In almost every enterprise private wireless network (PWN) engagement, I come across the question of what technology to select: 4G/LTE or 5G1? Deciding between LTE and 5G is often complex and needs careful analysis. Here, I outline the top 5 factors to help in the decision making process. 1. Performance & Features The PWN has… Read More »
Two things led me to write this post. First, much of what’s written about 6G focuses on what 6G could be, but little arguing for why we need 6G! Second, 5G offers a very flexible architecture and a rich roadmap which will need many years to fully develop and use. These two reasons makes the… Read More »
Since Covid further exposed the rural digital deficit, many have asked to deploy 5G to provide broadband services in rural areas. Many others are skeptical for various reasons. To sort through the issue, We were commissioned to investigate how 5G can bridge the urban-rural digital divide. In our paper (download here), we review some of… Read More »
Download the presentation here.
Network sharing is one of those topics that makes economic sense, but often falters when it comes to adoption and implementation. Recently, I was asked about the prospects for network sharing given 5G capital investment requirements at a time of economic crisis. This is, of course, related to active sharing models where operators share the… Read More »
Integrated AI-based technology enables networks to adapt autonomously which helps operators optimize their service delivery to consumers and enterprises. As communication networks increase in complexity, operators seek to simplify operation and maintenance activities and reduce operating costs. Network automation could help operators achieve this objective. Automation is not a new concept: it has been around… Read More »
Spectrum pricing is a function of supply and demand. Over the course of recent 5G spectrum auctions, regulators demonstrated, yet again, their influence on the outcome. Italy and Taiwan are two examples which set a record valuation for the 3.5 GHz auction. This year, we will see one of the largest auctions ever: the CBRS… Read More »
In my previous article, I wrote about developments in virtual RAN, and indicated that the actual focus on the service providers is on core network migration strategies. The RAN receives high attention because it consumes more of the MNO capex and opex than the core network. This makes it a primary target for cost reduction.… Read More »
As 5G rolls out, edge computing is the hope of service providers to finally provide differentiated services. Service provides have two paths to monetize the edge: a consumer services path and an enterprise services path. The former plays to the strengths of the mobile service providers. The latter, enterprise path, is as an incremental opportunity… Read More »
The prospects of millimeter (mmWave) 5G deployments have peaked the interest of mobile ecosystem players, investors included. While mmWave frequencies offer unmatched capacity, their coverage footprint lead to high network roll out and operating costs*. This raises questions on the financial viability of mmWave 5G. Vendors and suppliers continue to face tough decisions about supporting… Read More »
The mobile and satellite industries progressed along parallel path, rarely intersecting. This is because neither side could satisfy the value creation needs of the other side [see here]. However, there is a renaissance in satellite communications brought about by high-throughput satellites and improved launch economics. Entrepreneurs from outside the industry like Elon Musk and Jeff… Read More »
Auction 102 concluded on May 28th raising $2 Billion for 2904 licenses for 700 MHz in 24 GHz (24.25–24.45; 24.75–25.25 GHz). [FCC] AT&T and T-Mobile spent $982 million and $803 million for 831 and 1346 licenses, respectively.
While 5G attracts most attention, operators had been making decisions on how to retire legacy 2G and 3G networks to free up spectrum for LTE networks and support higher capacity. Unlike earlier technology migrations where the path was clear, operators have to make tough decisions on which network to turn off first: 2G or 3G.… Read More »
This year I’ll opt to write a few quick thoughts on the state of the telco industry instead of the annual report that follows MWC. Time is tight, so let’s get straight to the main points. Foldable Phones Foldable phones were the main highlight of MWC2019. Both Samsung and Huawei launched models featuring foldable screens.… Read More »
The benefits of edge computing, low latency and backhaul efficiency are well understood. However, there is a cost to realize these benefits through small data centers. Hyperscale data centers are the backbone of the cloud. The cost structure and operation of these data centers is well understood. On the other hand, different requirements govern the… Read More »