Samsung Electronics and KDDI today announced the companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to form a 5G Global Network Slicing Alliance. Through this new alliance, the companies will work together to introduce an array of commercial 5G network slicing services and assess new business models based on this innovative technology.
Swedish telecom giant, Ericsson, is making strides in harnessing the virtues of Open and Cloud RAN through a series of noteworthy offerings and trailblazing collaborations. Recent ventures with Telefónica on joint Cloud RAN trials underline a shared vision for a dynamic, open network architecture. This exploration goes beyond mainstream, incorporating automation and intelligent orchestration, with potential benefits to macro networks and enterprise applications alike. Ericsson’s commitment to open standards is further emphasized through successful deployment of radio hardware ready for next-gen open fronthaul technology and an intriguing pledge to offer an expansive Open RAN portfolio by next year.
Amid growing inflation and swelling telecom budgets, the advent of 6G brings in costly implications tied to Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment. As these financial implications loom, The Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) Alliance proposes a different approach to 6G implementation that may spare existing 5G infrastructure from unnecessary renewal. They advocate an operator-driven decision process in refreshing the 5G RAN, maintaining that 6G upgrade should not compromise 5G user experience and should be software-upgradable on existing network elements. As 5G capex reaches its peak in markets like the U.S., NGMN’s stance could potentially redefine traditional strategies in introducing new generations of mobile technology.
Unveiling a new dimension to their collaboration, Ericsson and Google aim to enhance Cloud RAN solutions leveraging Google’s Distributed Cloud. This endeavor, targeting seamless automation, orchestration, and incorporation of AI and machine learning, promises wide-ranging benefits for communications service providers. Observations from the Ericsson Open Lab revealed the power of the Google Distributed Cloud in extending network functionalities, opening exciting new possibilities in the telecoms landscape.
Nokia intensifies focus on AI and machine learning enhancements with the advent of their new Open Innovation Lab in Dubai. This facility is set to target telecommunications operations in Middle East and Africa, potentially bolstering business for Dell and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. The lab’s agenda encompasses three key areas: cloud RAN collaboration, promotion of private wireless and industrial networks, and acceleration of AI-driven network automation. The lab’s existence could pave the way for increased productivity, overall network efficiency and novel revenue opportunities in the region.
Disrupting the UK telecom marketplace, Jetty emerges as a transformative white-label platform, reshaping the customer experience pathway for fibre retailers. With a holistic approach integrating sales, order management, customer service and more, this platform allows Altnets and Communication Service Providers to focus on growth. Jetty’s unique selling point? Fully automated, compliant residential fibre customer journeys, the only SaaS in the UK offering this feature. Founded by visionaries Alex Hollingdale and Vinny Casey, Jetty foresees expansion across various product categories and geo-locations, promising limitless scalability in aiding telecom retailers’ success.
Prominent UK telecom companies like BT, VMO2, and Vodafone have been selected beneficiaries of government funding for research into Open RAN technology. Innovative projects, with a focus ranging from energy efficiency to security, will share in the £88 million ($121 million) funding. The main goal is to figure out whether Open RAN can rival traditional RAN, especially in high-traffic areas and rural deployments, in terms of cost, reliability and energy consumption.
Netcracker’s GenAI Telco Solution, a revolutionary tool that leverages generative AI models to enhance telecom operations, promises to reshape customer experiences and streamline automation. The tool facilitates personalised interaction while anonymizing telecom data and is compatible with widely used GenAI models. Amidst privacy and security concerns, it offers a secure gateway to harness telecom data, promising to boost business value extraction and maximize productivity.
Deutsche Telekom, in collaboration with AirHop, Juniper Networks, VIAVI Solutions, and VMware, has been testing the waters to leverage telecom technology bound by Open RAN specifications. Treading an intriguing path of innovation, they trialed Non-RT RIC technology by performing a RAN closed-loop optimization proof, embraced by ONAP and Open RAN standards. The journey unfolded two pivotal use case scenarios revolving around PCI optimization and energy-saving dynamics powered by AI and machine learning.
In an exciting development for businesses seeking streamlined communication solutions, CallCabinet has officially integrated its cutting-edge recording and analytics solutions with Zoom Contact Center. This groundbreaking move effectively eliminates the need for multiple, independently managed recording and analytics systems.