industry leader in push-to-talk, serving the world's largest push-to-talk community with millions of Nextel Direct Connect subscribers on the fastest national push-to-talk network. Nextel Direct Connect has set the industry standard for push-to-talk worldwide. More US workers communicate in less than a second with Nextel Direct Connect than with any other push-to-talk service.
"Motorola remains focused on delivering differentiated Android experiences within our product portfolio," said Mark Shockley, senior vice president, Motorola Mobile Devices. "With the Motorola i1, we're excited to offer iDEN users the opportunity to enjoy a feature-rich smartphone with push-to-talk, whether it's for work or play."
"As the first Nextel Direct Connect Android smartphone, Motorola i1 with Wi-Fi offers a powerful tool for our customers with access to thousands of applications in the Android market," said Fared Adib, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. "With rugged durability, a full touchscreen and 5 megapixel camera, Motorola i1 gives push-to-talk customers a compelling smartphone that can withstand some of the harshest environments."
Motorola i1 enhances the push-to-talk experience with the ability to view who is calling regardless of what application you are in, whether you are managing your emails, checking your calendar, composing messages or viewing media.
Sleek and attractive, yet durable, Motorola i1 is the first iDEN device to carry the features of a modern smartphone including a 3.1-inch touch screen, Wi-Fi, optimized browsing experience with the latest Opera Mini 5 browser, access to thousands of apps and a push-to-talk experience that includes exciting new features. Sprint will begin offering Motorola i1 this summer.
With more than 17 years of expertise, Sprint is the industry leader in push-to-talk, serving the world's largest push-to-talk community with millions of Nextel Direct Connect subscribers on the fastest national push-to-talk network. Nextel Direct Connect has set the industry standard for push-to-talk worldwide. More US workers communicate in less than a second with Nextel Direct Connect than with any other push-to-talk service.
"Motorola remains focused on delivering differentiated Android experiences within our product portfolio," said Mark Shockley, senior vice president, Motorola Mobile Devices. "With the Motorola i1, we're excited to offer iDEN users the opportunity to enjoy a feature-rich smartphone with push-to-talk, whether it's for work or play."
"As the first Nextel Direct Connect Android smartphone, Motorola i1 with Wi-Fi offers a powerful tool for our customers with access to thousands of applications in the Android market," said Fared Adib, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. "With rugged durability, a full touchscreen and 5 megapixel camera, Motorola i1 gives push-to-talk customers a compelling smartphone that can withstand some of the harshest environments."
Motorola i1 enhances the push-to-talk experience with the ability to view who is calling regardless of what application you are in, whether you are managing your emails, checking your calendar, composing messages or viewing media.
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