Tuesday, November 1, 2022

FCC considers opening 12.7 GHz band for next-gen wireless

The FCC will launch a proceeding to explore repurposing up to 550 megahertz in the 12.7 to 13.25 GHz band (12.7 GHz band) for next-generation wireless services.  

The FCC expects that this inquiry is the first step in providing for more intensive use of the 12.7 GHz band, unlocking a significant expanse of valuable mid-band frequencies that may play a key role in delivering on the promise of next-generation wireless services, including 5G, 6G, and beyond.  

The 12.7 GHz band is believed to be ideally suited for mobile broadband use as it is already allocated for terrestrial mobile services on a primary basis domestically.

The Notice of Inquiry seeks information on how the Commission could encourage more efficient and intensive use of the 12.7 GHz band.  

Given existing incumbent operations in the band, the FCC is also seeking comment on whether and how to provide opportunities for new uses while protecting the investments made by incumbents and avoiding disruption to their operations.  

FCC adds $791 million in RDOF funding for broadband

The FCC is ready to authorize $791,604,299 through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to six providers to fund new broadband deployments to over 350,000 estimated locations in 19 states.  The top three states receiving funding include Illinois, $212 million, Arizona, $140 million, and Iowa, $113 million. “This funding will connect more households throughout the country with high-speed broadband as part of our ongoing work to close the digital...

FCC Auction 108 concludes - 2.5 GHz Spectrum

Bidding has concluded in the FCC Auction 108.  Gross proceeds from the bid are expected to amount to $427,789,670.The FCC said it will post full results in the next few days. https://auctiondata.fcc.gov/public/projects/auction108FCC commences 5G mid-band spectrum auctionSunday, July 31, 2022  Auctions, FCC  The FCC opened bidding in its latest mid-band spectrum auction at 10am on Friday, July 29.Auction 108 makes...


Lumen wins $1.5 billion Defense Network contract

The  Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) awarded a $1.5 billion contract to Lumen to provide essential network transport and communications services in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility.

Lumen will supply the Defense Information Systems Network with high capacity, end-to-end communications services that enable the U.S. Department of Defense to achieve U.S. national security objectives in the 36-nation Asia Pacific region. These crucial services—which include Ethernet, Internet and wavelengths—will help protect America's interests in a diverse, strategically complex region that also includes Alaska. The contract extends over a 10 year period.

"Lumen is extremely proud to serve the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command with essential mission services that help protect and defend U.S. territory, our people and America's national interests," said Zain Ahmed, senior vice president, Lumen public sector. "We're delivering the always-on network infrastructure so the U.S. Department of Defense can focus on its mission to enhance the stability of the Asia Pacific region, promote security cooperation with our allies and partners, respond to emerging situations, deter aggression and if necessary, fight to win."

Dubai looks to Nokia 5G network slicing for smart city use

Nedaa, the security network provider of the Dubai government, will upgrade its telecommunications network across Radio Access Networks (RAN) and core by leveraging 5G technology with Nokia’s technologies. 5G network with end-to-end slicing functionality will help Nedaa deliver improved public safety and smart city services to concerned organizations and citizens, as well as lay the foundations for more advanced services such as metaverse. 

Nedaa’s network already utilizes Nokia’s infrastructure and can support many of the requirements for mission-critical networks. 

The MoU sets a framework for upgrading the existing network capabilities and introducing agile and advanced services to government organizations based on secure and reliable networks. One of the key elements is 5G network slicing which will help Nedaa provide segment-related solutions for different industries, including oil and gas, transport and other government organizations. The MoU also lays the foundation for identifying the most appropriate 5G use cases for capturing new opportunities and monetization. 

Nokia will also carry out a technology competence development program covering training and knowledge transfer to Nedaa employees. Nokia will expand its state-of-the-art Integrated Operations Center (IOC) as the integration and enablement layer for all 5G use cases, including Industry 4.0, smart city and public safety applications with a path to future services such as metaverse and more.

A10 Networks sees Q3 revenue rise 10% yoy, margins at 80%

A10 Networks reported Q3 revenue of $72.1 million, up 10.2% year-over-year. GAAP gross margin was 79.5%; non-GAAP gross margin of 80.2% as a result of better product mix and continued successful navigation of short-term input cost pressures. Non-GAAP net income of $15.9 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared with non-GAAP net income of $13.7 million, or $0.17 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2021.

A10 said revenue growth was broad-based, with increases in North America, APJ, EMEA and Latin America, and from both Enterprise and Service Provider customers. Enterprise sales grew 17%, and Service Provider sales grew 6%, demonstrating strong revenue diversification.

“A10 is consistently achieving revenue and EPS targets despite a variety of macro headwinds in all regions,” said Dhrupad Trivedi, President and Chief Executive Officer of A10 Networks. “This demonstrates robust demand for our proprietary security-led solutions, disciplined execution, and a focus on diversification that drives sustainability. We have positioned our business to avoid concentration in any single geography, any specific customer type, or any isolated product offering, and this diversification enables consistent execution despite economic, supply chain, and geopolitical challenges. Customer-centric technical innovation, global commercial execution and focus on driving the business model are bolstering our sustainability and driving continued success.”

https://investors.a10networks.com/overview/default.aspx

A new Internet Exchange opens in Bangkok

HGC Global Communications, AMS-IX (Amsterdam Internet Exchange), and International Gateway Company Limited (IGC), a neutral regional telecommunication and network service provider, collaborated to launch a new IX, AMS-IX Bangkok, in Thailand as part of AMS-IX strategy to implement IX's in various key locations in Asia.

The new Internet Exchange located at Bangkok, which is the hub and gateway of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), will improve the quality of Internet connections of companies such as content providers, gaming, OTTs, cloud service providers and internet service providers and aims to build a thriving digital community.

HGC also partners with AMS-IX in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bay Area and Chicago. HGC will continue to serve as a commercial partner and marketing arm for AMS-IX Bangkok, while IGC provides IX infrastructure, network, and operation in Bangkok. AMS-IX, with their expertise on peering and network monitoring, will give technical support and has operational management of the exchange.

"Being an early entrant into the Thailand market, we feel honored to gain penetration into the Greater Mekong Subregion with our renowned partner - AMS-IX. This is a rite of passage for the enhancement of the HGC edgeX brand to be positioned as a premium leader in engaging the internet exchange business to contribute to a better interconnection ecosystem which is dependent on the fast development of digital transformation. We hope to have promoted access to a digitalized world by localizing traffic in this growing market.", said, Mr. Chirawat Mahawat, Vice President Greater Mekong Subregion of HGC.


New Semiconductor Climate Consortium gets underway

More that 60 companies have come together to form a new Semiconductor Climate Consortium (SCC) to accelerate the ecosystem’s reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The consortium’s members are committed to working toward the following pillars and objectives:

  • Collaboration – Align on common approaches, technology innovations and communications channels to continuously reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Transparency – Publicly report progress and Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions annually.
  • Ambition – Set near- and long-term decarbonization targets with the aim of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

Founding members have affirmed their support of the Paris Agreement and related accords driving the 1.5⁰C pathway and are aligned on the need to drive climate progress within the semiconductor value chain. The SCC was conceptualized by companies meeting under the SEMI Sustainability Initiative, which will continue to focus on non-climate related Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) issues. 

“I applaud all Semiconductor Climate Consortium founding members for their leadership in this critical initiative and for their continued support of global sustainability efforts,” said Ajit Manocha, SEMI president and CEO. “While individual companies have taken significant steps to decarbonize, the industry must band together to develop green solutions and drive toward net zero. I encourage every company across the value chain to join the SCC and contribute to this crucial mission.”

https://www.semi.org/en/news-media-press-releases/semi-press-releases/semi-announces-semiconductor-climate-consortium-founding-members

Auvik appoints Douglas Murray as CEO

Auvik, a start-up offering cloud-based network management software, has appointed Douglas Murray as Chief Executive Officer. Murray succeeds Marc Morin, who founded Auvik alongside Alex Hoff and David Yach in 2011 and has served as the company’s CEO since inception. Morin will continue to be an active member of Auvik’s Board of Directors.

Murray most recently served as CEO of Valtix, a leading platform for multi-cloud network security.  Murray also brings experience from his seven years as CEO of SDN pioneer Big Switch Networks, which was acquired by Arista Networks in 2020. Additionally, as senior vice president and general manager at Juniper Networks, Murray led its USD $1 billion business across the APJC region — driving customer engagement, sales development, strategic planning and revenue growth.

“I am thrilled to join Auvik during a time with so much opportunity. It is clear that the team is aligned with its 3,500 customers to provide unrivaled, easy to use solutions,” said Murray. “The company has already seen success following its growth investment from Great Hill Partners and, with its most recent acquisitions, Auvik is poised to take the company to the next level. My thanks to Marc for leading Auvik from incubation to scale over the last decade.”

“As a co-founder, I will always be Auvik’s biggest champion and I could not think of a better person than Doug to lead the company through its next phase of explosive growth,” said Morin. “His extensive industry experience, specifically in the multi-cloud Software Defined Networking and network observability space, is exactly what Auvik needs to push forward into its next chapter and become the ultimate network management platform. I have no doubt that Auvik will experience tremendous growth and accelerated innovation with Doug at the helm.”

https://www.auvik.com/