Nokia intros integrated CBRS solution

Nokia announced a fully integrated CBRS solution that consists of Key Bridge Wireless' FCC-certified Wave 1 SAS/ESC coupled with Nokia CBRS radios, user devices and new Domain Proxy.

The CBRS solution is aimed at communications service providers (CSPs), multiple-system operators (MSOs) and enterprises.

The Nokia Domain Proxy’s capabilities are implemented as scalable edge cloud native micro-services, which aggregate multiple radio links to simplify SAS connectivity in large deployments. Simultaneously, they provide an extra level of CBRS reliability, policy control and security in the most challenging environments.

The integrated Key Bridge Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) in the solution can be selectively densified in areas with high-value industrial sites and enterprises to enable ultra-reliable CBRS spectrum availability information. Combined with distributed, geo-redundant SAS and Domain Proxy, this enables enterprises to operate ultra-reliable radio access networks in CBRS spectrum, especially high-value PAL spectrum.

The companies said their joint offering provides the highly reliable SAS service required to operate in CBRS General Authorized Access (GAA) and Priority Access License (PAL) spectrum.

Stephan Litjens, Vice President Enterprise Solutions, Nokia Cloud & Network Services, said: “Together with Key Bridge, this new offering gives PAL and GAA users a new standard in ease of use. Its unparalleled robustness will extend and accelerate their CBRS plans, and maximize the value of their investment. CBRS presents a huge opportunity for CSPs, MSOs and enterprises for deployment of private wireless networks and to build the platform for new use cases that drive Industry 4.0 implementation.”

Jesse Caulfield, CEO of Key Bridge Wireless, said: “Our partnership with Nokia has produced an integrated CBRS solution unlike any other. Our SAS/ESC infrastructure is designed, deployed and operated to ensure carrier-grade reliability at tremendous scale. Through extensive testing, field trials and now active commercial deployments we provide a robust and easy-to-use service for CBRS network operators."

https://keybridgewireless.com/

https://www.nokia.com/networks/solutions/industrial-grade-private-wireless-solutions/

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Video: IBM builds a Cloud for Telecommunications

 

There are several key drivers for why carriers are moving to cloud infrastructures, including the acceleration of edge & 5G services, zero touch service automations, and operational modernization.  But can carriers justify the cost of this migration. Bill Lambertson, Vice President, 5G, Edge & Cloud Business, IBM, gives an overview of the IBM Cloud for Telecommunications, and why Red Hat OpenShift is a strategic advantage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtMVnZCO4Lk

Download the 2021 Telco Infrastructure Report here: http://ngi.how/telco-2021

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IBM Cloud launches Multizone Region in Brazil

 IBM Cloud launched its first Multizone Region (MZR) in Brazil.

IBM Cloud MZRs are composed of three or more data center zones with each being an Availability Zone. This is designed so that a single failure event can affect only a single data center rather than all zones – allowing for consistent cloud services and greater resiliency. Clients hosting workloads on IBM Cloud MZRs in any country can continuously run mission-critical workloads to keep business up and running.

IBM said the new MZR is a result of its continued investment in cloud infrastructure to accelerate hybrid cloud adoption and help foster business growth in Latin America. Following the openings of Toronto and Osaka last year, the latest MZR in Brazil marks IBM's ongoing commitment to help clients across the globe deploy mission-critical workloads with high levels of security and resilience, while helping to address data sovereignty requirements and prepare for a sustainable future.

"As companies embrace digital transformation, IBM is continuing to invest in cloud infrastructure and hybrid cloud capabilities that will help businesses around the world modernize and drive sustainable growth and innovation," said Harish Grama, General Manager, IBM Cloud. "Following the openings of Toronto and Osaka MZRs just last year, IBM's expanded presence in Brazil is designed to deliver our clients high levels of security and reliability, so they can advance in their journey to cloud – all in a way that supports sustainability goals while thriving in a digital era advancing to the future."

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China Telecom grew 4.7% in 2020

China Telecom has reported 2020 revenue of RMB393.6 billion, representing an increase of 4.7% over last year. EBITDA amounted to RMB118.9 billion, representing an increase of 1.4% over last year. Net profit amounted to RMB20.9 billion, representing an increase of 1.6% over last year, while basic earnings per share were RMB0.26. 

Some highlights:

• Service revenues amounted to RMB373.8 billion, representing an increase of 4.5% over last year.
• Mobile service revenues amounted to RMB181.7 billion, representing an increase of 3.5% over last year. 
• Wireline service revenues amounted to RMB192.1 billion, representing an increase of 5.5% over last year. 
• Capital expenditure was RMB84.8 billion and free cash flow was RMB14.3 billion. 
• As of the end of 2020, the number of 5G base stations in use exceeded 380,000. China Telecom aims to have 700,000 5G base stations in use by the end of 2021.
• China Mobile now has 351 million mobile users.
• Overall mobile ARPU is RMB44.1, down from RMB45.8 a year earlier
• 5G ARPU is RMB65.6
• Broadband access revenue is RMB38.4

https://www.chinatelecom-h.com/en/global/home.php

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Coherent Inc. finally picks II-VI's acquisition offer

The Board of Directors of Coherent selected the latest acquisition proposal from II-VI over the competing bid from Lumentum. In making its determination, the Coherent board of directors evaluated the comparative benefits and risks of the II-VI and Lumentum proposals, including the near-term and long-term financial opportunities and risks presented by each proposal, the potential synergies available through a combination with each company, and the complementary businesses of each company.​

Under the II-VI offer, each share of Coherent common stock will be exchanged for $220.00 in cash and 0.91 of a share of II-VI common stock at the completion of the transaction. 

Coherent confirmed that it has terminated he March 9, 2021 merger agreement between Coherent and Lumentum and paying Lumentum the $217.6 million termination fee contemplated by their merger agreement in order to enter into a new merger agreement with II-VI.

II-VI said it plans to finance the transaction with cash on hand, approximately $5.4 billion in fully committed debt financing from J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and an equity investment from Bain Capital. Bain Capital has committed $1.5 billion in the combined company at a conversion price of $85.00 per share and has confirmed it is willing to increase this commitment by at least $300 million of an additional $650 million optional amount on the same terms, for a total commitment of at least $1.8 billion. 

Dr. Vincent D. Mattera, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of II-VI, states: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Coherent to create a global leader in photonic solutions, compound semiconductors and laser technology and systems. Together, we will have significant opportunities to accelerate our growth through complementary technology platforms, strengthen our competitiveness by using our combined scale across the value chain, benefit from deeper market intelligence and expertise, and further diversify our businesses by end market and geography. Moreover, the combination of II-VI and Coherent will increase our collective exposure to irreversible megatrends for decades to come.

For its part, Lumentum noted Coherent's Board of Directors "chose to accept an offer that is inferior in overall value and cash consideration. Using the closing prices as of March 24, 2021, Lumentum's offer had a value of $283.12 while the value of II–VI Incorporated's (NASDAQ: IIVI) ("II-VI") offer was $281.21."

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Nokia to supply XGS-PON to UG in South East Europe

United Group (UG), a leading multi-play and media provider in South East Europe, has selected Nokia to deploy a fiber network and in-home mesh Wi-Fi solution across the eight different countries it operates in. 

The rollout will be based on Nokia Lightspan series FX for GPON and XGS-PON services. Nokia will also supply its ONT customer premises equipment and WiFi Beacons.

UG will use the network to deliver new enhanced broadband services to residential and business customers, offer mobile transport services, create new business opportunities such as off-loading mobile traffic and seamlessly evolve toward a virtualized access-network.

Sandy Motley, President Nokia Fixed Networks Division, said:  “We are excited to be the preferred fiber access network equipment provider to United Group and to work with them on this new phase of growth. With our FTTH and Wi-Fi solution, we are able to provide a high-speed, reliable network infrastructure and an unmatched in-home Wi-Fi experience that will meet United Groups 

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NTT builds Internet Exchange into its Bangkok2 data center

NTT Ltd., in partnership with Japan Network Access Point (JPNAP) and Bangkok Neutral Internet eXchange (BKNIX), is uplifting its the NTT Bangkok 2 Data Center to become an international network exchange. NTT has developed an “international link” with JPNAP’s data centers in Tokyo and with BKNIX Point of Presence (PoP), which was installed at NTT’s data center in Thailand.

NTT Thailand’s partnership with JPNAP, the leading Internet Exchange Point service provider in Asia, aims to create an Internet exchange linkage that will empower Internet Service Providers, Cloud Service Providers and educational institutions among others, with unlimited access to international-level content. NTT also collaborated with BKNIX, Thailand's first neutral IXP service provider, to install a new PoP at Bangkok 2 Data Center to serve as a hub for content and Internet traffic exchange.

Bangkok 2 Data Center can accommodate ultra-high-heat servers that consume 20kW or more power, such as Graphics Processing Unit servers. The center also adopted 2N Power System with Active-Active technology that guarantees a supply of electrical power, to enable a 100% service-level agreement. With these innovations, customers can easily access large-volume traffic exchange services on existing networks through Bangkok 2 Data Center.

Sutas Kongdumrongkiat, CEO for NTT Ltd. in Thailand, who is also responsible for its operations in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos, said “We’re pleased to be a part of this initiative to help drive the efficiency of Internet connectivity on an international level. With connectivity being paramount to business success, we hope this will unlock greater value for partners and providers, as they capture emerging market demands in today’s digital economy.”

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Safaricom launches 5G in Kenya with Huawei and Nokia

Safaricom activated trial 5G services in principal areas across Kenya, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Kisii and Kakamega.

Safaricom plans to expand the number of such 5G sites to more than 150 across nine towns over the next 12 months. Nokia and Huawei are the vendors.

“Today marks a major milestone for the country. With 5G, we aim to empower our customers with super-fast internet at work, at home and when on the move, supplementing our growing fibre network. At Safaricom, we are proud to be the first in the country and the region to bring this latest innovation to both our retail and enterprise customers empowering them to start exploring new opportunities that 5G provides,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom.

“I congratulate Safaricom on this milestone, reinforcing the country’s position at being at the forefront of innovation in the region and the world. 5G technology will usher increased internet speeds and capabilities for millions across the country, laying a strong foundation for a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs,” said Hon. Joe Mucheru, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information and Technology.

Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, said: “We are proud to be the first operator in the East Africa to launch 5G services, bringing the benefits of 5G technology to our customers. 5G capabilities will change a lot of things in unimaginable ways for people and enterprises, playing a key role towards fulfilling our vision to transform lives. Our long-term partner Nokia’s technologies and services expertise helped us achieve this milestone in our journey to provide world-class broadband services to our customers.”

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