Thursday, August 1, 2024

Disappointing Q2 Drives Intel to Cut Workforce by 15% and Restructure

Intel reported disappointing financial results for the second quarter of 2024, prompting the tech giant to announce comprehensive job cuts and restructuring measures. The company revealed a 1% year-over-year decline in revenue to $12.8 billion, alongside a GAAP loss per share of $0.38. Non-GAAP earnings per share were reported at $0.02. The lackluster performance has led to a decision to implement a more than 15% reduction in headcount to resize and refocus the company.

Restructuring Efforts

Intel’s restructuring plan includes several key elements aimed at creating a sustainable financial engine that will support long-term growth and innovation. The company has outlined a structural and operating realignment across its divisions, targeting more than $10 billion in operating expense and capital expenditure reductions by 2025. Key priorities of the plan include:

  1. Reducing Operating Expenses: Streamlining operations with a significant cut in R&D and marketing, general and administrative expenses, aiming for $20 billion in 2024 and $17.5 billion in 2025.
  2. Reducing Capital Expenditures: Aligning capital investments with market requirements, projecting a 20% reduction in gross capital expenditures for 2024, targeting $25-$27 billion.
  3. Reducing Cost of Sales: Generating $1 billion in savings in non-variable cost of sales by 2025.
  4. Maintaining Core Investments: Continuing to invest in long-term innovation and technology leadership, with a focus on building a resilient semiconductor supply chain.

Additionally, Intel has decided to suspend its dividend starting in the fourth quarter of 2024 to prioritize liquidity and support strategic investments. Despite this, the company remains committed to reinstating a competitive dividend as cash flows improve.

Q2 2024 Financial Performance by Business Unit

  • Client Computing Group (CCG): Revenue of $7.4 billion, up 9% year-over-year.
  • Data Center and AI (DCAI): Revenue of $3.0 billion, down 3% year-over-year.
  • Network and Edge (NEX): Revenue of $1.3 billion, down 1% year-over-year.
  • Total Intel Products Revenue: $11.8 billion, up 4% year-over-year.
  • Intel Foundry: Revenue of $4.3 billion, up 4% year-over-year.
  • Altera: Revenue of $361 million, down 57% year-over-year.
  • Mobileye: Revenue of $440 million, down 3% year-over-year.

Q2 2024 Financial Highlights

  • Revenue: $12.8 billion, down 1% YoY.
  • GAAP EPS: $(0.38); Non-GAAP EPS: $0.02.
  • Forecast for Q3 2024: Revenue between $12.5 billion to $13.5 billion; GAAP EPS: $(0.24); Non-GAAP EPS: $(0.03).

Key Points:

  • Second-quarter revenue of $12.8 billion, down 1% YoY.
  • Second-quarter GAAP earnings (loss) per share (EPS) attributable to Intel was $(0.38); non-GAAP EPS attributable to Intel was $0.02.
  • Forecasting third-quarter 2024 revenue of $12.5 billion to $13.5 billion; expecting third-quarter GAAP EPS attributable to Intel of $(0.24); non-GAAP EPS attributable to Intel of $(0.03).
  • Implementing comprehensive reduction in spending, including a more than 15% headcount reduction, to resize and refocus.
  • Suspending dividend starting in the fourth quarter of 2024. The company reiterates its long-term commitment to a competitive dividend as cash flows improve to sustainably higher levels.
  • Achieved key milestones on Intel 18A with the 1.0 Process Design Kit (PDK) released and key power-on of first client and server products on Intel 18A, Panther Lake and Clearwater Forest.

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger and CFO David Zinsner’s Statements

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger emphasized the company’s commitment to improving operational efficiency and accelerating its IDM 2.0 transformation despite the disappointing Q2 results. CFO David Zinsner highlighted the steps being taken to strengthen Intel’s financial position through spending reductions and strategic investments.

“Our Q2 financial performance was disappointing, even as we hit key product and process technology milestones. Second-half trends are more challenging than we previously expected, and we are leveraging our new operating model to take decisive actions that will improve operating and capital efficiencies while accelerating our IDM 2.0 transformation,” said Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO. “These actions, combined with the launch of Intel 18A next year to regain process technology leadership, will strengthen our position in the market, improve our profitability and create shareholder value.”

“Second-quarter results were impacted by gross margin headwinds from the accelerated ramp of our AI PC product, higher than typical charges related to non-core businesses and the impact from unused capacity,” said David Zinsner, Intel CFO. “By implementing our spending reductions, we are taking proactive steps to improve our profits and strengthen our balance sheet. We expect these actions to meaningfully improve liquidity and reduce our debt balance while enabling us to make the right investments to drive long-term value for shareholders.”

Fiber Connect 2024: Panel Discussion on Federal Broadband Policy

At the Fiber Connect 2024 conference in Nashville, TN, telecom industry leaders gathered to discuss the implementation of the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The panel, featuring executives from AT&T, Lumen Technologies, Altice USA, and C Spire, highlighted both the opportunities and challenges presented by this unprecedented federal investment in broadband infrastructure.

Participants

Rhonda Johnson, Executive Vice President of Federal Regulatory Relations, AT&T

Melissa Mann, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs, Lumen Technologies

Christina Chou, Vice President of Federal Affairs, Altice USA

Chris Champion, Vice President of Government Relations, C Spire

Moderator: Marissa Mitrovich, Vice President of Public Policy, Fiber Broadband Association

Key takeaways from the discussion include:

Economic Challenges: Panelists emphasized that BEAD-targeted areas are inherently difficult to serve economically. They stressed the importance of ensuring that program requirements and pricing structures are grounded in the actual costs of serving these communities.

Regulatory Complexity: Each state has different criteria for BEAD implementation, creating a complex landscape for providers operating across multiple states. Companies are dedicating significant resources to evaluating each state's program.

Compliance Burden: The BEAD program introduces new compliance requirements, including procurement rules and long-term reporting obligations. This creates additional operational complexity for providers.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Concerns: With the recent end of the ACP, providers expressed concern about maintaining affordable access for low-income customers. They called for a long-term, sustainable funding solution for broadband affordability programs.

Legacy Network Challenges: Panelists highlighted the need to align BEAD goals with existing regulations on legacy copper networks. They argued that requirements to maintain older technologies divert resources from fiber deployments.

Fiber First Strategy: While acknowledging the role of other technologies, most panelists emphasized a fiber-first approach in their deployment strategies, citing its superior performance and future-proof nature.

Coordination with State and Local Authorities: Executives stressed the importance of early and frequent communication with state broadband offices and local authorities to address permitting, right-of-way, and other deployment challenges.

Education on Fiber Benefits: While progress has been made, panelists noted the ongoing need to educate policymakers and the public about the benefits of fiber broadband across various sectors, including healthcare and education.

The panel concluded by urging state broadband offices to maintain flexibility, transparency, and a long-term view as BEAD funding begins to flow. They emphasized that while securing funding is a milestone, the real work of expanding broadband access is just beginning.

Special thanks to Doug Mohney for gathering material for this summary.

https://fiberconnect2024.eventscribe.net/agenda.asp?startdate=7/31/2024&enddate=7/31/2024&BCFO=EXT|G|M|P&pfp=FullAgenda&mode=&fa=&fb=&fc=&fd=


Telefónica Reports Steady Growth and Strong Financial Performance in H1 2024

Telefónica has released its financial results for the first half of 2024, showcasing solid revenue growth, improved profitability, and significant progress on strategic initiatives. The telecommunications giant reported a net income of €979 million, marking a 28.9% increase compared to the same period last year. Telefónica’s performance aligns with its GPS strategic plan, emphasizing growth, profitability, and sustainability.



Revenue for the second quarter grew by 1.2% to €10,255 million, while the first half saw a 1.1% increase to €20,395 million. Operating income before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) also showed positive trends, rising by 1.8% in Q2 to €3,219 million and by 1.9% in the first half to €6,424 million. The company has reaffirmed its financial targets for 2024, projecting revenue growth of around 1%, EBITDA and operating cash flow growth between 1% and 2%, and a CapEx over revenue ratio of up to 13%.


Key Points:


Revenue Growth: Increased by 1.2% in Q2 to €10,255 million and by 1.1% in H1 to €20,395 million.

EBITDA: Grew by 1.8% in Q2 to €3,219 million and by 1.9% in H1 to €6,424 million.

Financial Targets for 2024:

Revenue growth of around 1%.

EBITDA and operating cash flow growth between 1% and 2%.

CapEx over revenue ratio up to 13%.

Free cash flow increase of more than 10%.

Shareholder Remuneration: Confirmed dividend of €0.30 per share, payable in two tranches of €0.15 each in December 2024 and June 2025.

CapEx: €2,299 million in the first half, down 3.9% from the same period in 2023, maintaining an investment-to-revenue ratio of 11.3%.

Customer Base: Reached 392 million, a 2.2% year-over-year increase, with significant growth in fiber accesses (+12.1%) and mobile contract customers (+3.3%).

5G Expansion: Spain achieved 89% population coverage, Germany 96%, Brazil 50%, and the UK 65%. 5G Stand Alone has been commercially launched in the four major markets.

Sustainability: Telefónica named one of the Top 10 World’s Most Sustainable Companies by TIME magazine and ranked as a sector leader in the FTSE4Good Index Series.


Qualcomm Reports Strong Q3, Highlights Diversification and AI

Qualcomm reported robust financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2024, with non-GAAP revenues of $9.4 billion and earnings per share of $2.33, surpassing the midpoint of the company’s guidance range. The earnings call, held on July 31, 2024, emphasized Qualcomm’s successful diversification strategy and significant strides in automotive and AI sectors.

Key Financial Highlights:


Revenue: $9.4 billion, non-GAAP, up 2% sequentially.

Earnings Per Share (EPS): $2.33 non-GAAP.

Chipset Business Revenue: $8.1 billion, driven by growth in automotive and IoT sectors.

Licensing Business Revenue: $1.3 billion.


Strategic Focus and Diversification Efforts:


CEO Cristiano Amon outlined Qualcomm’s ongoing diversification efforts beyond its traditional handset business. The company reported strong growth in its automotive and IoT segments, attributing this success to strategic design wins and the expanding adoption of Snapdragon platforms.


Automotive Sector: Qualcomm secured over 10 new design wins with global automakers, expanding the presence of its Snapdragon Digital Chassis across next-generation digital cockpit, connectivity, and ADAS/autonomy solutions.

IoT Sector: The company’s IoT revenues increased by 9% sequentially, reaching $1.4 billion. This growth reflects a gradual recovery in the industry environment and Qualcomm’s leadership in industrial IoT applications.


Q3 Results by Business Unit:


Client Computing Group (CCG): $7.4 billion, up 9% year-over-year, driven by premium Android handsets and Chinese OEM growth.

Data Center and AI (DCAI): $3.0 billion, down 3% year-over-year, reflecting ongoing challenges but steady performance.

Network and Edge (NEX): $1.3 billion, down 1% year-over-year.

Automotive Revenues: Achieved a record $811 million, up 34% sequentially.

Licensing Business (QTL): $1.3 billion in revenue, with an EBT margin of 70%.




Future Outlook:


Looking ahead to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, Qualcomm provided optimistic guidance:


Revenue Forecast: $9.5 billion to $10.3 billion.

Non-GAAP EPS: $2.45 to $2.65.

QTL Revenues: Estimated between $1.35 billion and $1.55 billion.

QCT Revenues: Expected to be between $8.1 billion and $8.7 billion, with a focus on IoT and automotive growth.


Key Points from the Earnings Call:


Strong Q3 Performance: Revenue of $9.4 billion, up 2% sequentially.

EPS: Non-GAAP EPS of $2.33.

Q4 Revenue Forecast: $9.5 billion to $10.3 billion.

Q4 EPS Forecast: Non-GAAP EPS of $2.45 to $2.65.

Automotive Design Wins: More than 10 new design wins with global automakers.

AI and PC Growth: Positive momentum in AI-driven devices and the successful launch of Copilot+ PCs.

Industrial IoT Collaboration: New partnership with Aramco for industrial and enterprise use cases.

Licensing Agreement: Long-term agreement signed with Honor, a leading Chinese smartphone OEM.


Amazon’s Q2: AWS Shines with Robust Growth

Amazon.com reported Q2 net sales of $148.0 billion, marking a 10% increase compared to $134.4 billion in the second quarter of 2023. This growth includes a $1.0 billion unfavorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates, which translates to an 11% increase in net sales excluding these changes.

A significant highlight from the report is the performance of Amazon Web Services (AWS), which continues to demonstrate strong growth and strategic importance.

  • AWS Sales Growth: AWS reported a 19% year-over-year increase in sales, reaching $26.3 billion.
  • Operating Income Surge: AWS operating income rose dramatically to $9.3 billion from $5.4 billion in the same quarter last year, underscoring its profitability.

Key Developments in AWS:

  • Generative AI Capabilities: AWS expanded its AI offerings, including services like SageMaker for model builders, Bedrock for leveraging frontier models, Trainium for cost-efficient training and inference, and Q, a GenAI assistant for coding and software development.
  • New Product Launches: Introduced AWS Graviton4-based compute instances, which provide up to 30% better price-performance than the previous Graviton3 instances.
  • Strategic Partnerships: AWS secured new agreements with prominent companies, including Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Databricks, Discover Financial Services, Eli Lilly and Company, Experian, GE HealthCare, NetApp, Scopely, ServiceNow, Shutterfly, and AI startups like Perplexity, H Company, and Observea.
  • Global Expansion: Announced a strategic AUD $2 billion partnership with the Australian Government to provide a “Top Secret” AWS Cloud, enhancing the nation’s defense and intelligence capabilities.
  • Autonomous Vehicle Testing: Expanded the deployment of the self-driving robotaxi Zoox to public roads in Austin and Miami.

Financial Outlook:

  • Q3 Revenue Guidance: Amazon expects net sales for the third quarter of 2024 to be between $154.0 billion and $158.5 billion, representing growth of 8% to 11% compared to the third quarter of 2023.
  • Operating Income Guidance: Anticipated operating income for Q3 2024 is expected to be between $11.5 billion and $15.0 billion.

“We’re continuing to make progress on a number of dimensions, but perhaps none more so than the continued reacceleration in AWS growth,” said Andy Jassy, Amazon President & CEO. “As companies modernize their infrastructure and move to the cloud, while also leveraging new Generative AI opportunities, AWS remains customers’ top choice.”

Key Financial Metrics for Q2 2024:

  • Total Net Sales: $148.0 billion, up 10% year-over-year.
  • Operating Income: Increased to $14.7 billion from $7.7 billion in Q2 2023.
  • Net Income: Rose to $13.5 billion, or $1.26 per diluted share, compared to $6.7 billion, or $0.65 per diluted share, in Q2 2023.
  • Operating Cash Flow: Increased 75% to $108.0 billion for the trailing twelve months.
  • Free Cash Flow: Increased to $53.0 billion for the trailing twelve months.


European Commission clears HPE-Juniper deal without conditions

The European Commission approved unconditionally the proposed acquisition of Juniper Networks  by Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE). The Commission concluded that the transaction would raise no competition concerns in the European Economic Area (‘EEA').

The Commission examined the transaction’s impact on the following markets: (i) the global market for wireless local area network (WLAN) equipment; (ii) the global market for wireless access points (WAPs); (iii) the EEA-wide market for Ethernet campus switches; and (iv) the global market for data center switches.

Following its market investigation, the Commission concluded that the transaction, as notified, would not significantly reduce competition in these markets. Specifically, regarding the horizontal overlaps between the companies’ activities in the WLAN equipment, WAPs, and Ethernet campus switches markets, the Commission determined that in the EEA:
  • The merged entity's market position would remain moderate.
  • The merged entity would continue to face competition from a wide range of competitors, including strong and established players on each of the markets.
  • HPE and Juniper are not each other's closest competitors.
  • Customers have a certain level of countervailing buyer power, allowing them to react in case of price increases of WLAN equipment and Ethernet campus switches.
Regarding the conglomerate links between Juniper’s switches and HPE’s activities in the global markets for high-performance computing (HPC) systems and mid-range servers, the Commission determined that in the EEA, the merged entity would not have the capability to engage in anticompetitive bundling or tying practices, because:
  • The merged entity would not have a significant degree of market power either on the market for the supply of mid-range servers or on the market for the supply of HPC systems.
  • Customers purchasing cycles for each of the respective products are different and therefore not conducive to allow any anticompetitive tying or bundling strategy by the merged entity.
  • The merged entity would not obtain a significant advantage by offering its datacentre switches as a bundle with either HPE's servers or HPE's HPC systems.
  • Competitors could replicate and challenge any tied or bundled products.
The Commission therefore concluded that the proposed merger would not raise competition concerns on any of the markets examined in the EEA or on any substantial part of it. It therefore cleared the transaction unconditionally.

Cloudflare Achieves 30% YOY Growth in Q2, Boosting Annualized Revenue to $1.6B

Cloudflare reported strong financial results for its second quarter ending June 30, 2024. The company achieved an annualized revenue milestone of $1.6 billion, marking a 30% year-over-year increase. CEO Matthew Prince highlighted the company’s focus on execution, resulting in significant improvements in sales productivity and reinforcing Cloudflare’s essential role in helping customers modernize and secure their businesses.

  • Revenue: $401.0 million, up 30% year-over-year.
  • Gross Profit: GAAP gross profit of $312.0 million (77.8% margin); Non-GAAP gross profit of $316.6 million (79.0% margin).
  • Operating Income (Loss): GAAP loss of $34.7 million (8.7% of revenue); Non-GAAP income of $57.0 million (14.2% of revenue).
  • Net Income (Loss): GAAP net loss of $15.1 million; Non-GAAP net income of $69.5 million.
  • Cash Flow: Net operating cash flow of $74.8 million; Free cash flow of $38.3 million (10% of revenue).
  • Cash Position: $1,757.4 million in cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale securities.

“We had a strong second quarter, crossing $1.6 billion in annualized revenue and growing 30% year-over-year. The world is still complicated, but our team remained focused on execution and delivered terrific results, including a double-digit year-over-year improvement in sales productivity,” said Matthew Prince, co-founder & CEO of Cloudflare. “I’m proud of how Cloudflare rises to the occasion to help our customers solve some of the hardest problems they face when modernizing, transforming, and securing their businesses—checking off even more value with the promise of our connectivity cloud and reinforcing Cloudflare’s position on ‘must-have’ lists.”

Lumen Confirms Fiber Supply Deal With Corning

 Lumen Technologies confirmed a significant supply agreement with Corninfor next-generation optical cable, aiming to more than double its U.S. intercity fiber miles to support the growing demands of AI workloads and high-bandwidth applications. This deal secures 10% of Corning’s global fiber capacity for the next two years, marking Lumen’s largest cable purchase to date. The partnership will support major data center operators, including Microsoft, by enhancing Lumen’s extensive ultra-low-loss intercity fiber network, which connects over 50 major cities across North America. Lumen is also creating a digital platform on its physical network to offer cloud-like consumption of network services through its Private Connectivity Fabric.

Key Points:


Secures 10% of Corning’s global fiber capacity for the next two years.

Aims to double Lumen’s U.S. intercity fiber miles.

Supports AI workloads and high-bandwidth applications.

Enhances network infrastructure for major data center operators, including Microsoft.

Lumen’s network connects over 50 major cities in North America.

Lumen is developing a digital platform for cloud-like network service consumption.


“As generative AI increases bandwidth requirements between data centers, we’re pleased to reach an agreement with Lumen Technologies to provide our latest optical fiber and cable innovations to facilitate Lumen’s build of a new network to interconnect AI-enabled data centers,” said Wendell P. Weeks, chairman and CEO of Corning Incorporated.

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

T-Mobile US tops 100 million customers

T-Mobile US announced its second quarter 2024 results, showcasing exceptional customer growth and financial performance. The company achieved industry-leading postpaid net account additions and surpassed the 100 million postpaid customers milestone. Additionally, T-Mobile reported the highest Q2 postpaid phone net customer additions in its history, underlining its market dominance.

Financially, T-Mobile's service revenues grew by 4% year-over-year, reaching $16.4 billion, while postpaid service revenues saw a 7% increase. The company's net income soared by 32% to $2.9 billion, and diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose by 34% to $2.49. The impressive financial growth translated into record-high cash flows, with adjusted free cash flow growing 54% year-over-year to $4.4 billion.

T-Mobile's network performance also stood out, sweeping every category for overall network performance in the latest third-party reports. The company continued to expand its 5G network, carrying 87% of its 5G traffic on sites with three spectrum layers. T-Mobile's recent proposed acquisition of Metronet aims to complement its fixed wireless offerings and capitalize on fiber opportunities, further solidifying its position as an industry leader.

Key Points:

  • Customer Growth:

    • Postpaid net account additions: 301,000
    • Postpaid net customer additions: 1.3 million
    • Postpaid phone net customer additions: 777,000
    • High-speed internet net customer additions: 406,000
  • Financial Performance:

    • Service revenues: $16.4 billion (4% YoY growth)
    • Postpaid service revenues: $12.9 billion (7% YoY growth)
    • Net income: $2.9 billion (32% YoY growth)
    • EPS: $2.49 (34% YoY growth)
    • Core adjusted EBITDA: $8.0 billion (9% YoY growth)
    • Net cash from operating activities: $5.5 billion (27% YoY growth)
    • Adjusted free cash flow: $4.4 billion (54% YoY growth)
    • Returned $3.0 billion to stockholders in Q2 2024
  • Network Performance:

    • Swept all categories for overall network performance in third-party reports
    • 87% of 5G traffic carried on sites with three spectrum layers
    • Proposed acquisition of Metronet to enhance fiber offerings
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#FiberConnect24: Fiber's Access Future from 10G to 100G - Nokia

 How is fiber technology evolving to meet future demands? Look ahead!

Stefaan Vanhastel, Head of Marketing & Innovation from Nokia explains:

- Fiber infrastructure is built to last 100 years, passing every home and building for generations

- Current 10 Gig era is expanding to include 25 Gig, 50 Gig, and 100 Gig options for diverse operator needs

- Advanced chipset technology enables higher speeds, supporting new services beyond fiber-to-home networks


https://youtu.be/59Fp_Tke-7s

Want to be involved our video series? Contact info@nextgeninfra.io

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#FiberConnect24: Core to Edge Performance Evolution - Adtran

Check out the rest of Fiber Connect 2024 showcase here: https://ngi.fyi/fiberconnect24yt

How is fiber technology evolving to meet future network demands? Which segment of the network feels the heat next?

Robert Conger, SVP, Technology and Strategy from Adtran explains:

- Core DWDM technology is miniaturizing into small plugs, moving coherent DWDM to the network edge

- Access networks are transitioning from gigabit to multi-gig era, with 10G PON and future 50G PON technologies

- Intelligent network monitoring and cloud-based analytics are optimizing performance and improving subscriber experience




Want to be involved our video series? Contact info@nextgeninfra.io

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#FiberConnect24: Innovation for Challenging Fiber Installations - DZS

 How can service providers accelerate fiber deployment in challenging areas?

Geoff Burke, Chief Marketing Officer from DZS, gives us the rundown:

- Fiber extension technologies like G.fast and MG.fast offer symmetrical gigabit services for MDUs and historically challenging locations

- Fixed wireless access provides a cost-effective gigabit-ready solution for remote areas, with 45-60% lower deployment costs than fiber

- Hardened coherent optics deliver 100-400 Gig connectivity to the network edge, supporting robust middle-mile infrastructure for fiber deployments


https://youtu.be/gZ0Pfzmf9-A

Want to be involved our video series? Contact info@nextgeninfra.io

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#FiberConnect24: 10-Second ONT Installation for Fiber Rollouts - Genexis

How can we ensure smooth fiber broadband installation in every home?

Kajsa Arvidsson, Chief Marketing Officer from Genexis explains:

- Smart installation of fiber in the home using ONTs that can be installed in less than 10 seconds

- Interoperable ONTs that work with any OLT in the market, making installation easy to learn and even suitable for DIY

- All-in-one solution with connectors for cable TV, voice, and multiple ports to distribute fiber throughout the home


https://youtu.be/_1qGIRpYw1M

Want to be involved our video series? Contact info@nextgeninfra.io

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#FiberConnect24: 4 Ingredients for Faster Fiber Deployment - Render

 Render Networks has expanded its mobile application suite and device compatibility, reinforcing its leadership in construction management and enabling network and construction teams to complete projects at least 15% faster. This update promotes a mobile-first strategy, allowing field crews to document, finalize builds, and perform maintenance using their preferred smartphones or tablets, enhancing adoption and productivity by over 20% through real-time data capture and task clarity.

Key Points:

Flexible Device Choice: Supports both Apple and Android devices, enhancing field crew adoption.

Improved Productivity: Increases daily production by more than 20% through real-time data capture and task management.

User-Friendly Interface: Simplified interface for managing workloads, editing tasks, and tracking progress.

Accurate As-Builts: Industry-leading digital redline capability ensures precise documentation of completed work.

Addressing Industry Challenges: Supports NTIA’s BEAD funding goals by enhancing workforce efficiency amid a skilled technician shortage, helping to connect more communities to reliable broadband.


https://youtu.be/m15V95R99PM

Check out the rest of Fiber Connect 2024 showcase here: https://ngi.fyi/fiberconnect24yt

How can we accelerate our fiber future?

Sam Pratt, CEO from Render Networks explains:

- Frictionless field adoption enables construction teams to access essential information effortlessly
- Clear construction scope ensures tasks are completed in the correct sequence
- Real-time visibility and insights allow for better resource allocation in a supply-constrained environment

Want to be involved our video series? Contact info@nextgeninfra.io

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#FiberConnect24: DC Blox on Lessons from Hyperscalers

 Check out the rest of Fiber Connect 2024 showcase here: https://ngi.fyi/fiberconnect24yt

How are hyperscalers reshaping internet infrastructure and what impact do they have on fiber deployments?

Bill Thomson, Marketing and Product Management from DC Blox shares these insights:

- Hyperscalers are building large data centers to move infrastructure and services closer to end users in specific regions

- They are also developing dark fiber capacity to connect these data centers, effectively rebuilding the internet in their own image

- Traditional telecom-based networks are insufficient in capacity and reach for hyperscalers' needs, driving the demand for new dark fiber infrastructure


https://youtu.be/7lwXCCclN2g

Want to be involved our video series? Contact info@nextgeninfra.io

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Dell'Oro: Network Security Market to Hit $40B by 2028

The worldwide network security market, including firewall, SSE, traditional SWG appliance, WAF, and ADC segments, is expected to grow to nearly $40 B by 2028, according to a new report from Dell'Oro Group. This growth is driven by a significant shift in enterprise security spending towards cloud-based Secure Service Edge (SSE) and Web Application Firewall (WAF) solutions, which are forecasted to achieve mid-teen double-digit CAGRs, in contrast to the single-digit CAGR projected for traditional firewall solutions.

“We’re seeing a major pivot in how enterprises approach security, with SSE and SaaS-based WAF solutions taking center stage due to their superior flexibility and scalability as cloud-delivered solutions,” said Mauricio Sanchez, Sr. Director, Enterprise Security and Networking at Dell’Oro Group. “As organizations increasingly embrace cloud-first strategies and digital transformation, these advanced security models are becoming indispensable, driving rapid market growth,” added Sanchez.

Additional highlights from the Network Security 5-Year July 2024 Forecast Report:

SSE Market: The SSE market is anticipated to surpass $10 B by 2028, with a double-digit CAGR. This robust growth is driven by the increasing transition of security perimeters to cloud-based services, catering to the needs of distributed applications and hybrid work models.

WAF Market: Driven by the increased emphasis on digital transformation initiatives and the necessity of securely deploying enterprise applications on the Internet, the WAF market is projected to grow robustly. It is expected to reach nearly $6 B by 2028, reflecting a double-digit CAGR.

Firewall Market: The Firewall market is projected to grow at a single-digit CAGR, reaching over $19 B by 2028. While near-term softness is expected as the market corrects from the pandemic-induced surge, a new refresh cycle is anticipated to alleviate this, though it won’t be as strong as the post-pandemic boom.

Form Factor Shift: SaaS and virtual-based solutions are expected to grow at a 16 percent CAGR, compared to 6 percent for physical appliances. By 2026, SaaS and virtual-based solutions are projected to account for over half of the Network Security market.

https://www.delloro.com/news/network-security-market-to-hit-40-b-by-2028-with-cloud-based-solutions-driving-the-growth/

Dell'Oro: Broadband Equipment Spending Expected to Grow

Broadband Access Equipment market is forecasted to grow 2 percent on average for the next five years (2024-2028) due in part to lower spending in 2024 as operators continue to absorb excess inventory and, in the case of Tier 1 cable operators, dramatically slow their purchases of new DOCSIS CPE, according to a new report from Dell'Oro Group.

“Most service providers are taking a conservative approach to 2024, choosing to rely on existing inventory as they receive mixed signals on inflation, consumer spending, and new home construction,” said Jeff Heynen, Vice President at Dell’Oro Group. “2025 is shaping up to be a rebound year for spending, driven by ongoing fiber network expansions as well as cable DAA upgrades,” added Heynen.

Additional highlights from the Broadband Access & Home Networking 5-Year July 2024 Forecast Report:

  • PON equipment revenue is expected to grow from $11.1 B in 2023 to $12.9 B in 2028, driven largely by XGS-PON deployments in North America, EMEA, and CALA, as well as FTTR (Fiber to the Room) and 50 Gbps deployments in China.
  • Revenue for Cable Distributed Access Equipment (Virtual CCAP, Remote PHY Devices, Remote MACPHY Devices, and Remote OLTs) is expected to peak at $1.2 B in 2027, as operators continue their DOCSIS 4.0 and early fiber deployments.
  • Revenue for Fixed Wireless CPE is expected to reach $2.6 B by 2028, led by shipments of 5G sub-6 GHz and a growing number of 5G millimeter wave units.
  • Revenue for Wi-Fi 7 residential routers and broadband CPE with WLAN will reach $8.4 B by 2028, as the technology is rapidly adopted by consumers and service providers alike.

STL Unveils High-Density 864F Micro Cables for US Fiber Networks

STL introduced its high-density 864F Micro Cables, designed to enhance connectivity in dense fiber networks across the US. These innovative cables offer superior fiber density, efficient installation, and sustainability benefits.

Key Points:

  • Ultra-high fiber density: 1.5X more fibers in the same diameter; easy installation up to 1500m in 14mm ducts.
  • Longer network life: Bend-insensitive 200-micron fiber increases power budget, reduces maintenance, and speeds up installation.
  • Sustainable and cost-saving: Uses 40% less plastic, cutting civil costs by up to 70%.
  • Easy to install: Slim outer jacket and reduced form factor enable tighter coiling and easier fiber bundle access.
  • Additional product: Intelligently Bonded Ribbon (IBR) Armored cable ensures easy installation and excellent splicing outcomes.
  • Local production: STL’s South Carolina facility supports federal and private broadband projects, including the BEAD Program.