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Category: Telecom

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest Telecom & Telco news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • APT nearing 100% 4G take-up

    APT nearing 100% 4G take-up

    Taiwan’s Asia Pacific Telecom (APT) is nearing 100% take-up of 4G services among existing customers, and expects nearly all its subscribers to have migrated to 4G by the end of Q1.

    APT only has around 100,000 3G users left to migrate to 4G, around 6% of the operator’s total subscriber base. The remaining users are expected to upgrade in the next few months.

    In order to encourage migration and boost interest in the operator’s 4G services among new customers, APT has introduced a new line of plans that offer unlimited broadband and free domestic voice calls even to subscribers of Taiwan’s other mobile operators. The plan starts at TW$999 ($31.39).

    APT chairman Lu Fang-ming told the Taipei Times that the operator has reached the subscriber migration target set when the operator launched 4G two years ago.

    As the operator moves to the next phase, it plans to focus on expanding its customer base to improve ARPU.

    APT also recently announced a new home OTT video service to be delivered to Taiwanese customers in collaboration with Netflix, China’s iQiyi, movie distributor Catchplay and Taiwan Mobile’s myVideo, the report adds.

  • Huawei to supply network for PyeongChang 2018

    Huawei to supply network for PyeongChang 2018

    Huawei announced it has been selected as an official network equipment supplier for the 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in PyeongChang.

    As an official supplier, Huawei will deliver a comprehensive network system covering a games, administration and facility network.

    The vendor facilitate the delivery of services including real-time competition data transmission, broadband certification for audiences and stadium security protection.

    A network equipment supply and sponsorship agreement was signed in Seoul yesterday by the PyeongChang Organizing Committee’s (POCOG) president and CEO Lee Hee-beom and Huawei’s enterprise business group president Yan Lida.

    “We are honored to be selected as the Official Network Equipment Supplier of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games,” Lida said at the ceremony.

    “With a wealth of expertise in network construction for large-scale sports events and stadiums, Huawei will provide full support to POCOG in building a cutting-edge network for the Games.”

  • Cellco IoT revenues reach $11.7b in 2016

    Cellco IoT revenues reach $11.7b in 2016

    Mobile operators worldwide earned a combined €11 billion ($11.7 billion) in revenues from the IoT in 2016, but revenues remain relatively low compared to lofty industry projections, according to Berg Insight.

    Despite a significant early install base, low monthly ARPUs are restraining growth, Berg Insight senior analyst Tobias Ryberg said.

    The global monthly ARPU for cellular IoT devices is estimated at €1.40 this year, but with major variations between regions. In some emerging economies ARPUs were less than €0.30, and in some less competitive developed markets, ARPUs exceeded €3.00.

    “Until recently, the principal financial metric for IoT has been projected, not actual, revenues. Now the market has entered a new phase in which hard business facts take precedent over lofty projections,” Ryberg said.

    “Wireless connectivity is now near ubiquitous and there will be half a billion cellular IoT connections in 2017, but revenues are still relatively small.”

    But in the third quarter Vodafone and Verizon each generated €200 million in IoT sales revenues, and next year Berg Insights predicts that a handful of major operator groups will generate over €1 billion each from the IoT.

    Many early operator-led IoT efforts have focused on the automotive market as a starting point, with major players including  AT&T, Vodafone, Verizon and Deutsche Telekom establishing dedicated ventures centered on the connected car.

    But Berg Insight said a better strategy for smaller operators is to develop a broad IoT ecosystem and sell IoT solutions from preferred partners through existing B2B channels.

  • Huawei releases X-Ethernet tech for 5G

    Huawei releases X-Ethernet tech for 5G

    Huawei has proposed a new X-Ethernet technology for 5G bearer networks at the ITU-T 2020 FG Workshop and Demo Day Wireline Technology Enablers for 5G conference in Swizerland.

    The company has also proposed X-Ethernet for integrated fronthaul and backhaul networks to introduce likely 5G requirements including deterministic low latency and end-to-end network slicing.

    Huawei’s Network 5.0 team has developed X-Ethernet to address the problems presented by the high bandwidth, determinacy, low-latency, hard isolation and low-cost requirements of 5G.

    The technology includes innovations including a Layer 1.5 switch based on the native Ethernet kernel and compatible with traditional Ethernet, as well as hybrid multiplex with TDM-like characteristics and a flexible hard pipe based on an SLA-based path optimization algorithm.

    Rival vendor Nokia Networks has meanwhile announced it teamed up with Vodafone to trial cloud-based radio access technology for macro networks as part of a project to evaluate methods to enable a smooth transition from 4G to 5G.

    The trial at Vodafone’s testing facility in Italy used the Nokia Cloud RAN platform to evaluate the performance of centralized 5G-ready architecture.

    “Working with Nokia on this trial we have seen how the application of Cloud RAN architecture can help the network react to changing demands quickly. It speeds up the delivery of services and will help with the transition to 5G,” Vodafone Group head of networks Santiago Tenorio said.

  • Australia plans controversial rural NBN levy

    Australia plans controversial rural NBN levy

    The Australian government is planning to impose a monthly levy on rival networks to the state-funded National Broadband Network (NBN) to help fund the roll out of the NBN to rural areas.

    Communications minister Mitch Fifield said the government will seek to pass legislation that would establish an A$40 million ($30 million) Regional Broadband Scheme.

    This scheme would be funded by a levy of A$7.30 per month for each fixed line connection provided by rival superfast broadband providers, increasing every year into 2022 when it reaches A$8 per month.

    The levy would not apply for small companies with under 2,000 customers. Australia’s largest operator Telstra and main rival Optus will also be exempt because they are transitioning their fixed line operations onto the NBN as part of separate deals with the government.

    But the government’s own advice indicates that such a levy will be passed on to consumers resulting in higher prices.

    High-speed providers have complained that the proposed levy could “cripple” their operations, destroying 30% of their revenue, the report adds. The proposal has also been slammed as extremely anti-competitive.

    The presence of competing fiber networks to the NBN has been a contentious issue since the project was first announced in 2007, with successive governments fearing that the rival services could “cherry pick” the network’s most lucrative customers in dense population centers without needing to invest large sums to reach sparse regional areas.

  • AIS, True must launch low-cost 4G SIMs for poor

    AIS, True must launch low-cost 4G SIMs for poor

    Thailand’s telecoms regulator NBTC has issued an order requiring AIS and True Move to provide low-cost 4G SIMs for disabled and low-income citizens.

    The order is based on the terms of the licenses for 1800-MHz and 900-MHz 4G spectrum won by the two operators in an auction last year.

    As per the order, low-cost 4G SIMs must provide tariffs at least 10% cheaper than the maximum cap on 4G voice and data tariffs imposed by the regulator.

    Caps in the 1800-MHz and 900-MHz bands have been set at 0.69 baht ($0.019) per minute for voice calls and 0.26 baht per megabyte for data services.

    The new low-cost SIMs will need to be available by March, and the operators will be required to design a process to meet this deadline.

    The NBTC is yet to set definitions of disabled and low-income for the purposes of determining eligibility for the discount plans, but has suggested that low-income may be defined as earning less than 10,000 baht ($281) per month.

    According to NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith, last year’s 900-MHz and 1800-MHz auctions had the explicit purpose of bridging the digital divide, and all Thais must be able to benefit from national resources including spectrum.

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  • IMDA to ban 2G-only device sales from Jan 1

    IMDA to ban 2G-only device sales from Jan 1

    Singapore’s Infocomm and Media development Authority (IMDA) has announced it will ban the sale of 2G-only mobile devices from January 1.

    After this time, retailers and equipment suppliers will not be allowed to sell 2G handsets for use in Singapore, the regulator said.

    Suppliers with a dealer’s individual license will be able to continue selling the devices, but only for export purposes or overseas use.

    The order applies to devices in the GSM900 and GSM1800 frequency bands, and covers other cellular devices besides handsets including POS terminals and M2M equipment. Retailers and suppliers found to be in violation of the new rules could face financial penalties.

    Singapore’s mobile operators will shut down their 2G networks from April 1 to allow IMDA to re-allocate spectrum for more advanced mobile services.

    IMDA is working with operators to facilitate the migration of remaining 2G users to 3G or 4G networks, allowing subscribers to upgrade their devices while maintaining their plans and monthly subscription costs.

    Singapore is on track to introducing a fourth mobile network operator. Last month, local fiber ISP MyRepublic and Australian fixed line operator TPG Telecom were pre-qualified to take part in a special auction for the fourth mobile license.

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  • Philippines Senate plans major telco sector reform

    Philippines Senate plans major telco sector reform

    A Philippines Senate committee plans next year to draw up legislation that would reform the nation’s telecommunications industry.

    The Senate committee on economic affairs is considering reforms including granting more powers to regulator the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Rappler reported.

    Another proposed change involves removing the 40% owner restriction on overseas investments in telecommunications ventures to allow foreign players to more freely operate in the market.

    The committee is critical of the NTC’s recent decision to quickly review the planned sale of San Miguel Corporation’s telecoms assets, including its highly-prized allocation of 700-MHz spectrum, to the incumbent duopoly of Globe and PLDT.

    The committee aims to strengthen the NTC’s powers to protect consumers and promote healthy competition, while ensuring the regulator is independent.

    In terms of foreign investments, operators are currently classed as public utilities, limiting foreign investment to 40% and restraining the establishment of prospective joint ventures and the entry of new players.

    The committee is proposing to exclude telecommunications from the definition of a public utility, which would circumvent the need for a constitutional change to allow the liberalization of the nation’s telecoms sector.

    Even incumbents PLDT and Globe are supporting the proposal to open up telecoms to foreign players on the grounds that it would benefit both consumers and the industry.

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  • Australia may revamp telecoms USO

    Australia may revamp telecoms USO

    Australia’s Productivity Commission has called for the current telecommunications universal service obligation (TUSO) scheme to be scrapped and replaced with a more future-proof regime.

    Currently the government has a deal to provide former state-owned operator and fixed line market leader Telstra $300 million per year to ensure fixed voice and payphone services are available to every Australian.

    Nearly $3 billion of the 20-year TUSO contract is provided by tax payers, with the remaining $3 billion provided by Telstra and rival operators. But these rivals have often complained about issues including a lack of transparency from Telstra over how it is spending the money.

    As with all other markets, fixed voice services have also been declining in popularity as mobile adoption reaches a saturation point.

    In a new report, recommended that the current TUSO scheme be replaced with a version that seeks to ensure all Australians have access to a baseline broadband connection including a voice service.

    The responsibility for meeting TUSO obligations would also shift from Telstra to the state-owned national broadband network (NBN), which is expected to be fully rolled out by 2020.

    “In a digital age, the current obligation — requiring Telstra to provide all Australians with access to basic fixed line telephones and payphones — is anachronistic and needs to change,” commissioner Paul Lindwall said.

    “Once rolled out to all Australians, the NBN will be the foundation on which a future broadband based telecommunications universal service policy should be built. A completed NBN, which provides broadband and voice services to all Australians, will make the current TUSO obsolete.”

    But the commission has acknowledged that there could be difficulties ensuring a basic broadband service is provided in areas only due to be served by the wireless and satellite component of the NBN.

  • Ooredoo Myanmar expands SIM registration channels

    Ooredoo Myanmar expands SIM registration channels

    Ooredoo Myanmar has added new channels for its subscribers to use to self-register, in line with a government directive that all SIMs in use in the nation be registered by next year.

    Customers now have four options for self-registering their SIMs.

    The four options involve dialing a dedicated hotline, downloading an application, using a call center with interactive voice response functionality or registering online via the Ooredoo website.

    Subscribers will also be able to visit an Ooredoo store and complete a registration with the assistance of a sales agent. They will need an NRC card, student ID or drivers’ license.

    Under a new mandate from the Ministry of Transport and Communications, all mobile SIM cards will need to be registered by the end of March. Any remaining unregistered SIMs will need to be deactivated after this date.

    The order brings Myanmar in line with a number of its peers in the Asian region also introducing mandatory SIM registration schemes, including Cambodia, Thailand and Pakistan.

    Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission is also calling for the introduction of a common regional SIM registration platform covering prepaid services in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar as a counter-crime measure.

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  • CTG, Nepal Telecom to offer IP services in Nepal

    CTG, Nepal Telecom to offer IP services in Nepal

    China Telecom Global has teamed up with Nepal’s largest operator Nepal Telecom to jointly offer IP services to the Nepalese market.

    The companies will use the newly-launched Jilong-Rasuwa Gateway terrestrial cable linking China and Nepal to provide services to Nepal as well as transit services from India.

    The new China-Nepal route offers a new direct alternative route for traffic generated from Nepal and can provide low-latency connectivity for end-users in the market. In addition, the system could help improve Nepal’s internet connection speeds away from the capital Kathmandu.

    “China Telecom is dedicated to expanding our footprint by connecting with neighbouring countries,” China Telecom Global EVP Ou Yan said.

    “China Telecom has put tremendous effort into building the route through the Himalayas. We are committed to delivering a state of the art route for Nepal Telecom.”

    Nepal Telecom and China Telecom Global completed a project to lay fiber to the Nepal-China border in the first half of the year, setting the stage for an interconnection to China Telecom’s network.

    China Telecom Global has been aggressively pursuing international expansion this year. The operator also recently selected a data center to serve as a new hub in East Africa, connecting to its subsea cable network including the SEA-ME-WE 5.

  • Huawei forges 5G research partnership with BT

    Huawei forges 5G research partnership with BT

    Huawei has announced a partnership with UK-based operator BT to conduct joint research into potential new 5G applications.

    The companies will work at the BT Labs in Ipswich and other locations in the UK to explore aspects of 5G including future network architecture, a new air interface between devices and base stations, network slicing to proportion resources for specific services, 5G IoT applications and security technologies.

    The partners said they hope that the research will drive the development and industry-wide standardization of 5G technologies.

    “[Working with BT] we can explore the potential of 5G networks and analyze how this vital technology can best be delivered,” Huawei rotating CEO Ken Hu said.

    “The partnership also demonstrates Huawei’s continued commitment to partnering with world-leading business and academic organizations in the UK to further research and development. We have operated in the UK for 15 years and we look forward to continuing to help build a better connected UK in partnership with BT.”

    Huawei and BT have been collaborating on telecommunications R&D for 11 years. Most recently, the companies announced breakthroughs including a 3Tbps data transfer over BT’s core network, as well as research into 40Gbps speeds on the Openreach access network.

  • Telstra names Robyn Denholm COO

    Telstra names Robyn Denholm COO

    Telstra has named Robyn Denholm as its new chief operations officer, replacing Kate McKenzie, who retired in July after working with the Australian incumbent for 12 years.

    Denholm will assume her new role in early 2017, and will be based in Sydney. Acting COO Brendon Riley will return as group executive global enterprise and services while acting GES group executive David Burns will return as group MD network applications and services, Telstra said in filing Monday.

    “Robyn has been a senior executive and director in a range of complex technology environments which make her ideally qualified for the role, leading a highly capable team within Telstra,” Telstra CEO Andrew Penn said. “She also brings strong understanding of the Australian market and Telstra as the leading network provider, as Juniper has been a valued partner of Telstra.”

    Australian-born Denholm was most recently EVP, CFO and COO of Juniper Networks. She is a board member of renewable energy and electric vehicle company Tesla Motors and the Swiss robotics, power and automation technology company ABB.

    Denholm served at Juniper Networks from 2007 to mid-2016.  She joined Juniper after 11 years with Sun Microsystems most recently as senior vice president of corporate strategic planning.

    Hutchison Telecom HK appoints Cliff Woo as CEO, replacing Peter Wong

    Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings Limited (HTHKH) has appointed Cliff Woo Chiu-man (pictured) as new chief executive and executive director, with effect from January 1, 2017.

    Woo, 62, will succeed Peter Wong King-fai, who will retire from his position on the same day, after working for the company for over 20 years.

    A 30-year telecoms veteran, Woo is currently serving as chief technology officer of Hutchison Asia Telecom Limited and director of Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited.

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  • Airtel investing in cable to Myanmar

    Airtel investing in cable to Myanmar

    India’s largest mobile operator Bharti Airtel has announced it is investing in a new fiber cable between India and Myanmar.

    The operator plans to use the new fiber asset to offer end-to-end connectivity solutions in the Myanmar market.

    The 6,500km terrestrial cable will connect to Airtel’s landing stations in Chennai on the east coast and Mumbai on the west.

    Bharti Airtel CEO for global voice and data Ajay Chitkara told the publication that Myanmar is experiencing strong uptake of digital services as one of the last major growth frontiers in Asia, and the company aims to take advantage of that growth by introducing new connectivity services.

    Myanmar liberalized its telecoms sector in 2011, resulting in a rush of foreign entrants into the market and strong subscriber growth and development.

    But Telenor Myanmar, which launched services in September 2014 after securing one of two mobile licenses allocated through a tender process following the opening up of the sector, believes that the market’s hyper growth era has now ended.

    News of the terrestrial cable project came as China Telecom Global and Nepal Telecom announced they have linked China and Nepal through the Himalayas and plan to use the new terrestrial cable to offer IP services to the Nepalese market.

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  • Nokia intros open templating system for virtual networks

    Nokia intros open templating system for virtual networks

    Nokia has published the industry’s first complete templating system for VNF lifecycle management, designed to streamline and automate VNF onboarding, integration and lifecycle management processes.

    The company said  today’s methods for managing VNF lifecycles – instantiating, monitoring, repairing, scaling, updating and backing-up – are costly, cumbersome and time-consuming.

    To address this, Nokia said it has developed an open templating system, aligned with the latest industry standards and open-source tools, to streamline these processes.

    The template specifications allow service providers and VNF suppliers to take advantage of the automated lifecycle management capabilities of the Nokia CloudBand Application Manager, enabling them to integrate more VNFs faster while reducing the cost and time required to manage VNFs in the cloud.

    Nokia’s open templating system builds upon the ETSI NFV specifications (IFA011 and IFA014), Topology and Orchestration Specification for Cloud Applications (TOSCA) specifications and OpenStack tools. It provides key functionality to service providers, including VNF definitions for better integration and added support of complex structures, and eliminates the need for customization when providing VNF information to a generic VNF Manager and NFV Orchestrator.

    By supporting both Nokia and third-party VNFs, the system gives service providers a much wider selection of virtualized network services they can offer subscribers.

    Nokia is currently collaborating with fellow members of ETSI and TOSCA to complete development of VNF templating standards to benefit the entire industry.

    Ron Haberman, head of Nokia’s CloudBand product unit, said, ”One of the goals of NFV has been to foster an open ecosystem of VNF suppliers to give service providers maximum choice in the capabilities they integrate, and to offer subscribers the best available services.”