WiFi Offload Strategy for Telcos-OperatorsGreen Packet
Given the increase in the number of permutations of device and content available out there, a move towards web-based cloud solutions will inevitably form the need for more mobility and efficiency in delivery. This paper will discuss the implications of the emergence of multifunction, multi-radio systems and multiplatform application and services that are driving forward seamless mobility in the pretext of “now” that allows users to transparently access network connections and ensure session persistence across varied connections for consistent experience together.
A Carrier Roadmap for Monetizing Next Generation Wi-FiBrian Metzger
The Wi-Fi market is continuing to see tremendous growth - it has become the de facto wireless technology in our homes, businesses, retail establishments and other commercial venues around the world. However, what has surprised many industry analysts is the propensity for mobile subscribers to connect to Wi-Fi networks even when 3G and 4G services are available.
Positioning WiMAX As The Personal Broadband TechnologyGreen Packet
More and more users want a broadband connection that is exclusive, follows them around and is available 24/7. Welcome to the concept of personal broadband. To realize this concept the chosen broadband network has to be able to deliver users’ expectations. Meanwhile, appropriate user devices must be employed. This paper presents WiMAX as the best technology to fulfill personal broadband and imparts what users expect from their personal broadband device.
The ability to use voice, mobile apps, SMS, email, websites, chat, video, and social media through a single device is forcing operators to rethink their mobile strategies in the form of offload. With the increased data usage, operator networks become increasingly congested. As such, a smart and dynamic connected interaction is necessary to allow better traffic management with particular capabilities of the device with which it is characterized.
In this paper, we will examine how dynamic data offloading with 3GPP based Access Network Discovery Selection Function (ANDSF) plays its role in the implementation of selective offloading. ANDSF as specified in 3GPP standards describes how the inter-system mobility between 3GPP systems and non-3GPP systems (WLAN, WiMAX, CDMA) policies and priorities can control the conditions for which a device connects to which wireless network. As mobility is becoming a mainstream for customer engagement, operators must ensure contextual continuity is preserved through an integrated approach.
Managing Data Offloading Securely Over WLan Access Networks With I-WLanGreen Packet
Cellular operators are increasingly shifting their focus for alternative wireless access methods to manage data offload. Legacy cellular networks were designed for low bandwidth consumption and insufficient to cope with the growth of data requirements today. Although operators continuously upgrade their networks with greater capacity and advanced technologies, heavy investments for cell build is not an economical approach in the longer term.
The availability of Wi-Fi hotspots are highly accessible and appropriate for data offloading. Taking advantage of the unlicensed spectrum and better bandwidth utilization, data offloading can be achieved with lower cost per bit. In this paper, we present I-WLAN to effectively manage data offloading securely between 3GPP and non-3GPP networks. We will also be exploring the different network use scenarios of I-WLAN in enabling simple unified EAP authentication and subscriber policies.
5G Certification, A New Chapter in Human DevelopmentTonex
Last update: Feb 6, 2021
An ongoing Forbes article underscored the significance of organizations enormous and little to be ready for 5G network. The most talked about advantage of 5G network is speed. Where 4G has download rates of around 20Mbps, 5G is required to 500 to 1500 Mbps as it so happens even before 5G foundations are finished.
Important commercial applications related to 5G speed factors include:
Mobile AR shopping experience will revolutionize the retail industry
Usher in self-driving cars
Focus on unprecedented automation in manufacturing
Change the healthcare industry and create new business opportunities, including telecommunications companies, application developers, pharmaceutical companies, wearable device manufacturers, government medical institutions, and insurance companies
In addition to obtaining 5G training, experts suggest that companies now start budgeting 5G investments and strengthening big data analysis.
Companies need to make sure that they have the right data analysis tools to gather insights from the data coming through the growth of automation and artificial intelligence (AI).
When it comes to artificial intelligence, it is generally believed that 5G architecture has its speed and near-zero latency, and will usher in a generation of machine learning and AI applications, which will change the way enterprises rely on mobile networks.
Therefore, companies should work with engineers to reassess the areas of operation where machines can be automated and machine learning/AI can be applied.
Tonex Offers 5G Certification Course.
Take part in certification course and learn about the technology A-Z on 5G evolution and revolutionary topics. Explore an amazing collection of cutting-edge 5G themes here, and add new themes.
This 5G certification course can help you properly develop a set of 5G skills to help you deliver results.
Tonex has developed a complete 5G certification training program to meet the professional's ability needs to explore the basic knowledge of new 5G technology and the expertise required to analyze, create, engineering and operate 5G wireless networks.
Why Choose Tonex?
For nearly thirty years, Tonex has been providing cutting-edge courses in contemporary technology and business led by world-class lecturers who have both professional knowledge in their respective fields and real experience.
Tonex is also different because Tonex realizes that no course is best for every company, agent or organization. Therefore, Tonex is happy to tailor the course to your specific needs. Just let Tonex know how Tonex can help you.
Learn More:
https://www.tonex.com/5g-network-training-courses-5g-certifications/
A 2004 report I wrote for a global handset manufacturer on how to survive in an over-the-top world. Whilst I didn't get everything right, and I would present it differently today, it was pretty insightful for its time.
Consumer Intelligence Series: The sharing economyPwC
By unlocking the sharing economy today, can companies transform today's threats into tomorrow's opportunity? What must incumbents and challengers do to position themselves ahead of disruption and to capitalize on new sources of revenue? Through consumer surveys, conversations with influencers, interviews with business executives and social listening, PwC's research presents a holistic view of what's unfolding across business and consumer landscapes.
WiFi Offload Strategy for Telcos-OperatorsGreen Packet
Given the increase in the number of permutations of device and content available out there, a move towards web-based cloud solutions will inevitably form the need for more mobility and efficiency in delivery. This paper will discuss the implications of the emergence of multifunction, multi-radio systems and multiplatform application and services that are driving forward seamless mobility in the pretext of “now” that allows users to transparently access network connections and ensure session persistence across varied connections for consistent experience together.
A Carrier Roadmap for Monetizing Next Generation Wi-FiBrian Metzger
The Wi-Fi market is continuing to see tremendous growth - it has become the de facto wireless technology in our homes, businesses, retail establishments and other commercial venues around the world. However, what has surprised many industry analysts is the propensity for mobile subscribers to connect to Wi-Fi networks even when 3G and 4G services are available.
Positioning WiMAX As The Personal Broadband TechnologyGreen Packet
More and more users want a broadband connection that is exclusive, follows them around and is available 24/7. Welcome to the concept of personal broadband. To realize this concept the chosen broadband network has to be able to deliver users’ expectations. Meanwhile, appropriate user devices must be employed. This paper presents WiMAX as the best technology to fulfill personal broadband and imparts what users expect from their personal broadband device.
The ability to use voice, mobile apps, SMS, email, websites, chat, video, and social media through a single device is forcing operators to rethink their mobile strategies in the form of offload. With the increased data usage, operator networks become increasingly congested. As such, a smart and dynamic connected interaction is necessary to allow better traffic management with particular capabilities of the device with which it is characterized.
In this paper, we will examine how dynamic data offloading with 3GPP based Access Network Discovery Selection Function (ANDSF) plays its role in the implementation of selective offloading. ANDSF as specified in 3GPP standards describes how the inter-system mobility between 3GPP systems and non-3GPP systems (WLAN, WiMAX, CDMA) policies and priorities can control the conditions for which a device connects to which wireless network. As mobility is becoming a mainstream for customer engagement, operators must ensure contextual continuity is preserved through an integrated approach.
Managing Data Offloading Securely Over WLan Access Networks With I-WLanGreen Packet
Cellular operators are increasingly shifting their focus for alternative wireless access methods to manage data offload. Legacy cellular networks were designed for low bandwidth consumption and insufficient to cope with the growth of data requirements today. Although operators continuously upgrade their networks with greater capacity and advanced technologies, heavy investments for cell build is not an economical approach in the longer term.
The availability of Wi-Fi hotspots are highly accessible and appropriate for data offloading. Taking advantage of the unlicensed spectrum and better bandwidth utilization, data offloading can be achieved with lower cost per bit. In this paper, we present I-WLAN to effectively manage data offloading securely between 3GPP and non-3GPP networks. We will also be exploring the different network use scenarios of I-WLAN in enabling simple unified EAP authentication and subscriber policies.
5G Certification, A New Chapter in Human DevelopmentTonex
Last update: Feb 6, 2021
An ongoing Forbes article underscored the significance of organizations enormous and little to be ready for 5G network. The most talked about advantage of 5G network is speed. Where 4G has download rates of around 20Mbps, 5G is required to 500 to 1500 Mbps as it so happens even before 5G foundations are finished.
Important commercial applications related to 5G speed factors include:
Mobile AR shopping experience will revolutionize the retail industry
Usher in self-driving cars
Focus on unprecedented automation in manufacturing
Change the healthcare industry and create new business opportunities, including telecommunications companies, application developers, pharmaceutical companies, wearable device manufacturers, government medical institutions, and insurance companies
In addition to obtaining 5G training, experts suggest that companies now start budgeting 5G investments and strengthening big data analysis.
Companies need to make sure that they have the right data analysis tools to gather insights from the data coming through the growth of automation and artificial intelligence (AI).
When it comes to artificial intelligence, it is generally believed that 5G architecture has its speed and near-zero latency, and will usher in a generation of machine learning and AI applications, which will change the way enterprises rely on mobile networks.
Therefore, companies should work with engineers to reassess the areas of operation where machines can be automated and machine learning/AI can be applied.
Tonex Offers 5G Certification Course.
Take part in certification course and learn about the technology A-Z on 5G evolution and revolutionary topics. Explore an amazing collection of cutting-edge 5G themes here, and add new themes.
This 5G certification course can help you properly develop a set of 5G skills to help you deliver results.
Tonex has developed a complete 5G certification training program to meet the professional's ability needs to explore the basic knowledge of new 5G technology and the expertise required to analyze, create, engineering and operate 5G wireless networks.
Why Choose Tonex?
For nearly thirty years, Tonex has been providing cutting-edge courses in contemporary technology and business led by world-class lecturers who have both professional knowledge in their respective fields and real experience.
Tonex is also different because Tonex realizes that no course is best for every company, agent or organization. Therefore, Tonex is happy to tailor the course to your specific needs. Just let Tonex know how Tonex can help you.
Learn More:
https://www.tonex.com/5g-network-training-courses-5g-certifications/
A 2004 report I wrote for a global handset manufacturer on how to survive in an over-the-top world. Whilst I didn't get everything right, and I would present it differently today, it was pretty insightful for its time.
Consumer Intelligence Series: The sharing economyPwC
By unlocking the sharing economy today, can companies transform today's threats into tomorrow's opportunity? What must incumbents and challengers do to position themselves ahead of disruption and to capitalize on new sources of revenue? Through consumer surveys, conversations with influencers, interviews with business executives and social listening, PwC's research presents a holistic view of what's unfolding across business and consumer landscapes.
Client case studies: Where will your company find top talent? Look to the cloudPwC
A large entertainment, media & communications company found that its five semi-autonomous divisions each had its own vastly different talent management needs and processes, and that was a problem when it came to identifying and retaining top talent across all the operating units. Although the enterprise technically owned the core HR solution for four of the divisions, the support model was handled at the division level and did not use a Shared Services model, leading to inefficiencies and redundant efforts. The company wanted to develop standardized processes, procedures, and technologies across the divisions to create a cross-divisional view of talent focusing on operational excellence and employee engagement.
2015 Patent Litigation Study: A change in patentee fortunesPwC
Intellectual property matters have an indisputable link to competitive advantage. Our 2015 Patent Litigation Study provides a comprehensive analysis from a database of US patent infringement actions, which includes data from 1995 through 2014. The observations and trends identified in our analysis can help executives, legislators, and litigators assess their patent enforcement or defense strategies.
PwC’s 2014 Annual Corporate Directors Survey - The gender editionPwC
Are there really differences in how male and female directors approach their oversight roles? And, do the practices of boards with female directors vary from those of other boards? This report addresses these questions by looking at what male and female directors told us about their individual perspectives and the boards on which they serve.
Unlike the runways of the world, the growth trend line in the aviation sector has never been straight. Long-term growth has been punctuated by demand shocks that rein in investment and impact traffic. With investors in mind, this series of articles looks at the factors that impact aviation growth, transactions, infrastructure needs, and ultimately drive air connectivity. More: http://pwc.to/1uEPT4e
Beyond the secular forces that we describe in our Future of Insurance series1, more immediate and cyclical issues will be shaping the insurance executive agenda i n 2 016 .2 Commercial insurers (including reinsurers) face tough times ahead with underwriting margins that are being pressured by softening prices and a potentially volatile interest rate environment.
State-Owned Enterprises: Catalysts for public value creation?PwC
The motivations for state ownership can
wax and wane over time, but state-owned
enterprises appear to be an enduring feature of the economic landscape and will remain an influential force globally for some years to come. As such, it is
important to ensure that – whether held
nationally, regionally or locally – the state’s
investments actually deliver the societal
outcomes desired.
When it comes to scrutinizing costs, most insurance companies can say “Been there, done that. Got the t-shirt.” Managers are familiar with the refrain from above to trim here and cut there. The typical result is flirtation with the latest management trends like lean, outsourcing and offshoring, and others. However, the results tend to be the same. Budgets reflect last year’s spend plus or minus a couple of percent in the same places.
“We are witnessing considerable disruption in the power sector arising from a combination of policy, technological and customer change. It’s creating a transformation in how we think about, produce and use electricity.
In some parts of the world, disruption is already taking a strong hold. In other parts of the world, it is just beginning. It comes on top of the already considerable existing challenges companies face in providing energy security, affordability and sustainability.
Our survey looks at what is driving the change and where it is leading to. Therefore we talked with 73 top-level power & utility company executives from 52 countries all around the world. We include an analysis of some of the principal disruptive factors at work. Looking further ahead, we find that a big majority in our survey expect significant or very significant market model change by 2030. Most think that current business models won’t be sustainable and many think existing business models are already broken.”
- Norbert Schwieters, PwC Global Power & Utilities leader
Most multinationals, across sectors, have long recognised the importance of the Growth markets to increasing their companies’ profits, however few have been able to develop distribution networks that provide them with the same levels of confidence and profitability that they enjoy in their home markets. The reasons for this are often related to the lack of basic infrastructure and then compounded by the sheer size of some markets and the need for local knowledge and strong local relationships. Identifying and effectively managing the right channel partner is key to overcoming these challenges profitably. More: http://pwc.to/1w5nPtc
Global megatrends are escalating the war for top talent and reshaping business as we know it. To stay ahead, organizations are innovating at warp speed. The problem is, in most organizations business innovation dramatically outpaces talent innovation. And when your business strategy and talent strategy are out of sync, you can't drive top business performance. By creating talent innovations that accelerate your top business goals and integrating them throughout your entire organization, you will establish talent as a strategic advantage.
Pwc 2015 Technology Sector Sec Comment Letter TrendsPwC
PwC's technology industry publication provides a comprehensive analysis of recent SEC staff comments and disclosures to assist you in understanding the key trends relevant to companies in the technology sector.
A change to the FHA claim filing rule is coming. Learn how you can prepare for it with this joint point of view from PwC's Consumer Finance Group and Financial Services Regulatory Practice.
Election-year politics are dominating legislative action this year as both parties lay down
policy agendas for 2017 and beyond. President Obama and the Republican leaders of Congress are offering competing plans on how to reform the US tax system and
to promote other policies intended to increase economic growth and make American companies more competitive. At the same time, both Democratic and Republican candidates seeking their party’s presidential nomination are advancing tax reform plans.
The FDA and industry: A recipe for collaborating in the New Health EconomyPwC
Pharmaceutical and life science companies and their chief regulator – the FDA – must find new ways to collaborate to meet 21st century demands.
Web Page: http://www.pwc.com/us/en/health-industries/health-research-institute/hri-pharma-life-sciences-fda.jhtml
PwC’s new Golden Age Index – how well are countries harnessing the power of o...PwC
One of the key megatrends affecting the UK and most other developed countries is an ageing population. Harnessing the potential of older workers will therefore become an increasingly important source of competitive advantage for both nations and businesses.
To explore how the UK compares with other OECD economies in this regard, PwC has developed a new ‘Golden Age index’ comparing how well they are utilising workers aged 55 and over. The index includes relative employment, earnings and training rates for older workers for 34 OECD countries over the period since 2003.
4.5G: Integration of LTE and Wi-Fi networkseXplanoTech
With LTE-A getting ready to meet the IMT-Advanced requirements and fulfilling the role of promised "4G", we believe the next phase of evolution before 5G will be successful interworking of LTE and Wi-Fi networks. This whitepaper explores this feature, we call 4.5G, in detail.
Mobile networks are now dominated by data. If we rewind back to a decade ago, smartphones and application stores were unheard of. Twitter and Facebook were not in existence and YouTube wasn’t as popular. Culturally, consumers are valuing the need to be socially connected in the present day Internet.
The traditional cellular network cannot cope with the increase in data and signaling traffic that is generated and thus is driving carriers in the direction of offload. The Phase 1 approach was centered on immediately relieving congestion on the network by encouraging offload to any available Wi-Fi hotspot. In this second part of the five part offload series, we draw attention to Direct Internet Offload. The concept of Direct Internet Offload is nothing new, but has taken a slight shift considering Wi-Fi’s popularity. And the flexibility to integrate them into mainstream network design offers transformative opportunities for carriers without losing sight of the commitment to make the user experience secure and controlled.
Wi-Fi's Role in the internet of people, places, and thingsTaren Patterson
Fi Interactive's white paper on WiFi and the Multi-Service Operator's (MSO) role in enabling Smart City. The paper covers mobile application, security, distribution, and how carriers and municipalities can ignite mobile commerce in their cities by leveraging WIFI network assets.
Wi-Fi for a Connected World Towards Next Generation NetworksGreen Packet
Wi-Fi has established itself as one of the most popular and widespread technology today reaching millions of homes, schools, enterprises and hotspot locations worldwide. Communication has become an essential part of our lives. The ever-growing Wi-Fi networks combined with integrated Wi-Fi chipsets into thousands of devices has matured and ensured that hundreds of millions of users worldwide now make regular use of Wi-Fi to access the Internet.
The following white paper, discusses the Wi-Fi effects of connectedness shifting from people to people into the connecting a billion of devices. Today’s network consists of multiple access network technologies playing a different role in different contexts. In the race to smart next generation networks, secondary markets in embedded mobile is beginning to garner attention with greater ambitions into tertiary markets of cloud-based solutions, where anything and almost everything will be connected, regardless of geographical boundaries with the ultimate aim of cost effective development and implementation.
An expanded view by data plan size, OS, device type and LTEDavid Martin
A report demystifying data usage trends on cellular and Wi-Fi networks with an expanded view by data plan size, OS, device type and LTE. Know more at: http://goo.gl/ZQaZMU
International Wi-Fi roaming - Winning Strategies to Construct Wi-Fi/Cellular ...iPass
International Wi-Fi usage and demand has grown tremendously. Carrier Service Providers have a huge opportunity to offer international Wi-Fi data roaming to subscribers. This paper gives some clear strategies that CSPs can follow along with the supporting trends.
Informa, Winning Strategies to Construct Wi-Fi/Cellular Data-Roaming Offers f...Brian Metzger
International Wi-Fi roaming extends Wi-Fi access to subscribers when they are traveling outside of their communications service providers (CSPs) home network. International travelers spend a significant amount of money to gain access to Wi-Fi hotspots when abroad. There are a number of reasons for CSPs to adopt Wi-Fi as part of their international roaming strategy, but three stand out above the rest: retain and increase wallet share in the high-value customer segment; monetize the opportunity around Wi-Fi-only devices; and take advantage of Wi-Fi to increase the profitability of cellular data roaming.
Alepo 5 Emerging Innovations Carrier-WiFiPeerasak C.
5 emerging innovations in carrier Wi-Fi
Alepo | July 03, 2012
With mobile data usage on the upswing, wireless carriers are looking to Wi-Fi hotspots as a viable way to deliver high speed data on mobile devices. With Wi-Fi hotspots as part of an overall mobile data strategy, carriers can unlock new revenue channels, drive up business value, and optimize network resources and efficiencies.
This Alepo whitepaper reveals five emerging innovations in Carrier Wi-Fi offload, network discovery, and monetization, that are advancing opportunities for wireless carriers in making Wi-Fi hotspots a fundamental part of their mobile data strategy.
Download Alepo’s "5 Emerging Innovations in Carrier Wi-Fi" to learn how advancements in Wi-Fi can:
Make Wi-Fi offload secure and automatic
Make carrier services available on Wi-Fi
Enhance network discovery and selection
Unlock new Wi-Fi hotspot business models
Foster partnerships across the Wi-Fi ecosystem
The Alepo White Paper reveals five emerging innovations surrounding Carrier WiFi Offload and Monetization that are advancing opportunities for wireless carriers in making WiFi hotspots a fundamental and viable part of their mobile data strategy.
Read more details on www.alepo.com.
Pocket Modem : Bringing Forth The Synergy Between WiFi and WiMAXGreen Packet
WiFi has changed the way people connect today and has become the defacto wireless technology on most consumer electronic devices. Where WiFi faces limitation, particularly in terms of fixed usage, Mobile WiMAX complements through its mobility advantage.
This paper focuses on the portable Pocket Modem, a device that leverages on the synergy offered by WiMAX and WiFi. It examines how this synergy benefits users and provides a better connectivity experience.
This publication includes the deal activity in the insurance sector such as overall highlights, key announced transactions, and the outlook ahead. Read our full report to learn more.
Chain Reaction: How Blockchain Technology Might Transform Wholesale InsurancePwC
With the goal to identify where blockchain technologies have the greatest potential, this research report sponsored by PwC and conducted by Z/Yen, is based on 50+ interviews with brokers, insurers, reinsurers, regulators and trade bodies from across the global wholesale insurance market.
In depth: New financial instruments impairment modelPwC
On June 16, 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) (the “ASU”). The ASU introduces a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial instruments based on an estimate of current expected credit losses. The new model will apply to: (1) loans, accounts receivable, trade receivables, and other financial assets measured at amortized cost, (2) loan commitments and certain other off-balance sheet credit exposures, (3) debt securities and other financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, and (4) beneficial interests in securitized financial assets.
Many internal audit departments are investing in data analytics, but are struggling to fully realize the anticipated benefits. By avoiding common pitfalls and implementing data analytics holistically throughout the department, stalled analytics programs can be restarted, or new programs more successfully implemented.
Apache Hadoop Summit 2016: The Future of Apache Hadoop an Enterprise Architec...PwC
Hadoop Summit is an industry-leading Hadoop community event for business leaders and technology experts (such as architects, data scientists and Hadoop developers) to learn about the technologies and business drivers transforming data. PwC is helping organizations unlock their data possibilities to make data-driven decisions.
On June 21st, PwC’s Health Research Institute (HRI) released its annual Medical Cost Trend: Behind the Numbers 2017 report. PwC’s HRI anticipates a 6.5% growth rate for 2017—the same as was projected for 2016. The report identifies the key inflators and deflators as well as historical context to better understand the medical cost trend for 2017. Increases in the trend due to utilization of convenient care access points and an uptick in behavioral healthcare benefits for employees are being offset by more aggressive strategies by pharmacy benefit
Stepping into the cockpit- Redefining finance's role in the digital agePwC
Insurance finance functions have been refining their
operating models to better align with business partner
demands, as well as adopting leading practices on how
to best utilize people, process and technology. The
challenge is that the business landscape is continuously
shifting and the pace of change is rapidly accelerating.
In spring 2016, PwC investigated the current state and
future direction of stress testing. We surveyed 55 insurers
operating in the US about their stress testing framework and
the specific stresses that they test. We also engaged in more
detailed dialogue with a number of insurers in the US and
globally, as well as with some North American insurance
regulators.
International Capital Standard (ICS) Background PwC
PwC US risk & capital management leader Henry Essert and PwC global insurance regulatory director Ed Barron
recently sat down to discuss the proposed International Capital Standards (ICS) for insurers. They addressed at
length what the ICS is and what it could mean to insurers. The following pages contain their thoughts on the
standard, as well as some background information on capital management and related issues in the
insurance industry.
Insurers are upgrading their technology to support more complex
products, lower operating costs, and get closer to their customers.
But they can do more harm than good when they make changes
that alienate their independent agents. We’ve identified five steps
that can help insurers engage agents early and create a
transition plan that meets agents’ needs—converting these
important stakeholders into enthusiastic advocates.
On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued the new standard, Leases (ASC 842). There are elements of the new standard that could impact almost all entities to some extent, although lessees will likely see the most significant changes. Lessees will need to recognize virtually all of their leases on the balance sheet, by recording a right-of-use asset and lease liability.
The IASB issued its new standard, IFRS 16, Leases, earlier this year. There are significant areas of divergence between guidance applicable under US GAAP and that required by IFRS.
On June 21st, PwC’s Health Research Institute (HRI) released its annual Medical Cost Trend: Behind the Numbers 2017 report. PwC’s HRI anticipates a 6.5% growth rate for 2017—the same as was projected for 2016. The report identifies the key inflators and deflators as well as historical context to better understand the medical cost trend for 2017. Increases in the trend due to utilization of convenient care access points and an uptick in behavioral healthcare benefits for employees are being offset by more aggressive strategies by pharmacy benefit
1. www.pwc.com/communicationsreview
Communications Review / April 2015
Insights for telecom, cable, satellite, and Internet executives
Are Wi-Fi and 4G LTE on a
collision course?
Without Wi-Fi, data services and content wouldn’t be consumed
at the levels they are today. Wi-Fi technology has moved from
insecure, point access to full-featured, ‘carrier-grade’ network
capabilities approaching those of traditional mobile operators.
As interoperability between Wi-Fi and LTE gains traction, the
notion of mobility is being redefined, and the lines between mobile
operators and cable providers are blurring. The result is a need
for participants across the mobile ecosystem to rethink business
strategies and operating models.
2. Are Wi-Fi and 4G LTE on a collision course? Communications Review 1
The way Wi-Fi technology has grown
over the last two decades is nothing
short of phenomenal. What began as
a simple way to wirelessly network
isolated clusters of home or business
infrastructure within a limited area
has become an essential component
of wireless communications.
From the days of ‘warchalking’,1
when users identified open Wi-Fi
access points (a.k.a. hotspots), to
today’s active advertising of Wi-Fi
availability, consumers have grown
to expect a Wi-Fi signal nearly
everywhere they go. They expect
not only ubiquitous but, frequently,
also free Wi-Fi access. Once
considering Wi-Fi a threat to network
security, enterprises often shunned
the technology. But the needs of
workforce mobility, cloud computing
and virtual desktop applications have
made high-performance, secure Wi-Fi
networks indispensable.
Mobile devices have evolved in
a similar manner. From cellular
network, voice-only devices,
they have become multi-mode
smartphones that support high-
definition streaming video, Voice
over IP, Internet browsing and
interactive gaming. The arrival of
Wi-Fi capability in these devices a
little over a decade ago2
heralded
the age of explosive growth in data
consumption – one where Wi-
Fi would complement the macro
cellular network for connectivity and
throughput.
Today, two trends in Wi-Fi technology
are setting a direct collision course
with cellular technologies such as
LTE. The first is the advent of ‘carrier-
grade’ Wi-Fi. What has been ‘best-
effort’ Wi-Fi now has the attributes
of cellular technology, such as
security, transparent registration,
higher availability and improved
quality of service. The second is the
development of interoperability.
Cellular and Wi-Fi are now capable of
handing over call and data sessions
seamlessly as well as authenticating
automatically and billing.
The evolution of Wi-Fi technology
has implications — strategic and
operational — across the industry,
for both mobile and cable operators.
Strategically, cable operators are
using Wi-Fi as a way to enter the
mobile space. Cablevision’s January
2015 announcement of Freewheel,3
a mobile-phone service based on
Wi-Fi, is one example of a cable
operator’s challenge to mobile
operators. Similarly, Comcast and
Liberty Global formed a global Wi-Fi
roaming agreement4
that’s akin to
roaming agreements between mobile
operators.
Such agreements likely will take a
bite out of mobile operators’ roaming
revenue streams. Mobile operators,
though, are beginning to think about
Wi-Fi as more than just a tool for
offloading data traffic. T-Mobile
USA’s Wi-Fi calling capability is
an example of Wi-Fi going beyond
offloading data and extending
farther into the full suite of mobility
services. And Sprint offers Wi-Fi
calling from overseas locations as a
way to lure customers who incur high
international roaming charges.5
Operationally, the implications of
Wi-Fi’s evolution include rethinking
both the commercial and the
technical areas. On the commercial
side, elements to rethink include
the products and services offered,
pricing plans, the experience to give
customers on Wi-Fi vs. cellular and
a strategy for supporting consumers
across multiple networks. On the
technical side, elements include
coordinating the building of the
network, managing and operating the
network and developing an overall
technology road map.
Spectrum strategy is another area
with myriad implications. Evaluating
the need for licensed spectrum is
influenced by the increasingly strong
capabilities of Wi-Fi because of how
much spectrum an operator will buy
as opposed to using techniques for
unloading ‘free’ spectrum. Causing
the debate is the potential use of
unlicensed Wi-Fi spectrum for LTE
service, sometimes called LTE-U or
Licence Assisted Access.6
The debate
is pitting the Wi-Fi standards bodies
against the cellular standards bodies.
Wi-Fi continues to pose one challenge
to all those that deploy, manage and
rely on it: how to make money on it.
Other than pay-per-use models in
captive hospitality and transportation
settings, the willingness to pay
for best-effort Wi-Fi has been low
because, perceiving its quality and
reliability to be low, consumers
expect the service to be available
for free. The emergence of carrier-
grade Wi-Fi offers the industry an
opportunity to differentiate this Wi-Fi
service from its predecessor and
claim value for the improvements
it brings.
The emergence of carrier-grade Wi-Fi offers the industry
an opportunity to differentiate this Wi-Fi service.
3. Are Wi-Fi and 4G LTE on a collision course? Communications Review 2
Consuming mobile data —
the cellular/Wi-Fi synergy
Globally, 46% of the total mobile-
data traffic was offloaded onto
Wi-Fi networks in 2014. That
number is expected to rise to 54% for
smartphones and to 70% for tablets by
20197
(see Figure 1).
To date, mobile operators have
followed a ‘mobile first, Wi-Fi next’
strategy in designing their networks:
devices connect predominantly to an
operator’s network, with Wi-Fi used
to enhance capacity and coverage in
congested and indoor locations such
as stadiums and shopping malls. Even
with such a paradigm currently in
place, end users have adopted Wi-Fi as
a high-bandwidth, lower-cost (often
free) alternative, leading to impressive
levels of use.
In many respects, the relationship
between Wi-Fi and cellular has
been symbiotic. Without Wi-Fi, the
mobile industry likely wouldn’t have
experienced such spectacular growth
in data usage. On the contrary, the
industry might have been saddled
with enormous capital expenditures
to keep up with the demand. Without
cellular and in particular 4G LTE,
consumers wouldn’t have an industry
ecosystem as rich as it is today with
the diversity of devices, almost all
embedded with Wi-Fi capability. And
evidence8
shows that where access is
good to both 4G and Wi-Fi, traffic over
both networks increases. Use on one
stimulates use on the other — creating
synergy between the two and a better
overall experience for the end user.
With more than half of mobile
data consumed over Wi-Fi, it’s
imperative that mobile operators
see the technology as more than
just an option for offloading data.
They need to include Wi-Fi as part of
their network portfolio and consider
Wi-Fi in their continuum of service
experience.
Mobile operators typically face serious
challenges in deep indoor coverage.
Their solutions reflect an increased
emphasis on heterogeneous networks,
including pico, femto and micro
cells, as well as distributed antenna
systems – all of which have a managed
deployment aspect to them. But Wi-
Fi technology has become a viable
solution to this challenge.
Figure 1: Projected moving of data traffic from cellular to Wi-Fi networks,
2014-2019
T-Mobile USA9
has been
demonstrating the benefits of Wi-Fi
calling by showcasing customers in the
basements of their homes making Wi-
Fi calls. To complement their existing
services, Verizon and AT&T plan to
launch Wi-Fi calling in mid-2015.10
Vodafone and EE in the UK plan to
offer voice services over Wi-Fi as well
in the summer of 2015.11
Another example of a strategy not
based on offloading was Sprint’s
launch of Wi-Fi calling and messaging
on two Android phones in 2013.12
Operators already are recognising that
Wi-Fi needs to be an integral part of
their access strategy and architecture.
In many respects, the relationship between Wi-Fi and cellular
has been symbiotic.
Cellular traffic vs. offload traffic, exabytes/month
2014-2019
2014
Offload traffic from mobile devices
Cellular traffic from mobile devices
Note: 1 exabyte = 10006
bytes of 109
bytes
2.67
53.5
28.9
24.6
1.5
1.2
2019
4. Are Wi-Fi and 4G LTE on a collision course? Communications Review 3
Understanding consumers
— and the promise of carrier-
grade Wi-Fi
Legacy Wi-Fi generally isn’t trusted,
is considered a best-effort access
technology, and lacks sufficient
methods to transport data traffic
securely. Its access points typically
were set up by end users in their
homes, by Internet service providers
at public hotspots, as a courtesy
service in certain venues or by
enterprises for employees and
visitors. Carrier-grade Wi-Fi is a set
of capabilities that improve on best-
effort Wi-Fi with dramatically better
security, authentication, availability
and quality of service.
The Wireless Broadband Alliance,
one of Wi-Fi’s standards-setting
bodies, has created a set of
requirements that Wi-Fi networks
need to meet in order to be branded
‘carrier-grade’. The standards require
a carrier Wi-Fi network to provide
three core attributes: a consistent
user experience; a fully integrated,
end-to-end network; and network
management capabilities (see
Figure 2).
Other than seeing less demand on
their own networks, mobile operators
today have little insight into the
traffic that has been offloaded from
their network. They don’t know
about users’ behaviour, the quality of
service or other performance issues
of the offloaded traffic. As they vie
to have more control over what users
experience, carriers need to develop
a better understanding of Wi-Fi data
traffic by gaining more intelligence
about how these networks perform.
The introduction of carrier-grade
Wi-Fi equipment capable of being
integrated into mobile networks
promises increased visibility into the
user’s experience.
As part of their natural technology
life-cycle process, wireless and cable
operators alike are implementing
carrier-grade technology as the next
generation of Wi-Fi technology.
They’ll get security advantages as
well as help controlling their users’
experience.
Introducing the global
standards bodies
Separate standards bodies define
and shape cellular and Wi-Fi
technologies. With carrier Wi-Fi,
greater collaboration has resulted
between the bodies.
3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership
Project): Group dedicated to defining
standards and specifications for
cellular radio-access networks such
as GSM, UMTS and LTE.
IEEE (Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers):
Specifications related to Wi-Fi
access published by the IEEE 802.11
standards working group.
WBA (Wireless Broadband
Alliance): Consortium of cable
and mobile operators as well as
infrastructure vendors created
to deploy ubiquitous wireless
broadband services through next-
generation Wi-Fi.
WFA (Wi-Fi Alliance): Nonprofit
organisation that certifies products
indicating they have met industry-
agreed standards for interoperability,
security and other application-
specific protocols.
Figure 2: Wi-Fi features compared — best effort & carrier grade13
Features Carrier-grade Wi-Fi Best-effort Wi-Fi
Dynamic network
discovery/ selection
Ability to discover and select
the network and access point
Limited ability; user needs to
be proactive in discovering and
selecting access point
Authentication &
security
Strong admission control
based on authentication; can
be SIM or non-SIM based
Admission control is localised
and often weak
Service experience Service experience
configurable by device or by
user and managed by operator
Limited service experience
capability by individual/device;
typically localised control
Architecture Capabilities to allow multiple
interfaces, roaming - IPv6
among others
Much more localised
architecture and less
distributed in nature; less
prescriptive in design
End-to-end service
provisioning
Subscriber provisioning and
enforcement
Localised roaming within
existing network
Network quality High reliability and availability;
dynamic load sharing
Availability and reliability not
guaranteed
Network security Strong detecting and
preventing of intrusion
No detecting of intrusion
Network
manageability
Standards-based provisioning
of devices
Less management of the
network from a centralised
service
5. Are Wi-Fi and 4G LTE on a collision course? Communications Review 4
Getting Wi-Fi ready for
carriers
The current surge in Wi-Fi activities is
geared towards making Wi-Fi carrier
friendly.
Hotspot 2.0: A Wi-Fi Alliance
(WFA) initiative that has access
points certified for Wi-Fi and that
aims to allow seamless and secure
authentication at hotspots.
NextGen Hotspot (NGH): An
initiative closely linked to Hotspot
2.0, run by Wireless Broadband
Alliance (WBA) and that aims for
deeper integration with cellular
networks, such as transporting Wi-Fi
via mobile core.
Passpoint: Developed to allow
automatic authentication and access
to Wi-Fi networks.
ANDSF (Access Network Discovery
and Selection Function): Developed
by 3GPP; part of the new Evolved
Packet Core (EPC) specifications for
cellular networks; lets mobile devices
discover and connect with Wi-Fi
networks and enforce policy controls.
I-WLAN: Based on 3GPP; aims to
connect a device on Wi-Fi back into
an operator’s core network via a VPN
tunnel.
EAP (Extensible Authentication
Protocol): Developed to enhance
authentication for Wi-Fi hotspots.
Cable operators are leading the
deployment of carrier-grade Wi-Fi
access points. In the US, an example
is the effort of the Cable Wi-Fi
Alliance, a consortium of five cable
operators: Bright House, Cablevision,
Comcast, Cox and Time Warner
Cable. The consortium created a
nationwide Wi-Fi roaming network
consisting of more than 6m access
points, 300,000 of which are deemed
carrier grade.14
Around the world,
deploying carrier Wi-Fi is gaining
traction (see Figures 3 and 4). And
the carrier Wi-Fi equipment market
is projected to be worth US$3bn in
revenue by 2018.15
Mobile operators are noticing the
opportunity carrier-grade Wi-Fi
presents and are beginning to make
moves to capitalise on it. The Wireless
Broadband Alliance announced16
significant carrier-grade Wi-Fi
deployments, including multiple
operators from the US (Boingo,
Towerstream, Time Warner Cable),
Asia (KT, NTT DOCOMO, SKT,
Telkom Indonesia), Europe (Orange),
South America (Linktel) and the
Middle East (Mobily).
Figure 3: Growth of carrier-grade Wi-Fi hotspots, 2012-2018
Figure 4: Deployment of carrier-grade Wi-Fi, 2014-2018
Sources: SNL Kagan; PwC’s analysis.
Sources: Survey — Commissioned by Amdocs and conducted by Real Wireless
and Rethink Technology Research, 2014
Depoyment of new carrier-grade Wi-Fi hotspots by mobile operators
Million, 2012-2018
Carrier grade Wi-Fi deployments as a % of total Wi-Fi deployments
%
2012
5.2
6.5
7.1
7.9
8.3
9.6
10.5
12.4%
CAGR
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
2014
14%
72%
2018
6. Are Wi-Fi and 4G LTE on a collision course? Communications Review 5
Mapping a Wi-Fi strategy
With Wi-Fi connectivity being widely
available, cable companies have been
able to venture into mobile phone
services. Cablevision’s announcement
of Freewheel, a low-cost phone
service based entirely on Wi-Fi,
has opened the door to a possible
future of cable-led mobile initiatives.
Comcast has been building its own
Wi-Fi network aggressively by also
relying on a crowd-sourced approach
that turns customers’ Wi-Fi routers
into Xfinity access points.17
As mobile
phone use moves more towards data
services, a whole new set of players
could be offering Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi
first mobile services soon.18
On the mobile operator side, the
ability to initiate and pass a call
or a data session back and forth
between Wi-Fi and LTE is now
available commercially. Operators
like T-Mobile USA19
have embraced
this technology. As mobile operators
finish rolling out Voice over LTE
(VoLTE) on their networks, and
establish VoLTE interoperability
across networks,20
they likely will
pay more attention to making Wi-Fi
interoperable.
The interoperability of carrier-grade
Wi-Fi and cellular Wi-Fi serves only
to further disrupt the industry status
quo with broadly ranging operational
impacts and new capabilities. The
overall communications value chain
will be affected – everyone from
consumers to original manufacturers
of infrastructure and devices to
network providers and content
providers (see Figure 5).
The overall communications value chain will be affected — everyone
from consumers to original manufacturers of infrastructure and
devices to network providers and content providers.
Figure 5: Operational implications of carrier-grade Wi-Fi for cable
and mobile operators
For cable operators For mobile operators
Commercial offerings • The possible need to
deploy, and charge more for,
Hotspot 2.0 devices and in-
home routers
• The ability to get more
business from mobile
operators for wireless
communications
• The ability to use the Wi-Fi
network to provide additional
coverage (potentially with a
degree of monetisation and
differentiation)
• Commercial agreements
and pricing for Hotspot 2.0
access
Customer experience • The ability to offer an
outstanding experience
outdoors, consistent with the
speeds provided indoors
• The ability to offer
a seamless mobility
experience in high-traffic
and indoor locations where
speed and coverage have
always been a concern
Care operations • The need to respond to issues related to a completely different
technology and across disparate networks
• The need for a new set of technical skills and capabilities
Technical operations • The need to plan and
manage a wireless footprint
and manage cellular
interoperability
• Regulatory implications of
supporting E911, call tracing
etc.
• The need to integrate
frequency planning on
Wi-Fi as well as cellular
infrastructure and,
potentially, share spectrum
through Licence Assisted
Access
• The need to manage
call control over multiple
networks for prepaid
services
Technology road map • Deploy technology that
allows handing off to cellular
• Deploy high-bandwidth Wi-Fi
access technology, such as
802.11ac
• Choose between cellular
technologies and Wi-Fi
• Focus on technologies that
allow handing off seamlessly
to Wi-Fi
7. Are Wi-Fi and 4G LTE on a collision course? Communications Review 6
1 Definition of warchalking — source: http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/15/magazine/15WARC.html.
2 Wi-Fi first in cellphones — source: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/22/wifi_phones_certified/.
3 Cablevision announcement of Freewheel 26/1/2015 — source: http://cablevision.com/investor/index.jsp.
4 Source: http://corporate.comcast.com/news-information/news-feed/comcast-and-liberty-global-announce-agreement-to-connect-u-s-
and-european-wi-fi-networks.
5 Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/08/29/sprint-free-international-wi-fi-calls/.
6 WFA’s position on LAA — source: https://www.wi-fi.org/news-events/newsroom/wi-fi-alliance-statement-on-license-assisted-access-laa.
7 Source: Cisco Visual Networking Index: Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update 2014-2019.
8 Source: http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Wi-Fi-Offload-Paper.pdf.
9 Source: http://www.t-mobile.com/offer/wifi-calling-wifi-extenders.html.
10 Source: http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/verizon-wireless-plans-launch-wi-fi-calling-mid-2015/2014-09-17.
11 Source: http://www.fiercewireless.com/europe/story/vodafone-ee-race-be-first-launch-wi-fi-calling-uk/2015-03-11.
12 Source: http://www.cnet.com/news/sprint-adds-wi-fi-calling-to-improve-voice-coverage/.
13 Sources: Wireless Broadband Alliance’s Carrier Wi-Fi Guidelines; PwC’s analysis.
14 Sources: Comcast, Cox, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, Cablevision, Verizon, FCC.
15 Source: Infonetics Research, 2014.
16 Source: http://www.wballiance.com/2014/09/22/wireless-broadband-alliance-announces-significant-progress-in-ngh-developments-and-
deployments/.
17 Xfinity Wi-Fi — source: http://wifi.comcast.com/hotspots.php.
18 Source: http://www.fiercecable.com/story/cablevision-launches-wi-fi-only-mobile-phone-service/2015-01-26.
19 T-Mobile USA website/Wi-Fi calling — source: http://www.t-mobile.com/offer/wifi-calling-wifi-extenders.html.
20 Verizon and AT&T to make VoLTE networks interoperable in 2015 (11/3/2014) — source: http://www.verizonwireless.com/news/ar-
ticle/2014/11/verizon-and-att-move-toward-voice-over-lte-volte-interoperability.html.
Endnotes
Moving towards the promise
Mobile operators are facing a
threat to their revenues as a result
of Wi-Fi becoming ubiquitous. But
with carrier-grade Wi-Fi, they have
an opportunity to close coverage
problems and give users a more
managed experience. All operators
should establish a formal Wi-Fi
strategy that explicitly incorporates
Wi-Fi into their network road maps.
The strategy should consider Wi-Fi to
be another network in their portfolio,
complete with capital expenditures
and operating expenditures managed
by a full-fledged, operational Wi-
Fi department. Wi-Fi should play
an important role in addressing
coverage problems, giving users a
better experience and managing
backhaul and core network expenses.
LTE in the unlicensed bands
(LTE-U) considers the use of cellular
technology in the unlicensed
spectrum that is today the mainstay
for Wi-Fi. As the 2.4GHz band
gets even more crowded, and
with the growing use of the 5GHz
unlicensed band, there’s likely to be
more regulatory review of how the
unlicensed bands are fairly used.
Mobile operators should begin to
analyse the implications of such
spectrum use across technologies and
what regulatory scrutiny of that use
to expect.
Wi-Fi providers - typically the cable
operators - should recognise that
cellular technology can complement
their strategy to achieve true
mobility. As the industry faces
consumers who want mobility of
content, the interoperability of Wi-
Fi and cellular becomes a critical
mechanism for breaking the tie to
the home cable box and to competing
better with the growing number of
over-the-top video providers.
With carrier-grade Wi-Fi, mobile
and cable service providers have an
opportunity to distinguish themselves
from the, so far, unmanaged Wi-Fi
offerings that make no commitment
on security, availability or purpose
of use. And, potentially, service
providers can charge a premium for
carrier-grade Wi-Fi, an offering that
will appeal particularly to enterprise
customers who demand a higher level
of security and availability.
By wanting simplicity and flexibility
when they consume content -
how, when, where and what they
consume - users are creating a clear
opportunity ahead for both mobile
and cable operators. Carrier-grade
Wi-Fi and the interoperability of Wi-
Fi and LTE are giving operators the
flexibility to deliver on the promise
of ubiquitous coverage: a seamless,
great experience and value for
money.
Carrier-grade Wi-Fi already is part
of the mobile landscape, and its
impact is increasing. The strategic,
operational, technical and regulatory
issues associated with it merit
operators’ attention. As with any
disruptive technology, carrier-grade
Wi-Fi holds both promise and threat.
Have you formulated a strategy for
your company to follow in navigating
a course through this changing
environment?