An operator is composed of three domains: Network, IT and Services. Historically we’ve treated the services domain as something that can be solved by a piece of technology, called the SDP (Service Delivery Platform). This has resulted in the industry’s slow response to the competitive threats of web-based service providers, which are now starting to […]
The vendor keynotes on Day 2 of the Broadband World Forum were again rather dry and focused on why operators should buy more complex networks. A common vendor claim was that a 10% increase in broadband connectivity results in some % increase in GDP (Gross Domestic Product). I have a sneaking feeling that there is […]
The Broadband World Forum continues to grow with attendees from 120 countries, 280 speakers (most were operators), 150 sponsors and exhibitors, 400 service providers and over 7500 attendees. Gavin Whitechurch and his team deserve much respect for transforming BBWF into the Broadband event of the year. At the session I chaired on next generation broadband […]
If proof were ever needed on the success of BlueVia in getting operator APIs right, is the endorsement of Twitter in using BlueVia’s APIs. I show below the release and links to the Twitter weblog and BlueVia weblog. Tomorrow (Thursday 22nd Sept) Jose Valles, the head of BlueVia, will be presenting during my session at […]
I will not be involved in this conference for the reasons set out in this weblog article. I’ve been asked to chair the African Service Provider IT (AspIT) Conference and Exhibition in March of 2012. Its looks like its going to be a unique and interesting conference. Its definitely reflecting the frustrations and issues I’m […]
We’re reaching an interesting stage in operators’ attempts to remain relevant to customers beyond voice and internet access, which still remains a nice business, yet commoditization continues, albeit at a slower pace than most have predicted. The slow pace shows the strength of state-granted duopolies / oligopolies. Though we’re seeing a mounting chorus in the […]
I will not be involved in this conference for the reasons set out in this weblog article. TVA 2011 was an impressive event, with over 200 attendees and visitors, its success can be attributed to 3 factors: Built in Africa for Africa, Vital Training an African business put TVA together, they’re living and breathing the […]
Almost 3 years ago an article in this weblog discussed the relatively small difference in performance between HSPA+ and LTE. Its perplexing to see GSM operators wasting time and money on LTE, when HSPA+ is good enough. Especially when the speed difference between LTE and HSPA+ can be less than a factor of 2. Latency […]
A common theme on many of my projects is providing either at the start or end of a project an in-depth workshop. The focus of these workshops is varied: providing a fast-track understanding on new technologies or business models; separating hype from reality; explaining the unsaid agendas of the suppliers and service providers; providing a […]
Based on a number of courses I’ve given in the region over the past year on Hybrid TV, OTT (Over the Top) TV, IPTV, SDP (Service Deliver Platform) and IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) I think the market has ignored the potential of Africa as it transitions to digital TV through 2011/2012. A new conference has […]