LF Networking releases ONAP Jakarta

LF Networking released ONAP Jakarta -- the tenth version of its open-source, orchestration and automation framework for network operators, cloud providers, and enterprises. 

Release Highlights 

• Security enhancements in the A&AI, DCAE, CCSDK, MSB, and MultiCloud projects, reducing log4j vulnerability and removing most GPLv3 dependencies.
• Deepened O-RAN integration in the OOF Self Optimizing Network (SON) and CCSDK projects with O-RAN O1 models and the O-RAN AI Policy interface (consumed downstream by the O-RAN Software community).
• Enablement of a richer set of day-2 configuration for Cloud-Native Network Functions (CNF) through CDS API extensions.
• Intent-based networking (IBN) for closed loop for E2E Network Slicing
• New functionality in the Configuration Persistence Service (CPS) that allows more granular control of configuration-heavy network services like RAN.
• DCAE Transformation initiative was completed enabling huge resource savings and simplified deployment of collectors/event-processors/analytics microservices.
• Simplification of control loop automation architecture, enabling easy deployment of new control modules. New Network Function lifecycle management features based on real-life use cases.
• Modeling: Solidified the data model for CNFs using the novel ASD approach, while continuing alignment with data models produced by SDOs such as ETSI.
• An overhaul of the policy framework allowing easy composition of control loop policies and better observability.

In addition, ONAP Jakarta brings a number of security enhancements as well as integration with the O-ORAN Software Community (O-RAN SC). 

"We are pleased to announce that the ONAP community has issued its tenth release, ! We’ve maintained our cadence of two major releases per year and the community has really hit its stride as we continue into our fifth year as a project! It’s the ongoing, collaborative spirit of the developers and contributors across our growing ecosystem that’s established ONAP as an open source, comprehensive platform for orchestration, management, and automation of network and edge computing services," states Catherine Lefèvre, ONAP TSC Chair. 

https://lfnetworking.org/onap-issues-jakarta-release-with-expanded-security-o-ran-alignment-5g-enhancements-and-more/

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Ekinops' SixSq joins 5G-EMERGE

Ekinops has joined SixSq in the 5G-EMERGE project, which aims to develop solutions that leverage 5G technology and satellite broadcasting for media delivery. The project is part of the European Space Agency (ESA) programme of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) led by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

The 5G-EMERGE project aims at developing an integrated satellite and terrestrial system based on open standards to enable high-quality content distribution services over multi-layer IP infrastructures. Telecommunications satellites will efficiently deliver high-demand content, including streaming of live events, as close as possible to the end user – to the 'edge'. The project includes demonstrations in 5G base stations, users' homes and vehicles.

A consortium of 20 companies from six European countries will collaborate on developing the distributed edge technology and service-delivery features. SixSq's contribution includes leading the demonstration work package and providing the edge-to-cloud software infrastructure based on its Nuvla.io B2B SaaS platform and marketplace of containerised applications, as well as its open source NuvlaEdge software.

SixSq CEO Marc-Elian Bégin said, "leveraging satellite broadcast and 5G is a great opportunity to deliver the right high-density content at the right location with the right customization. However, this requires fine-tuned orchestration of the entire value chain and this is what SixSq edge-to-cloud software provides. We are no stranger to big challenges posed by ESA and EBU and are looking forward to pushing the boundaries of edge-to-cloud, bringing together the space sector, 5G and multi-media content delivery."

"The 5G-Emerge project is yet another example of Ekinops' long commitment towards software innovation as a mean to add value to the telecommunications sector," commented Vincent Munière, Group Chief Technology Officer & VP R&D at Ekinops. "We are looking forward to helping set the bar in 5G services and content delivery."

http://www.ekinops.com/ 

https://sixsq.com

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CoreSite improves power utilization effectiveness to 1.39

CoreSite achieved a company-wide power utilization effectiveness of 1.39 in 2021, compared to 1.42 in 2020, according to its newly published its 2021 Sustainability Report.

CoreSite’s 2021 accomplishments include:

• Entering into a 100% total renewable generation program at its Reston Colocation Data Center (VA3), located at 12369 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20191
• Completing a highly energy-efficient cooling system at its Boston Data Center (BO1), located at 70 Inner Belt Rd, Somerville, MA 02143, that will save an estimated eight million kilowatt-hours each year
• Decreasing its carbon intensity per million dollars of revenue and per net rentable square foot compared to 2020, while expanding its operational footprint

CoreSite also recently joined the Infrastructure Masons Climate Accord (ICA), a historic cooperative of more than 150 companies established in 2022 and committed to reducing carbon in digital infrastructure materials, products and power.

“CoreSite remains committed to being a reliable partner, people-centered and efficiency-focused company,” said Juan Font, President of CoreSite and SVP of U.S. Tower. “I am proud of what our team has been able to accomplish over the last year to further our sustainability journey. As members of the Infrastructure Masons Climate Accord, we look forward to collaborating with our industry peers to find ways to enhance our sustainability initiatives as well as improve the tracking and reporting of key sustainability markers.”

https://investors.coresite.com/news-releases/news-release-details/coresite-publishes-annual-sustainability-report-joins

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Phoenix Tower to acquire 3,800 towers from WOM Chile

Phoenix Tower International has agreed to acquire up to 3,800 telecommunications sites in Chile from WOM SpA. The deal includes approximately 2,334 tower sites at the initial closing and 1,466 additional sites by 2024 for a total consideration of approximately $930 million, a portion of which will be paid upon transfer of the additional sites.

After accounting for this transaction, PTI will become the largest communications tower owner in Chile, expanding its global presence to over 22,000 towers in 19 countries.

“PTI is excited to enter the wireless infrastructure market in Chile. We have strong relationships with all four Mobile Network Operators in the country, each of which will be deploying 5G networks in the near term. We are proud of our partnership with WOM and the continued expansion of the relationship that this transaction represents,” said Dagan Kasavana, CEO of PTI.

“This transaction further solidifies PTI’s global footprint and is a fantastic next step for our customers, employees and investors at Blackstone,” said Tim Culver, Executive Chairman of PTI.

“This deal enables WOM to strengthen our focus to provide affordable, easy–to-access, world-class connectivity to all Chileans and will allow us to fulfill our promise to deliver the best service at fair prices. It also enables us to strengthen our investment in Chile, particularly expanding 5G coverage from Arica to Punta Arenas over the next several months, as well as expanding coverage into rural areas of the country by delivering upgraded connectivity and contributing to a reduction of the digital gap,” said WOM CEO, Sebastian Precht.

https://www.phoenixintnl.com/news/phoenix-tower-international-to-acquire-up-to-3800-towers-from-wom-in-chile

Altice to sell its towers in the Dominican Republic 

Monday, July 30, 2018  Altice, Network Sharing, Tower  

Altice Europe will sell off its communications tower business in the Dominican Republic to Phoenix Tower International, a portfolio company of Blackstone, for US$170 million. The deal covers 1,049 sites currently operated by Altice Dominicana. In addition, Altice Dominicana will enter into a 20-year master agreement to lease back the facilities. Altice forms tower infrastructure companies in France and Portugal Thursday, June 21, 2018  Altice   Altice...

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Bouygues and Phoenix to operate 4,000 mobile towers in France

Tuesday, March 24, 2020  France, Tower  

Blackstone-backed Phoenix Tower International and Bouygues Telecom will form a joint venture to develop approximately 4,000 newly constructed wireless towers over 12 years across France outside the Very Dense Area. The companies said some of the sites will be deployed as part of Bouygues Telecom’s “New Deal Mobile” regulatory obligations of targeted mobile radio coverage improvements, accelerated mobile radio rollouts alongside transportation routes....

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AT&T to bring fiber to City of Amarillo, TX

The city of Amarillo in Texas has selected AT&T for a $24 million project to bring its fiber network to more than 22,000 customer locations throughout the city. The project proposes providing access to AT&T Fiber for homes, businesses and government agencies in the city center. The project is contingent upon funding approval by the city of Amarillo and a final contract between AT&T and the city.

In 2021, AT&T made fiber available in more than 300,000 new locations in Texas.  

"We appreciate the leadership and foresight of the city in planning to choose AT&T Fiber, which will provide a fast and reliable internet solution for today and tomorrow. This is an important milestone for the city of Amarillo and the state of Texas to show how public-private partnerships can help close the digital divide," said Fred Maldonado, Regional Vice President, AT&T Texas. "We have a long history of connecting businesses and residents in Amarillo, and we look forward to working with the city of Amarillo on making plans to bring high-speed internet to those who need it most."

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Norway's ICE picks Nokia for 5G RAN

Ice, a Norwegian mobile operator, awarded a 5-year contract to Ice to expand its 5G radio network infrastructure nationwide. 

Under the contract, Nokia will supply equipment from its comprehensive, energy-efficient AirScale portfolio including Single RAN, AirScale base stations, and high-capacity 5G Massive MIMO antennas to support different spectrum bands. Approximately, 3200 base stations will be modernized and an additional 3900 new base stations will be deployed. 

Ice currently has around 700,000 subscribers.

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: “This is a particularly exciting phase for Ice as 5G is picking up pace in Norway and is establishing a competitive position in the market. We are proud to continue our journey as its long-term partner. We have already made great progress with the deployment of 5G services across the country and this new deal will extend coverage to new areas while improving the coverage and performance of the existing footprint. Our industry has a big role to play in the green transition of societies, and our energy-efficient AirScale portfolio supports Ice’s commitments to sustainability.”

https://www.nokia.com/about-us/news/releases/2022/07/05/nokia-wins-five-year-nationwide-5g-deal-with-ice-norway/

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