Capgemini and Orange to build "Cloud de Confiance" in France

Capgemini and Orange will establish a joint venture company called “Bleu” to provide a "Cloud de Confiance" to address the security requirements of the French State, public administrations and critical infrastructure companies across France. The idea is to build a French hyperscale cloud, fully under French and European jurisdictions.

Bleu will provide its customers with an independent, trusted cloud platform with a broad catalog of digital solutions and cutting-edge collaborative tools. 

Capgemini and Orange will work with Microsoft to develop the Cloud de Confiance. Bleu will offer Microsoft’s secure cloud technology including the modern collaboration and productivity solutions of Microsoft 365 and the services available on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, delivered via an independent environment.

Bleu will be governed by key requirements regarding sensitive data to ensure that the unique needs of its French customers are met. 

• Firstly, these include providing immunity from all extraterritorial legislation and economic independence - Capgemini and Orange will be the majority investors in Bleu. 
• Secondly, these rely on meeting data transfer requirements and ensuring the full control of cloud-based applications from within an isolated infrastructure that uses data centers located in France. These data centers will thereforse be strictly separated from Microsoft’s global data center infrastructure, which guarantees operational autonomy. 
• In addition, Bleu will be entirely operated by its own staff in France. 

Capgemini and Orange expect that Bleu will be recognized as a ”Cloud de Confiance” by French authorities and receive the SecNumCloud label by the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI).

Bleu will also ultimately join the Gaia-X initiative, of which Orange and Capgemini are members, in order to support the emergence of sovereign solutions on a European level.

Aiman Ezzat, CEO of Capgemini, said: “As a strategic partner to our clients, Capgemini is focused on building the services they need, based on leading technologies and the highest standards. The creation of a ”Cloud de Confiance” for France will provide French State and critical infrastructure organizations with the many benefits of flexible cloud services on a secure platform. Now is the right moment to launch this project which benefits from strong political will and very advanced technologies. We are excited to be partnering with Orange on this pioneering project.”

Stéphane Richard, Chairman and CEO of Orange, commented: “This ‘Cloud de Confiance’ meets a growing need in the digital world. The French State recently highlighted this in defining their ‘cloud au centre’ policy and setting out the standards required regarding data protection and sovereignty. Orange, as a trusted partner for the digital transformation of businesses, operates, integrates and manages a range of trusted infrastructure services for its customers, whether they are public or private entities. We are delighted to partner with Capgemini to create a trusted-cloud solution for our existing and future BtoB customers and public organizations that will provide a wide range of services, and in particular Microsoft 365, from within a sovereign infrastructure.”

“Establishing a new ‘Cloud de Confiance’ service, which should be recognized by French authorities, through a company founded and led by Capgemini and Orange, will help accelerate France's digital transformation and meet the standards defined by the French government in its national policy,” said Jean-Philippe Courtois, EVP and President of Microsoft Global Sales, Marketing and Operations. “This announcement will contribute to France's economic growth, benefit the national technology and services partner ecosystem, and support the country’s long-term success."

A presentation on France's National Cloud Strategy (17-May-2021, in French)

https://www.economie.gouv.fr/cloud-souverain-17-mai

https://www.capgemini.com/news/capgemini-and-orange-announce-plan-to-create-bleu-a-company-to-provide-a-cloud-de-confiance-in-france/

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Planning begins for a European quantum communication network

The European Commission has selected Airbus to lead a consortium of companies and research institutes to study the design of the future European quantum communication network, EuroQCI, to enable ultra-secure communication between critical infrastructures and government institutions across the European Union. The 15-month study will set out the details of the end-to-end system and design. The European Commission's ambition is to run a EuroQCI demonstrator by 2024 and an initial operational service by 2027.

EuroQCI aims to integrate quantum technologies and systems into terrestrial fibre optic communication networks, and will include a space-based segment ensuring full coverage across the EU and other continents. The first service to make use of it will be quantum key distribution (QKD). The QKD service will transmit encryption keys through quantum communication channels on both terrestrial fibre optic and space laser links.

The European consortium led by Airbus is composed of Leonardo, Orange, PwC France and Maghreb, Telespazio (a Leonardo and Thales 67/33 joint venture), the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and the Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM).

https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/quantum

https://www.orange.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021/consortium-european-digital-players-design-future-eu-quantum-internet

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OneWeb now has 218 LEO satellites in orbit

Arianespace successfully launches 36 satellites from the Vostochny Cosmodrome on behalf of OneWeb, the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company. Arianespace has deployed 218 satellites in low Earth orbit for the constellation.

This was the fourth in a five-launch programme to fulfil the ‘Five to 50’ service, enabling OneWeb to offer connectivity across the United Kingdom, Alaska, Northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic Seas and Canada. The completed programme will deliver 80 percent of the constellation required to enable its connectivity solution to reach all regions north of 50 degrees latitude by June 2021.

OneWeb said it is on track to start its commercial service by the end of the year.

This was the first batch of satellites manufactured by OneWeb Satellites at its new factory in Space Coast, Florida. 

https://www.arianespace.com/press-release/flight-st32-arianespace-successfully-deploys-oneweb-constellation-satellites/

https://www.oneweb.world/media-center/media-advisory

https://youtu.be/37D04uzfyus

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Nikkei Asia publishes Huawei's letter to Joe Biden

Huawei is calling for open dialogue with the U.S. government in hopes of lifting the blacklisting which is eroding its international business, according to an open letter to President Joe Biden published by Nikkei Asia from Vincent Peng, senior vice president at Huawei, and a member of the company's board.

In the letter, Peng argues that a continued decoupling of the U.S. and Chinese tech sectors will be very costly to the global economy. He states that Huawei is "open to discussing anything, including opening Huawei's equipment to independent testing, or licensing our fifth-generation, or 5G, technology to a U.S. company or consortium."

https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/Huawei-to-Joe-Biden-Let-s-talk

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Ericsson and DT propose a 5G rate adaptation mechanism

Ericsson and Deutsche Telekom published a joint whitepaper that describes a concept for rate adaptation in 5G networks based on Low Latency Low Loss Scalable throughput (L4S), a mechanism being standardized in IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force). 

The overall objective is to enable a large scale of time-critical high data rate applications over 5G mobile networks and the companies believe a common feedback loop mechanism is required for fast rate adaptation.

https://www.telekom.com/en/company/details/enabling-time-critical-applications-over-5g-with-rate-adaptation-628058

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Deutsche Telekom intros Speedport Smart 4 router with Wi-Fi 6

Deutsche Telekom introduced its new Speedport Smart 4 home broadband router, featuring Wi-Fi 6 mesh capability and a two-line OLED display that provides information about the status and supports easy connections for users using QR codes.

The Speedport Smart 4 uses up to nine antennas to ensure greater range and a speed of up to 6 Gbps. The integrated mesh technology enables fast and stable data transmission. Together with the new Speed Home WLAN mesh repeater, the router delivers Internet reception to every corner of the home. 

The router connects to up to five mesh-capable repeaters. The router supports MagentaTV and transmits several channels in high-resolution 4K/UHD.

The Speedport Smart 4 is suitable for ADSL, ADSL 2+ and VDSL connections. The device also supports vectoring, supervectoring, and fiber-optic connections. 

An additional fiber-optic modem is required for use on a pure fiber-optic connection. In addition to the connection for an analog telephone, the router also has an integrated DECT-CAT-iq base station on board. Up to five Speedphones thus enable phone calls in HD voice quality. The preset DECT and WLAN encryption via WPA3/WPA 2 Mixed Mode and the high-performance VPN solution Wireguard ensure a high level of security. It allows users to access the home network and the operating menu remotely.

https://www.telekom.com/en/media/media-information/archive/speedport-smart-4-and-speed-home-wlan-627850

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Orange upgrades its network in Guinea Bissau

The Orange Group announced a major upgrade of its mobile network in Guinea Bissau. a country on the northwestern coast of Africa with a population of 2 million people..

Orange Bissau 2G/3G rural coverage is being extended to more than 1,000 villages with the deployment of 150 new antennas. The network modernization and extension program will also see upgrades to the 3G + and 4G network across the country.

Orange Bissau currently has nearly one million (1,000,000) mobile customers and six hundred thousand (600,000) Orange Money customers.

Orange Bissau is one of the leading contributors to the Guinean Bissau economy with 9.7% of tax revenue and 3.1% of overall state budget revenue in 2020 and nearly 8,000 direct and indirect jobs created. 

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Colt upgrades with Cisco’s Silicon One, 400G OpenZR+, Segment Routing

Colt Technology Services is transforming its global IQ Packet Network through the deployment of Cisco’s Silicon One hardware alongside 400G OpenZR+ pluggable technology and Segment Routing MPLS software throughout the network. As part of this initiative, Colt is looking to Acacia’s 400G OpenZR+ technology for long-haul inter-metro connections greater than 200 km.

Colt's IQ Network, which launched in 2016, currently connects over 900 data centers across Europe, Asia and North America’s largest business hubs, with over 29,000 on net buildings and growing. 

Cisco’s Silicon One hardware converges IP and optical networking layers for a simpler and more scalable architecture that delivers cost efficiency and reduces space and power usage in data centers and colocations. Segment Routing MPLS offers software capabilities which further simplify the network and provide fine-grained control for guaranteeing stringent SLAs. Combined with pluggable 400G OpenZR+ technology within the IQ Network, Colt will deliver high-bandwidth and software-defined networking that meets connectivity demands of today and the future.

“Colt is committed to ensuring its network is at the forefront of technological innovation, and this latest investment is the next step in our network optimisation strategy, as we continue to leverage next- generation optical and packet technologies”, says Vivek Gaur, Vice President – Network Engineering, for Colt. “Over the last couple of years, Colt and Cisco have built a strategic relationship centered on innovation, and we’re excited to continue to push boundaries for our customers and the industry. We know the requirement for ultra-high bandwidth services is increasing. With Cisco’s technology in specific layers of our network, we’ll have a scalable and efficient packet core network that fulfils the connectivity demands of our customers across the globe.”

“The internet is now an integral part of critical national infrastructure and must be continually reimagined to help transform the way we live. Colt is helping accelerate this as one of the first network providers to leverage the full capability of 400G OpenZR+ coherent pluggable optics in data center interconnect for metro and long-haul applications,” said Adam MacHale, Vice President of EMEAR Service Provider, Cisco. “We look forward to continuing our exciting journey together with Colt and unleashing the full power of Routed Optical Networking technologies.”

 

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Openreach deploys Ciena’s routing, switching and optical

Openreach is deploying Ciena’s routing and switching and WaveLogic Ai-based coherent optical platforms. Openreach is also using Ciena’s Managed Services, which underpin the end-to-end network deployment, service rollout, and ongoing management and technical support. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Openreach is leveraging Ciena’s Routing and Switching family of products (including the 3928, 5160, 5164 and 5171) to deliver OSEA Filter Connect Lite, a hub-and-spoke based solution that provides multiple 10GbE/100GbE links into a low-power, small footprint aggregation point at key network locations. With OSEA Filter Connect Lite, Openreach customers can scale the offering to expand capacity and incorporate future network features to adapt to changing user demands and connectivity needs driven by the increase in home and remote working. Additionally, Openreach’s OSEA 6500 MUX product, which is powered by Ciena’s WaveLogic Ai coherent optical technology, offers high-bandwidth wavelength connectivity that can scale from 100Gbps to a maximum capacity of 400Gbps per card over a single optical wavelength.

Peter Bell, Openreach’s Director of Network Technology, said: “Our customers require agile networks and customizable solutions to meet demand and manage costs. Ciena’s solutions make it possible for us to deliver faster, more agile, resilient services for our customers in a shorter timeframe – and will help us meet increasing bandwidth needs aligned with our recently-announced plans to expand our FTTP footprint to 25 million premises by 2026.”

“Digital transformation was already underway, but years of progress have taken place in months as a result of the recent dramatic rise in remote work and learning. By adding adaptability and scalability to its offerings, Openreach is helping its customers meet the increased demand for improved digital connectivity with high-bandwidth 400G services to carrier and content provider customers across the UK,” said Jamie Jefferies, Vice President and General Manager, International at Ciena.

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Amazon Elastic Container Service Anywhere goes live

Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the general availability of Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS) Anywhere, a new capability for Amazon ECS that enables customers to run and manage container-based applications on-premises using the same APIs, cluster management, workload scheduling, monitoring, and deployment pipelines they use with Amazon ECS in AWS. 

Amazon ECS Anywhere provides a fully managed container orchestration service that allows customers to easily run, scale, and secure Docker container applications on any customer-managed infrastructure in addition to all AWS Regions, AWS Local Zones, and AWS hybrid infrastructure deployments (e.g. AWS Outposts and AWS Wavelength). There are no upfront fees or commitments to use Amazon ECS Anywhere, and customers pay only for the container instances they run. 

A key benefit is consistent tooling and APIs for all container-based applications, and the same Amazon ECS experience for cluster management, workload scheduling, and monitoring in the cloud and in their own data centers and edge environments via a common control plane. With Amazon ECS Anywhere, customers no longer need to run, update, or maintain their own container orchestrators on-premises. 

“Customers have told us that while they need to run containers on their own infrastructure, they don't want the hassle of operating their own cluster management software. They love the simplicity of Amazon ECS, the fact that it just works, and want the same reliability, scalability, and security of Amazon ECS wherever they run their applications,” said Deepak Singh, VP, Compute Services, AWS. “With Amazon ECS Anywhere we are proud to provide our customers exactly what they’ve asked for—a single service and control plane to manage their container deployments across AWS Regions, AWS Outposts, AWS Wavelength, AWS Local Zones, and customer-owned infrastructure, both in their data centers and at edge locations. Nothing else in the industry does that.”

Amazon ECS Anywhere is available today in US East (N. Virginia), US East (Ohio), US West (Oregon), US West (N. California), GovCloud (US-West), GovCloud (US-East), Canada (Central), South America (São Paulo), Europe (Frankfurt), Europe (London), Europe (Paris), Middle East (Bahrain), Europe (Ireland), Europe (Milan), Europe (Stockholm), AWS Africa (Cape Town), Asia Pacific (Sydney), Asia Pacific (Tokyo), Asia Pacific (Singapore), Asia Pacific (Seoul), Asia Pacific (Osaka), Asia Pacific (Mumbai), and Asia Pacific (Hong Kong), with availability in additional regions coming soon.

https://aws.amazon.com/ecs/anywhere

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Mavenir now offers its Converged Packet Core on AWS

Mavenir announced support for deployments and integration of cloud-native telecom network functions with telco infrastructure solutions on Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS).

Mavenir's 5G solutions on AWS include its Converged Packet Core, IMS, Messaging, Orchestration, AI and Telco Analytics and Open RAN products.

“The collaboration with Mavenir and AWS allows us to build out our 5G network and messaging platforms in a true cloud-native manner, harnessing the speed and agility that the AWS cloud brings along with Mavenir’s expertise in deploying and operating cloud-native network functions," said Sidd Chenumolu, Vice President of Technology Development, DISH. “Together, we will enable our customers to take full advantage of the potential of 5G, reimagining wireless connectivity and giving our customers the ability to customize their network experience.”

“Working with AWS enables us to bring new customer-focused 5G use cases and 5G deployments to the market faster and with unique capabilities to realize true 5G potential,” said Bejoy Pankajakshan, Mavenir’s Chief Strategy Officer. “Mavenir’s solutions are designed to support full public cloud as well as hybrid cloud deployments.”

"We’re delighted to collaborate with Mavenir to offer voice and messaging solutions for core network and RAN customers along with AI/ML solutions for orchestration and observability,” said Amir Rao, General Manager Telco Solution Portfolio and Tech Alliances, AWS. “Together, we are providing true cloud native benefits to CSP customers, combining Mavenir’s expertise in the NFV market with the global scale of the AWS infrastructure to meet industry challenges of agility, scaling, slicing, and resiliency.”

Mavenir said this change AWS allows Communications Service Providers (CSPs) to deploy its 4G and 5G products and applications with AWS’s computing infrastructure, state of the art container deployment and management technologies, and big data analytics services. The solution is designed to scale and leverages the same tools and technologies offered by AWS to enterprise applications. 

http://www.mavenir.com

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Anterix teams with Nokia on 900 MHz private LTE for utilities

Anterix, which is the largest holder of licensed spectrum in the 900 MHz band in the United States, reached an agreement with Nokia to accelerate the deployment of 900 MHz private LTE across the U.S. utility sector. 

The companies will work together to combine Anterix's "beach-front" 900 MHz spectrum with Nokia's industrial-grade private LTE/4.9G wireless infrastructure so that utility companies can more easily deploy private LTE solutions that support advanced communications for modernizing their grids. Nokia is also a charter member of the recently announced Anterix Active Ecosystem Program that brings together technology innovators to support Anterix customers deploying and operating private LTE on 900 MHz.  

"Utilities who oversee critical infrastructure systems must insist on maintaining network control if they're going to manage the delivery of services effectively and efficiently," said Anterix Chief Operating Officer Ryan Gerbrandt. "Our low-band, licensed spectrum can provide utilities with the capabilities they need to build their own 900 MHz private LTE networks with Nokia's state-of-the-art infrastructure."

The joint solution will include the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) platform and Nokia Modular Private Wireless (MPW) solution. The Nokia DAC is a compact application platform, comprising cellular network equipment and a cloud-based operation monitoring system offering reliable high-bandwidth, low-latency private wireless connectivity, local edge computing capabilities, and a catalog with applications such as voice and video services. Nokia MPW includes indoor and outdoor solutions that enable utilities to build private 4.9G/LTE networks for small to very large industrial sites and field area networks. Both DAC and MPW can be upgraded to 5G.

https://anterix.com/

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VMware reports sales of $2.99 billion, up 9% yoy

VMware reported revenue for the first quarter of its fiscal year 2022 of $2.99 billion, an increase of 9% from the first quarter of fiscal 2021. GAAP net income was $425 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, compared to $386 million, or $0.92 per diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Non-GAAP net income for the first quarter was $744 million, or $1.76 per diluted share, up 16% per diluted share.

Highlights:

• The combination of subscription and SaaS and license revenue was $1.39 billion, an increase of 12% from the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
• Subscription and SaaS revenue for the first quarter was $741 million, an increase of 29% year-over-year.
• RPO for the first quarter totaled $11.0 billion, up 9% year-over-year.
• The VMware Special Committee of independent directors and Dell Technologies have agreed to terms in which VMware will be spun-off from Dell Technologies. The terms include significant simplification to the corporate ownership structure and an $11.5B to $12.0B special cash dividend recommended by the independent Special Committee and declared by the VMware Board to all VMware stockholders immediately prior to the spin-off and subject to the satisfaction of all closing conditions. The two companies have also finalized a commercial agreement that preserves and enhances their strategic partnership to deliver joint customer value.

“We are pleased with our Q1 financial performance as we delivered solutions for customers in strategic areas like multi-cloud, application modernization and digital workspaces, while focusing on providing a broader set of consumption choices with our Subscription and SaaS offerings,” said Zane Rowe, CFO and Interim CEO, VMware. “We are excited to welcome Raghu Raghuram as the next CEO of VMware. This milestone, along with the proposed Dell spin-off, sets the stage for the company’s next innovative chapter.”

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Box cites continued momentum for cloud storage

Box reported revenue for the first quarter of its fiscal year of $202.4 million, an increase of 10% from the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. Non-GAAP gross profit for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 was $147.9 million, or 73% of revenue. This compares to a non-GAAP gross profit of $134.1 million, or 73% of revenue, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 was $0.09 on 161.7 million weighted-average shares outstanding. Non-GAAP net income per share, diluted, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 was $0.18. 

"Our vision for the Content Cloud is resonating with our customers. They recognize the strategic importance of securing, automating, integrating, and collaborating on content, and are investing in the full power of Box," said Aaron Levie, co-founder and CEO of Box. "The strategy we've been executing on is yielding positive results as reflected in our strong start to FY22 and we’re poised to build on our leadership and drive our next phase of growth.”

"Q1 was an excellent start to the year, highlighted by strong billings, RPO, and revenue growth, in addition to increased profitability," said Dylan Smith, Box’s co-founder and CFO. “As we build on this momentum and continue to focus on driving profitable growth, we're well positioned to accelerate revenue growth over time and achieve our long-term financial targets.”

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OIF initiates 3 projects, including co-packaged optics external laser module

OIF initiated three new projects, including a Co-Packaged Optics external laser module, Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Enhanced Network Operations and CEI-112G-Linear, in addition to announcing a network operator survey for the 2022 Networking Demo.

External Laser Small Form Factor Pluggable (ELSFP) Module Project – companion project to support co-packaged optics applications

This project for a blind-mate pluggable external light source module will define a new form factor optimized to package lasers to support co-packaged optical modules. It also includes provisions for the longevity of this form factor beyond the initial scope of the Co-Packaged Optics Module project (i.e., more fibers, thermal, and optical power classes).

“The ELSFP project is an important step for enabling co-packaged optics deployments,” according to Gary Nicholl, Cisco and OIF board member. “And, the project objectives include the necessary technical considerations to ensure this project will be relevant for multiple generations.”

Application of Artificial Intelligence to Enhanced Network Operations Project

A healthy and high-performance network serves as the foundation for all 5G application scenarios. Traditional approaches face significant difficulties in automatically and efficiently analyzing network data, solving network faults, and optimizing network performance. This new project will result in a white paper identifying a collection of use cases for applying AI to construct intelligent, resilient and high-performance optical and packet networks.

CEI-112G-Linear Project

A linear Chip-to-Optical Engine interface is needed to enable low power, low cost, small form factor 112G serial optical modules in Co-Packaged Optics, Near Package Optics (NPO) and server/GPU applications. This new project will facilitate increased bandwidth and reduced power of switch ports using co-packaged and closely packaged optical modules.

Network Operator Survey – 2022 Transport SDN Interoperability Demonstration

The OIF Networking Interoperability Working Group is surveying operators worldwide for their input and interest in participating in a 2022 Transport SDN Interoperability Demonstration. As with past surveys, responses will be anonymized, tabulated and summarized. The deadline to complete the survey is Tuesday, June 15, 2021.  Link to the survey: https://www.oiforum.com/technical-work/request-download-oif-network-operator-survey/

https://www.oiforum.com/oif-reveals-three-innovative-projects-external-laser-small-form-factor-pluggable-module-for-co-packaged-optics-artificial-intelligence-for-enhanced-network-operations-and-cei-112g-linear/

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OSA to host 5G Summit - 13 – 14 July,

The Optical Society (OSA) will host amd all virtual 5G Summit on July 13-14 to discuss optical access, aggregation networks, edge computing and the 5G ecosystem.

“Expanding upon the inaugural 2019 OSA 5G Summit, this year’s program will engage attendees with the developments critical to performance targets for 5G systems,” said co-chair Jörg-Peter Elbers, SVP Advanced Technology, Standards & IPR at ADVA, Germany.

Distinguished speakers will discuss technologies that are increasing network speeds, expanding interactivity on the network and more. The following companies will be represented: ADVA, China Mobile, Deutsche Telekom, Ericsson, ETSI-F5G, Futurewei, Lumentum, MobileEdgeX, NTT, NTT Docomo, Orange Labs, Rakuten Mobile, Telecom Italia, Qualcomm, VaporIO, Verizon and II-VI.

“Advancements in 5G networks are crucial to the photonics and fiber optics industry,” said co-chair Xiang Liu, VP Optical Transport and Access, Futurewei Technologies, US. “The 5G Summit is pivotal to information sharing among our global mobile and optical network community.”

Panel discussion topics include:

• 5G Vision, Use Cases & Deployment Status
• 5G Technologies, Open RAN & Edge Computing
• The 5th Generation Fixed Network (F5G), New Use Cases & Enabling Technologies
• Optical Transceivers and Photonic Devices for 5G

https://www.osa.org/en-us/meetings/member_events/osa_5g_summit/registration/

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Proximus activates first 25G PON with Nokia

Proximus has activated the world's first 25G PON live network using equipment from Nokia.

The network connects the Havenhuis building in the Port of Antwerp with the Proximus central office in the middle of the city. Proximus has confirmed network speeds exceeding 20 Gbps across the PON.

Proximus is the leading provider of fixed broadband networks in Belgium with 45.9% market share. The operator is accelerating the move to fiber, adding 10% coverage each year and is on target to reach at least 70% of homes and business by 2028. As part of its inspire 2022 vision, it is creating a high capacity open network which will be available to all operators, eliminating the need for fiber overbuild.

Guillaume Boutin, CEO Proximus, said: “The activation of the first 25G PON network worldwide shapes our bold ambition to be a trendsetter, to become a reference operator in Europe and, why not, across the globe. Together with Nokia, we have achieved a technological leap forward that will become a key enabler of the digital and economy and society that we stand for. Today’s announcement is also an occasion to stand still and look at the pace at which we connect the citizens of Antwerp to the technology of the future. Thanks to huge investments, we are realizing an acceleration that is unseen in Europe, and I am convinced this will be crucial to remain competitive for us as a company, but also for Antwerp as a city and for our entire economy.”

Federico Guillén, President Network Infrastructure Nokia, said: “10 years ago our companies launched the technology which enabled a switch to HD TV. Today we make history again with a network that is 200x faster. We are proud to support Proximus in enabling the world’s first 25G PON network, powered by Nokia’s Quillion chipset, which supports three generations of PON technologies. Quillion has been adopted by more than 100 operators since its launch last year and all operators deploying the Quillion based GPON and XGS-PON solution today have the capabilities to easily evolve to 25G PON.”

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T-Mobile Netherlands picks Nokia for managed security and optical upgrade

T-Mobile Netherlands selected Nokia to provide a wide range of managed services including automated network and security operations, as well as a service-centric optical network over the course of the five-year rollout.

T-Mobile Netherlands will make use of Nokia’s Managed Security Services – covering all network elements. The service will provide a wide spectrum of security capabilities while meeting the latest cyber security standards and regulations. Nokia said its state-of-the-art network and services operations centre will deliver these services on a 24/7 basis. Nokia will use its NetGuard Audit Compliance Manager to continuously audit and remediate the security configurations of T-Mobile Netherlands to improve compliance to regulations and minimize risks. The partnership will also ensure a superior user experience for clients through comprehensive managed multi-vendor network operation services. In addition, cognitive services based on the Nokia AVA AI-ML system will transform the overall efficiency of the network operation and guarantee the resilience required in the digital era.

Nokia will modernize the operator’s optical network by consolidating its existing DWDM networks into one new core and aggregation network. T-Mobile’s renewed DWDM network will cover the entire country, including 50+ strategic cities, offering its customers enhanced service quality and speeds reaching 400 Gbps and higher. 

The optical solutions being deployed are based on the Nokia WaveFabric service-ready platforms and Nokia WaveSuite software portfolio. The Nokia NSP (Network Services Platform) will provide network automation for faster delivery of transport services, optimized network utilization and traffic engineering, as well as dynamic assurance for operating the network with maximum performance and reliability.

Jeroen van Straten, Director Network Operations at T-Mobile, said: “T-Mobile wants its customers to enjoy our networks without any privacy concerns. That is why we continuously challenge ourselves to make our networks as stable and secure as possible. We selected Nokia based on their comprehensive set of sustainable and secure solutions. With Nokia’s years of experience in managed services and building robust optical networks, our team is even more able to concentrate on enabling new services for our customers with faster time to market and lower risks and costs.”

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Nokia adds mmWave, micro RRH and AirScale indoor small cell radios

Nokia launched new additions to its AirScale small cells portfolio for premium indoor and outdoor 5G coverage, featuring support for the majority of frequency bands, including requirements for C-Band spectrum in the U.S.

Highlights:

Nokia’s new AirScale micro Remote Radio Heads (mRRH) deliver premium outdoor 5G coverage, enhancing both capacity and coverage in dense urban environments. Nokia’s mRRHs allow operators to cost-effectively densify their networks, especially where the deployment of a macro cell would not be appropriate. Micro RRH have small footprints and offer increased deployment options, as well as lower power consumption and so lower operational cost. In addition to the new U.S. C-Band (n77) product, Nokia’s enhanced mRRH portfolio also offers even broader mid-band capabilities with a new n79 product.

Nokia's new range of AirScale indoor Radio (ASiR) solutions include a new ASiR-pRRH (pico Remote Radio Head) supporting U.S. C-Band spectrum requirements and a new triple-band pRRH – the first integrated 4G/5G pRRH. Nokia has also released a new Smart HUB, which supports even greater throughput capacity for 5G and an associated Hybrid Fiber Converter that enables the use of hybrid fibers for interconnection to existing ASiR-pRRH.

Nokia has also announced the availability of its latest millimeter wave (mmWave) radio product line-up, designed for stadiums, airports or pedestrianized areas. These compact products support a wide range of deployment options to ease installation considerations in busy locations. Nokia’s mmWave portfolio supports all spectrum bands including 24/26 GHz, 28 GHz and 39 GHz.    

Nokia recently launched the Nokia Smart Node, a compact femtocell solution delivering high-quality 4G and 5G indoor mobile coverage for residential and small-medium enterprise use. The unique, ‘plug and play’ modular design can be readily deployed in any environment to support evolving consumer applications. It is future-proof, supporting 4G now and 5G as and when required.

https://www.nokia.com/about-us/news/releases/2021/05/26/nokia-introduces-new-additions-to-industry-leading-small-cells-portfolio/

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SpaceX completes 29th Starlink mission

SpaceX launched 60 more Starlink satellites on Wednesday, May 26 from Launch Complex 40 at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This was the second launch and landing of this Falcon 9 first stage booster, which previously launched the Sentinel-6A mission.

In addition, SpaceX noted that Starlink has begun providing service in Belgium and the Netherlands.

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Snowflake reports sales of $229 million, up 110% yoy

Snowflake, which offers a cloud service for uniting siloed data and executing diverse analytic workloads, reported quarterly revenue of $228.9 million, representing 110% year-over-year growth. 

Product revenue for the quarter was $213.8 million, representing 110% year-over-year growth. Remaining performance obligations were $1.4 billion, representing 206% year-over-year growth. Net revenue retention rate was 168% as of April 30, 2021. 

Snowflake now has 4,532 total customers and 104 customers with trailing 12-month product revenue greater than $1 million.

“Snowflake reported strong Q1 results with triple-digit growth in product revenue, reflecting strength in customer consumption,” said Snowflake CEO Frank Slootman. “Remaining performance obligations showed a robust increase year-on-year, indicating strength in sales across the board.”

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OPPO introduces eSIM for 5G SA networks

OPPO introduced the first 5G SA-Compatible eSIM on its newly launched flagship 5G smartphone, the OPPO Find X3 Pro, developed in collaboration with Thales. The eSIM, or embedded SIM, is directly built into the device. 

"As a leading global technology company, OPPO has been spurring the development of 5G technology since the very beginning. We are committed to providing innovative 5G experiences for users and we see eSIM as an exciting prospect in delivering these experiences,” said Xia Yang, Senior Director of Carrier Product, OPPO. “Through our technical collaboration with Thales, we have made the Find X3 Pro one of the first devices in the world to be equipped with 5G SA-Compatible eSIM. As 5G SA networks are being deployed around the world, the addition of 5G SA-Compatible eSIM brings more possibilities for Find X3 Pro users worldwide."

Thales is a leading provider in both hardware-based eSIM and eSIM connectivity management with more than 200 eSIM management platforms awarded by mobile operators, operator alliances, MVNOs, and OEMs across all continents. As OPPO's key eSIM solutions partner, Thales eSIM solutions have already been included in the OPPO Watch, OPPO’s first smartwatch with built-in cellular connectivity.

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Juniper extends its multivendor Intent-based automation to VMware NSX, SONiC

Juniper Networks announced version 4.0 of Apstra software, the multi-vendor, intent-based data center networking solution acquired earlier in the year.

Apstra 4.0 brings new support for VMware NSX-T 3.0 and Enterprise SONiC, in addition to previously supported data center switching from Juniper, Nvidia (Nvidia Cumulus), Arista Networks and Cisco Systems. The Apstra software also has new intent extensions and connectivity templates that provide a more simple and flexible way of connecting attached systems. Additionally, Juniper is offering Apstra with Juniper Networks QFX Series switches and SRX Series Services Gateways.

Juniper underscored its commitment to preserving Apstra as an open and multi-vendor system. Customers can scale with the Apstra software, removing hardware and operational constraints and accelerating data center evolution.

“Organizations are looking for new ways to enhance the experience of users and operators in the data center,” said Mike Bushong, VP Data Center, Juniper Networks. “Our Apstra software provides the perfect foundation by delivering closed-loop automation, analytics and assurance for intent-based networking across vendors. In operations, speed is nothing without control, and with the newest Apstra extensions and multi-vendor solutions, teams can make changes more quickly with predictable outcomes.”

See video: 

https://youtu.be/DMqkRkiaZPg

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AWS to open data centers in UAE

Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to open an infrastructure region in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the first half of 2022. 

The new AWS Middle East (UAE) Region will consist of three Availability Zones and become AWS’s second region in the Middle East with the existing AWS Region in Bahrain

AWS Regions are comprised of Availability Zones, which place infrastructure in separate and distinct geographic locations with enough distance to significantly reduce the risk of a single event mpacting customers’ business continuity, yet near enough to provide low latency for high availability applications that leverage multiple Availability Zones. Each Availability Zone has independent power, cooling, and physical security and is connected through redundant, ultra-low-latency networks.

.“We are excited to build on the great momentum of cloud adoption in the Middle East by providing more choice for customers in the UAE to run applications and store data locally,” said Peter DeSantis, Senior Vice President of Global Infrastructure, AWS. “The new AWS Region supports the UAE’s focus on promoting technology innovation that has made it a thriving global hub for entrepreneurs, e-governments, and multi-national businesses. With the new region, organizations of all sizes will be able to innovate faster and serve end-users with even lower latency across the region.”

His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said, “AWS's expansion into the UAE is a testament to our rapidly growing innovation ecosystem that will benefit from access to the world's leading cloud platform and its advanced technologies and solutions. Building on Abu Dhabi's smart infrastructure and digital transformation, AWS’s investment will further enable innovators and companies with globally-relevant solutions to realize new opportunities in the UAE and beyond.”

Globally, AWS has 80 Availability Zones across 25 geographic regions, with plans to launch 18 more Availability Zones and six more AWS Regions in Australia, India, Indonesia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates.

https://aws.amazon.com/about-aws/global-infrastructure/

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Dell'Oro: Optical transport equipment market stagnant in Q1

 The Optical Transport equipment market came in roughly flat with the year ago quarter in 1Q 2021, according to a new report from Dell'Oro Group. The North American market was the main culprit for this stagnant growth rate, offsetting all of the year-over-year growth in the other regions.

"Although the North American region was down this quarter compared to last year, it did improve from last quarter," said Jimmy Yu, Vice President at Dell'Oro Group. "In fact, the growth quarter-over-quarter was really strong. It grew just a little over 15 percent, and we think this strength will carry forward through the remainder of the year," added Yu.

Highlights from the 1Q 2021 Quarterly Report:

• The top manufacturers by revenue share were Huawei, Ciena, ZTE, and Nokia. Among the top four, Nokia gained the most revenue share over the year ago quarter.
• Three vendors (Ciena, Huawei, and Infinera) are actively shipping 800 Gbps-capable coherent line cards. However, due to the company's early entry, Ciena holds the lion share of shipment volume.
• Communication service providers comprised 71 percent of WDM market revenue in the quarter.

The year-over-year revenue growth in each region was as follows:

Regions Growth Rate in 1Q 2021

• North America -15%
• Europe, Middle East and Africa 10%
• Asia Pacific 0%
• Caribbean and Latin America 15%

https://www.delloro.com

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Xanadu raises $100 million for its photonic quantum computing

Xanadu, a start-up based in Toronto, announced US$100 million in Series B venture funding for its photonic quantum computing.

Xanadu was founded in 2016 to use particles of light for quantum computing to perform extremely fast and previously impossible computations at room temperature. The company says this round of funding positions it to achieve its next major milestone: the building of a fault-tolerant quantum computing module.

"The strong interest from VC firms to fund this Series B financing demonstrates significant market confidence in Xanadu's photonic approach and our world-class team," said Christian Weedbrook, founder and CEO. "We believe this confidence is grounded in the significant advantages offered by photonics: The ability to leverage preexisting foundries and off-the-shelf optical components, and the capability to naturally network photonic chips together to form a larger quantum computer with one million qubits".

"This fault-tolerant module is the size of a few conventional server racks and will be the key building block to reaching one millions qubits and to solving meaningful problems, leading to the opening up of a new global market," said Weedbrook. "Photonics has the advantage that networking these modules together is achieved using light, which is already the medium of choice for our quantum computer".

Bessemer Venture Partners led the round with participation from Capricorn, Tiger Global, BDC Capital, In-Q-Tel, along with returning investors Georgian, OMERS, and Tim Draper. The round brings Xanadu's total investment to date to US$145 million.

https://xanadu.ai

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Keysight acquires Quantum Benchmark

Keysight Technologies has acquired Quantum Benchmark, a start-up offering error diagnostics, error suppression and performance validation software for quantum computing. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Quantum Benchmark, which is based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, was backed by venture funds VanEdge Capital and Quantonation. The company's technology is based on research conducted by the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing. The acquisition of Quantum Benchmark supports Keysight's goal to deliver a comprehensive quantum portfolio addressing customer needs across the physical, protocol, and application layers. Quantum Benchmark represents Keysight's third acquisition in the quantum space after Signadyne in 2016 and Labber Quantum in 2019.

"Joining forces with Keysight is a strategic and timely opportunity to accelerate the development and delivery of our industry-leading solutions," said Joseph Emerson, Ph.D., Quantum Benchmark CEO, Founder and Chief Scientist. "Together, we bring the world closer to achieving the break-through applications of quantum computing including the design of energy-efficient materials, the acceleration of drug discovery, the promise of quantum machine learning, and so much more."

"As the quantum ecosystem continues to form, Keysight is committed to providing customers with a full suite of solutions for the overall quantum stack. We are pleased to announce the addition of Quantum Benchmark to our portfolio, providing unique capabilities for solving complex qubit error and validation challenges," said Kailash Narayanan, president of Commercial Communications at Keysight. "The talented Quantum Benchmark team will be a valuable addition to Keysight and will further our mission to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world."

http://www.quantumbenchmark.com

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Keysight delivers test solution for devices operating in unlicensed spectrum

Keysight Technologies introduced a egulatory test solution for the certification of wireless devices that use the unlicensed bands at 2.4 and 5 GHz.

Highlights of the new Keysight IOT0047A regulatory test solution: 

• support for Wi-Fi 6E-ready hardware
• flexible software that is continuously updated according to the latest ETSI and FCC standard releases.
• increase throughput and asset utilization with a system that can easily scale into separate test stations and used in parallel to address different standards and test cases.
• upgrade as needs evolve with an expandable system – add additional channels, software capabilities or standards coverage.
• reduce turnaround time and improve process efficiency with purpose-built test automation software that simplifies and automates the testing cycle, from test configurations to report generation.

"Rapid growth of new IoT devices and designs creates challenges for test labs to address the increasing complexity in regulatory testing. Keysight’s IOT0047A enables labs to simplify the testing process, increase throughput and easily upgrade to support new standards,” said Boon Juan Tan, vice president and general manager, General Electronics Measurement Solutions at Keysight Technologies. “Our goal is to help customers improve ROI in capital investment and gain a competitive edge by enabling their clients to be first-to-market by supporting the latest wireless standards.”

http://www.keysight.com

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QSFP-DD Group releases Hardware and Common Mgt Interface Specs

The Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Double Density (QSFP-DD) Multi Source Agreement (MSA) group released a hardware specification revision 6.0 updating QSFP-DD, introducing QSFP-DD800 and introducing QSFP112.

With the inclusion of support for 100 Gb/s electrical host interfaces, this 7th public release adds QSFP-DD800 and QSFP112 Mechanical and Board Definitions. It also adds QSFP112 electrical and management timing. Revision 6.0 includes updated power supply test methods and support for an increased module power rating to 25 W. The module power contact rating is increased from 1 A to 1.5 A. An appendix with normative connector performance data has also been added.

The group also announces the release of an updated Common Management Interface Specification (CMIS) revision 5.0 for QSFP-DD, QSFP-DD800 and QSFP112. The CMIS defines the host-to-module interactions needed to ensure that modules will initialize and operate consistently. This revision provides several extensions and a comprehensive technical and editorial consolidation. It is harmonized with timing parameters defined in QSFP-DD MSA HW Spec revision 5.1 previously published and in this revision 6.0. CMIS is broadly implemented across the industry, beyond just the QSFP/QSFP-DD family of module types. The feedback from many implementers has also been consolidated to improve and extend the specification.

“It is exciting to see how the 63 companies involved came together to harmonize these important QSFP/QSFP-DD form factors and software to future-proof data centers while maintaining backward compatibility,” said Scott Sommers, founding member, and MSA co-chair.

The MSA group also announces the release of a new thermal management whitepaper. High performance network environments need efficient cooling of pluggable optical modules. This is particularly true for the new high power 25 W modules for QSFP-DD800 systems, which must dissipate heat effectively to ensure operational performance. Careful thermal design of module, cage, heatsink, and the overall system for QSFP-DD modules is required for efficient heat dissipation. This new whitepaper explains techniques that can be used to achieve this goal in QSFP-DD/QSFP-DD800 module design and QSFP-DD/QSFP-DD800 system design. It includes both experimental and simulation studies to demonstrate the efficacy of these techniques.

“The performance and power demands for high-speed network solutions are constantly increasing,” said Mark Nowell, founding member, and MSA co-chair. “This whitepaper captures the design experience garnered over the recent years from many companies and was written to help design engineers understand how they can achieve the thermal characteristics their system requires, even when using new 25 W modules, thus ensuring the reliable operation of their products.”

http://www.qsfp-dd.com

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Movandi tests mmWave repeaters for 5G cellular vehicle-to-everything

Movandi has demonstrated the use of mmWave repeaters that could power 5G cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) communications for the next generation of connected cars. 

A Movandi BeamXR powered mmWave repeater installed inside a car enabled greater than 10x performance gains with an average throughput of 1.5 Gbps on the Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband network. Test results showed a 25X throughput improvement of a typical 4G LTE service and was conducted on behalf of an industry partner. 

Movandi said 5G access points could be spaced approximately 1,000 meters apart to extend continuous coverage and provide a smooth handoff between gNBs to maintain continuity. 

“Through in-vehicle testing of Movandi powered repeaters in real-world conditions, we’ve proven that our mmWave technology provides a ready to go solution for extending 5G coverage, whether it’s fixed or mobile, for a vastly improved user experience. Today we showed our technology is ready for mass scale deployment in connected vehicles,” said Maryam Rofougaran, CEO and co-founder of Movandi. “We optimized the performance of our BeamX mmWave powered repeaters for demanding automotive applications by holistically tailoring the 5G radio as a complete system and co-designing the RF chipset, DSP functions, beamforming and algorithms. We partnered with Airfide Networks, a 5G software innovator, to develop the handoff algorithm that makes our BeamXR-powered repeaters so highly effective in rapid signal transfers.”

https://movandi.com/

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Amdocs moves to Microsoft Azure and the Azure for Operators

Amdocs is bringing its BSS/OSS portfolio to Microsoft Azure and the Azure for Operators (AFO) initiative. 

Amdocs says its expanded cooperation with Microsoft will accelerate the communications and media industry’s journey to the cloud by enabling its cloud-native BSS/OSS solutions and services to benefit from the cloud capabilities of Azure at scale. This integrated platform will enable service providers to automate and virtualize their network while looking for opportunities to monetize 5G both for consumers and enterprise, as well as offer their enterprise customers private and public edge solutions, such as private enterprise networks (PEN) and multi-access edge computing (MEC).

"As service providers embark on the most widespread transformation the communications and media industry has seen, Microsoft is playing a pivotal role in accelerating CSP journeys to the cloud," said Shuky Sheffer, president and chief executive officer, Amdocs. "We are therefore delighted to become a Microsoft preferred Industry Priority Scenario (IPS) Partner. With Amdocs and Microsoft, service providers will be able to transform with cloud-native solutions and cloud services and deploy 5G networks in the cloud with Azure for Operators, automated by the Amdocs NEO service and network automation suite and monetized by Amdocs Charging. This collaboration enables us to fulfil our promise to the industry of delivering cloud at scale."

"In the era of 5G and the cloud, service providers have a unique opportunity to future-proof their networks, lower operating costs and boost revenue," said Judson Althoff, executive vice president, Microsoft’s Worldwide Commercial Business. "Still, to realize the benefits of the cloud, service providers need a business system infrastructure that can operate with scale, agility and pace. Our collaboration with Amdocs delivers the advantages of 5G and the cloud in addition to offering service providers a rich ecosystem of apps and devices. With our joint integrated platform, service providers can provide mobile edge computing and private networks for the digital enterprise."

http://www.amdocs.com

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Hokkaido's HOTnet deploys Infinera's open optical

Hokkaido Telecommunications Network Co. (HOTnet) has deployed Infinera’s open optical networking solutions over its existing optical infrastructure. The installation includes Infinera’s GX Series Compact Modular Platform, 7100 Series Packet-Optical Transport Platform, and mTera Series Universal Transport Platform solutions.

HOTnet’s optical long-haul and metro networks interconnect major cities across Hokkaido, a major island in Japan, and supports a wide range of business and residential communications services, including data center interconnect, private cloud, video streaming, broadband internet access, and high-definition digital broadcast services.

“Open optical networking is a great way for network operators to seamlessly integrate the latest solutions into their network,” said Nick Walden, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales, Infinera. “Infinera’s open optical solutions will enable HOTnet to offer new and differentiated services over their existing optical infrastructure, helping to ensure their customers receive the highest level of service.”

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Ericsson warns of potential impact to its operations in China

 Ericsson warned that its economic interests in China may be at risk due to the decision by Sweden's Post and Telecommunication Authority (PTS) to exclude Chinese vendors’ products from 5G networks in Sweden. The financial disclosure warning comes as Ericsson is currently in the process of issuing a EUR 500 million unsecured 8-year bond.  

Ericsson notes that it has been invited to various ongoing tender processes in China, the final outcome remains uncertain and it is the company’s current assessment that the risk has increased that Ericsson will in those tenders be allocated a significantly lower market share than its current market share. 

"The geopolitical situation can have consequences on the entire industry, with an increased likelihood of further industry split, separation of global value chains and separation of global standards for mobile telecommunications. This overall development has also led to several countries evaluating how to ensure uninterrupted access to telecommunication network infrastructure, for example through promoting disaggregation of the Radio Access Network and support of national communication network infrastructure champions as alternative to the established global vendors such as Ericsson although the timing and extent of this remains unclear."

https://www.ericsson.com/en/press-releases/2021/5/ericsson-updates-risk-factors-for-euro-corporate-bond-prospectus

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Sceye tests LTE from the stratosphere

Sceye has tested LTE connections delivered from its high-altitude platform station (HAPS) at an altitude of 64,600 ft over New Mexico. 

Sceye’s unmanned stratospheric platform launched from Roswell at 11:20 a.m. MDT on Wednesday, May 19, and landed approximately 2 hours later.  The company recently conducted tests to determine the data connection range of its systems. Standard LTE technology allows for a range of 100km; Sceye’s systems have added an additional 40km, setting a long-range record in LTE OpenRAN architecture. 

Sceye said this combination of technologies can cover areas as wide as 27,000 square miles with high-speed broadband for all users of fixed and mobile, carving a path forward to providing true equitable access.

Sceye, Sacred Wind Communications, CellularOne, PVT Networks, Santa Fe Indian School, and Navajo Technical University are banding together with the goal of achieving 100% connectivity across the Navajo Nation. According to the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, 60% of the Navajo Nation’s over 300,000 residents do not have fixed Internet access.

“We view the successful flight and the record setting data connection as a significant milestone for our technology; one that could dissolve the rural broadband barrier,” said Sceye CEO Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen.

https://www.sceye.com/

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Ericsson and Volvo test 5G network vehicular handover

 As part of the EU-funded 5GCroCo project, Ericsson and Volvo Cars have carried out the first successful test handover of connected cars between two national mobile 5G networks. The test occurred at the AstaZero test track in Sweden.

As part of the test, Ericsson deployed a 5G mobile radio network while two Volvo cars received an HD map of the route ahead. By updating the maps with information from sensor readings, connected cars can detect and distinguish between driving lanes ahead.

Mikael Prytz, Research Director, Ericsson Area Networks, says: “Sharing an updated map with other cars is a latency-sensitive task and requires high network performance within and across multiple networks. During the test at the AstaZero track, we could tackle this challenge with promising results. We are excited to continue our cooperation with Volvo Cars to expand the network mobility of autonomous and connected cars.”

https://www.ericsson.com/en/news/2021/5/volvo-cars-and-ericsson-in-connected-car-milestone

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SiLC raises $17 million for machine vision

SiLC Technologies, a start-up based in Monrovia, California, announced a $17 million Series A funding round for its machine vision silicon.

SiLC describes its FMCW 4D imaging chip as a significant step forward in the quest to make machine vision more like human vision. 

The funding was led by Alter Venture Partners and Dell Technologies Capital with additional participation from Fluxunit – OSRAM Ventures, Sony Innovation Fund by IGV, Epson, UMC Capital, Yamato Holdings and Global Brain. The company has now raised $29 million to date.

“Image processing capabilities of AI systems remain vastly inferior to those of humans, despite the use of massive computing power and high-resolution camera sensors,” said Mehdi Asghari, founder and CEO, SiLC. “The key difference is that our visual cognition is based on far more information than traditional image sensors. Our 4D+ vision sensors provide critical additional data and cues needed for efficient machine image processing and visual cognition much like the human eye does to the brain. The quality of investors we have attracted underscores the transformative potential of SiLC’s unique technology. This latest funding round will be critical as we continue on our journey towards revolutionizing the 3D sensor market.”

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GSA report tracks 311 private mobile network deployments

The Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) today identified 40 countries/territories with private network deployments based on LTE or 5G or LTE or 5G-suitable private network spectrum licence. Thhis includes 311 private mobile network deployments being deployed all around the world.

“The private mobile networks market is home to a wide range of service providers, including equipment/technology vendors, mobile network operators, systems integrators and the private network end-users, some of whom also take responsibility for installing or operating their own infrastructure,” commented Joe Barrett, President of the Global mobile Suppliers Association. “GSA has counted 38 equipment vendors that have been involved in the supply of equipment for private mobile networks based on LTE or 5G. In addition, we have identified 63 public network operators which between them are known to be involved with 106 projects. This broad ecosystem of vendors, operators and vertical markets is one that the GSA is continuing to track and report on for its Members and the wider industry.”

GSA data suggests that manufacturing is an early adopter of local area private mobile networks with 67 identified companies holding suitable licences or involved in known pilots or deployments of LANs of probable LANs (up from 51 at the start of 2021). Mining follows second, with ports also actively trialling/deploying local area private mobile networks.  Within the manufacturing sector, the automotive subsector is an early leader in terms of private network investment and adoption. Automotive companies account for over a quarter (26.9%) of the 67 identified manufacturing companies holding suitable licences or involved in known pilots or deployments.

The latest GSA report Private mobile networks – market status update (May 2021) includes data on the countries/territories with identified private network deployments (pilot and commercial), 

https://gsacom.com/paper/private-mobile-networks-executive-summary-may-2021/

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NASA to test geosynchronous satellite laser at 1.2 Gbps

NASA is preparing to conduct a Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) that will launch on STPSat-6, the primary spacecraft of the third Space Test Program (STP-3) mission for the Department of Defense. STP-3 is scheduled to lift off on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551 rocket Wednesday, June 23, from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

The Laser Communications Relay Demonstration will use microwave-oven-size optical modules will send and receive data over infrared lasers at 1.2 Gbps from geosynchronous orbit to Earth. The test will beam data between LCRD and optical ground stations located in Table Mountain, California, and Haleakalā, Hawaii. 

Later in its mission, LCRD will conduct optical communications relay services with a future terminal on the International Space Station, which is expected to launch on a commercial resupply services mission in 2022. These operations could prove the viability of using laser communications in future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars.

The LCRD mission is led by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Partners include NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and the MIT Lincoln Laboratory. LCRD is funded through NASA's Technology Demonstration Missions program, part of the agency's Space Technology Mission Directorate, and the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program within the agency's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate.  

https://www.nasa.gov/lasercomms 

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25 billion Arm-based chips shipped in 2020

Arm confirmed that the shipment of a record 7.3 billion Arm-based chips by its silicon partners in the last calendar quarter of 2020, up 22% y-o-y. Arm partners also shipped a total of 25 billion Arm-based chips in 2020 (up 13% y-o-y), bringing the total deployment of Arm-based chips to-date to more than 190 billion units.

Additionally, with more than eight billion GPUs shipped cumulatively, and more than one billion GPUs reported shipped in 2020, Arm Mali™ graphics processors remain the world’s number one shipping GPU.

The Arm ecosystem continues to expand, with 162 licenses signed in FY20 by 104 different customers. More than half of the licenses were taken by first-time Arm partners. Recent customer wins include SEMIFIVE and Telechips. Additionally, there are now 90 active Arm Flexible Access partners benefitting from easier access to a broad range of world-leading Arm IP, tools and support.

Rene Haas, President, IP Products Group, Arm, said: “We expect demand for Arm-based solutions across all markets to continue, and to accelerate following the introduction of the Armv9 architecture. Armv9 is enabling our partners to offer greater performance and security in the products they are creating for 5G networks, more efficient data centers, and a huge range of endpoint- and automotive-based computing. This growth underlines our expectation that 100 percent of the world’s shared data will soon be processed on Arm; either at the endpoint, in the data networks or the cloud – forming a seamless compute thread throughout.”

https://www.arm.com/

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Australia's Optus activates first mmWave sites

Optus activated its first six 5G mmWave commercial sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.  Optus currently has more than 1200 5G sites, including the six newly activated mmWave sites.

Optus’ mmWave sites are equipped with 800Mhz spectrum. The new mmWave sites include; four Sydney based locations, Kings Cross, Surry Hills, North Ryde and Optus Sydney Campus, as well as Huntingdale in Melbourne and Strathpine in Brisbane, with more to come over the coming weeks.

Optus also reported the milestone of reaching 1 million 5G capable devices on its network.

"What a fantastic day for Optus 5G as we mark not one, but two milestones on our world class network. The demand from our customers for 5G capable devices has surged in recent months, with eight out of 10 handsets that we sell today now 5G enabled. One million 5G devices is just the beginning for us and as we grow our 5G network and launch new capabilities we expect our 5G customer base to grow in parallel," said Matt Williams, Managing Director Marketing and Revenue Optus.

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