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Tag: operator

  • Philippines finally sets terms of third telco selection

    Philippines finally sets terms of third telco selection

    The Philippines’ telecoms ministry and regulator has finally published the formal terms of the selection process for the market’s third operator.

    The final terms of reference for the beauty contest style selection process have been released by the Department of Information and Communications Technology and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

    Compared to the most recent draft, the final terms give a heavier weight to guaranteed internet speeds and allow more flexible terms on payment of performance security bonds, the report states.

    Now that the terms have been released, the NTC plans to commence the sale of bid documents for 1 million pesos ($18,450) each on October 6, and has set a bid submission deadline of November 5.

    A winner will be selected based on the highest committed level of service, including population coverage and internet speed promises, over a five-year commitment period.

    With the modified weighting, the most important criteria is now national population coverage, which will be weighted at 40%. The weighting for capex and opex commitments has meanwhile been decreased to 35% with the weight for minimum average broadband speed increased to 25%.

    The draft terms of reference for the selection of the third telco to break the Philippines’ telecoms duopoly of Globe and PLDT were released in February.

    These terms have been subject to multiple revisions, delaying the selection process. But after Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte threatened to personally intervene in the process and select a winner himself in “about 30 minutes,” the regulator responded by quickly reaching agreement on the final terms.

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  • StarHub to cut jobs in efficiency drive

    StarHub to cut jobs in efficiency drive

    Singapore’s StarHub has announced plans to cut around 300 jobs and pursue other cost-cutting measures as part of a plan to respond to intense competition and shrinking core telecoms revenues.

    The strategic transformation plan will also see the operator invest in growing new digital businesses such as its recently created cyber-security company Ensign InfoSecurity, in the development of ICT solutions for enterprise customers, and in digitalization initiatives aimed at improving the customer experience.

    StarHub’s planned headcount reductions will concentrate on non-customer facing functions, the operator revealed. The company also plans to make additional roles redundant through natural attrition and tighter management of contractor roles.

    Affected employees will be notified by no later than the end of the month. StarHub will take a $25 million one-off charge to fund restructuring costs including the provision of support for laid off employees.

    Through the headcount reductions and planned improved operational efficiencies, StarHub aims to generate S$210 million ($152.1 million) in savings over the three years from 2019.

    The operator is targeting savings in areas including procurement activities, leasing costs, maintenance and sales and distribution expenses, but plans to funnel a portion of these savings into the investments in new growth areas.

    “The intense competitive ferocity right across the market, new entrants, lower voice revenues, thinning margins for fixed broadband services, high content costs for Pay TV operations and high market penetration for mobile and fixed services, has necessitated efficiency optimization initiatives as part of the strategic transformation plan,” StarHub CEO Peter Kaliaropoulos said.

    “Technological innovation and competition are redefining how we deliver services to our customers and we at StarHub need to transform our operating model, otherwise we will face greater risks in the future. Our revised operating structure will be best placed to meet our strategic intent, enhance customer experience, increase accountability and effectiveness and improve competitiveness and agility.”

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  • 3 HK calls for transparent 5G spectrum roadmap

    3 HK calls for transparent 5G spectrum roadmap

    Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings’ (HTHKH) mobile division 3 Hong Kong has joined the call for reforms to the market’s spectrum policy and roadmap to expedite the launch of 5G services.

    In a submission to the government’s consultation on arrangements for the allocation of spectrum in the 3.4-GHz to 3.6-GHz band, 3 Hong Kong urged the government to introduce a transparent and long-term spectrum policy with a 10-year rather than 3-year spectrum supply plan.

    The operator raised concerns about issues including the Communications Authority’s proposal to establish large scale 5G restriction zones to minimize interference to the satellite services operated in the band for satellite remote testing, tracking and control.

    3 Hong Kong said such zones would have a negative impact on both 5G communications and the deployment of M2M connectivity across Hong Kong, which will be a key component of the HKSAR government’s smart city ambitions.

    Mobile operators have proposed a number of alternatives to the restriction zones, including relocating the telemetry, tracking and control station from Tai Po Industrial Estate to a remote area, adding shielding coverage to telemetry stations and optimizing radiation from mobile base station antennae.

    The operator also opposed a suggested spectrum cap of 100MHz at the upcoming auction, citing concerns it may lead to a scenario of only two successful licensees dominating 5G markets.

    Meanwhile the reserve price should be set at a minimal level to encourage 5G infrastructure investment, the submission states.

    Finally, 3 Hong Kong joined HKT in urging the government to provide operators with a right of access to enter buildings, shopping malls, MTR premises and road tunnels to install 5G equipment.

    But in its own submission, Asia’s top satellite operator AsiaSat has expressed significant concerns about the proposal to reallocate the C band to 5G services, and argued that the proposed exclusion zones are not an adequate solution.

    The C-band provides a variety of services including contribution and distribution of TV services, broadcasting data and information such as meteorological data, maritime/aeronautical related safety, disaster relief and emergency communications services, AsiaSat said.

    Reallocating the band will significantly limit Hong Kong and Greater China’s satellite operators’ ability to control and monitor their satellite fleet and earth stations, the submission states.

    Links for safe monitoring and operation of satellites may be lost and numerous satellite TV dishes mounted on buildings across Hong Kong would need to be readjusted.

    AsiaSat has recommended that the government require operators to find alternative mitigation methods to minimize interference, and that operators should bear the cost of implementing these methods.

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  • Telkomsel can do a much better Customer Support Job!

    Telkomsel can do a much better Customer Support Job!

    Indonesia’s telecom companies must vastly improve their customer service, the regulator has warned, after revealing that some providers had deliberately made their service worse in 2017. The likes of Telkomsel, Indosat and XL “dominate the list of worst-rated companies for customer service — behind even banks”.

    13 per cent of mobile customers experience “poor service”, according to Which?, the consumer rights company. “The fact that the telecoms industry is so far behind should be a concern for us all” Previously. Indonesia’s mobile users have long complained they do not get the service they pay for, with speed failing to match advertised promises or patchy mobile connections. Ou survey shows that some telecom companies had deliberately downgraded their service levels during 2017.

    Telkomsel was the worst offender, taking seven minutes and 27 seconds to pick up the phone to customers, driving more than a fifth of people to give up before connecting. When connected, XL scored higher in terms of handling its complaints than Indosat and Telkomsel. It’s time for telecom operatios in Indonesia to wake up, craft new procedure and finally cope with their promises. Subscribers are tired of unwanted bulk advertising, long waiting queues and to speak with an operator who literally can do nothing for them.

    Telkomsel recently has a lot of issues with increased amounts of support calls due to the new law to register sim cards in Indonesia and how to execute this ; no one was available for a proper explanation. Telkomsel reported a loss in customers of 0,6-1% during the last month.

  • NBTC likely to postpone 5G auction

    NBTC likely to postpone 5G auction

    Thai regulator NBTC is likely to have to postpone the planned 2600-MHz 5G auction until 2018 due to regulatory and administrative hurdles.

    The regulator had planned to hold the 2600-MHz auction in September this year, but this process will probably need to be delayed, an NBTC commissioner told.

    Factors behind the delay include the fact that 190MHz of 2600-MHz spectrum has been allocated to state broadcaster MCOT and is currently unused.

    MCOT expects compensation for the return of 80MHz of spectrum for the auction, but the NBTC is currently not authorized to pay compensation to state agencies in return for spectrum.

    The new draft bill restructuring the NBTC is expected to give the regulator the power to do so, but the process of arranging compensation and drawing up the framework for these payments will take time. The new bill has yet to identify methodologies for calculating compensation.

    The NBTC restructuring is also likely to create its own issues that will impact the auction process due to the transition to new commissioners expected after the bill takes effect.

    Meanwhile Thailand still lacks a clear spectrum roadmap for the evolution to 5G will inevitably cause a delay in Thailand’s 5G ecosystem development.

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  • Globe launches 4CC LTE-A

    Globe launches 4CC LTE-A

    The Philippines’ Globe Telecom announced it has become the first operator in the nation to implement 4-component-carrier aggregation LTE-Advanced using the 2600-MHz band.

    The upgrade effectively doubles LTE capacity in areas covered by the deployment, the company said, and will be capable of generating speeds of up to 400 Mpbs once compatible devices hit the market.

    So far Globe has implemented the upgrade at 110 sites mostly in Metro Manila, including most areas in Makati and certain areas in Quezon City, Marikina, Antipolo, and San Mateo.

    The operator aims to deploy the technology in more than 500 sites this year across more of Metro Manila as well as key areas of North Luzon and South Luzon.

    Globe is using its new 2600-MHz band spectrum allocation acquired through its joint purchase with rival PLDT of conglomerate San Miguel Corporation’s telecommunications assets last year.

    Since acquiring the spectrum, the company has also deployed around 1,200 2600-MHz LTE sites mostly in Visayas and Mindanao.

    “This is the first time that a telco operator in the Philippines is making use of this 4-component carrier spectrum LTE-Advanced technology and we are maximizing the potential of the new spectrum assigned to us for the benefit of our customers,” Globe SVP for program governance Joel Agustin said.

    “This technology milestone significantly improves customer experience as smartphone penetration in the country continues to increase.”

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  • Axiata to sell 34.1% of tower unit for $600m

    Axiata to sell 34.1% of tower unit for $600m

    Malaysia’s Axiata Group has arranged to sell a 34.1% stake in its wholly-owned telecommunications infrastructure services division edotco Group for $600 million.

    The operator will place $400 million worth of primary shares with Innovation Network Corporation of Japan, and $200 million in secondary shares with Khazana Nasional Berhad.

    The placement is expected to close by the end of January. It values edotco at close to $1.5 billion, with an enterprise value to FY16 ebitda multiple of 12.5x – roughly comparable to the company’s regional peers.

    The valuation takes into account the potential future injection of tower assets from Axiata’s Cambodian and Sri Lankan operations, which would further increase Axiata’s shareholding in edotco.

    “Our lead investors and new shareholders, INCJ and Khazanah, are both long-term investors who will provide strategic value-add to edotco’s growth strategy, open doors to further strategic collaborations, as well as enhance and diversify our shareholder base,” edotco CEO Suresh Sidhu said.

    Axiata CEO Jamaludin Ibrahim added that edotco achieved a comparatively strong valuation during the placement due to its robust recent business growth.

    “We are determined to make edotco a world-class business and one of the world’s largest independent tower companies by 2020. The successful placement exercise is yet another step – financially and symbolically – towards facilitating this aspiration.”

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  • 3HK to offer a year’s free OTT video subscription

    3HK to offer a year’s free OTT video subscription

    Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holding’s mobile division 3 Hong Kong is offering a year’s free subscription to its premium subscription TV and VOD service to all new and existing 4G users.

    The mobile version of the myTV SUPER and TVB Premium subscription VOD service will be made available free of charge. A 12-month subscription has a usual price of HK$380 ($49).

    The operator has also launched the TVB Data Pack subscription service, offering 1GB, 3GB or 6GB of data for HK$20, HK$50 or HK$80 respectively.

    HTHKH COO Jennifer Tan said the company has introduced the offer to help usher Hong Kong into the 4.5G era after converging its FDD and TDD networks.
    “Our smooth and stable network, together with abundant bandwidth from our 4.5G network, provides the capacity needed to build an OTT service platform, so we are now ready to carry all kinds of dynamic mobile apps,” she said.

    “myTV SUPER has become one of the most popular OTT offerings following inception earlier this year – and we are delighted to offer 12 months’ service free of charge to all 3 Hong Kong’s 4G users to help celebrate launch of our 4.5G network.”

    Broadcaster TVB has been expanding the reach of its myTV SUPER subscription TV service. Earlier this month, the broadcaser expended its relationship with fixed line operator HKBN to cover the delivery of more myTV SUPER set top boxes for the company’s fixed line customers.

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  • TrueMove deploys Procera’s ScoreCard

    TrueMove deploys Procera’s ScoreCard

    Thai mobile service provider TrueMove has deployed Procera’s ScoreCard technology to monitor the quality of experience (QoE) its network is delivering to subscribers across 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE.

    ScoreCard is being used for raw QoE KPI intelligence and the visualization of network performance, thereby helping to guide capex investments and better service planning.

    TrueMove’s management can quickly use the data and visualization to further aid business investment decisions, maximize ROI, and reduce churn among the subscriber base.

    “Mobile operators are increasingly differentiating their offerings by delivering a differentiated experience to subscribers,” said Viriya Upatising, CIO at TrueMove.

    “Procera’s solutions enable TrueMove to see the actual experience delivered to their subscribers in real-time, and ScoreCard provides unique QoE KPIs and visualization that is ensuring the experience is a good one for all subscribers.”

    As higher bandwidth mobile devices, connected cars, and the Internet of Things (IoT) continue to proliferate, TrueMove needs better intelligence about the QoE delivered to subscribers to maximize the return on investment for its capex.

    ScoreCard has been deployed across TrueMove’s network to measure the quality of mobile broadband delivery. No Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is collected from the subscribers, but the overall quality of the broadband service is measured and fed back to a centrally deployed Procera Insights system.

    ScoreCard has already identified several areas of investment that will improve the QoE of the TrueMove network, and action has been taken to enhance the subscriber experience based on ScoreCard’s recommendations.

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  • Dtac taps Nokia to revamp core network

    Dtac taps Nokia to revamp core network

    Thailand’s Dtac has become the market’s first mobile operator to implement an SDN-ready IP/optical network using equipment from Nokia.

    Dtac is implementing the technology to replace its existing IP core routing and DWDM infrastructure, in order to achieve the capacity to serve Thailand’s fast-growing mobile subscriber base.

    The deployment also includes Nokia’s security gateway for Dtac’s LTE network.

    “Over the last two years we’ve seen demand for mobile broadband grow exponentially,” Dtac CTO Prathet Tankuranun said.

    “As we prepare for future advanced technologies we’ve made a strategic choice for an SDN-ready IP/Optical network because it gives us the control and agility needed to run an efficient network that can rapidly adjust to evolving demand patterns. This deployment with Nokia is an important next step in our migration towards full SDN automation.”

    Nokia Thiland head Sebastien Laurent added that the deployment “provides the foundation for an SDN-centric network and will allow dtac to implement on-demand services while also easing operation and maintenance demands.”

  • Globe Telecom expands Cartoon Network app in Philippines

    Globe Telecom expands Cartoon Network app in Philippines

    Globe Telecom in the Philippines is providing a major enhancement to its Cartoon Network Watch and Play app, allowing customers to livestream Cartoon Network and on-demand content via a new authenticated service.

    Globe customers will soon be able to log in to the free app using their username and password to unlock an array of value-added services, which includes livestreaming the channel on devices, games and access to full episodes on demand.

    In addition, Cartoon Network Anything – a micro-network that presents short-form content – is now offered as part of the Globe app bundle.

    “This partnership creates a truly unique and enjoyable second-screen brand experience for kids to enjoy and for parents to trust,” said Phil Nelson, Turner’s managing director in Southeast Asia.

    Both apps let kids enjoy their favorite characters and shows whenever. Fueling their imagination, they allow them to be a hero with Ben 10 and the Omnitrix, rule the Candy Kingdom with Princess Bubblegum, flip out with The Powerpuff Girls, or embark on mathematical adventures with Finn and Jake whenever they want.

    “Together with Turner, we are able to give our customers a more wonderful digital entertainment experience on mobile,” said Dan Horan, Globe senior advisor for consumer business.

    Dedicated data usage for the apps will be offset via a data wallet system, available via users’ subscription plans, meaning they won’t have to worry about eating into their monthly allowance.

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  • M1 to deploy NB-IoT network by 2017

    M1 to deploy NB-IoT network by 2017

    M1 and Nokia have teamed up to roll out the first nationwide commercial narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network in Singapore by 2017.

    When completed, the deployment – Nokia’s first large-scale deployment with an operator partner in Asia – is expected to be among the world’s first commercial NB-IoT deployments.

    NB-IoT networks and devices are designed to deliver improved network performance for M2M (machine-to-machine) communications – low-bandwidth, robust indoor penetration, and low power consumption, while delivering the benefits of licensed spectrum such as network reliability and security.

    The NB-IoT standards were finalized by the GSMA Standards body 3GPP in June 2016. Commercial NB-IoT devices are expected to be available by mid-2017.

    According to Bell Labs Consulting, there will be up to five billion IoT devices connected through mobile networks by 2020. In Singapore, NB-IoT deployment will support the nation’s journey to become a Smart Nation underpinned by data to deliver anticipatory services to its people.

    “NB-IoT is emerging to be a potentially promising technology for smart city’s machine-to-machine type of applications and services. We look forward to working with NB-IoT partners to explore the use of NB-IoT in developing innovative Smart Nation services that improve our citizens’ lives and make our businesses more productive,” said Jacqueline Poh, Chief Executive-designate, Government Technology Agency (GovTech).

    Sandeep Girotra, Nokia’s Senior Vice President of Asia-Pacific and Japan, said Nokia’s joint collaboration of NB-IoT deployment with M1 lays an important groundwork for further application of LTE-based IoT services.

    M1 also recently announced it is working with Nokia on Singapore’s first commercial HetNet deployment.

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  • Singtel, Ericsson complete SEA’s first 5G demo

    Singtel, Ericsson complete SEA’s first 5G demo

    Singtel and Ericsson have completed the first live demonstration of 5G prototype technology, achieving a peak throughput of 27.5Gbps.

    The demonstration used Ericsson’s 5G radio prototypes to showcase the capabilities offered by the new networking technology, which also included demonstrating a latency as low as 2ms.

    At the demonstration, Singtel and Ericsson also showcased the world’s first end-to-end low latency live video streaming over 5G.

    Ericsson and Singel signed an MoU last year to collaborate on testing technology candidates for the 5G standard. Last week, the companies completed a live trial of pre-standard License Assisted Access (LAA) technology over Singtel’s 4G network.

    Singtel group CTO Tay Soo Meng said the collaboration is aimed at ensuring the operator’s customers have access to the latest mobile technologies.

    “We strive to upgrade our networks with cutting-edge enhancements, constantly offering our customers all the possibilities that technology brings. Singapore is at the forefront of the most connected cities in the world and now we want to take it to the next level,” he said.

    “5G is very important to the Singtel Group as it will support advanced communication needs. To ensure the Group continues our technology leadership in the mobile communications domain, we are exploring, studying and trialling pre-5G technologies with Ericsson.”

    The operator is preparing for the anticipated standardization of 5G in 2020 by deploying key pre-5G technologies including carrier aggregation, 256QAM and NB-IoT.

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  • Australia’s Cold Store Operator Seeks Partner for Asian Expansion

    Australia’s Cold Store Operator Seeks Partner for Asian Expansion

    Australia’s largest privately-ˇowned cold storage operator, Oxford Cold Storage is seeking an operational and financial partner to expand its world-ˇclass cold storage services across Asia.

    In a global first, Oxford is piloting a system of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in a third party temperature controlled environment to ensure accuracy, improve safety standards and allow for 24-ˇhour operation, delivering significant competitive advantage in the industry leader’s push for international expansion.

    Founded by the Fleiszig and Stern families over four decades ago, Oxford is a third-ˇgeneration business, now operated by brothers, Paul and Mark Fleiszig, alongside their cousin, Rodney Fleiszig. At the helm are brothers Stephen, Gabor and Luis Fleiszig. “Oxford is extremely well positioned to take advantage of the thriving Asian middle-ˇclass’ skyrocketing demands for produce. As this demographic develops, there is less time for people to wait for fresh food in a traditional market sense, so cold storage is becoming a vital component of the food chain,” said Oxford Director, Paul Fleiszig.

    Paul Profile Pic copy[3IxI]

    “We are at the forefront of logistics technology, designing our own systems with growth in mind to ensure scalability for the next phase, supported by our expertise in data mining and high-ˇdensity operation.” Delivering an annual turnover of $80 million within a robust growth industry (5% p.a. in Australia), Oxford was the first company to introduce a real-ˇtime radio frequency track and trace warehouse management system in 1995.

    “A key priority for us is staying ahead of the logistics technology curve through continuous improvement across warehouse operations. Our R&D team is responsible for ensuring we exceed national and international regulations, meeting the increased need for “paddock to plate” tracing while delivering the best possible service for our customers,” Paul explained.

    As the operator of the largest third-ˇparty temperature controlled warehouse in the country and 20th largest operator globally, Oxford offers racked storage for over 175,000 pallets, with the capacity to freeze 12,000 cartons and carcasses daily. Mike Robbins, Oceania Head of Physical Logistics at Nestlé Australia Ltd said: “Oxford Cold Storage is the most innovative operator in the Australian temperature controlled supply chain. The business invests heavily in technology, offering benefits within and beyond the warehouse.”

    “Oxford is extremely agile and are able to react quickly to changing customer requirements. Through the application of flexible IT solutions applied to operations optimisation Oxford have been able to deliver end to end supply chain efficiencies in warehousing, transport and inventory management.”

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  • Telstra to address rural 4G black spots

    Telstra to address rural 4G black spots

    Australia’s Telstra has revealed plans to roll out 135 small cell 4G base stations in remote communities across the nation as part of the government’s Mobile Black Spot program.

    The operator is also making the investment as part its efforts to expand its 4G footprint to 99% of the Australian population by June next year.

    Telstra has made an A$165 million ($123.1 million) commitment to improve coverage in regional Australia, and will already expand 3G and 4G coverage to 429 other remote communities as part of round one of the black spot program. But the latest small cell roll out will be solely funded by Telstra.

    “When we made our bid under Round One, our core objective was to maximise new coverage to regional communities, which is why we made this additional pledge to further expand mobile data services at our own expense,” Telstra group managing director for networks Mike Wright said.

    “We worked closely with the Federal Government to identify the communities who were eligible for this small cell technology and we are proud to be part of this important initiative which will connect so many more regional communities.”

    While the small cell technology can currently only provide data services, Telstra said it is working on implementing VoLTE technology over the base stations.

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