Open Telecom Projects will destroy the Operator business as we know it.

The basic goal of these projects is to disaggregate the large proprietary network functions, such as the RAN or the EPC, and allow them to run on Commercial-Off-The-Shelf COTS hardware. If they are successful, here are some impacts to expect: 1️⃣ ISVs become major players in the #telecoms ecosystem, displacing the traditional vendors. 2️⃣ Many …

When is an innovative, cutting edge, wireless technology not mobile?

When it’s WiFi! WiFi has many benefits #Mobiles might want to emulate. For example, ✅WiFi technology generations are ~3.5 years. For Mobiles, it’s more like 10 years. ✅Each new WiFi generation, so far, has been backward compatible will all previous generations. ✅WiFi Base Station cost, even a carrier-grade one, is roughly 2 orders of magnitude …

The reasons Mobile Generations are long and difficult.

In this video series, we’ve been talking about Open Telecoms Projects. In the previous video, I asked why Mobile generations are so long, why they’re a forklift upgrade, and why they require new spectrum. I asked you, my #telecomtribe, to suggest your own ideas. You still can, in the comments. I’m sure there are many …

Why do Mobile generations take so long, and why do they require a forklift and new spectrum?

This topic doesn’t get discussed often. It’s as though we, as an industry, have come to accept this as one of the physical laws, and we never think about it. In my next video, I’ll discuss your answers and share my own theories. I’ve a list of Open Telecoms Projects. Click the link to download …

Open Telecoms Projects. What’s the Big Deal?

Each project has its own specific goals or mission statement. But, in general, they’re all trying to break down the monolithic proprietary solutions Telecom has relied upon for years. These projects seek to disaggregate large functional modules into smaller, software-based solutions running on commoditized hardware or clouds. Why is this important? There are several reasons. …

Will Open Standards Impact Telecoms?

Last week at Telecoms World Asia the 5G track was very popular. Although 5G is widely expected to require years to mature, its many significant advances seem certain to have a dramatic impact on the industry. During the conference, I met with Ron Isom of the Open Networking Foundation (ONF). Our brief chat reinforced my …

Do you listen to Podcasts?

Recently, I’ve found space in my schedule to listen to Podcasts. Podcasts are a fabulous way to stay informed and to turn idle time into productive time. I listen to many different Podcasts, including Telecoms Podcasts. I like to listen when I work out. But you can also listen when you commute, or any time …

What does it take to recommit?

With January already gone I reviewed my progress towards my goals. I chose a hiking trail in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands to clear my head and consider. Although my results are mixed, anytime is a good time to refocus and recommit to achieving the important goals. Making resolutions and goals are important for Telecom Pros …

A funny thing happened on the way to the Launch

My friend Wade Sarver recently blogged about the challenges of large projects. (I’ll link to it in the comments.) His article reminded me of the many Greenfield implementations I’ve done. A hectic start-up pace, foreign environments, and a team of expats invariably leads to stories. One job was bogged down in internal politics. My company …

These 3 Insights changed my Telecoms career

Traveling home after the holidays, I thought about what helped my #Telecoms #career. Here’s what I came up with: ✅The best infrastructure is invisible; you only see it when it breaks. Your top priority, a reliable service, earns you no recognition. It’s a stunning paradox. But you’d better find another way to get noticed. ✅Cost …