MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Mobile network operators (MNOs) need to develop a smarter approach to managing their network and charging for data usage to allow them to drive profits, manage costs and secure customer loyalty, according to Ovum.
In a new report, the independent telecoms analyst finds that MNOs need to use customer data held in the business support system with network policy management and control, if they are to manage soaring traffic loads, drive profits, personalise the customer experience and increase their agility and response times.
Clare McCarthy, Ovum principal analyst and author of the report, said: “The phenomenal growth in 3G-enabled devices and smartphones has seen mobile broadband data volumes soar, and penetration is only set to increase. This is putting intense pressure on limited network capacity and spectrum, and profits are not keeping pace with traffic volumes.”
“By expanding policy management and controls, operators can develop smarter charging plans that will provide them with a sustainable revenue stream, improved customer service and the ability to shape traffic on their mobile broadband networks.”
According to forecasts by Ovum, mobile broadband users are set to grow at a CAGR of 28 percent over five years to 2015, globally. While growth will continue to be robust in the developed markets of Western Europe and North America, the strongest growth is forecast to occur in the emerging markets of Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa, with CAGRs in these regions exceeding 35 percent. In Asia-Pacific alone, Ovum forecasts that mobile broadband connections will rise from 332.9 million in 2010 to 1.5 billion by end-2015.
3G dongles and smartphones will drive demand for broadband data applications, while smartphone and tablet users will increasingly use their devices for video services.
McCarthy continued: “Some MNOs have already adopted plans with options such as discounted evening and weekend use or monthly data caps. However, this approach doesn’t go far enough and only addresses one part of the equation. It doesn’t maximise revenue potential with high-value customers.”
“Segmented data plans are one way of increasing revenues, and they can also help deliver a better customer experience. For example, an enterprise is more likely than a family to pay for guaranteed bandwidth, priority service availability and predefined access controls,” added McCarthy.
MNOs can also encourage spend in the consumer sector by promoting ‘bite size’ access to specific applications, which can work well in emerging markets. If an MNO offers access to social networking services during a defined period at a lower cost, it can make its service more affordable and attractive to users, move traffic to off-peak periods and increase quality of service and customer experience across its operation.
In Asia-Pacific’s emerging markets, new innovative mobile broadband billing schemes are emerging where operators charge for social networking services, including Facebook. For example, Philippines operator Globe Telecom charges a daily rate for unlimited Facebook access for big-screen mobile broadband users.
"This is a simple, but effective way, to extract additional ARPU from a customer," said Nicole McCormick, Brisbane-based senior analyst for Ovum, said. "The problem however for MNOs with mobile social networking services is the extent to which they may cannibalize texting revenue."
Friday, March 4, 2011
Fulcrum expands China team to address demand for advanced 10GbE switch silicon
CALABASAS, USA: Fulcrum Microsystems has hired a new general manager and application engineering support staff to serve its growing business in China. The company has been successful working with Chinese telecom equipment companies, and the expanded resources will help the company to grow this business and expand to new data center networking and broadband access manufacturers.
Jack Yip joins the Fulcrum team as general manager of Asia sales bringing more than 20 years of industry experience with some of the semiconductor industry’s leading firms. Before Fulcrum, Yip was vice president of sales for APAC-South for Mindspeed Technologies, having worked his way to that position from area sales director for south China sales. He’s also worked for Rockwell Semiconductor Systems/Conexant and for Motorola. He holds an undergraduate degree in electronic engineering from Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a master’s degree in communications and signal processing from Imperial College (London). He also has an MBA from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
“Fulcrum Ethernet switch products have generated more than 200 design wins in the data center and broadband access markets. With the recent launch of our third-generation FocalPoint FM6000 switch family, Fulcrum has the best 10G/40G Ethernet switch solutions for data center networks, which is one of the fastest growing markets in networking today,” said Dave Markowski, Fulcrum’s vice president of worldwide sales. “China’s market for this equipment is just now emerging, and additional resources are just what we need to ensure that we maximize our opportunity with these emerging companies while also providing excellent service to our growing telecommunications equipment customers.”
Fulcrum is also represented in China by Eastele Technology, a distributor with offices in all of the five major cities across China and in Hong Kong.
Jack Yip joins the Fulcrum team as general manager of Asia sales bringing more than 20 years of industry experience with some of the semiconductor industry’s leading firms. Before Fulcrum, Yip was vice president of sales for APAC-South for Mindspeed Technologies, having worked his way to that position from area sales director for south China sales. He’s also worked for Rockwell Semiconductor Systems/Conexant and for Motorola. He holds an undergraduate degree in electronic engineering from Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a master’s degree in communications and signal processing from Imperial College (London). He also has an MBA from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
“Fulcrum Ethernet switch products have generated more than 200 design wins in the data center and broadband access markets. With the recent launch of our third-generation FocalPoint FM6000 switch family, Fulcrum has the best 10G/40G Ethernet switch solutions for data center networks, which is one of the fastest growing markets in networking today,” said Dave Markowski, Fulcrum’s vice president of worldwide sales. “China’s market for this equipment is just now emerging, and additional resources are just what we need to ensure that we maximize our opportunity with these emerging companies while also providing excellent service to our growing telecommunications equipment customers.”
Fulcrum is also represented in China by Eastele Technology, a distributor with offices in all of the five major cities across China and in Hong Kong.
China’s wireless carriers double capital spending on 4G in 2011
EL SEGUNDO, USA: China’s investment in the next-generation 4G wireless technology known as Long Term Evolution (LTE) is set to double in 2011 as the country’s major telecom carriers move to upgrade services, according to new IHS iSuppli research.
Although capital expenditures in China for LTE now are at miniscule levels, spending by the carriers will rise rapidly during the years to come. Capital spending for LTE in 2011 is projected to reach $100 million this year, double the $50 million of 2010. It then will triple in size to $300 million in 2012, jump to $600 million in 2013 and then hit $1.3 billion by 2014.
In comparison, combined capital expenditures will decline during the next three years for the older 2G and 3G wireless technologies that continue to operate throughout the country.
“China is the only place in the world to have three different 3G technologies in commercial use simultaneously, each offered by a separate carrier following a large-scale reorganization of the country’s state-run telecom sector in 2008,” said Kevin Wang, China research analyst at IHS. “But with 3G networks collectively being upgraded to 4G now and in the future, all three operators could shift to LTE.”
China Mobile, the biggest carrier in the country as well as the largest telecom operator in the world in terms of subscribers, is expected to launch LTE this year. Already, China Mobile has joined forces with Verizon and Vodafone in a cooperative LTE trial. Equipment vendors participating in the trial include Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks and Nortel. The trial aims to deploy more than 100 base station sites in each of six cities, covering more than 100 million subscribers.
For China Telecom and China Unicom, the country’s two other carriers will be deploying LTE between 2012 and 2013. China Telecom is waiting for LTE technology to mature before taking the full plunge, IHS has learned, while China Unicom will deploy LTE first in large cities like Shanghai and Beijing, as well as consider a move to commercial LTE after 2013.
The individual timetables by each operator notwithstanding, the move to next-generation 4G has the support of the Chinese government. To this end, equipment vendors should get into a position where they can leverage current wireless operations toward the upcoming standard if they wish to make a positive early impact on the market, especially as Chinese carriers conduct business in an increasingly competitive environment, IHS believes.
The 3G technologies at present command the lion’s share of wireless capital spending in China. However, 3G will account for just 55 percent of spending by 2014, down from 67 percent this year. China wireless spending on LTE, in contrast, will jump from a virtually negligible share in 2011 to approximately 36 percent of the total after three years, IHS iSuppli research shows.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Although capital expenditures in China for LTE now are at miniscule levels, spending by the carriers will rise rapidly during the years to come. Capital spending for LTE in 2011 is projected to reach $100 million this year, double the $50 million of 2010. It then will triple in size to $300 million in 2012, jump to $600 million in 2013 and then hit $1.3 billion by 2014.
In comparison, combined capital expenditures will decline during the next three years for the older 2G and 3G wireless technologies that continue to operate throughout the country.
“China is the only place in the world to have three different 3G technologies in commercial use simultaneously, each offered by a separate carrier following a large-scale reorganization of the country’s state-run telecom sector in 2008,” said Kevin Wang, China research analyst at IHS. “But with 3G networks collectively being upgraded to 4G now and in the future, all three operators could shift to LTE.”
China Mobile, the biggest carrier in the country as well as the largest telecom operator in the world in terms of subscribers, is expected to launch LTE this year. Already, China Mobile has joined forces with Verizon and Vodafone in a cooperative LTE trial. Equipment vendors participating in the trial include Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks and Nortel. The trial aims to deploy more than 100 base station sites in each of six cities, covering more than 100 million subscribers.
For China Telecom and China Unicom, the country’s two other carriers will be deploying LTE between 2012 and 2013. China Telecom is waiting for LTE technology to mature before taking the full plunge, IHS has learned, while China Unicom will deploy LTE first in large cities like Shanghai and Beijing, as well as consider a move to commercial LTE after 2013.
The individual timetables by each operator notwithstanding, the move to next-generation 4G has the support of the Chinese government. To this end, equipment vendors should get into a position where they can leverage current wireless operations toward the upcoming standard if they wish to make a positive early impact on the market, especially as Chinese carriers conduct business in an increasingly competitive environment, IHS believes.
The 3G technologies at present command the lion’s share of wireless capital spending in China. However, 3G will account for just 55 percent of spending by 2014, down from 67 percent this year. China wireless spending on LTE, in contrast, will jump from a virtually negligible share in 2011 to approximately 36 percent of the total after three years, IHS iSuppli research shows.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
airtel lights up Delhi NCR with 3G services
NEW DELHI, INDIA: India’s leading telecommunications company - Bharti airtel - has launched its third generation of mobile services on the back of a robust network powered by 1,800 plus 3G sites in the National Capital Region spanning Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad and Noida. This is, by far, the strongest 3G network in the region by any mobile operator and will ensure a seamless 3G experience for 76 lakh airtel mobile customers in the region.
airtel also announced that it has achieved the milestone figure of around half a million 3G customers across the country – having launched a little over a month ago.
“As the undisputed leader in the Indian telecom industry, we are truly driving the mobile data revolution in the country. Today, with just over a month since our rollout began, our 3G network covers around Half a Million customers, has 4,500 sites and is available across seven cities” said Atul Bindal, president-Mobile Services, Bharti airtel. “We are definitely witnessing the tipping point of non-voice and data explosion in this country and will be bringing the airtel 3G advantage pan-India soon as promised.” he added.
airtel’s third generation services are already in the seven cities of Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore, Manipal, Udipi and Jaipur and will be available in all 13 3G-license circles by March 2011.
Customers can choose from airtel’s easy-to-understand 3G tariff plans, which have been crafted to prevent ‘bill shock’ and help customers monitor their consumption of data with personalised data usage limits and alerts. airtel 3G services can and enjoy the benefits of fast 3G connectivity on the device of their choice - mobile handset, laptops or tablets.
airtel also announced that it has achieved the milestone figure of around half a million 3G customers across the country – having launched a little over a month ago.
“As the undisputed leader in the Indian telecom industry, we are truly driving the mobile data revolution in the country. Today, with just over a month since our rollout began, our 3G network covers around Half a Million customers, has 4,500 sites and is available across seven cities” said Atul Bindal, president-Mobile Services, Bharti airtel. “We are definitely witnessing the tipping point of non-voice and data explosion in this country and will be bringing the airtel 3G advantage pan-India soon as promised.” he added.
airtel’s third generation services are already in the seven cities of Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore, Manipal, Udipi and Jaipur and will be available in all 13 3G-license circles by March 2011.
Customers can choose from airtel’s easy-to-understand 3G tariff plans, which have been crafted to prevent ‘bill shock’ and help customers monitor their consumption of data with personalised data usage limits and alerts. airtel 3G services can and enjoy the benefits of fast 3G connectivity on the device of their choice - mobile handset, laptops or tablets.
NI expands NI wireless sensor network platform
INDIA: National Instruments has announced two new products that extend the communication and measurement capabilities of the NI wireless sensor network (WSN) platform.
The new NI 9792 is a programmable WSN gateway that can communicate with NI WSN measurement nodes as well as other hardware through a variety of open communication standards. The gateway combines an NI LabVIEW Real-Time controller and an integrated WSN radio so that LabVIEW Real-Time applications can run locally on the gateway to aggregate data from NI WSN devices, making the NI 9792 ideal for embedded, wireless data-logging applications.
Additionally, the new NI WSN-3226 voltage/resistance temperature detector (RTD) combination node extends the measurement capabilities of the NI WSN platform to include support for resistance-based measurements such as RTDs and potentiometers and provides engineers and scientists the ability to combine voltage and temperature measurements on a single NI WSN device.
The NI 9792 gateway, which is programmable with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module for stand-alone operation, features a high-performance 533 MHz processor and 2 GB of onboard storage for embedded data-logging applications. The new gateway also features integrated Web (HTTP) and file (FTP) servers, which makes it possible for remote access to measurement data from thin client devices such as smartphones and mobile computers.
The NI 9792 includes an RS232 serial port and dual Ethernet ports to provide flexible connectivity to other devices such as enterprise-level networks or wired I/O systems. With this flexibility, engineers and scientists can create a complete wired and wireless measurement solution to meet various application needs.
The new WSN-3226 measurement node adds resistance-based measurements to the NI WSN platform and features four analog input channels that can be configured on a per-channel basis for ±10 V measurements or resistive measurements. The new measurement node provides engineers and scientists the flexibility to choose between high-speed and high-resolution analog input modes on the device, optimizing the power and performance trade-offs for their applications.
The WSN-3226 also features two bidirectional digital channels that can be configured on a per-channel basis for input, sinking output or sourcing output. Additionally, the measurement node can be powered by four AA batteries, with an operational lifetime of up to three years, or externally powered with a 5 V to 30 V supply, which offers improved efficiency for energy harvesting applications.
Using the LabVIEW WSN Module Pioneer, engineers and scientists can customize the behavior of the WSN-3226 by adding intelligence to extend battery life, increase analog and digital input performance, perform local control, analysis and data reduction and interface with custom sensors.
Additionally, the latest version of NI WSN software, NI WSN 1.2, provides support for WSN-3226, along with other features including faster firmware updates, more accurate data timestamping and automatic I/O variable deployment. The software also delivers Web-based configuration of the NI 9792 gateway, eliminating the need for application software to configure and set up a WSN.
NI WSN products are ideal for long-term data logging and remote monitoring in the following applications:
– Environmental monitoring
– Energy monitoring
– Building monitoring
– Structural health monitoring
– Distributed temperature monitoring
– Transportation
– Industrial monitoring.
The new NI 9792 is a programmable WSN gateway that can communicate with NI WSN measurement nodes as well as other hardware through a variety of open communication standards. The gateway combines an NI LabVIEW Real-Time controller and an integrated WSN radio so that LabVIEW Real-Time applications can run locally on the gateway to aggregate data from NI WSN devices, making the NI 9792 ideal for embedded, wireless data-logging applications.
Additionally, the new NI WSN-3226 voltage/resistance temperature detector (RTD) combination node extends the measurement capabilities of the NI WSN platform to include support for resistance-based measurements such as RTDs and potentiometers and provides engineers and scientists the ability to combine voltage and temperature measurements on a single NI WSN device.
The NI 9792 gateway, which is programmable with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module for stand-alone operation, features a high-performance 533 MHz processor and 2 GB of onboard storage for embedded data-logging applications. The new gateway also features integrated Web (HTTP) and file (FTP) servers, which makes it possible for remote access to measurement data from thin client devices such as smartphones and mobile computers.
The NI 9792 includes an RS232 serial port and dual Ethernet ports to provide flexible connectivity to other devices such as enterprise-level networks or wired I/O systems. With this flexibility, engineers and scientists can create a complete wired and wireless measurement solution to meet various application needs.
The new WSN-3226 measurement node adds resistance-based measurements to the NI WSN platform and features four analog input channels that can be configured on a per-channel basis for ±10 V measurements or resistive measurements. The new measurement node provides engineers and scientists the flexibility to choose between high-speed and high-resolution analog input modes on the device, optimizing the power and performance trade-offs for their applications.
The WSN-3226 also features two bidirectional digital channels that can be configured on a per-channel basis for input, sinking output or sourcing output. Additionally, the measurement node can be powered by four AA batteries, with an operational lifetime of up to three years, or externally powered with a 5 V to 30 V supply, which offers improved efficiency for energy harvesting applications.
Using the LabVIEW WSN Module Pioneer, engineers and scientists can customize the behavior of the WSN-3226 by adding intelligence to extend battery life, increase analog and digital input performance, perform local control, analysis and data reduction and interface with custom sensors.
Additionally, the latest version of NI WSN software, NI WSN 1.2, provides support for WSN-3226, along with other features including faster firmware updates, more accurate data timestamping and automatic I/O variable deployment. The software also delivers Web-based configuration of the NI 9792 gateway, eliminating the need for application software to configure and set up a WSN.
NI WSN products are ideal for long-term data logging and remote monitoring in the following applications:
– Environmental monitoring
– Energy monitoring
– Building monitoring
– Structural health monitoring
– Distributed temperature monitoring
– Transportation
– Industrial monitoring.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
GigOptix to demo first production 40G DPSK TFPS Mach-Zehnder modulator and bundled solution driver at OFC
OFC/NFOEC 2011, PALO ALTO, USA: GigOptix Inc., a leading supplier of high performance electronic and electro-optic components that enable next generation 40G and 100G optical networks, announced that it will demonstrate its 40G DPSK Mach-Zehnder Modulator (MZM) and 100G driver at the OFC/NFOEC in Los Angeles, California beginning on March 8, 2011.
At booth 1931, GigOptix invites you to view demonstrations of its DWDM Bundled Solutions:
40G Bundled solution: The LX8401, a DPSK TFPS optical modulator with low drive voltage in a small form factor designed for long-haul and ultra-long-haul optical transponders.
100G bundled solution drivers: The GX62455, a low power integrated quad channel 32Gb/s driver designed for 100G DP-QPSK long-haul optical transmitters.
At booth 1931, GigOptix invites you to view demonstrations of its DWDM Bundled Solutions:
40G Bundled solution: The LX8401, a DPSK TFPS optical modulator with low drive voltage in a small form factor designed for long-haul and ultra-long-haul optical transponders.
100G bundled solution drivers: The GX62455, a low power integrated quad channel 32Gb/s driver designed for 100G DP-QPSK long-haul optical transmitters.
airtel launches 3G services in aapno Jaipur
JAIPUR, INDIA: Bharti airtel, India’s leading telecommunications company, has commenced the North India launch airtel 3G services starting with the heritage city of Jaipur.
Atul Bindal, president - Mobile Services, Bharti airtel announced this by making the first airtel 3G call in the state to HRH Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur. Following this, airtel 3G services will be rolled out across all major cities in Rajasthan in weeks to come. Today, airtel also welcomed the new era of Mobile TV in India by bringing popular vernacular television channels and shows onto the mobile platform via airtel 3G services.
Bindal said: “Having successfully launched airtel 3G services in six cities, we are delighted to bring this state of the art experience for our customers in aapno Jaipur with exciting Hindi and regional Mobile TV content. This is yet another step by airtel towards its commitment of offering products and services relevant to our 150 million plus customers across the country.
"Powered by 3G, the airtel mobile TV service allows customers to be on the go and yet enjoy their favourite television shows on channels like Star Plus, SAB TV and Sony TV. Bringing alive the experience of high speed TV viewing on the mobile platform and a host of other innovative services - we welcome all mobile customers across Rajasthan to experience the airtel 3G advantage."
A wide range of LIVE and on-demand TV channels as well as shows are now available on airtel 3G Mobile TV at an affordable price of Rs. 40 for 20 minutes per week. To subscribe - customers can use their mobile phones to visit the ‘3G Zone’ on airtel LIVE, select Mobile TV, simply download and install the application, select their favourite TV content – and start viewing.
Apart from Mobile TV, airtel 3G will allow customers to enjoy various other exciting service offerings including video calls, high speed internet and video capabilities on social networks. Enabling fast internet access on-the-go, airtel 3G dongles are also now available for laptop users.
Atul Bindal, president - Mobile Services, Bharti airtel announced this by making the first airtel 3G call in the state to HRH Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur. Following this, airtel 3G services will be rolled out across all major cities in Rajasthan in weeks to come. Today, airtel also welcomed the new era of Mobile TV in India by bringing popular vernacular television channels and shows onto the mobile platform via airtel 3G services.
Bindal said: “Having successfully launched airtel 3G services in six cities, we are delighted to bring this state of the art experience for our customers in aapno Jaipur with exciting Hindi and regional Mobile TV content. This is yet another step by airtel towards its commitment of offering products and services relevant to our 150 million plus customers across the country.
"Powered by 3G, the airtel mobile TV service allows customers to be on the go and yet enjoy their favourite television shows on channels like Star Plus, SAB TV and Sony TV. Bringing alive the experience of high speed TV viewing on the mobile platform and a host of other innovative services - we welcome all mobile customers across Rajasthan to experience the airtel 3G advantage."
A wide range of LIVE and on-demand TV channels as well as shows are now available on airtel 3G Mobile TV at an affordable price of Rs. 40 for 20 minutes per week. To subscribe - customers can use their mobile phones to visit the ‘3G Zone’ on airtel LIVE, select Mobile TV, simply download and install the application, select their favourite TV content – and start viewing.
Apart from Mobile TV, airtel 3G will allow customers to enjoy various other exciting service offerings including video calls, high speed internet and video capabilities on social networks. Enabling fast internet access on-the-go, airtel 3G dongles are also now available for laptop users.
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