Mobile Magazine - January 2021

MAGAZINE magazine J A NU A R Y 2 0 2 1 mobileworld.com

MOBILE APPS FOR REMOTE WORK

IN THE DIGITAL DRIVING SEAT OFVIRTUAL GROWTH WITH ORANGE CAMEROON NTT: MOVING UP TO THE HYBRID CLOUD MAVENIR: LEADING THE OPENRAN REVOLUTION

O2 CZECH REPUBLIC

PELION

OMANTEL / EQUINIX

ARQIVA

Building a Fully Connected, Intelligent World “Huawei, our key strategic partner has been working side-by-side with Cellcard on 4G projects within many key cities and provinces in 2019. With the support from Huawei’s high technology solution, we have completed the first real 5G trial test in Cambodia following the download speed that reached 1.6Gbps with lower latency rate at less than 10ms. Cellcard is confident in choosing Huawei to embrace digital life to every person, home and organization in Cambodia for an intelligent future with intelligent connections.”

Let’s Move Forward to a 5G Era

FOREWORD

W

elcome to 2021. We’re glad you made

From ubiquitous, always-on connectivity to

it. As we start the new year, Mobile

the digitalisation of rural communities, 5G

Magazine is excited to bring you

broadband has the power to radically reshape

an issue focused on the future, with in-depth

the digital communications landscape as

features focused on the companies and

we know it. We speak with Dr Paul Carter,

executives helping to create a “new normal.”

CEO of Global Wireless Solutions, and other

This month’s issue contains insightful inter-

industry experts about the role the technology

views with executives from NTT Global,

has to play in creating a smarter world.

Pelion, Orange Cameroon, Arqiva, OmanTel, Equinix, Mavenir, O2 Czech Republic, and PhilTower Consortium.

03 We’re also taking a closer look at the potential security challenges posed by the growth of the Internet of Things. Greg Day, VP and

Our lead feature this month takes a look

CISO of Palo Alto Networks, gives his

at ways in which telecoms can lead the

thoughts on network security in the ultra-con-

charge in ensuring e-commerce channels

nected age.

are not just a way for consumers and businesses to survive the pandemic, but to thrive in its aftermath.

The global advertising industry is in a difficult position, as digital marketing finds itself in the grip of the Facebook-Google duopoly.

Our Top 10 this month breaks down the best available applications for remote work.

If you have a story to tell, email me at h.menear@bizclikmedia.com to become a part of the conversation.

We speak with Kerstin Trikalitis, founder and CEO of Out There Media, about the potential

Enjoy the Issue

for RCS to change the rules of the game.

Harry Menear

m o bil e m a g a z in e . c o m

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05

PUBLISHED BY

PRODUCTION DIRECTORS

MEDIA SALES DIRECTOR

Georgia Allen Daniela Kianicková

James White MANAGING DIRECTOR

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Harry Menear

Owen Martin Philline Vicente

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

VIDEO PRODUCTION MANAGER

EDITOR

Scott Birch CREATIVE TEAM

Oscar Hathaway Sophia Forte Sophie-Ann Pinnell Hector Penrose Sam Hubbard Mimi Gunn

Stuart Irving PROJECT DIRECTOR

Craig Killingback DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Kieran Waite

Jason Westgate

DIGITAL VIDEO PRODUCERS

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Sam Kemp Evelyn Huang

Stacy Norman PRESIDENT & CEO

Glen White DIGITAL MARKETING EXECUTIVE

Daisy Slater

m o bil e m a g a z in e . c o m

CONTENTS

Moving up to the hybrid cloud

30 Finding the ‘new normal’

10

42

RCS: BRINGING DOWN A DIGITAL MARKETING

DUOPOLY

BROADBAND: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE NET

70 How to guard low-hanging fruit: the IoT security nightmare

82 56

Mobile Apps for Remote Work

100 Pelion

112 Orange Cameroon

142 Arqiva

128 Mavenir

156

170

Omantel/ Equinix

Vodafone Idea

196 PhilTower Consortium

182 O2 Czech Republic

10

Moving up to the hybrid cloud WRITTEN BY

DAN BRIGHTMORE PRODUCED BY

CRAIG KILLINGBACK

JANUARY 2021

11

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

NTT LTD.

How NTT Ltd. is helping CIO/VPs and CFOs achieve business continuity, compliance, and security with the delivery of business-critical applications in the hybrid cloud

NTT Ltd. is an integral part of the global growth story of Nippon Telephone and Telegraph (NTT) – one of the largest telcos and ICT companies in the world. In the Americas, NTT Ltd. employs more than 7,500 people 12

in a diverse and dynamic workplace. As part of a larger global organization, they have a footprint that spans 57 countries while delivering services in over 200 countries and regions.

“Being the number three data center provider with one of the largest networks in the world, and providing over 50% of global internet traffic, puts us in a unique position to provide our clients with an unparalleled solution set of infrastructure, network, and security allied to application expertise,” explains Kirk Compton, Vice President Cloud & Enterprise Application Managed Services, Sales, Americas, NTT Ltd. “Being a global SAP and Oracle partner, allows us to provide full-stack services for our clients connected globally with all of our low latency networks from marine cables linking Asia to the US market.”

JANUARY 2021

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Do More With Data MSP Solutions to Accelerate Your Cloud Services Everyone knows that an organization’s success is driven by its data. Pure Storage delivers a modern data experience supporting businesses Data Transformation projects.

Our solutions empowers your business to drive differentiation,reduce complexity, and enable your hybrid cloud.

NTT Managed Services and Pure Storage partner together for providing world-class storage solutions and enable managed IT operations, application hosting, security, cloud and comprehensive managed multicloud services to enterprises worldwide.

Learn More

Pure Storage: Data delivered at scale anywhere, everywhere

Jack Hogan @ Pure Storage

Discover a better way to interact with your data through storage that’s modern, easy to manage and offers flexible ways to consume Pure Storage is driving the simplicity and disruption of access to storage. Futureproofing its capabilities of simplicity, performance and ease of use allows users to be ready for the next generation of technology consumption in the cloud.

“Companies are accelerating their digital transformation journeys, but lack the skills to achieve the best outcome,” warns Jack Hogan, Pure’s Vice President of Technology Strategy.

“NTT is where that expertise is; they can help companies get to those faster outcomes by leveraging solutions like Pure Storage where we’re seeing shutdowns around the world.

A partner like NTT is critical to both provide the venue and the expertise to accelerate transformation, and allow companies the ability to be flexible in these challenging times.”

Pure offers a utility consumption model, supported by its partnership with NTT, to deliver services and solutions to joint customers focused on driving better outcomes rather than just selling products says Hogan.

“Underpinning everything we do is an all-flash technology layer that allows us to achieve sub-millisecond level response times to better manage ERP workloads down from hours to minutes.”

A Modern Data Experience In today’s world, data is the new fuel, the growth engine. However, being able to effectively access and leverage insights from that data is one of the biggest challenges companies now face. “At Pure we’re focused on creating a modern data experience,” reveals Hogan. “As much as 75% of a company’s data is never unutilized, so it’s vital to get a centralized view. Our suite of solutions and services extends both to the on-premise data centre and all the way to the edge via the cloud, offering a centralized storage platform and storage plane.”

Pure & Simple The Purity operating system operates across all of Pure’s platforms which are controlled via SaaS with Pure1. “Companies can see where their data is in all venues; whether different tiers of storage in an individual data center, or across different data centers, or even across different clouds,” pledges Hogan. “Pure is creating that interconnected tissue of how those different data points can come together as one central data hub.”

purestorage.com

NTT LTD.

“ One of the biggest issues in the market today is data latency. We start at ground level making sure your network is secure and your data is not disrupted.”

— Kirk Compton, Vice President Cloud & Enterprise Application Managed Services, Sales, Americas, NTT Ltd.

Client Centricity Compton credits the successful disruption of companies like Uber for ushering in a business climate where if you’re not digitally transforming you could get left behind.

“We’ve had to adjust how we support our clients so we can help them with their design of the future,” he responds, noting that NTT’s clients today are looking for more than servers, storage and network capacity. “Our clients want business outcomes. They’re looking for ways to be nimble, and really execute against their

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digital transformation strategies… Whether it’s growth within the US market, growth globally, or being able to interact with a more client-centric offering shifting from what used to be B2B2C to a more B2C approach as supply chains are disrupted.”

Banking, retail and manufacturing, to name just a few, are all sectors responding to, and ripe for, disruption following the impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Compton believes this very pressure is expediting the kind of business transformations a purpose-led organisation like NTT excels at. “In current circumstances, it’s a more powerful change than ever, being able to manage your workforce, whether it’s working from home or managing them JANUARY 2021

17

5G & IOT Over the last four years, NTT has been in joint venture with Dell Technologies for the city of Las Vegas looking at 5G and IoT solutions for Smart Cities and remains at the forefront of these technologies through its Japanese market leading mobile operator DoCoMo. “What we’re starting to look at with 5G is how to bring siloed data platforms together.

How are cities utilizing all of the data that’s available to them to be

able to help first responders; to help with city services, provide data to city planners for smart building initiatives and to other organisations that need data to help their citizens?

A lot of our work has been around artificial intelligence and machine learning. They become successful when IoT and 5G and other technologies are aligned to the extent that they can provide data at the right time to the right people to make the right decisions.”

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

NTT LTD.

safely in a manufacturing facility,” he says.

application workloads are structured –

“In supporting those points of contact

whether they’re on premise, inside their

we’ve become the number one cyber-

four walls, co-located in another data

security company in the world capable of

center, or if they’re using Software-as-

adapting to meet our clients’ needs.”

a-Service applications (SaaS) – the data is spread across a multitude of

18

Continuity, Compliance & Security

networks along with the users,” he

The fundamental elements of connectivity

the market today is data latency. We

are network and security Compton says.

start at ground level making sure your

“At every organization, the way their

network is secure and your data is not

notes. “One of the biggest issues in

Executive Profile:

Kirk Compton Title: VP Cloud & Enterprise Application Managed Services, Sales, Americas, NTT Ltd. Industry: Information Technology & Services

Kirk Compton has a proven track record of continued success in delivering growth in global and regional leadership roles. A market leader in client focused solution development, delivery and management, Compton drives enterprise growth by aligning corporate strategy ahead of market conditions and ever-changing technology solutions. He has held expansive roles at NTT Ltd. providing global, regional, and vertical leadership across multiple technology platforms – including ERP, hyperscalers, private cloud and most recently Smart Solutions.

Together we do great things CLICK TO WATCH | 1:32

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“ What we’re starting to look at with 5G is how to bring siloed data platforms together. How are cities utilizing all of the data that’s available to them to be able to help first responders; to help with city services, provide data to city planners for smart building initiatives and to other organizations that need data to help their citizens?”

— Kirk Compton, Vice President Cloud & Enterprise Application Managed Services, Sales, Americas, NTT Ltd.

disrupted. SaaS is a great opportunity for most organizations to transform, but being able to utilize data effectively and make sure our clients are performing at an optimal level really starts at the data center and the network.”

To deliver this continuity, NTT has experts on hand across the Americas working to the highest-level certifications across multiple verticals “whether it be Federal government, PCI or HIPAA” to guarantee a reliable infrastructure for its clients.

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No other SAP global partner offers Cisco’s breadth of innovations designed to power SAP environments.

Cisco SAP portfolio includes: Cisco UCS and HyperFlex integrates compute, storage, and network for cloud-like flexibility.

Cisco Tetration offers comprehensive workloadprotection capability across multicloud Cisco Intersight cloud-based manager simplifies SAP environments, making them more efficient.

Cisco Workload Optimization Manager (CWOM) scales resources up or down assuring workload performance.

AppDynamics® SAP Monitoring Agent provides ABAP level visibility to diagnose root-cause failure and overall application performance Thousand Eyes offers a 360-degree view of your hybrid SAP deployment across cloud, SaaS, and the Internet to SAP end-users

Cisco: The leading global partner for SAP innovation Cisco offers the broadest portfolio of solutions designed to modernise on-premise and hybrid cloud SAP landscapes.

SAP is the critical operational backbone of most enterprises and often their largest IT investment.

Enterprise line of business managers demand agility to meet evolving customer requirements without compromising on security or reliability.

How do SAP enterprises protect that investment while modernising their infrastructure without disrupting established business processes?

Cisco’s tried and tested suite of SAP solutions can add new functionality to existing investments and improve performance while reducing TCO with an end-to-end modernisation approach.

Compute, Network & Software “We have the complete portfolio for SAP customers so they don’t have to deal with multiple vendors,” assures Cisco’s Saroj Mohapatra. “Cisco takes investment protection very seriously. From the beginning, our solutions have been built to provide excellent value with scalability and agility. Cisco’s flexibility allows customers to start small and incrementally grow their suite of solutions, investing only when they need to with an approach that saves on CapEx and reduces OpEx.” Cisco modernises SAP HANA and SAP legacy ERP application environments with solutions for

on-premise and multi-cloud platforms offering unified management and monitoring, multi-layered data protection, cybersecurity and policy-based automation. “Compared to our competitors we shine because we look after the network for you; resolving any issues with latency to guarantee the response time needed for best practice with SAP, both today and in the future as customers migrate to HANA,” adds Mohapatra.

Cisco is also working closely with SAP to leverage the power of AI and IoT. Elsewhere, recent acquisitions, such as AppDynamics, work seamlessly with existing solutions to detect performance issues with mission critical applications like SAP. ThousandEyes, another addition to the Cisco arsenal, offers SaaS flexibility to enhance Cisco’s network performance and monitoring capabilities across the enterprise and into the cloud.

Together, NTT, with its SAP consulting expertise, and Cisco deliver a modern and resilient solution to identify SAP customers’ needs to fuel success with competitive value.

Learn more about a robust portfolio of end-to-end SAP solutions here

NTT LTD.

“ As hybrid cloud and digital transformation become a top priority for companies, we’ve got the automation and the capabilities to help them really drive growth and transformation.”

22

— Kirk Compton, Vice President Cloud & Enterprise Application Managed Services, Sales, Americas, NTT Ltd.

data centers,” reveals Compton. “This creates a unique opportunity for us to provide our clients with a dedicated private environment in the same data center where we’re providing hyperscaled services.” Compton explains that being able to cross connect the environments inside the same facilities provides an optimal performance platform where digital latency is significantly reduced.

“Having this network acumen and expertise really puts us in the forefront of hybrid cloud,” he adds. “We can bring all of our other services – whether it be application workload, security, wide area

Hybrid Cloud

network or network-as-a-service – in a

“Traditionally, you had to buy the infra-

combination that’s unique in the market

structure to be able to grow your data

via a platform our clients can trust.”

platforms,” remembers Compton. “And now you can get those on demand.

Partnering for Success

When we look at hybrid cloud… we’re

A key component in NTT’s global

a data center company. We’ve got pri-

success and building that trust over

vate clouds for our clients, but we also

the past 23 years has been the com-

support the hyperscalers.”

pany’s alliance with Cisco. “We have

NTT recently announced a strategic

enjoyed an extensive partnership over

relationship with Microsoft with the

the years,” confirms Compton. “What’s

company moving much of its internal

been really exciting is how we’ve

workloads to the Azure cloud. “As part

grown together. My experience with

of that agreement, Azure is inside our

Cisco began when we were building

JANUARY 2021

WHAT THE STACK! Any organization’s needs can be met with one NTT Ltd. solution covering Enterprise Application Services; Managed Services and Managed Cloud, Data Center Network, Infrastructure and physical kit: • Digital Advisory services • Project implementation services • Application managed services • Administration services • Database managed services •O perating system managed services • Infrastructure managed services • Hardware managed services • Data Center managed services mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

23

NTT LTD.

Our best advice for 2021 CLICK TO WATCH | 1:21

24

our cloud platforms for SAP workloads.

They helped us design and build the cloud infrastructure for our Africa and Asia operations. And then as the market matured, and the shift in digital transformation occurred, Cisco has been a great partner in regards to how they build their networking services, and

1952

Year NTT founded

USD11bn NTT Ltd. global revenue

how we’ve been able to leverage their IoT capabilities.”

Cisco’s solutions, including recent acquisitions AppDynamics and ThousandEyes, are helping NTT JANUARY 2021

40,000

Number of NTT Ltd. employees globally

25

manage workloads from a top to bottom

2021 and beyond…

perspective with their networking capa-

NTT remains focused on maintain-

bilities and monitoring prowess. “With

ing secure networks and giving its

our stack we provide the network and

clients the ability to scale to support

security around Cisco’s UCS (Unified

increased demand. While organiza-

Computing System) infrastructure which,

tions look to meet the challenges of

in tandem with offerings from the likes

the ‘new normal’ triggered by a global

of Pure Storage and Cohesity, creates a

pandemic leaving millions working

unique opportunity where we can really

from home, NTT are on hand to deliver

drive a lot of these solutions together

the right collaboration tools to allow

paired with ERP applications to realize

them to thrive. Looking beyond to a

the outcomes our clients are looking for,”

post-COVID world, the company is

assures Compton.

working with SAP on the deadline mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

awaKen your DaTa The only data center CPU with builtin AI acceleration. The latest 2nd Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors feature Intel Deep Learning Boost to accelerate your AI inference up to 30x*.

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*Compared to previous generation hardware. For more complete information about performance and benchmark results, visit www.intel.com/benchmarks

The CollaboraTive Power of The eCosysTem Delivering suCCess As an industry leader with the purpose to create world-changing technology that enriches the lives of every person on earth, Intel has been and is at the forefront of technology growth and development, catering for all business solution needs.

Through a broad ecosystem, Intel is focused on delivering an end-to-end data portfolio that stretches from the edge to the cloud, powered by artificial intelligence all while being more secure.

All of this is enabled and achieved through the strong collaboration of the ecosystem mentioned.

An often overlooked though integral part of the ecosystem is the Service Integrators (SI), also known as Solution Integrators, like NTT Limited, who have a global alliance with Intel, where together they solve difficult challenges and deliver business outcomes.

The role of said Service / Solution Integrators is to influence IT decisions, recommend on the architectural designs and deployment across on-premise and cloud, and ultimately deliver complete end-to-end hardware and software solutions together with the broader ecosystem of OEM & ISV partners like SAP and Cisco.

With enterprises embracing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics, the solutions are required to access and handle large data sets faster, which can be addressed

by Intel® Optane™ Persistent Memory (PMem) which removes I/O bottlenecks to maximize CPU utilization.

Intel & SAP have collaborated to bring Intel® Optane™ Persistent Memory support to SAP HANA and Intel and the OEMs, like Cisco, have collaborated on system designs that support Intel® Optane™ Persistent Memory modules allowing for a variety of configurations to suit all customer needs.

Intel and NTT Limited have collaborated for a number of years, designing solutions that meet customer needs in industries such as enterprise, manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, financial, and more all around the world, with great success being realized when forces are combined with the greater ecosystem.

It is through insights gained while working through these relationships that Intel is able to create technologies like Intel® Software Guard Extensions (SGX). SGX enhances the last part of the data journey by securing data-in-use, enabling for example AI workloads to be performed on otherwise untapped data sources. In fact, 2nd Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable Processors are the only mainstream data center CPU with built-in AI acceleration enabling organizations to deploy highly performant applications without using complex and expensive new hardware.

By collaborating with Intel, along with Service / System Integrators like NTT Limited and the technology ecosystem clients can feel comfortable in the knowledge that their business challenges can be addressed, delivering the best possible outcomes.

This is your DaTa on inTel Intel technologies may require enabled hardware, software or service activation. No product or component can be absolutely secure. Your costs and results may vary. © Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

NTT LTD.

28 IOWN “We’re working on a new network called IOWN (Innovative Optical & Wireless Network) that is going to be very powerful in the industry,” reveals Kirk Compton, Vice President Cloud & Enterprise Application Managed Services, Sales, Americas for NTT Ltd. in the Americas. “It’s an initiative for networks and information processing infrastructure that can provide high-speed, highcapacity communication utilizing innovative technology focused on

JANUARY 2021

optics, as well as tremendous computational resources. With IOWN we’ve got platform services that now connect multiple clouds together and allow you to manage the network, as well as the security across those cloud platforms. When we start looking at our clients’ needs, but again more importantly, how the industry is trending, having that connectivity and creation across platforms becomes crucial.”

to migrate its clients to the new S/4 HANA solutions.

“As hybrid cloud and digital transformation become a top priority for companies, we’ve got the automation and the capabilities to help them really drive growth and transform,” pledges Compton. “We’ve been developing the security and migration automation tools for our clients. I think we’re at a time of transition where the maturity in the market – and the way Cisco has matured through application performance – allows us to bring a full solution; it’s the client journey we’re focused on.

Infrastructure isn’t the critical question now, it’s how your applications perform, how your revenue strategies are grow-

“ With IOWN we’ve got platform services that now connect multiple clouds together and allow you to manage the network, as well as the security across those cloud platforms.”

ing and how you’re transforming your own organization. We’re now in a unique position to be able to drive all that for our clients and execute like never before.”

— Kirk Compton, Vice President Cloud & Enterprise Application Managed Services, Sales, Americas, NTT Ltd.

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TELECOMS

Finding the ‘new normal’ 30

[

]

E-commerce, the digital economy and finding a way past COVID-19

JANUARY 2021

Written by

Harry Menear

31

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

TELECOMS

32

A

s the demand for digital ser-

from McKinsey, co-authors Vivian

vices continues to grow, the

Hunt, Bruce Simpson, and Yuito

5G rollout continues, and the

Yamada note that, “As economic

pandemic radically remolds consumer

players, business people cannot

needs and behaviour, telecom compa-

stand offstage, watching the action…

nies may become the drivers of a new

The business ecosystem is evolving;

e-commerce boom.

those who resist will find themselves

New revenue streams, advertising

not only on the wrong side of history,

channels and a reimagining of the

but also at a competitive disadvantage.”

purpose of e-commerce could mean

In order to ensure that the new normal

that these telecom operators are

allows both businesses and consum-

poised to play a vital role in the global

ers to thrive, telecom operators have

economy’s recovery. In a recent report

the opportunity to lead the charge in

JANUARY 2021

33

ensuring that e-commerce channels are not just a way for consumers and businesses to survive the pandemic, but to thrive in its aftermath.

A TOOL FOR SURVIVAL In a report on the impact of COVID-19 on e-commerce in Denmark, researchers at Deloitte note that, “We are seeing an acceleration that will lead to a new normal coming out of the crisis. While a short-term reaction is needed to survive, a long-term view will make winners.”

“The business ecosystem is evolving; those who resist will find themselves not only on the wrong side of history, but also at a competitive disadvantage” — McKinsey, The Case for Stakeholder Capitalism mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

“ While a short-term reaction is needed to survive, a longterm view will make winners”

Focusing on the short term for now, e-commerce has been an essential tool in keeping both enterprises and individuals afloat over the past year.

The establishment of global lockdowns and social distancing measures that took effect around mid-March had a profound effect on the digital economy

— Deloitte

as a whole. A recent report from the OECD notes that the crisis accelerated an expansion of e-commerce towards new firms, customers and products, adding that e-commerce “has provided customers with access to a significant variety of products from the convenience and safety of their homes, and has enabled firms KEY FACTS & FIGURES

• In the first 10 days of the holiday shopping season, US consumers spent $21.7bn online

• Chinese e-commerce platform Pinduoduo grew its user base by 74.6 million people in Q3 2020

• UK retail footfall dropped 31.5% in October

• Amazon e-commerce sales rose 37% year-on-year in Q3 2020

• Alibaba’s Singles Day broke an all time record, with more than $74bn in sales

• RCS based advertising is set to generate $52bn in revenue for telecoms by 2028

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

35

TELECOMS

36

“ There’s been a huge movement towards buying essentials online” — Pedro Uria Recio, Group Head of AI Transformation, Axiata

JANUARY 2021

using online channels to buy day-today commodities like groceries and pharmaceuticals. “There’s been a huge movement towards buying essentials online,” he adds.

THE E-COMMERCE BOOM Upon reflection, it’s not all that surprising.

In China, online shopping platforms like Alibaba benefited hugely from the 2003 SARS outbreak, which also forced huge numbers of people into quarantine.

At the same time, established retailers began moving towards an online model.

Deloitte’s report notes that, “The SARS pandemic accelerated the behavioral change of the internet becoming the to continue operation in spite of contact restrictions and other confinement measures.”

Pedro Uria Recio, Group Head of AI

mass medium in China.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, retail and food services sales between February and April 2020 fell

Transformation at Malaysian telecom

by 7.7% compared to the same period

Axiata, agrees. “During lockdown, a

in 2019. At the same time, sales for

lot of people who had previously not

largely e-commerce based non-store

used e-commerce started to adopt it,”

retailers grew by 14.8% over the

he explains, adding that at the same

same period. In the UK, e-commerce’s

time a large number of people who

share of retail revenues rose from

had previously used ecommerce chan-

20.3% in the first quarter of 2020,

nels solely for infrequent, expensive

to 31.3% between the first and

purchases like electronics, started

second quarter. mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

37

TELECOMS

“ E - commerce players seeing a surge in volume will do everything in their power to retain their newly acquired customers” — Deloitte 38

JANUARY 2021

The question is whether or not this trend will last beyond COVID-19.

On the face of it, the easing of lock­ downs and social distancing measures would be expected to once again reduce e-commerce spend as consumers are able to return to brick and mortar channels. However, the longlasting effects of the SARS outbreak in China on the country’s e-commerce sector tell a different story. As a result of a shock to the economy that a pandemic causes, online retailers suddenly find themselves having to fight even harder to win customers, even though the overall market share available to e-commerce vendors grows.

Deloitte notes that “e-commerce players seeing a surge in volume will do everything in their power to retain their newly acquired customers through loyalty programs, subscription models, promotions, and expansion of the product range.” A resultant explosion of new services, channels and elevated customer experiences could then be expected to permanently expand the e-commerce segment, even as the effects of the pandemic wane.

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39

TELECOMS

ENTER THE TELCOS There are a number of ways in which telecoms can and have been capitalising on the growth in e-commerce spurred by the pandemic. The first is better usage of the massive amounts of data that telecoms collect on a daily basis.

Kerstin Trikalitis, Founder and CEO of telecom-driven digital advertising firm Out There Media (OTM), explains that, in comparison to the probabilistic cookie based data used by the majority 40

of online advertisers like Google and Facebook, telecoms collect much richer and more valuable information.

“First party deterministic telecom data can tell us a user’s exact age, gender, location, how much money they’ve spent on their mobile device which

In addition to better data to target

gives a good indication of socio-eco-

e-commerce campaigns, products

nomic class, handset type, operating

and services, Trikalitis adds that

system, and then sometimes even

mobile operators are starting to drive

more granular data depending on the

new advertising channels directly to

market,” she explains. OTM has man-

their consumers. She adds that the

aged to harness this deterministic

growth in adoption of rich communica-

telecom data into its platform, achiev-

tion services (RCS) will allow telecoms

ing a 70% better response rate on its

to become far more effective digital

campaigns than Google and Facebook

advertising and commerce platforms,

as a result.

akin to popular OTT messaging and

JANUARY 2021

“The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards a more digital world” — Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary General, UNCTAD

social media apps like Facebook and

and beneficiaries of the new normal.

Instagram are today.

Reflecting on a recent survey for the

This combination of new channels,

United Nations Conference on Trade

data based revenue streams and

and Development, Secretary General

the increase in e-commerce usage

Mukhisa Kituyi said: “The COVID-19

for daily essentials could have a

pandemic has accelerated the shift

profound and permanent effect on

towards a more digital world.

the size of the e-commerce industry,

The changes we make now will have

and it appears that telecoms are

lasting effects as the world economy

uniquely poised to capitalise on

begins to recover.”

that growth, becoming facilitators mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

41

5G

42

JANUARY 2021

BROADBAND: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE NET 43

WRITTEN BY

HARRY MENEAR

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

5G

44

JANUARY 2021

AS UBIQUITOUS CONNECTIVITY BECOMES MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER IN A POSTPANDEMIC WORLD, 5G BROADBAND IS SET TO TRANSFORM COVERAGE FOR GOOD

F

rom ubiquitous low latency connection, to the digitalisation of rural communities in a post-pandemic world, 5G broadband has

the potential to radically reshape the future of digital communications as we know it.

The combined influence of Industry 4.0 and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are presenting internet service providers (ISPs) with a number of challenges. The precipitous rise in demand for cloud based services, along with advances in AI, IoT and edge computing, have dramatically increased the strain placed on broadband and mobile networks.

At the same time, from the consumer side, ongoing adoption of streaming services like OTT broadcasting and cloud gaming, are continuing to increase the amount of data being funneled through network infrastructure.

In addition to the transformative effects of the Fourth Industrial revolution, the global pandemic has the potential to further disrupt the effective provision of internet connectivity. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in March, lockdowns, furlough mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

45

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There from the beginning to where we stand today. And to where we will go from here. One company. One promise.

If you can imagine it, we will build the bridge to get you there.

schemes and remote work initiatives

connectivity in order to meet the

have had a profound effect on the

demands of a post-COVID, digital

global economy, as well as the day-

world. One of the most promising

to-day lives of consumers. Patterns of

solutions to these issues is the

user behaviour have shifted, stressing

advent of 5G broadband.

ISP networks at different times of day; remote work and social distancing

WHAT IS 5G BROADBAND?

prompted a huge uptick in the use of

Traditional fixed line broadband uses

video conferencing, as well as other

copper or fibre optic cable lines to

virtual tools; and overall screen time

deliver connectivity via a telephone

for the average user ticked up dramati-

line, which then uses a router to con-

cally, from just over 10 hours per day

nect nearby devices to the internet.

to almost 13 and a half.

Mobile broadband connects the router

Both of these trends emphasise the

to the nearby cellular network, in much

increasingly non-negotiable need for

the same way that a smartphone

high-speed, low-latency internet

accesses 4G. Current generation

Why 5G Will Change The World CLICK TO WATCH

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09:01

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5G

mobile networks can’t deliver the necessary speeds over mobile broadband to make them a viable alternative to fixed line internet. However, the high-speed, low-latency connections that 5G promises may be about to create a solution that can not only compete with fixed line internet but outshine it completely.

5G broadband still uses a router, but, instead of plugging into a phone line, the unit connects to a nearby 5G mobile mast.

According to Vodafone, 5G broadband is designed to work at average speeds 48

of around 150 to 200Mbps, whereas the average speed of a broadband internet connection in the UK last year was measured at just 54.2Mbps by Ofcom.

“5G broadband’s increased speed, reduced latency and improved capac-

“ Cellular connectivity will be able to give businesses and their people the flexibility to work anywhere, something very relevant in a postpandemic world” — Jamie Hayes, Mobile Network Operators Director, BT Wholesale JANUARY 2021

ity (relative to 4G wireless networks and wired broadband networks) will enable consumers to use more devices reliably and simultaneously on their home network,” says Dr Paul Carter, CEO of Global Wireless Solutions (GWS).

“It will also allow for streaming higher definition content, taking advantage of IoT applications, and much more.” In an interview with Mobile Magazine, Dr Cartner explains that the increased

54.2 Average UK broadband speed (Mbps)

150-200 Average 5G broadband speed (Mbps)

£30bn

Cost of rolling out full fibre broadband in the UK

speed and connectivity that 5G broadband can provide will also be a huge supporter of applications like telemedicine and remote learning - both critical needs during the pandemic.

Jamie Hayes, the Mobile Network Operators Director at BT Wholesale, agrees. He notes that, because 5G broadband can deliver higher speeds without the need for installing and upgrading existing fibre infrastructure, the technology could create a large amount of much-needed resilience in the UK’s network. “This cellular connectivity will be able to drive insta­ ntaneous coverage across the UK without the need for a fixed network, which will give businesses and their people the flexibility to work anywhere, something very relevant in a post-pandemic world,” he explains.

The fact that a single 5G mast in the centre of a street could provide 150Mbps+ download speeds to surrounding homes, without needing to install fibre in a dozen houses, could rapidly speed deployment and reduce costs to both telecoms and consumers, Carter adds. “Deploying 5G broadband is quicker and less costly than deploying mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

49

5G

“ 5 G broadband and fibre will become the backbone of the UK” — Jamie Hayes, Mobile Network Operators Director, BT Wholesale

50

JANUARY 2021

fibre-to-the-premises,” he explains.

full fibre,” both are necessary

“With standalone 5G, consumers could

components of the future digital

have access to ultrafast speeds that

infrastructure landscape.

would enable the same sorts of home the-premises. Furthermore, 5G broad­

DIGITALLY TRANSFORMING RURAL COMMUNITIES

band service charges are likely to be

In 2016, the United Nations declared the

more affordable for more consumers

internet to be a catalyst for the enjoy-

when compared to monthly costs for

ment of human rights - specifically the

fibre connectivity.”

right to self expression, which the UN

applications possible over fibre-to-

conflates with a number of economic,

WILL 5G BROADBAND REPLACE FIBRE?

social and cultural rights. While this

While 5G broadband can theoretically

doesn’t mean that access to the internet

deliver consistently faster speeds than

itself is a human right per se, it does

the UK’s current fixed broadband infra-

imply that it is a necessary tool for the

structure, both Carter and Hayes are

maintenance of other rights the organi-

quick to note that the technologies are

sation does recognise as essential.

in no way mutually exclusive.

Setting aside the complexities of interna-

“Both 5G and fibre are technologies

tional rights law for a moment, the ability

that can provide super-fast, low latency

to get online is undeniably essential to

connectivity and will become critical for

being able to start a business, get a job,

businesses over the next few years,”

go to school or interact with other people.

says Hayes, adding that the two tech-

In the last 10 months, COVID-19 has

nologies “will become the backbone

only made that truth clearer. In a truly

of the UK.” He also adds that fibre and

disturbing trend, a number of children,

cellular broadband will work in tandem,

particularly in India and Iran, have

with improved fibre networks enabling

comitted suicide due to lack of a smart-

5G to reach its full potential and that,

phone or tablet preventing them from

while 5G broadband has sometimes

attending online classes. In the UK,

been “mooted as a replacement for

a 2018 report identified as many as mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

51

5G

700,000 UK students without regular access to a smartphone or tablet for online learning, and 60,000 of those students had no internet access at all.

Industry experts warn that access to devices and internet connection are at risk of creating a digital divide along class lines and across the urban rural divide.

The ability of 5G broadband to bring faster connectivity at lower costs to rural and disadvantaged areas could be an essential tool in ensur52

ing the new normal isn’t a punitive reality for underprivileged members of society. “5G broadband should

“ 5 G broadband should have a significant positive impact in rural areas and in those communities currently lacking reliable network infrastructure”

have a significant positive impact in rural areas and in those communities currently lacking reliable network infrastructure,” predicts Carter, adding that the technology should be more cost-effective and easier to deploy than the last mile of wired networks, a fact which he sees translating into lower service fees for the end customer.

In a recent report conducted by GWS,

— Dr Paul Carter, CEO, Global Wireless Solutions JANUARY 2021

the company found that “the proportion of consumers located in rural areas who thought that faster 5G

53

deployment could help boost their

‘not-spots.’ He adds that the use of

economic situation considerably out-

Open RAN technology can boost

weighed those in rural areas that did

a network’s range by a number of

not – by a margin of almost three to

kilometres, allowing more users in

one,” explains Carter.

remote locations to get access to

According to Hayes, the logistical and

better coverage. “Cradled in exist-

CapEx hurdles that have prevented fibre

ing street furniture or even rural

networks in rural areas from keeping

telegraph poles, so they’re unob-

pace with urban environments will be

trusive and agreeable to councils,

significantly reduced by 5G broadband.

these small cells are being quickly

Small cell infrastructure can be used

deployed across the country,” he says.

by mobile network operators and ISPs

“Increasing connectivity and pioneer-

to expand coverage to rural areas and

ing digital inclusion for many people by mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

5G

54

“ T he process of ex ­­t ending quality broadband services to rural markets continues to be a significant challenge for many countries throughout Europe”

bridging the digital divide, they will also play a key role in 5G use cases due to their proximity to the end user.”

THE FUTURE OF COVERAGE According to Genis Sanchez, EMEA Regional Product Manager, RF Test at VIAVI Solutions, the process of extending quality broadband services to rural markets “continues to be a sig-

— Genis Sanchez, EMEA Regional Product Manager, RF Test, VIAVI Solutions JANUARY 2021

nificant challenge for many countries throughout Europe.” Infrastructure rollouts are nevertheless being compelled, both from a regulatory

2033

Date of full fibre coverage in the UK

2027

Date of majority 5G coverage in the UK

13h .35m Average daily screen time during Q1 2020

standpoint - with Sanchez also not-

a joint effort across industry and soci-

ing that “it is common for many local

ety required to ensure everyone has

regulators to compel mobile operators

access to the connectivity required for

to increase investments to serve rural

an all-IP world.”

communities and other disadvantaged

Looking to the future, it’s clear that

segments of the population that are

COVID-19 has thrown into sharp relief

still offered only subpar options for

the issues with equitable connectivity

broadband access” - and through

that already existed. Moving forward,

what Hayes defines as a sense of

Hayes, Carter and Sanchez all agree

responsibility from regional mobile

that 5G broadband - in tandem with

network operators. He elaborates,

wireless networks - will have a trans-

“Ensuring that all areas of the country

formative effect on the way we work,

are connected is the responsibility

play and otherwise live our lives on

of all mobile network providers with

the web. mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

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MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

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JANUARY 2021

RCS: BRINGING DOWN A DIGITAL MARKETING DUOPOLY

WRITTEN BY

HARRY MENEAR

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

57

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

INSIDE THE FUTURE OF TELECOMDRIVEN DIGITAL ADVERTISING, AND USING RICH COMMUNICATION SERVICES (RCS) TO BREAK THE GOOGLE-FACEBOOK DUOPOLY

T

he global advertising indus-

between everybody else,” explains

try is in a difficult position. The

Kerstin Trikalitis, founder and CEO

COVID-19 pandemic has had an

of Out There Media (OTM).

unprecedented impact on worldwide

58

In combination, Google and Face­

advertising spend this year, with

book utterly dominate the world of

investment predicted to drop by

digital advertising, a fact that, if you

more than 11% compared with 2019

ask Trikalitis, could have dire conse-

as companies in the hospitality and

quences for the industry.

travel sector withdrew their advertis-

As advertising prices rise, and the

ing budgets almost overnight.

dollar value of advertising spend

Disturbingly, the ongoing global

decreases, some of the world’s larg-

health crisis is far from the biggest

est advertisers are demanding radical,

challenge that the advertising sector

systematic change in the way that

faces going into 2021. “Global adver-

the industry unites brands and their

tising spend comes to more than

customers. However, Trikalitis admits,

US$700bn every year - that includes

without a true alternative to Facebook

everything from TV to billboards.

and Google’s advertising platforms,

Out of that total, $350bn per year is

the industry is destined to continue

spent on digital, and 70% of that

languishing in the grips of a duopoly

figure goes to Google and Facebook,

that serves neither the advertisers,

with the remaining 30% shared

nor the consumer. “By having that

JANUARY 2021

59

“ OTM’s mission is to provide a true alternative to Google and Facebook for advertisers” — Kerstin Trikalitis, Founder and CEO, Out There Media

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MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

60

kind of market power, Facebook and

BIG PROBLEMS WITH THE BIG TWO

Google can command market prices,”

Together, Google and Facebook

she says. “There need to be alterna-

(which also owns Instagram and

tives in order to get the market forces

WhatsApp) control a staggeringly

working again. That’s our mission: to

large portion of the world’s digital

provide a true alternative to Google

advertising revenue. During the

and Facebook for advertisers.”

COVID-19 pandemic, digital adve-

This month, Mobile Magazine

rtising across social media platforms

spoke to Trikalitis about her com-

has jumped massively as companies

pany, OTM, and how the firm’s

recognise the increased amount of

platform, Mobucks, is harnessing

time users are spending at home on

the power of the telecom industry

their phones. In Q3 of 2020, advertis-

and new mobile channels like rich

ing spend on social media platforms

communication services (RCS)

rebounded massively compared to

to break the Facebook-Google

the pandemic-driven spending dive

duopoly, ushering in a new age

of March and April, even exceeding

for digital advertising.

pre-pandemic heights, as social media advertising spend grew by 56.4% in Q3, compared to Q2.

“ Marketing budgets kept going up year after year and sales stayed the same”

However, while spend is increasing, and the overall reach of social media platforms is also on the rise, the actual impact of advertising dollars spent has never been lower, Trikaltis explains: “On Google, marketing budgets kept going up year after year and sales stayed the same,” recalling the point

— Kerstin Trikalitis, Founder and CEO, Out There Media JANUARY 2021

several years ago when data emerged that pointed to the alarming fact that as many as half of online ads were

61

never seen by a human being, and

She isn’t the only one calling atten-

that 50-70% of online ad impressions

tion to the problem. Last year, Mark

were generated by bots. It’s an uncom-

Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer at Procter

fortable truth that costs the global

& Gamble itself called out digital adver-

advertising industry up to $60bn

tising platforms in a speech at the

each year. “That’s a huge problem

Association of National Advertisers

for a company like Procter & Gamble,”

media conference. He not only criti-

she adds. “Bots don’t buy shampoo.”

cised the lack of efficacy with which

According to OTM’s data, the aver-

advertising budgets were being con-

age click-through rate for a banner ad

verted into sales, but also the ways in

posted online is as low as 0.1%, meaning

which platforms like Facebook were

that for every $100 of advertising budget

often placing brands’ adverts in prox-

that gets spent, $99.90 are wasted.

imity to unsavoury content. mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY MCDONALDS AND DISNEY T R A I L B L A Z I N G R C S C A M PA I G N S

62

Last year, OTM ran two advertising campaigns in South Africa. The first, on behalf of Disney, aimed to attract consumers to watch a trailer for the new Lion King movie, and then buy tickets to a nearby screening. The second was a campaign to promote McDonalds’ McDelivery rewards program, with the end goal of customers signing up and buying a hamburger. “They are both great example campaigns because you have this complete path to purchase,”

results were astonishing. “The engagement rates were unheard of. We hadn’t seen figures like this since the earliest days of digital advertising,” Trikalitis enthuses. “The read rate when people received our messages through RCS was amazing. RCS is so new, such a novelty - people were clicking into the messages, looking through the ad carousels, watching the videos and then buying tickets and hamburgers. The engagement rates were around 80%,

Trikalitis explains.

OTM delivered the campaign by means of multimedia RCS messages. The

and the ROI was around 2,500%, which is incredible.”

“We’ve been tolerant for too long in

operators are going to have much bet-

the digital media world. It’s not accept-

ter market penetration than Facebook,

able to have brands showing up where

or even Google. Two or three telecoms

opioids are being offered, illegal drugs

in most countries control between 80%

are promoted, abhorrent behaviour is

& 90% of the market,” Trikalitis explains.

present or violence is seen,” he said.

“Let’s use South Africa as an example.

The two major network operators

A TRUE ALTERNATIVE

there have a total of 60 million users,

In order to create a true alternative to

which is 90% of the market and three

the Google-Facebook digital adver-

times bigger than the number of

tising duopoly, there are two criteria

Facebook users in the country.

that need to be met: scale and tar-

That’s the scale part.”

geting capabilities.

She adds that, in addition to reaching

“In a given country, the local telecom

more people, telecom companies also

McDonald’s RCS Campaign

by Out There Media CLICK TO WATCH

|

2:11

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

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MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

“ Our target is to reach 3bn people by 2023, which would make us comparable in scale to Google and Facebook” — Kerstin Trikalitis, Founder and CEO, Out There Media

64

JANUARY 2021

have access to richer, more powerful data than is provided through online cookie-based sources. “Probabilistic data that uses cookies can only approximate your identity. If you search an article on Vogue, for example, then the data assumes you’re a 25 year-old white female, even if you belong to an entirely different demographic and are just on that site to search for, say, an engagement ring recommendation.

It’s inaccurate compared to deterministic data that we can gather from telecoms,” she continues, adding that the deterministic data - while anonymised - can provide the user’s “exact age, gender, location, how much money they’ve spent on their mobile device - which gives a good indication of socio-economic class handset type, operating system, and then sometimes even more granular data depending on the market’s regulatory framework.”

OTM’s mission over the past few years has been to acquire enough of this deterministic telco data to rival the big digital advertisers in terms of

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

65

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

scale, and outshine them in terms of targeting capabilities.

“We focus on integrating our Mobucks platform with mobile network operators globally in order to get access to their subscriber data that enables us to provide superior targeting to brands and agencies,” Trikalitis explains. OTM has already built partnerships with enough of the world’s largest telecom operators - including Vodafone, O2, Orange, StarHub, Ooredoo, Zane, MTN and Vodacom - to amass access to more 66

than one billion users around the world.

“Our target is to reach three billion by 2023, which would make us

“ T he engagement rates for the RCS campaigns were unheard of.

We hadn’t seen figures like this since the earliest days of digital advertising”

comparable in scale to Google and Facebook,” she says.

OTM’s Mobucks platform can then use that telecom data to reach consumers via the telecoms’ own channels, delivering campaigns for some of the world’s largest advertisers - including Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Coca Cola,

— Kerstin Trikalitis, Founder and CEO, Out There Media JANUARY 2021

Disney and McDonalds - through the telecoms’ own display, video and messaging channels.

67

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF RCS

the next phase of messaging, which it

Adoption of over the top (OTT) mes-

hopes will be the answer to these third-

saging and social media platforms,

party platforms.

like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger

“RCS combines the best of both worlds.

and KaKao Talk, has grown massively

It’s the universality of SMS with the rich,

over the past decade, as users turn

interactive media experiences of OTT

away from traditional SMS channels

messenger apps,” explains Trikalitis,

in favour of apps with much richer

who also believes that RCS has the

arrays of features, from polls and

power to be the tool that dismantles

games to gifs and stickers. Now, how-

Facebook and Google’s stranglehold

ever, the telecom industry is introducing

on mobile advertising. mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

“ O ur aim is to take 20% of the global digital marketing budget and shift it to RCS channels” — Kerstin Trikalitis, Founder and CEO, Out There Media

CARVING UP THE KINGDOM The future, Trikalitis explains, is to harness the power of RCS as a way to divert global advertising spend away from digital adver68

tising channels like Google and Facebook, breaking their duopoly and kickstarting a more competitive, equitable advertising industry for the digital age. It’s a grand ambition, but she’s nothing if not optimistic.

“We’re working hard to educate the advertising industry to understand RCS and invest in it,” she adds. “Our aim is to take 20% of the global digital marketing budget and shift it to RCS channels. By the end of 2025, the 5.5 billion mobile users around the world will all have RCS on their devices, which will make it the single biggest media channel in the world.” If the plan works, then the landscape of mobile advertising is about to look very different indeed.

JANUARY 2021

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mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

IOT

70

HOW TO GUARD LOW-HANGING F THE I oT SECURITY WRITTEN BY

JANUARY 2021

HARRY MENEAR

71

RUIT: Y NIGHTMARE mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

IOT

With $1 devices connected to billion dollar networks, the implications of an IoT connected world are keeping cybersecurity teams on their toes.

W

e live in a highly connected world.

Constant access to the internet, a powerful computer in every home and back

pocket - humans have never been more easily able

to learn, understand and communicate with the world around them at any other point in history.

Now, with the meteoric adoption of connected 72

devices and smart sensors, our planet is poised to take yet another giant step. From thermometers and cameras to televisions and teddy bears, more and more consumer and commercial devices are being outfitted with chips and sensors to collect and transmit data. As IoT grows, the lines between the physical digital worlds are becoming ever more blurry.

The mass adoption of IoT is having a profound impact on the enterprise space. From industrial manufacturing to telemedicine, IoT has the potential to dramatically reduce costs and carbon footprints, while simultaneously improving quality of life, access to services, efficiency, automation and visibility across both the modern enterprise and daily life.

According to the GSMA, the combined value added impact of IoT is expected to add US$4.5trn a year from 2020 onwards.

JANUARY 2021

73

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IOT

“ IoT represents the low-hanging fruit for attackers at the moment” — Greg Day, VP and CISO, EMEA, Palo Alto Networks

This progress comes at a price, however.

In 2018, Samsung issued an urgent warning that failure to secure every IoT device by the end of 2020 could have dire consequences, noting that “there is a very clear danger that technology is running ahead of the game.”

Two years later, a huge number of IoT devices remain unsecured. “More than one in two IoT devices (57%) are vulnerable to medium or high severity attacks,” says Greg Day, VP and CISO, EMEA at cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks.

74

“IoT represents the low-hanging fruit for attackers at the moment.” As we enter 2021, and are on track to live in a world with more than 22 billion connected devices by 2025, the need to secure IoT devices is more urgent than ever to the defence of our networks.

CONNECTED AND UNSECURED Palo Alto Networks recently released a report on the threat posed by unsecured IoT devices to the connected enterprise.

IoT, the report claims, is the “soft underbelly” of many businesses, and failure to successfully oversee and secure IoT devices can pose a major threat to an enterprise’s network. And the threat JANUARY 2021

75

doesn’t only come from a company’s

billion dollar network. We can’t expect

own connected devices. “As eve-

the same investment in security con-

rything becomes more connected,

trols when the IoT asset value varies

consumer IoT could easily become

so greatly, and these small, inexpensive

a gateway into industrial networks,”

sensors typically lack any type of

explains Day.

security system,” Day explains.

One of the major issues, he contin-

If networks are to be secured against

ues, is that the price (and therefore

threats that take advantage of IoT

complexity, quality and security) of

endpoints in order to gain access, Day

IoT devices varies so dramatically

is quick to point out that device-level

“between a few pounds to millions.

security isn’t enough. “Many IoT devices

A $1 sensor can be connected to a

simply do not have enough capacity mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

IOT

76

“ As everything becomes more connected,consumer IoT could easily become a gateway into industrial networks” — Greg Day, VP and CISO, EMEA, Palo Alto Networks

JANUARY 2021

for built-in security, and the severe cybersecurity skill shortage makes it challenging for all IoT device manufacturers to have in-house expertise,” he says. “There also is the issue of the billions of IoT devices already deployed that cannot be retroactively designed for security.” Day that additional variables like device configuration, network environments, and the surrounding ecosystem of connected things all play a role in whether an IoT endpoint is vulnerable to attack. “Cyber threats are dynamic and constantly evolving.

We need to emphasise not only on the device’s security when it comes off the manufacturing floor, but also on IoT risks and security in real-world deployments.

Thus, the network also should be a priority detection and en­forcement point for IoT secur­ity,” he says.

THE COVID-19 SPIKE As we approach the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is a very different place to the one we lived in 12 months ago.

Mass lockdowns and social distancing measures have forced billions of people to work, socialise and attend mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

77

IOT

“ These small, inexpensive sensors typically lack any type of security system” 78

— Greg Day, VP and CISO, EMEA, Palo Alto Networks

S TAT I S T I C S F R O M T H E C O N N E C T E D ENTERPRISE: IOT SECURITY REPORT 2 0 2 0 B Y PA L O A LT O N E T W O R K S

• 57% of IoT devices are vulnerable to attack • 89% of IT decision-makers saw the number of IoT devices in their network grow this year

• 58% of IT decision-makers recognise the need to make serious improvements to their IoT security practices

• 24% of IT decision-makers have not yet segmented IoT devices into separate networks

JANUARY 2021

increase in phishing during the first wave of the pandemic. At the start of 2020, the average monthly infection rate in mobile networks was 0.23%.

According to research from Nokia, that figure rose by 30% during the first wave in March and April, and the number of IoT device infections during the first half of the year rose by 100% compared to H1 of 2019, something Day attributes to the increased connection of enterprise networks to IoT devices, “in home environments, where basic security practices, such as changing default device passwords, are still overlooked.”

VISIBILITY EQUALS SECURITY According to IoT security firm, ForeScout, “Without a cutting-edge IoT security school remotely. In particular, the mass

solution—one that begins with agentless

migration to remote workforces has

visibility—IoT devices are invisible

blurred the lines between personal and

(and potentially unwanted) guests on

enterprise devices hugely. At the same

your network.”

time, trends like the spike in ecom-

Day agrees. “Visibility really is key

merce led to a huge spike in cyber

to both realising the business oppor-

attacks that mirrored the spike in

tunities and understanding the risks

Coronavirus cases.

of IoT,” he says. He explains that this

OpSpec Security’s Consumer

lack of visibility is largely due to most

Barometer report for 2020 found

IoT devices using proprietary methods,

that 51% of consumers noticed an

which are typically encrypted. He asks, mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

79

IOT

“ Visibility really is key to both realising the business opportunities and understanding the risks of IoT ” — Greg Day, VP and CISO, EMEA, Palo Alto Networks

80

IoT Security by Palo Alto Networks CLICK TO WATCH

JANUARY 2021

|

3:30

81

“If you can’t tell what a thing is or what

network can isolate potential threats

normal behaviour of that thing looks

from the rest of the enterprise - if not

like, how can you define what it should

just its most critical assets. In order to

be able to access and why?”

achieve that segmentation, however,

As the cybersecurity community

security teams need visibility.

starts to come to grips with this mam-

Day concludes, “Once you have visibil-

moth challenge, proper segmentation is

ity, it then comes down to segmenting

increasingly being recognised as one

critical digital business assets and

of the most effective methods to secure

aligning IoT things only to the business

a network from threats that take advan-

processes required. In other words,

tage of unsecured IoT.

micro-segmentation.”

Segmenting IoT devices onto a separate mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

T O P 10

82

JANUARY 2021

Mobile Apps for Remote Work Mobile Magazine brings you the top 10 mobile apps helping businesses adapt to a ‘new normal’ WRITTEN BY

HARRY MENEAR

2021 will be a pivotal year for many

areas of the world, and businesses

businesses. The events of the past 12

everywhere struggle to find their

months have put immense pressures

footing in the new normal, Mobile

on enterprises, created golden opportu-

Magazine is bringing you our roundup

nities, and changed the way that we

of the top 10 mobile apps helping

approach work forever. As the COV-

businesses adapt, survive and thrive

ID-19 crisis continues to ravage large

in a new, post-pandemic world. mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

83

T O P 10

2003 YEAR LAUNCHED

YES

FREE VERSION AVAILABLE?

$40/mo PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

84

10

DocuSign Even during a pandemic, a remote working experi-

ment or a furlough, documents need binding signatures in order for business to continue. DocuSign allows you to simply collect signatures online or via mobile, and integrates seamlessly with Google Workplace, Microsoft Office, Salesforce and other leading widely-used enterprise applications. On the market since 2003, DocuSign is one of the more venerable workplace apps, has a robust tech stack and is an essential tool in the process of delivering a digital transformation in a legacy workplace, particularly during the ongoing pandemic.

JANUARY 2021

85

2011 YEAR LAUNCHED

09

YES

FREE VERSION AVAILABLE?

$24.99/mo PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

Asana One of the best ways for managers to remotely

oversee their teams, Asana is a cloud-based, virtual to-do list that allows employees and bosses to collaborate and keep track of an unlimited number of tasks. Teams can create and work collaboratively on projects, assign work to teammates, track progress and communicate inside the application.

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

08

Monday.com

87

Monday.com is one of the more popular cloud-

based workplace, project and productivity management apps.

The ability to track projects in real time across the whole business, as well as through several different viewing methods (like project, timeline, date, etc) can be a valuable source of insight into a company undergoing the shift towards remote work. The app was originally developed as an internal tool by Israeli tech firm Wix.com, spinning out as daPulse in 2012.

2012 YEAR LAUNCHED

NO

FREE VERSION AVAILABLE?

$8-16/mo PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

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T O P 10

07

Feedly Keeping up to date with business trends and the

news from the world at large can feel overwhelming - particularly when you’ve been stuck inside and increasingly get the sense that the world is moving on without you. Feedly is a highly effective, customisable RSS feed that lets users cherry pick their sources and group them into custom boards for easy scrolling. The premium version also lets users set Google and keyword alerts, as well as share boards between multiple accounts.

2008 88

YEAR LAUNCHED

JANUARY 2021

YES

FREE VERSION AVAILABLE?

$5/mo PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

06

PayPal

89

Particularly for SMEs, PayPal leads the field in terms

of FinTech apps. It’s immensely popular for managing transactions and invoices, and can be used to handle PayRoll (in a limited sense).

The mobile version also supports fingerprint security, for ease of access.

As of October 2020, PayPal has more than 286mn active users in every vertical, country and scale of business. For non-enterprise needs, PayPal is also the parent company of the cash-sending app Venmo.

1998 YEAR LAUNCHED

YES

FREE VERSION AVAILABLE?

$5-30/mo PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

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Driving insurers

digital future into a

At Cognizant, we’ve invested in the end-to-end capabilities needed to help insurance organizations not just do digital, but be digital. We partner with our clients to unlock new value and through the power of digital technologies and new ways of working, we help them evolve into more competitive, progressive versions of themselves.

Learn more at Cognizant.com

Copyright © 2019 Cognizant

2017 YEAR LAUNCHED

YES

FREE VERSION AVAILABLE?

$4.99/mo PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

05

91

CamScanner Probably one of the best ways that mobile tech-

nology has helped bridge the gap between physical and digital workspaces in recent years, CamScanner is a freemium app that allows users to create PDF and image scans using their smartphone camera. If you’re just uploading PDFs or jpegs, then the free version is a great way to get physical documents from your home office into your work cloud - as long as you don’t mind the watermark that is.

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

T O P 10

04

Google Workspace Quickly becoming the attempted successor to

Microsoft Office in the cloud era, Google Workspace (formerly the G Suite) bundles together support for documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDFs, images, notes, and more. The portfolio of apps also works well across multiple platforms, and gives every user a free 15TB of storage out of the gate. However, some of the constituent programs lack the power and depth of functionality in other word processing software. Docs in particular requires third party addons for more niche functions, with variable results, and navigation through Google Drive can feel slow and unintuitive at times.

92

2006 YEAR LAUNCHED

YES

FREE VERSION AVAILABLE?

$6-18/mo PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

JANUARY 2021

2006 YEAR LAUNCHED

YES

FREE VERSION AVAILABLE?

$18/mo PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

93

03

Toggl As more and more businesses try to keep track

of remote workforces and a growing pool of freelancers, Toggl lets them track employee hours digitally. The app provides flexible, cloudbased time tracking software for individuals and businesses. It also allows you to export your hours to a spreadsheet that employers can use to track trends and productivity. Toggl currently has around 5mn registered users, and counts Amazon, Microsoft, Deloitte, Google, Adobe and Starbucks among its customer base.

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T H E D I G I TA L D ATA C E N T R E C O M M U N I T Y

POWERED BY

OUT NOW FIND OUT MORE

T O P 10

02 96

JANUARY 2021

Welcome to your new HQ CLICK TO WATCH

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0:30

97

2013 YEAR LAUNCHED

YES

FREE VERSION AVAILABLE?

$6.67/mo PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

Slack Easily one of the best dedicated business messaging apps, Slack combines a clean, easy to use interface with powerful enterprise tools, like multiple channels, conference calling, document sharing, and a chat bot. It also supports easy integrations with other productivity and management tools like Asana and G Suite.

During the first wave of the pandemic, Slack revealed that its daily user count had soared to around 12mn people. mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

01 T O P 10

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Introducing OnZoom: A Marketplace for Immersive Experiences CLICK TO WATCH

JANUARY 2021

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0:45

Zoom Perhaps the most widely recognised hero of this pandemic, Zoom has become the lens through which millions of people now interact with their places of work, their customers and the world at large. As the pandemic took hold in the Spring, Zoom’s monthly users skyrocketed from 10mn to 300mn in April.

Although there are other options out there - like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Skype - Zoom’s offering is one of the fastest, most robust and has one of the better UIs. In October, the company announced a free end-to-end encryption service available to all users.

2013 YEAR LAUNCHED

YES

FREE VERSION AVAILABLE?

$14.99/mo PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

99

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN A MATERIAL WORLD: In Conversation with Niall Strachan

100

JANUARY 2021

WRITTEN BY

OLIVER JAMES FREEMAN PRODUCED BY

GLEN WHITE & CAITLYN COLE 101

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

PELION

NIALL STRACHAN, HEAD OF PRODUCT STRATEGY AT PELION, TAKES THE SUPPLY CHAIN DIGITAL HOT SEAT TO DISCUSS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE.

I

n a world that seems to grow increasingly volatile with every passing day, companies are becoming dependent on technological

means to maintain their pre-COVID-19 dominance in the marketplace and meet the ever-evolving demand of hungry consumers. Many companies faltered and subsequently fell during the ongoing periods of lock102

down, while others have successfully managed to thrive amongst the turmoil, gracefully traversing the rock path that Mother Nature created in the very beginning of 2020.

As it happens, I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Niall Strachan, Head of Product Strategy at Pelion - a man, and a company that has clearly, with his team, created a strategy that provided resilience in the face of this year’s adversity. To begin with, we discussed exactly what Pelion is and what they bring to the table; “So Pelion is a connected device platform.

It’s our recent spin-out of Arm that brings our connectivity and device management capabilities directly to the IoT market, which was previously run under the umbrella of Arm Holdings.” Essentially, the team who ran Pelion are flying the nest, Niall shared.

“We’re now standing alone as our own brand, with our JANUARY 2021

103

“That’s where our superiority really is; it’s in our ability, as one vendor, to provide customers with a full suite of services. Not many companies can say that” — Niall Strachan, Head of Product Strategy, Pelion

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

PELION

“ If a company features a truly multi-region or even multinational deployment, they want to understand all of this data that they collect. They want to know what the code is truly saying to them. At Pelion Connectivity Management, we are able to provide that understanding”

104

— Niall Strachan, Head of Product Strategy, Pelion

own product story, outside the umbrella of Arm, where it is clear that the market is ready for the launch of our capabilities as a standalone entity. Within Arm previously, we had a lot of benefits of being within part of such a large organisation, but that also came at the cost of agility and having the market understand our true capabilities.”

“So coming out and standing alone, we provide a connected device platform that also has specific discreet products.

These products range from connectivityenablement for deploying IoT devices to generate insights for enterprise products; connecting into networks, and providing connectivity from cellular operators.

We also have a device management layer, which is all about helping people manufacture their own devices whilst simul­taneously understanding and managing the firmware, security, and software that’s running on them,” Niall added.

We delved into where Pelion’s offering to the market is prevalent, and where their current customers implement the available software. “It’s an excellent product that can run on ultra-constrained low power devices, even something as small as the RFID

JANUARY 2021

Pelion Launch Video CLICK TO WATCH

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0:27

105 systems on pallets; or it can be imple-

“If they can manage that, then their

mented in a very feature-rich system

data will become valuable and also

such as an edge gateway, process-

more secure.” That’s a hard ask, of

ing myriads of data in private networks.”

course, and that’s where Pelion’s true

Looking for some elaboration on Pelion’s

value shines. “Our value is in simpli-

edge capabilities, given that it’s a hot

fying the layer between the physical

topic currently, Niall told us that “edge

hardware and the application that

capability is something that we’re focus-

companies are trying to integrate

ing heavily on. The larger story is that our

and leverage. We provide the tools

customers have private networks, fac-

in the middle to help people deploy,

tories, delivery depots and other such

connect, and manage the devices in

assets that have edge networks within

their life cycle. Then they can really

them, and they desperately need their

focus on the data and they, in theory,

data to be processed effectively and effi-

won’t have to worry about the security

ciently locally at the edge.”

or costs of their assets and devices, mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

PELION

because we’re already looking after

focused on data and data analytics.

it all for them.”

They want to harvest the data from all

On the topic of supply chain opera-

of their organisation’s interconnected

tions and the digital transformation

devices to both improve efficiency and

journey of many leading companies,

to keep an eye on where their goods

Niall was willing to walk us through the

and services are at any given time so

wants and desires of leading compa-

that they can mitigate risk, avert any

nies, from his own experience dealing

potential issues, and ensure customer

with them. “Our customers and part-

satisfaction.” Now, when it comes to

ners who are moving into specific

data and data analytics, it’s a heady

verticals in the supply chain are usu-

subject, we all know that, and that’s

ally, as you might expect, heavily

where Pelion comes in. “If a company

106 E X E C U T I V E P R O FILE :

Niall Strachan Title: Head of Product Strategy Company: Pelion Pelion was originally founded as an incubation unit within Arm, the world’s leading designer of key technologies at the heart of computing. Now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arm, Pelion is forging its own path in the IoT revolution, building upon a solid foundation of connectivity and device expertise and a 500-enterprise strong customer base.

With a unique combination of global IoT connectivity and device management from a single vendor, Pelion breaks down barriers to IoT adoption for anyone looking to transform their industry.

JANUARY 2021

“ You’ll pivot your way along the road before you, to ensure that you’re following the star; occasionally you’ll meander, but as long as you’re roughly heading in the right direction, you’ll always reach it in the end, and that’s the best thing for the business” — Niall Strachan, Head of Product Strategy, Pelion

107

features a truly multi-region or even

is the concept of having a ‘flagship’.

multinational deployment, they want to

If you think about mobile devices for a

understand all of this data that they col-

moment, technology giants like Apple

lect. They want to know what the code

and Samsung battling in the arena with

is truly saying to them. At Pelion, we are

their industry-leading, cutting-edge

able to provide that understanding; this

smartphones released yearly, will likely

creates a level of transparency across

spring to mind. At Supply Chain Digital,

the data space and gives companies

we always like to ask which flagship

previously-unforeseen insight and vis-

product our interviewees’ company pro-

ibility into exactly what they should or

vides, and why it puts them ahead of their

should not be doing in their daily supply

competitors. When I put this question to

chain operations.”

Niall, he answered openly and honestly,

Something that has become increas-

by stating that every company would

ingly important in the global, slightly

say that “our product is the best for this

oversaturated, technology marketplace,

or that reason or has the killer feature” mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

PELION

108

The Head of Product Strategy then went

a strong position in the market, so our

on to say that the real golden-nugget

capabilities, expertise and functionality

for Pelion is “the understanding of how

have essentially been inherited from the

devices are manufactured and the smart

legacy of that business.”

decisions we can help our customers

“Being a subsidiary of Arm gives us

make in this space which comes from our

a unique position that allows us to work

heritage, being part of Arm. Arm’s core

with almost any device that our cus-

background, within the Silicon IP space,

tomers want to be manufactured - ultra

helps people manufacture devices;

constrained, feature-rich, whatever it

they’ve been around for a long time, and

may be. But then because we have all

they’ve trailblazed all the way. They have

these capabilities that don’t touch the

JANUARY 2021

109

Pelion helps Sensize deliver full supply chain visibility CLICK TO WATCH

|

2:05

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

PELION

“ If our business is going to continue to be successful and our teams are engaged in what they’re doing, believe in what we’re doing, and enjoy getting the job done, this is exactly where I would like to be” — Niall Strachan, Head of Product Strategy, Pelion 110

JANUARY 2021

physical hardware or the application stack, we can work with a real ecosystem of, pretty much, anybody. So, for example, at Pelion, we can work with different hardware manufacturers or different systems integrators or different application providers. This allows us to provide a service that acts as a one-stop-shop for all of the solutions that our customers need.” End-to-end, if you like a feature that wouldn’t necessarily be possible without the influence and power of Arm, because, as Niall says, “it really does take an ecosystem of people to manufacture the very best devices, and get services deployed. You can’t do it alone, and it’s very difficult for companies to get on top, without standing on the shoulders of giants.”

“So that’s where our superiority really is; it’s in our ability, as one vendor, to provide customers with a full suite of services. Not many companies can say that.”

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111

Digital & data drive Orange Cameroon’s virtual growth 112 WRITTEN BY

DOMINIC ELLIS PRODUCED BY

STUART IRVING

JANUARY 2021

113

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ORANGE CAMEROON

Abdallah Nassar, Director of Engineering and Network Development, explains how a focus on data and strategic partnerships are driving growth

O

range Cameroon has been at the forefront of technological changes in west Africa for the last 20 years. Abdallah Nassar,

Director of Engineering and Network Development, 114

chronicles the key telco periods as “voice, data and virtualisation” and, in line with the group’s wider African strategy, highlights four key priorities for the next five years – digitisation, data, rural and ‘green’.

During our online meeting, we talk through each of the key areas. But it is a comment he makes halfway through which resonates and may explain why Orange Cameroon continues to see marked growth and receive prestigious network and coverage awards, most recently winning the nPerf Best Network Performance for year 2019 and H1-2020 and Ookla Speedtest Awards for Best Mobile Network Coverage for H1-2020.

“Orange Cameroon is not only an operator – it’s also a Foundation,” he said. Established in 2009, the Orange Cameroon as operator and foundation

JANUARY 2021

115

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

ORANGE CAMEROON

€42bn 2019 sales

26

Countries in network

143,000

Number of employees worldwide 116

JANUARY 2021

EX EC U TIV E PROFILE:

Abdallah Nassar Title: Director of Engineering & Network Development Company: Orange Cameroon Industry: Mobile, data, communications Twenty one years of experience in the telecom domain, holding senior positions in Africa, MEA and Asia Pacific. assigned as CTO with key operators in West and Central Africa, CTO with Digicel Pacific, CTO with Vodafone and Chief Engineering and Network Development with Orange Cameroon. Assigned as Technical Operational Consultant for a governmental projects in North Africa, Middle East and Asia.

Holding a Management Information System degree, Chartered Computer Engineering from Manchester University. Certified as Executive Business Administration from Wharton School Pennsylvania.

Holding certificates such as MCP, MCDBA and MEP from Microsoft, UNIX certified, IT project with an I-Net and CIW certificates.

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

117

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119 has played a pivotal role investing in the country’s development, channelling investment into basic education, healthcare for people with communication-related disabilities, professional training and culture.

Having an unwavering socio-economic outlook has definitely stood the company in good stead.

Two Cameroon concepts were

“Before the customer was following the operator, now the operator must follow the customer ” — Abdallah Nassar, Director of Engineering and Network Development, Orange

recently among 13 digital projects selected for the 2020 Solidarity FabLabs challenge, while the Orange Africa and Middle East Social Entrepreneur Prize cele­brates its 10th birthday this year. mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

ORANGE CAMEROON

“ We are aiming to be almost 90% digital by the end of 2020” — Abdallah Nassar, Director of Engineering and Network Development, Orange

Over the last decade, the Orange Organization’s success has engendered huge respect among Cameroonians and provided a model for sustainability; Nassar is proud that only around 1 percent of his 500-600 direct employees are expatriates. “People here are very dedicated and have an open mindset,” he adds. Demographically and virtually, Orange Cameroon is on firm foundations for virtual growth.

He describes the company as “one of the largest operators in Cameroon”,

120

although almost in the same breath says he sees itself as equal with the undisclosed front-runner. He tells me that Africans typically own two or three SIM cards, so achieving a dominant market share isn’t straightforward. Cameroon also has some distinctive dynamics given its Francophone-Anglophone mix.

Nevertheless, it has the biggest network “in terms of the number of sites, towers and coverage,” he said, with its customer base hovering between 8.5 and 9 million.

We start our discussion on digitalisation, a vast area which he likens to a spider’s web, and discuss some of the

JANUARY 2021

Spot Life Taste CLICK TO WATCH

|

0:30

121 key COVID developments, such as

“The top priority of each and every invest-

‘My Office Everywhere’ and other initia-

ment right now is to keep your quality

tives such as digital archiving, which

in place,” he said. “Three to four months

is simplifying RFPs and order taking.

wasn’t enough time to better under­

“Before the pandemic, it was 10 per-

stand customers’ changing needs, but it

cent, but now we’re touching 50-60

was enough to change the way we are

percent in the digital terrain. We are

working and investing. We are always

aiming to be almost 90 percent digital

putting the customer and market need

by the end of 2021. There is always the

in front of us.”

10 percent which cannot be digital-

It’s no surprise to hear that data is crit-

ised as we are working with the public

ical to Orange Cameroon, but it’s worth

and government.”

stressing just how pivotal it is to the

One key change to emerge from the

virtualisation push. “Five years ago,

pandemic has been the focus on quality.

the voice revenue started to decline,

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

ORANGE CAMEROON

“ Now all investment is around data. The virtual will be based on a solid data network” — Abdallah Nassar, Director of Engineering and Network Development, Orange

122

JANUARY 2021

253mn Customer base

208mn Mobile customers

now all investment is around data.

We are heavily investing in new services, first to introduce 4G+ in country, and working on launching the new 4.75G. The virtual will be based on a solid data network.”

21mn

Fixed broadband customers

We move into the rural domain, where he is keen to emphasise its partnership with Canadian-based NuRAN Wireless (Cameroon’s 26 million population is evenly split between cities and rural areas). “They have a very unique product: it’s a radiocoverage telecom product which is specifically designed for rural areas and can be quickly deployed,” he said.

Its rural network penetration stands at about 80 percent. “Geographically we are not yet there, we will still have five years to continue the rural coverage – many of them are small hotspots.”

Alongside NuRAN, Huawei, which is working closely with Orange to cooperate in virtualisation and Core Network development. “Despite the serious competition and challenges

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123

H I T YO U R O B J E C T I V E S W I T H Z E R O I N V E S T M E N T.

SCALING WITH NETWORK-AS-A-SERVICE

solutions start here!

125

that Huawei is encountering these

“This was the first step of monetisation

days Huawei still represents a very

of the network,” he says “The radio is

strategic vendor for Orange Cameroon

almost completed and the second step,

and Orange in global. We are on a fast

with Huawei, will focus on virtualisation

development track with Huawei to

and cloud systems, and take another

bring advanced services to market such

four to five years. On completion, we will

as Smart-Wifi, Cloud Services and

have fully modernised our network.”

Virtualisation. There is no end of plans

He adds that financial services will be a

with Huawei,” he says.

key focus in future.

Nokia and Orange embarked on a

Technology’s changes have been

major 4G LTE regional roll-out in 2018,

profound and there is “no comparison”

which saw the former upgrade Orange’s

between 1999 and 2020. “Before the

radio access network to enhance

customer was following the opera-

mobile broadband services.

tor, now it’s the other way round – the mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

ORANGE CAMEROON

“ I am ‘hands-on’ and a team player, and I do share my experience.

If my team is not dev­ eloping, I cannot develop myself” — Abdallah Nassar, Director of Engineering and Network Development, Orange 126

operator must follow the customer, and

spearhead”, can turn the issue around,

the vendor must follow the operator.

according to a new study being final-

Moving from a legacy to virtual con-

ised by the United Nations Economic

cept, the entire technological mindset

Commission for Africa (ECA). Nassar

has changed.”

said one option could be to create

On environmental matters,

more green solarisation concepts

Cameroon’s private sector is curr-

and find hybrid solutions to minimise

ently ill-prepared to leverage a spate

power consumption and pollution.

of opportunities offered by the green

While many developed markets are

economy but a comprehensive set of

swept up in 5G hype, Nassar says

measures, which “Government should

much of West Africa remains on 2G,

JANUARY 2021

127

primarily because of the product and

develop its own technology and con-

purchasing power of the customer.

tinue to grow the economy. “We have

“First we must convert them to 3G, and

the will to invest more.”

then 4G. To talk about 5G now on the continent is very difficult and costly.

Are we ready in terms of frequencies? Yes. But we are not ready in terms of regulations, infrastructure and monopoly.”

He says it is maintaining government dialogue to see how it can mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

128

JANUARY 2021

LEADING THE OPENRAN REVOLUTION WRITTEN BY

HARRY MENEAR

PRODUCED BY

STUART IRVING

129

Mavenir Office Buildings, Brno, Czech Republic mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

MAVENIR

Virtyt Koshi, General Manager for EMEA at Mavenir, talks 5G, network flexibility and the power of OpenRAN to usher in a new era of telecommunication

T

he evolution of global telecommunications networks from 4G to 5G is proceeding at an unprecedented speed. However, as the

telecom industry embarks on this generational leap, 130

the strategies, business models and infrastructure technology required to support this evolution have yet to be fully realised.

5G offers lower latency, greater throughput, less delay, and a huge increase in the number of connected devices, which places demands on existing network architecture practices that are no longer sustainable. “One of the things we are seeing in the 5G space now is that a lot of people in the industry are talking about 5G networks in terms of architecture that was suitable for 2G and 3G, but is no longer suitable for 5G,” explains Dr Virtyt Koshi, senior vice president and general manager EMEA at Mavenir.

“You can’t build high speed 5G networks in the same way that we built voice centric 2G and kbps low speed 3G networks.”

JANUARY 2021

131

“ OpenRAN has really captured the market’s imagination and Mavenir is the leader in that market” — Virtyt Koshi, GM, EMEA, Mavenir

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

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“ OpenRAN allows the flexibility to bring best of breed solutions to market, lower CapEx, OpEX, and grant our customers the ability to decrease time to market”

As the global telecom industry changes and adapts to an increasingly digitalised world, Mavenir is leading a new generation of companies with extensive solution portfolios focused on helping telecom operators automate, cloudify, expand and drive efficiency across their networks on the road to 5G and beyond. The company is also leading the industry charge on the subject of open radio access networks (OpenRAN),

— Virtyt Koshi, GM, EMEA, Mavenir

a revolutionary new approach to mobile networking that allows operators to slot different products from different

Virtyt Koshi GM EMEA at Mavenir CLICK TO WATCH

|

0:48

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

133

MAVENIR

134

vendors into their network archi-

We sat down with him to discuss

tecture, eliminating the need to buy

the ways in which Mavenir is bringing

locked proprietary systems from

revolutionary degrees of network

a single firm.

flexibility to its customers, allowing

“OpenRAN allows the flexibility to bring best of breed solutions to

them the agility they need to compete in the 5G age.

market, reduce CapEx, lower OpEX, and grant our customers the ability

THE JOURNEY TO 5G

to decrease time to market with

As a result of using higher frequency

new products and

signals, 5G networks can transmit

services like mobile edge comput-

more information an order of mag-

ing, high throughput 5G and private

nitude faster than 4G and earlier

networks, and advanced consumer

generations of mobile network tech-

communications,” Koshi explains.

nology. However, Koshi notes,

JANUARY 2021

135

E X E C U T I V E P R O FILE :

Virtyt Koshi Title: SVP and General Manager, EMEA

Company: Mavenir

Industry: Telecommunications Location: Dallas, Texas Dr Virtyt Koshi is Mavenir’s SVP and GM responsible for Europe, Middle East and Africa region. Virtyt brings new business models to Service Providers in the transition to the next generation of networks. He brings global experience in Leadership, Sales, Operations, and Advisory assignments with Communication Services Providers, Vendors, Regulators, and Investors.

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MAVENIR

in order to practically establish 5G

Europe, the 5G network rollout has

coverage, telecom operators face

been hampered by affordability issues.

serious obstacles from a CapEx and

“In addition to Capex challenges due

regulatory perspective, as well as the

to very expensive traditional equipment,

laws of physics themselves.

the OpEx that is required to build, oper-

“We need to move from macro struc-

136

ate and maintain a telecom network

tures to smaller cell structures with 5G

becomes enormous because it’s primar-

networks,” he explains, noting that while

ily a real estate driven business, which

it is possible to cover large areas with

drives up expenditure,” Koshi notes.

a 5G network using a single site, econo-

This is where Mavenir comes in. With

mies of scale very quickly render such

a laser focus on intelligent, cloud-based

an approach impractical in areas of

innovation in the telecom space, the

highest demand.

company has been turning its collec-

“The transmitter power has to be large.

tive experience expertise to new ways

For example, CSP’s quote twice as much

of thinking about building a telecom

power is needed for 5G than 4G. This

network.

becomes a big regulatory and safety

“We’re looking at building webscale

constraint, on top of all the logistical and

networks which are, by an order of mag-

spatial (real estate) issues that creates.

nitude, more cost-efficient compared

All that impacts your time to market and

to what’s being offered by the market’s

OpEx,” he adds.

legacy suppliers. Webscale networks

From a practical point of view, Koshi

are cost-effective from a CapEx per-

adds, the size of 5G network infrastruc-

spective and bring huge OpEx savings

ture is also very much dictated by the

to the operator as well,” he explains.

laws of physics. “The industry is moving towards using smaller sites as the basis

DELIVERING WHAT THE MARKET NEEDS

for 5G networks, because the higher your

Mavenir’s executive team is made up of

frequency, the faster the signals you’re

some of the most experienced players

sending break down and dissipate.”

in the telecom industry. CEO and

The result is that, particularly in

founder, Pardeep Kohli, who has an

JANUARY 2021

impressive track record in establishing

“A lot of people who work for Mavenir

and leading innovative companies,

now used to work for large operators

among others, served as the CEO

and telecom suppliers, so we’re also

of Ranzure, one of the earliest players

experienced with and focused on what

in the 5G cloud RAN solutions space.

matters to our customers’ customers.”

Stefano Cantarelli, Mavenir’s EVP

He adds that the key criteria for suc-

and CMO, is a veteran of Huawei and

cess at Mavenir is finding the best

Vodafone, etc.

possible ways to meet the needs of its

Koshi himself was an instrumental player in Ericsson’s transformation

customers, and its customers’ customers.

from a legacy vendor to virtualisation

“We ensure that all businesses are

and telco supplier, also working as

being served with the latest solutions

the head of technology strategy at

that add value to their operations, and

Vodafone UK. “Our focus is always

that consumers are being given access

on identifying what matters and is best

to the services that delight them,” he

for our customers,” he elaborates.

says. “To achieve that criteria, we need

Virtyt Koshi Explain the importance of the new 5G network CLICK TO WATCH

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0:58

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MAVENIR

COM B A T E L E COM

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In the modern telecom industry, no company is an island. “Any telecommunication network vendor depends on its supplier ecosystem, whether that’s Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei, and so on. No one can exist on their own in this commercial context,” Koshi explains. “For example, we work with the market leaders in antennas, globally, such as Comba Telecom.”

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Comba Telecom is one of the world’s leading solutions and services providers for the wireless access and antenna market.

Earlier this year, Comba and

Mavenir collaborated on a groundbreaking project with Turkcell, delivering integrated OpenRAN solutions into the Turkish telecom’s network core.

“We did a truly innovative project with Comba and Turkcell, implementing fully containerised CU/DU and Open Front-Haul with Split 7.2 in trial deployments,” says Koshi. “That means the radio is completely open to any base band software or other company software. It’s an alternative to the proprietary common private radio interface that you get with a lot of suppliers today, which gives a massive amount of flexibility.”

“ You can’t build high speed 5G networks in the same way that we built 2G and 3G networks” — Virtyt Koshi, GM, EMEA, Mavenir

JANUARY 2021

to work backwards from the goal. We

“We’re talking about tens of billions of

need to figure out if we have effective

connected devices, wearables and sen-

and efficient networks to support those

sors that current generation networks

goals and whether we can continue

will not be able to sustain,” Koshi says.

investing in those networks to keep

“When you look at all the requirements

meeting demand.”

of 5G, like latency, throughput, capac-

Koshi explains that, while the indus-

ity, delay and the demands made by 5G

try is inexorably moving towards 5G,

services, it all conspires to make 4G

previous generation networks still

infrastructure non-viable for this next

have a role to play. “Some of the older

generation of products and services.”

networking technologies still serve a function. Even 2G networks can use

LEADING AN OPENRAN REVOLUTION

their low bandwidth to support IoT

As the demands on mobile networks

devices. Also, 4G has become a very

increase, operators need access to

reliable mobile broadband service for

unprecedented levels of flexibility and

the consumer segment.” The role of

efficiency in order to ensure that their

5G, he continues, lies in connected

architectures are suitable for the

industrial applications, like automated

coming of the 5G age.

production systems, new business models, new virtual services, etc” “It’s going to revolutionise industrialisa-

Traditionally, mobile carriers have only been able to purchase radio network infrastructure from small groups

tion around the world considering the

of legacy suppliers like Huawei,

higher speeds and levels of connectivity

Ericsson and Nokia, which provide

it can deliver.” Use cases like autono-

a proprietary and inflexible package

mous vehicles, remote health-care, and

that might not suit every need. Mavenir,

enhanced broadband applications like

along with other players in the space,

cloud gaming and mixed reality, how-

is looking to change this through the

ever, are also on track to radically alter

rapid expansion of OpenRAN.

both the consumer experience, and

By allowing operators to combine

the demands placed upon telecom net-

hardware and software solutions from

works to provide them.

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139

MAVENIR

OpenRAN allows carriers to more readily embrace cloud-based software solutions and select the best hardware for their unique needs. The result is a world where mobile networks are far more future-proof than in previous generations.

“OpenRAN has really captured the market’s imagination and Mavenir is the leader in that market,” says Koshi. “We provide a unique proposition to our customers, and have been able to work with Vodafone, Turkcell, O2 UK, Dish (US) 140

and many others on innovative Open RAN projects.”

Viryt Koshi Explain the importance of open RAN CLICK TO WATCH

JANUARY 2021

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1:32

FROM TELEGRAPHY TO 5G The history of human evolution and society is the history of communications. Koshi emphasises the fact that, from the invention of telegraphy to the invention of the telephone, to data communications, to mobile and now to 5G, the ability to exchange information over great distances has driven society forward.

“It’s enabled not only business productivity but also wide social communication.

The world needs to continue investing in telecommunications for the sake of people, businesses and our planet as a whole,” he says, adding that Mavenir is and will continue to play an impor-

“ 5 G is going to revolutionise industrialisation around the world based on the higher speeds and levels of connectivity it can deliver” — Virtyt Koshi, GM, EMEA, Mavenir

tant role in that process.

“Mavenir is one step ahead of the curve in terms of innovation, creativity and bringing new ideas to the market. Going forward, we’re going to deploy and bring this leading edge technology to as many customers as possible, so they can benefit from as early as possible, and reduce their time to market while launching new and exciting projects that have a manageable CapEX and OpEX.”

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142

JANUARY 2021

Digital transformation for customer value WRITTEN BY

WILLIAM SMITH PRODUCED BY

BEN MALTBY

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143

ARQIVA

Chief Technology & Transformation Officer Clive White discusses Arqiva’s ongoing digital transformation and the benefits it is bringing for itself, customers and suppliers

A

rqiva is a supplier of critical communications infrastructure and media services . Having recently divested its telecoms business,

it is now focusing on two market segments; the Utilities sector, leveraging its smart metering and satellite data communications operations, and the media 144

and broadcast sector, leveraging its long history in the provision of service to the UK’s Public Sector Broadcasters (PSB) and the broader media industry, as Chief Technology and Transformation Officer Clive White explains. “We’re the leading broadcast provider in the UK covering TV and radio. That also extends to other digital delivery services through satellite and over the top services. The other focus area is more broadly called utilities, which today is a focus on smart metering across gas, electricity and water utilities.”

In a changing industry caused by the introduction of new technologies such as streaming services, Arqiva is ensuring that it remains on top of innovation. “We are positioning ourselves to be the bridge between traditional and modern,” says White. “We do

JANUARY 2021

145

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ARQIVA

146

everything from analogue radio all the

exposed,” says White. “The Board

way through to video on demand ser-

recognised this shift and created a new

vices delivered over IP and satellite. So

role on the executive committee to own

we’ve got a broad range of technolo-

and drive enterprise-wide business

gies and services that we can integrate

transformation.” Arqiva is in the midst

and help the industry segments we

of a multi-year, large scale transforma-

serve in support today’s traditional

tion of both customer-facing and internal

delivery as well as position for the future

services. “We’re delivering an integrated

as well.”

programme of change covering finance

The digitalisation of the industry has

transformation, which involves the

revealed the potential of commensurate

implementation of a modernised Oracle

internal changes. “As we’ve moved

system, a transformation in our site asset

into a more connected world, silo and

management capabilities underpinned

legacy systems have become more

by a technology called Siterra and we’ve

JANUARY 2021

“ Given it’s probably the biggest change and transformation Arqiva has seen, we wanted to make sure we brought on board an experienced partner” — Clive White, CTO, Arqiva

147

E X E C U T I V E P R O FILE :

Clive White Title: CTO

Company: Arqiva

Industry: Telecommunications Location: Hampshire A high impact, executive leader and change catalyst with extensive experience of delivering sustainable change in challenging and complex blue chip business environments including Banking, Life, Pensions and Investments, Insurance, Telecoms, Consulting, Media and Technology. Operational/ Programme budget and benefits delivery management (£‘000m’s), Management Board member accountabilities and delivery across global and cultural boundaries. Deep specialism in designing and leading organisational and technology transformation and integration programmes and creating expert, high performing teams. Official Member of Forbes Technology Council.

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

ARQIVA

HCL & Arqiva Partnership CLICK TO WATCH | 3:12

148 just launched a new integrated service automation platform on ServiceNow which has enabled us to retire four separate legacy systems. On the back of that, we’re integrating all of our network OSS systems into ServiceNow to drive further automation and efficiencies.”

Alongside that already comprehensive overhaul is an initiative to marshal its data through an ambitious programme of change referred to as Data and

“ Making sure you have an organisational change programme wrapped around your technology change is essential” — Clive White, CTO, Arqiva

Orchestration. This is identifying, clean-

of mastered data on a technology from

ing and centralising all critical business

Information Builders called Omnigen.

data into an ecosystem of connected

“We have aggressively moved to a cloud-

data stores leveraging “golden sources”

based suite of integrated systems,

JANUARY 2021

wherever we can” he says. “We are now

workplace initiative,” says White. “So

in the process of joining up our business

we’ve moved to Office365, deployed

processes via the integrated data plat-

mobile interfaces and digitised a whole

form, leveraging process re-engineering

bunch of processes, including starting

opportunities created by adopting ‘out of

to deploy digital signatures across all

the box’ services. So, we’re going from

of our procurement systems.” Digital

a quite manual and legacy set of discrete

Workplace is continuing to evolve, as

systems into highly automated, digitally

White explains. “We’re going into the

interconnected systems, enabling fric-

next round of Digital Workplace, where

tionless business processing wherever

we face up to the ugly history of ana-

possible and desirable”.

logue telephony and digitising that into

Also built into the transformation is

our new infrastructure. The ultimate goal

increased preparedness for the ongo-

is to make our entire operation digitally

ing COVID-19 pandemic. “Wrapped

enabled and able to work flexibly and

around the transformation is a digital

remote if and when we need it to be.”

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149

True Digital Transformation at scale and speed According to Harvard Business Review, 70% of all digital transformation initiatives do not reach their goals, and of the $1.3 trillion that was spent on digital transformation last year, it was estimated that almost $900 billion went to waste.

These figures serve to highlight the critical importance of having a competent technology partner that can help you navigate the labyrinth of change, and scale digital transformation across the enterprise to drive discernible business outcomes.

That’s where we come in. HCL’s Digital & Analytics practice helps organizations unlock the true potential of digital transformation, helping them move away from the surface level play of discreate digital projects focused on single initiatives to orchestrating the various digital pivots into a coordinated and disciplined digital strategy and roadmap. Our digital execution framework, FENIX 2.0, bridges the gap between digital strategy and execution and helps organizations in both defining transformation initiatives and in executing them by aligning operating models with best-in-class engineering practices. Thus, empowering them to transform for the next decade, today.

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HCL: modernising Arqiva’s core systems and infrastructure Anand Birje, Sr. Corporate VP, Digital & Analytics at HCL, and Clive White, CTTO at Arqiva, discuss their companies’ recent collaboration “Arqiva is undergoing a massive business and digital transformation and we’re a strategic partner in their journey,” states Anand Birje, Sr. Corporate Vice President and Head of the Digital and Analytics practice at HCL Technologies. He explains that its partnership with telco Arqiva started in 2018 and has remained strong ever since. “HCL was chosen as a prime partner for its smart metering implementation programme, which was, to my mind, one of the largest of its kind in the world at that time.”

Clive White, Chief Technology and Transformation Officer at Arqiva, states that this initiative was highly ambitious. “We were looking to modernise all of our infrastructure and core systems and, very importantly, make good on the realisation of our integrated future,” he says. Achieving this meant placing data at the centre of the company’s operations to acquire the desired “single point of truth”. Arqiva’s highly progressive attitude and culture meant that it needed a partner with shared values in order to execute this vision. Following a thorough search for the right collaborator, “HCL came out on top.”

More than simply providing tech, Birje claims that HCL’s synergistic culture has enabled it to determine the best course of action for Arqiva, such as ‘sprint developing’. Speed to market is

paramount for the company, confirms White.

Arqiva’s enhanced agility also had an unprecedented benefit during the initial weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic: “We established a digital workplace very early on; Arqiva was able to pivot the business overnight to working remotely for all our teams, apart from the operational teams and field engineers.”

From making the right technology investments to supporting enterprise-wide digital change, Birje emphasises that any transformation is more akin to a never ending journey of discovery than a linear process. “HCL is looking forward to undertaking that journey with Arqiva; there’s a massive transformation coming in the next few years.” White considers that, as the company shifts from being a ‘data managing’ to a ‘data-driven’ organisation, the possibilities for reinvention are likely to be significant, both for Arqiva and the market it operates in. “I think we are creating self-serve opportunities the more we reach out to our customers with portals, dashboards and data interfaces. We’re going to broaden those core business processes and expose our customers to as much of that as we can.”

Learn more

ARQIVA

While Arqiva was impacted by COVID19, like most organisations worldwide, the existing digitalisation efforts provided a great deal of resiliency. “We’d previously built that momentum around business change, which was somewhat fortuitous in terms of timing. On Friday the 13th of March we flipped the entire workforce - minus a small number of critical operations and field teams that needed to be on site and in the field - to working from home overnight, with minimal interruptions to service operations.”

White emphasises that the pandemic 152

has not impacted the scope of the company’s transformation plans, but rather the timeframe, with an extension of around three months to ease the introduction of new technologies and pace of change during lockdown.

Having spun up remote working so quickly, White believes that the technology has more than proved itself. “For too many years, the fear of remote working revolved around the perception that the technology would not work reliably at scale and that managing a remote workforce would be too challenging.

But that was wrong on both counts.”

Notwithstanding individual and personal circumstance challenges, such as those JANUARY 2021

“ It’s about fully embracing the digital landscape” — Clive White, CTO, Arqiva

153

with kids at home, it’s provided the ability

and then wonder why they’ve not been

to work smarter and more flexibly while

fully effective, not been liked and have

still delivering.”

come in over budget and late. So making

White credits a focus on culture as

sure you have an organisational change

driving the transformation programme

programme wrapped around your tech-

through. “Many organisations of which

nology change is essential.“

I’ve been part will spend a lot of money

Another factor in the transforma-

and time deploying systems and tools,

tion’s success has been the strength mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

ARQIVA

“ For too many years, we heard that technology wouldn’t work at scale remotely, and that you couldn’t trust your people to work remotely” — Clive White, CTO, Arqiva 154

of key collaborators, such as integration partner HCL. “Given it’s probably the biggest change and transformation Arqiva has seen, we wanted to make sure we brought on board an experienced partner to be part of our ‘change spine’,” says White. “We went through an extensive process to pick the right partner for Arqiva in terms of our size, geography and ‘fit’, and HCL came out on top. They are integrated into our delivery teams, across our big delivery workstreams and supporting our integrated plan bringing best practice where appropriate and capacity where we don’t have it to maintain the volume and concurrency of change that we’ve got in flight.

JANUARY 2021

White’s immediate focus is on landing the transformation in the next 14 months.

“At that stage, we’ll have replaced all of our core systems, going from a legacy, siloed set to a fully integrated, automated and work-flowed business. We need to make sure that we’re maximizing the benefit that this investment gives us, with some big changes in terms of efficiency and ways of working that we’re deploying internally, but also starting to connect to our suppliers and our customers differently.” On that point, White is clear that the benefits are not just internal but extend to outside stakeholders. “We’re now starting to connect to our customers digitally, and we can get them to ask us to do things automatically via APIs. We’re starting to kill the phone and email to improve the level of connectivity between us, our customers, partners and suppliers. It’s about fully embracing the digital landscape and making sure that things are as automated and efficient as possible to offer more value to our customers.”

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156

Delivering World-Class Connectivity WRITTEN BY

HARRY MENEAR

JANUARY 2021

PRODUCED BY

STUART IRVING

157

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EQUINIX & OMANTEL

Judith Gardiner and Sohail Qadir discuss their companies’ joint venture to bring an unprecedented level of connectivity to the Middle East

P

erched at the easterly edge of the Arabian Peninsula, where the Gulf meets the Indian Ocean, the Sultanate of Oman sits at the

crossroads of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Positioned as it is, Oman is uniquely suited to serve as an interconnection hub for the entire 158

Middle East region, as well as the wider world beyond.

“The positioning of Oman is excellent,” says Judith Gardiner, Vice President of Growth and Emerging Markets at Equinix.

Sohail Qadir, Vice President of the Wholesale Business Unit at Oman’s largest and leading telecom operator, Omantel, agrees. “This region is becoming highly connected,” he affirms. “Our location between Europe and Asia means that all the subsea cables that connect Asia to Europe, or Asia to Africa and so on, pass through the Middle East. We are becoming a hub for interconnection.”

In 2018, Omantel and Equinix embarked on a historic joint venture. Over the past couple of years, the data centre giant and Omani telecom leader have worked together to build a world-class, carrier-neutral data centre hub and international business exchange JANUARY 2021

159

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EQUINIX & OMANTEL

“ There is no other place with this level of connectivity in the region. Even in the bigger data centres in Europe, it would be very rare to see something like this” — Sohail Qadir, VP, Wholesale Business Unit, Omantel

(IBX) in the city of Barka - just outside the Omani capital of Muscat. The facility, MC1, came online in early October of this year, with more than 23,600 square feet of colocation space and 725 cabinets for colocation hosting. Most importantly, the partnership has allowed Equinix to unite its global data centre network and extensive infrastructure expertise with Omantel’s strategically placed network of subsea cables to create the most highly connected telecom facility in the region. We sat down with Gardiner and

160

Qadir to learn more about this unique partnership and what it means for the future of Oman as the connectivity nexus of the Middle East and beyond.

A DIGITAL REVOLUTION As one of the world’s premier digital infrastructure companies, Equinix operates more than 220 colocation data centres in 26 countries globally. The Middle East, Gardiner explains, holds a great deal of promise for the company.

“The Middle East has proven to be one of the most exciting areas of cloud growth and cloud has quickly become a key factor in the region’s digital transformation,” she says. “There’s been JANUARY 2021

Introduction to Judith Gardner Vice President of Gems at Equinix CLICK TO WATCH

|

0:40

161 rapid growth of the digital economy

and storage that is required for eve-

and it’s really driven increased demand

rything to function harmoniously,” she

for global connectivity and hybrid multi

explains.

cloud solutions. The increased use

Qadir notes that the Omani govern-

of cloud services and mobile devices

ment’s active role in the data centre

are causing an exponential growth in

and cloud industry has accelerated

the volume of data being stored and

dramatically over the past year, due in

processed.” Gardiner adds that the

part to the COVID-19 pandemic, but

expansion of the Middle East’s digital

also as a result of the region’s changing

economy has also spurred the adop-

relationship to the oil and gas industry.

tion of new applications and services

“The Middle East is heavily dependent

using advanced analytics and machine

on oil revenues, with some economies

learning, which are demanding greater

in the region being as much as 90%

performance. “They’re really leading to

dependent on oil revenues, and you

a reshaping of the network compute

will not find a country - especially in the mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

EQUINIX & OMANTEL

“ The Middle East has proven to be one of the most exciting areas of cloud growth” — Judith Gardiner, VP, Growth and Emerging Markets, Equinix

162

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - that

A few years ago, cloud was something of

is less than 75% oil dependent,” he says.

a no-no in this region. Just a few months

Following the global drop in oil prices

ago, the Omani government announced

last year, there has been a serious push

plans to deliver Oracle cloud in Oman to

towards cloud and digital services, as

consolidate all its IT requirements. Cloud

governments work to ramp up cloud ser-

has become a very important goal for the

vices in preparation for a regional pivot

government.”

towards a more digital economy. “It’s “In response, governments and agencies

MC1 - THE NEW TELECOM HEART OF THE REGION

have been aggregating and consolidat-

The Middle East and the rest of the world

ing their requirements on services like

are moving towards increased cloud

Oracle, AWS, Azure, etc. and these

adoption and greater dependence on

projects are starting to come online.

digital services at an unprecedented rate.

a big crisis in the region,” Qadir explains.

JANUARY 2021

163 E X E C U T I V E P R O FILE :

Judith Gardiner Title: VP, Growth and Emerging Markets Company: Equinix

Industry: Internet

Judith Gardiner joined Equinix in 2013 as Director of Sales Strategy and Operations for EMEA, going on to serve as Chief of Staff for EMEA leading multiple high impact projects in the region, including acquisitions and integration programs, before becoming Vice President of EMEA’s Growth and Emerging Markets in 2019.

Judith joined Equinix from Polycom, where she held management positions in Finance and Sales Operations in Europe over the span of 10 years. Previously, Judith worked at Peoplesoft (now Oracle) in the Netherlands, after spending five years at Deloitte in Ireland. Judith qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

EQUINIX & OMANTEL

THE COVID-19 FACTOR

164

The current crisis has, Gardiner explains, dramatically accelerated the pace of digital transformations around the world. “Before COVID-19, a digital transformation project could be expected to take two years, and now that same transformation has to happen in two months. The conversations we’re having with other countries in the Middle East have been accelerating,” she says.

A recent report from Deloitte identified the trend, noting that a global shift towards remote work, and the pandemic rendering on-premises data centres inaccessible has rapidly accelerated cloud migrations around the world. “We’ve seen two years’ worth of digital

JANUARY 2021

transformation in two months,” Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella told Deloitte, confirming Gardiner’s assertion.

Executing a historic joint venture like the one between Equinix and Omantel is a challenging feat at the best of times. However, Gardiner reflects, the companies’ respective teams rose to the challenge commendably. “Previously, we would have never thought we could achieve something like this without travel,” she says. “While it’s been disappointing not to be able to do a lot of the work in person, it’s also been really rewarding to see the teams join together and integrate successfully, even in the midst of a pandemic.”

“ With Omantel in Muscat we’re going to be able to offer 160 milliseconds of latency between Frankfurt and Singapore” — Sohail Qadir, VP, Wholesale Business Unit, Omantel

in Oman. The Sultanate also has another operator, which has another two cables landing in the country. All of these subsea cables now have access into MC1, making for 16 subsea networks in one data centre,” says Qadir, adding that “There is no other place with that level of connectivity in this region. Even in the bigger data centres in Europe, it would be very rare to see something like this.”

The latest findings from the Global

The initial success of MC1 has already

Interconnection Index predicts that

garnered significant interest in the

enterprise consumption of interconnec-

project. Qadir notes that the venture

tion bandwidth will grow at a CAGR of

is currently working on five additional

45% across the EMEA region by 2023.

projects to bring even more connectiv-

Equinix and Omantel’s joint venture is

ity to MC1. “There’s a point-to-point

poised to elevate connectivity in the

link between Perth in Australia and

region to a revolutionary degree.

Oman, which will land in MC1 and go

First opened in early October this

live towards the end of 2021. It is called

year, MC1 is a state-of-the-art IBX,

the Oman Australia Cable (OAC) and

strategically positioned to make use

will be one of the longest direct subsea

of Omantel’s extensive subsea cable

cables in the world. We are also working

network. Omantel currently has invest-

with Google and Telecom Italia Sparkle

ments in more than 20 subsea cable

on a cable system called Blue-Raman,

systems, which connect to five landing

which will also land in MC1, just to name

stations in Oman and one in France,

a few,” says Qadir. “Moreover we are

making Omantel the first GCC telecom

planning to extend the GCCIA cable to

operator to have a subsea landing sta-

MC1, which is an alternative terrestrial

tion in Europe.

path connecting the GCC countries”, he

“Omantel has 14 subsea cables landing

added. Qadir explains that the goal is to mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

165

EQUINIX & OMANTEL

166 E X E C U T I V E P R O FILE :

Sohail Qadir Title: VP, Wholesale Business Unit Company: Omantel

Industry: Telecommunications

Sohail Qadir is vice president of wholesale business. He is responsible for developing and growing Omantel’s emerging International businesses, like expanding submarine cables, voice transit and national interconnects including MVNO. In addition, as senior management member he is responsible for overseeing the company’s growing business and footprint outside Oman. He has more than 20 years of experience in a broad range of IT & telecom segments with a specific focus on international business. Before joining his current position in August 2010, he served as chief operating officer in Worldcall Telecom Limited. Mr. Qadir holds B.E. in Computer Systems and Masters in Business Administration.

JANUARY 2021

Introduction to Sohail Qadir Vice President of Wholesale at Omantel CLICK TO WATCH

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1:27

167 create an environment where Omantel

adding that Equinix’s role is then to man-

does not need to build its own subsea

age those intersection points between

cables into MC1, as the facility attracts

cables globally. “With Omantel in Muscat

outside investment from cable and

we’re going to be able to offer 160 mil-

infrastructure companies due to its role

liseconds of latency between Frankfurt

as a regional interconnection point. “Five

and Singapore, and that sort of connec-

years down the line, MC1 will be among

tivity is only going to accelerate adoption

the most highly-connected data centres

and transformation even further.”

globally,” he enthuses.

This level of connectivity is going to

GLOBAL CONNECTION

be a driving force behind uniting the

The pace of innovation and adoption

digital economies in EMEA with APAC

around digital services is only going to

and beyond. “The subsea cables that

accelerate. The Equinix and Omantel

Omantel is investing in are really going

joint venture is set to keep pace with

to drive connectivity,” says Gardiner,

demand. “We launched MC1 just last mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

EQUINIX & OMANTEL

An insight into the partnership between Equinix & Omentel CLICK TO WATCH

168

JANUARY 2021

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“ Before COVID-19, a digital transformation project could be expected to take two years, and now that same transformation has to happen in two months” — Judith Gardiner, VP, Growth and Emerging Markets, Equinix

month and we are already in discussions over possible expansions,” says Qadir.

In closing, Gardiner emphasises the fact that continued investment in the Middle East’s digital infrastructure is essential for the region’s success, and that its opportunities, both locally and as a global interconnection point, are significant. “We’re very focused on Muscat right now. The interconnection platform is incredibly important. What we’re seeing drive our customers isn’t space and power, it’s the interconnection platform we provide, the reliability and service excellence, and fundamentally the access to all the digital ecosystems and partners we can offer,” she says, adding in conclusion that “It’s vital that companies invest in developing the digital infrastructure of the Middle East, or the pace of innovation will quickly outstrip its capabilities, and the region’s promising growth as a digital hub will stop. But we’re not expecting to see that; if anything, we’re expecting to see it grow and develop even faster than we’ve already seen.”

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169

170

Vodafone Idea: Developing a Truly Digital India WRITTEN BY

GEORGIA WILSON PRODUCED BY

LEWIS VAUGHAN

JANUARY 2021

171

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VODAFONE IDEA LTD

Business Chief APAC looks at the digital transformation and COVID-19 trends that are driving the development of a truly digital India

E

stablished in 2018, Vodafone India Ltd completed its merger with Idea Cellular Ltd. As part of the merger, Vodafone India

rebranded to Vodafone Idea and is jointly controlled by Vodafone and the Aditya Birla Group.

172

Its vision is to “create world class digital experiences to connect and inspire every Indian to build a better tomorrow.”

Vodafone Idea provides the pan-India region with voice and data services for 2G, 3G and 4G platforms.

The company is committed to delivering high quality customer experiences and contributing to a truly digital India.

Following its establishment in 2018 Vodafone Idea has since rebranded for a second time to ‘Vi’ in September 2020 following the final completion of the merger between the two organisations.

Reflecting on the creation of Vi, the company states that it was built to “be strong, ever dependable, agile, intuitive, and a brand in tune with the needs of the customers in these ever changing times.”

JANUARY 2021

173

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

“ Like your home virtual assistant, but for work.”

Give your employees the support they need to stay engaged and on target – wherever they are In today’s digital reality, virtual assistants form an integral part of our lives at home. And now, thanks to NEVA, virtual assistants are entering the workplace too, empowering your employees to achieve their best potential

LEARN MORE

Commenting on the completion of

and agility to fast track their digital

the merger between Vodafone India

experiences programs. This solution

and Idea Cellular, Ravinder Takkar,

eliminates the need for a major transfor-

managing director and CEO at

mation of legacy systems, bringing the

Vodafone Idea commented, “Vodafone

services near to the experience layer.

Idea came together as a merged entity

In addition to changing customer

two years ago. We have, since then,

behaviours, many other digital trans-

focussed on integrating two large

formation initiatives in India are being

networks, our people and processes.

delivered by harnessing hybrid cloud,

And today I am delighted to present Vi,

artificial intelligence (AI), machine

a brand that will bring important mean-

learning (ML), robotics, neuro-linguistic

ing to the lives of our customers.”

programming (NLP), the internet of 175

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION TRENDS Digital transformation is about rethinking people, processes and technology, while keeping the idea of developing a ‘simple, fast and innovative experience’ for customers.

As digital initiatives grow in the region, customer behaviours evolve, transitioning from traditional interaction channels to digital channels. This change is

“ It is in the times of crisis that the grit and commitment of individuals and an organisations are put through the true test of time”

driving the development of the digital experience layer (DXL), a disruptive technology which enables businesses to quickly address the customer’s

— Vodafone, Company Statement 2020

digital need and provides the flexibility mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

VODAFONE IDEA LTD

176

JANUARY 2021

things (IoT) and blockchain. With these technologies not only transitioning the way organisations do business in the region, they have also opened new business opportunities to create innovative products and services for both enterprises and retail customers.

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE TELECOMMUNICATION INDUSTRY Like so many other countries and organi­ sations, the outbreak of COVID-19 was sudden and shocking. Currently in the telecommunications industry, many

2018

organisations have been working tirelessly to maintain the smooth running

Year founded

of their operations by embracing the

$6.4 bn

by COVID-19, driving the adoption of

Revenue in dollars

HQ

Gandhinagar, India

changes and opportunities presented digital and becoming more agile and flexible organisations. Working from home is not as difficult as it was anti­ cipated, many in the region have implemented large scale migrations of office environments, to remote working overnight, which has opened the door for new digital use cases,

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

177

VODAFONE IDEA LTD

“ Vodafone Idea understood the criticality of the situation and displayed true dedication to customer service” — Vodafone, Company Statement 2020 178

new business models, cross industry partnerships, and changing consumer demands to be more digital.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 Vodafone Idea has been working to support communities to maintain safety and stay operational during these challenging times.

Back in April 2020, Vodafone Idea released a company statement that began with the phrase, “It is in the times of crisis that the grit and com­mi­tment of individuals and an organ­isations are put through the true test of time.” During the national lockdown measures Vodafone Idea strive to live up to their mission to keep customers connected and served.

The statement detailed the company’s reactive actions to restore connectivity to the Department of Health and Family Welfare, IGMC-Shimla, after its network went down, disrupting communication and essential healthcare services.

“Vodafone Idea understood the criticality of the situation and displayed true dedication to customer service.

We are thankful to have people like

JANUARY 2021

Stay healthy through Vi App CLICK TO WATCH

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0:19

179

Pankaj and his colleagues at Vodafone

after the company introduced the first

Idea who have set an example of true

contactless recharges via Google

humanity,” commented the IGMC team.

voice enabled features. “As a responsi-

Jumping forward to June 2020, in

ble, service oriented telecom operator,

furthering its efforts to support those

it has been our constant endeavor to

affected by COVID-19 and to ensure

keep our customers connected on

the safety of both employees and

Delhi NCR’s fastest 4G network dur-

customers, Vodafone Idea installed

ing the Covid lockdown and enable

protective shields at its telecommuni-

efficient services to them while they

cation outlets. As telecommunication

stay home safely. With the resumption

retail outlets began to reopen in New

of commercial activities and opening

Delhi, the company strived to ensure

of our stores, we are taking full care to

safe distancing for retail personnel

ensure safe health of our retailers and

and customers. This news came shortly

customers in Delhi & NCR. We have mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

VODAFONE IDEA LTD

180

Keep learning through Vi App CLICK TO WATCH

JANUARY 2021

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0:20

installed protective shields at Telecom outlets across Delhi NCR to safely and efficiently deliver services to our customers through these outlets,” commented Arvinder Singh Sachdeva, Operations Director, Vodafone Idea Limited.

In addition some of the other processes implemented by the company as stores began to reopen included: hourly sanitisation practices, strict ad­herence to social distancing norms, queue management outside the stores, one customer per counter, and en­couraging and assisting customers to move from touch based transactions to fully digital transactions.

“ It has been our constant endeavor to keep our customers connected on Delhi NCR’s fastest 4G network during the Covid lockdown” — Vodafone, Company Statement 2020 mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

181

182

ONBOARD THE DIGITAL EXPRESS WRITTEN BY

DOMINIC ELLIS PRODUCED BY

STUART IRVING

JANUARY 2021

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O2 CZECH REPUBLIC

JAN HRUSKA IS RIDING THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION WAVE AT O2 CZECH REPUBLIC AND ITS TWO-YEAR-OLD CRM SYSTEM IS SERVING AS A SPRINGBOARD FOR NEW INNOVATIONS

J

an Hruska is a man on a mission. The CTO at O2 Czech Republic is not so much joining the post-pandemic wave of digital

transformation as engineering the technological tide which continues to revolutionise our corporate

184

and leisure lives.

In the space of an hour we cover CRM, cybersecurity, apps, TV platforms, employee dynamics, 5G and mobile, and I leave our Zoom call with a sense that we could easily have talked another hour, such is the dynamism of O2’s business, scope of the mobile industry and seemingly endless permutations which have been presented by the pandemic.

To date, the operator has almost 8 million mobile and fixed access subscribers.

COVID-19 has impacted us all, and for Hruska, it’s been a case of juggling inherent paradoxes: while economies have slowed, the tech space has accelerated, and despite virtual being the new normal, we can’t skirt physical realities. He has had to keep a close eye on all four balls simultaneously.

JANUARY 2021

185

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

Emeldi Commerce® Omni-channel CRM – a CSP digital transformation key enabler Emeldi provides a state-of-the art suite of Business Support Systems that offer Communications Service Providers (CSPs) the ability to monetize new services, implement new business models and differentiate content; delivering a seamless customer experience across all sales and care channels.

We have a proven track record of delivering and supporting E-commerce, Order Management, CPQ, Enterprise Product Catalogue and Omni-channel CRM – all delivered within a modern microservices architecture.

This enables CSPs to deliver innovative products and services at lower cost and in less time, with reliability and ease.

The platform’s overall cost of ownership is highly competitive vis a vis our competitors and the investment is future-proofed by the architectural design which is “5G -Ready”.

Emeldi Commerce® Omni-channel CRM was recently implemented at O2 Czech Republic, providing them with an omni-channel solution across all sales channels and customer facing touch points, fully-integrated with their OSS systems.

Learn the Emeldi way forward

“ The trend that can be seen is that the time for delivering changes is shortening, you have a smaller window of opportunity” — Jan Hruska, CTO, Czech Republic

processes finished with a stage that had to be completed physically – but now we are 80% digitised,” he says. “You can combine bundle services in the CRM and everything can be finished online.

Normally IT and marketing are separate, but we wanted to create one team that’s focused on the customer experience and are the gatekeepers of the system.”

Dusan Bystriansky, Director of Emeldi

“The trend that can be seen is that

Technologies, a leading software pro-

the time for delivering changes is

vider to the telco industry, explains how

shortening, you have a smaller window

its relationship with O2 Czech Republic

of opportunity – and it’s getting even

stretches back to 2001.

shorter with things changing overnight.

Reflecting on O2’s implementation

People are going more online following

of the Emeldi Commerce® Version 5.2,

lockdowns, though many telcos are still

he says: “O2 was really quite brave –

selling through traditional channels.”

they went with a big bang when it came

Fortunately, the bedrock to this con-

to the scope of transformation, not

stant change has been O2’s Customer

just with order management, sales and

Relationship Management (CRM)

customer care but also they combined

system, which chalked up its second

three billing systems into one.

anniversary in October.

The success lies in its common inter-

Emeldi provides an ‘omni channel’ CRM for all sales and support chan-

face simplicity which is designed to

nels, which is supported by single

provide the same service and clarity

consolidated customer and product

of information, irrespective of whether

catalogue repositories. The platform’s

you’re a first-time customer or sea-

unified architecture provides digital

soned shop assistant.

commerce and CRM functionality in a

“It wasn’t digitised initially, as most

single application. mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

187

O2 CZECH REPUBLIC

“ We have redesigned the architecture and the new app is totally scalable and can meet any scenarios” — Jan Hruska, CTO, Czech Republic

Bystriansky added that it is now working on a pilot project to decouple front and back end systems, which will likely start early next year, and continue to

188

‘break up’ elements in future as it implements the latest 6.0 and 6.1 versions.

Emeldi Commerce® version 6.0, imple­ mented in June 2020 is serving O2 customers to support sales of phones

UNHINDERED BY LEGACY

and telecommunication equipment.

With the digital bandwagon in full speed

Next year O2 is planning to implement

across Europe, Hruska acknowledges

version 6.2 to enhance administration

each country is at different stages; he

of enterprise product catalogue, which

cites one of the advantages of the Czech

is the “heart” of the CRM.

Republic is it arrived later to digital and

“Emeldi is a key partner that we picked

is less restricted by legacy systems

because of their flexibility,” says Hruska.

prevalent in many European countries.

“We’re able to influence the product and

Hruska says there is still an internal

get any solution we need. Putting their

IT part to introduce, to make the system

technology in the middle of our CRM

even more efficient. “We originated the

is definitely strengthening our partner-

entire system in 2014 and it’s now time

ship,” he said.

to be modernized – this will be phase 2,

JANUARY 2021

O 2 C O M PA N Y S TAT S

• Contract customers: 3,259 • Mobile registered customers: 5,862 • Mobile prepaid customers: 1,945 • M2M SIMs: 658,000 • Broadband internet customers: 840,000 • Customer base in Slovakia: 2,152

the modernization of the architecture,

FOCUS ON DIGITAL ONBOARDING

and we’re taking advantage of the CRM

Hruska continued: “Seamlessly we

solution that’s been recently developed

are adding “digital onboarding” to

for the continuous integration and con-

our CRM and launching phase two

tinuous deployment, supporting all the

of the transformation.”

modern buzzwords like devops, microservices, and running in containers.”

He is confident it will close the final 20% and be “fully digitised” next year.

Bystriansky added “Our solution ena-

Already a number of significant chan­

bles IT and the Business to work much

ges are being implemented, from digital

more effectively and quickly together.

photocopies for ID registrations to

This overcomes the traditional problems

e-SIMs, which it introduced in February.

of “excess demand” from the business

More recently, it launched a Chatbot

for IT services suffered by many Telcos.

in August, under its Digital Care program, mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

189

O2 CZECH REPUBLIC

190 which takes customer service to a new

technologies, such as microservices and

interactive platform. “This is great for

the cloud.

initial identifications and in some trou-

“The old architecture wasn’t scalable

ble shooting scenarios, we are able

enough. When people moved to digital

to automatically get a description of

heavily at the start of the pandemic,

the issue,” he says. “It means you can

we weren’t able to serve them properly.

offer better service to the customer so

So we have redesigned the architecture

there’s no need to wait in queues.”

and the new app is totally scalable and

Alongside customer benefits, the

can meet any scenarios.”

technology also helps reduce staffing costs and headcount. “Our ambition is

PANDEMIC CHANGES DIGITAL CONSUMPTION

to transfer 60% of call centre and back

The way consumers consume digital

office capacity, ultimately back office

during the pandemic has changed amid

should disappear completely,” he adds.

lockdowns, switches to work from home

Most recently, it rolled out a new

and increased job insecurity. In March

mobile app, based completely on modern

and April, Hruska said it had the best

JANUARY 2021

sales for internet connectivity – but was

commercially as we converted cus-

mindful of cost pressures.

tomers. We had to move fast – it was

Consequently in spring O2 offered unlimited data for all, as people moved from offices to home and started us­ing

developed in four days, and we needed to be agile.”

If you are getting the full family bun-

the service in a different way.

dle, it’s a big investment, he concedes.

Laptops and notebooks surged in

“The traditional approach among telcos

popularity and it held promotions

was to do some discounts and subsidies

when students were in lockdown.

in exchange for fixed-term contracts.

“In a normal time we would mon-

Now more customers are refusing this,

etise but we wanted customers to use

they don’t see certainty and don’t want

the free data, and it was successful

to pay fixed terms. The installment

E X E C U T I V E P R O FILE :

JAN HRUSKA

191

Title: CTO

Company: O2

Industry: Technology

Location: Czech Republic

Jan Hruška has been at the helm of O2’s Technology Division since 2018.

The division bears overall responsibility for the operation of the company’s information technologies and networks, technological support of customers as well as product development for both fixed and mobile networks. Since 2004, Jan has held several positions within O2. Until 2018, he acted as Marketing Director for fixed network products and ICT. Prior to that he held, for example, the positions of Director for distribution strategy, planning and reporting, and e-shop manager.

Before joining O2, Jan worked as an adviser with Anima Praha from 1997 to 2006. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University, Prague. mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

O2 CZECH REPUBLIC

192

“ Companies are now more exposed to cyber risks and we’re seeing double-digit growth in firewall and antivirus services” — Jan Hruska, CTO, Czech Republic

During the pandemic, the business had to pivot as shops were receiving fewer customers. “What we did was to plug in the call centre system, enabling shop floor staff to handle calls during downtimes,” he adds. “Even in summertime when restrictions were released, we decided to stick with it as there are always times of the day when

programme can help, and this is some-

stores aren’t busy. We also reduced

thing we launched in July.”

the size of call centres, and sent staff

Moving forward, if the marketing

there home overnight. We extended

team is proposing some features or

VPN, and are now serving 80% of call

changes, he says its ambition is to

capacity from home, as well as using

implement it in days – not in a tradi-

more part-timers. It’s much more

tional two-month IT cycle. “We must

flexible and efficient, and these are

have capability to do it quickly.”

permanent changes.”

JANUARY 2021

5G OPPORTUNITIES There is much agility – and complexity – in the country’s 5G scene.

Infrastructure provider CETIN, O2 Czech Republic and Telenor CEE are all part of PPF Telecom Group (the group holds an 81% stake in O2) and CETIN recently awarded Ericsson

EX EC UTIV E PROFILE:

DUSAN BYSTRIANSKY Title: CEO Company: Emeldi Group Industry: Telco

to build 5G radio networks, according to Reuters reports, aiming at ultimately replacing Nokia and Huawei as current technology providers. The central European country is starting an auction for 5G frequencies to attract a fourth operator alongside O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone.

Hruska is upbeat about 5G’s potential and believes “the next big wave” will be the new iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, which will launch locally in November.

“We are a small country and not normally on the first wave of countries, but I am positive about these models.

Dusan Bystriansky, from the role of Emeldi Group CEO, steers the company’s strategic directions and operations as one of the founders serving with the company since its inception in 1998. He brings to the company over 30 years of IT Telecommunications experience in leading enterprise consulting projects in Canada, USA, Australia, UK and continental Europe, and most importantly a passion to deliver solutions which meet and often exceed customers’ expectations.

Apple appeals to early adopters and I’m sure customers will upgrade.” Initially it is focusing its 5G efforts on Prague and Kolin, to be cost efficient, and has signed up 2,000 customers so far.

Emeldi’s Bystriansky added: “The system is also 5G-ready. It supports mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

193

O2 CZECH REPUBLIC

“ The IPTV upgrade next year will be cloud-based and mark a ‘step change’” — Jan Hruska, CTO, Czech Republic

194

all possible scenarios for delivering

ice hockey leagues. He said a pla­

seamlessly innovative 5G products

nned upgrade next year will make a

and services to both businesses and

‘step change’.

consumers; whilst at the same time

“It will be cloud based and more

significantly reducing IT delivery time

resilient in terms of traffic peaks and

and costs through use of DevOps

growth of the customer base,” he says.

and CI/CD.”

“If you want to watch a match, you can buy the package in minutes – it’s fully

NEW GOALS FOR IPTV

digital. The architecture allows us to

One of O2’s most customer-focused

increase the performance and focus

platforms is its IPTV, which enables

on specific components, as well as

it to broadcast Premier League and

anticipate ‘spikes’ – this is unique to us.”

Champions League matches exclu-

Bystriansky amplified the point say-

sively, as well as Czech football and

ing “Our Enterprise E-Commerce suite

JANUARY 2021

is indeed future-proofed, offering CSPs

O2 Czech Republic introduced a

both full cloud native architecture or

smartphone protection system last

SaaS offering. Both options provide

year so if you’re browsing the internet

CSPs with scalability, agility and end-

and something is suspicious, it will

to-end automation of operations.”

flag up whether to block or carry on.

“We have around 200,000 users since

CYBERSECURITY GROWTH

the start. Everyone is now in the digital

Hruska notes increased demand for

space and trying to protect themselves.”

cyber­security during the pandemic,

Hruska concludes that “All this is pos-

especially in the B2B segment, as compa-

sible thanks to our CRM system and our

nies are realising their vulnerability.

part­nership with Emeldi Technologies.

“The pandemic is accelerating focus.

Having them in the middle is providing

Companies are now much more

us with flexibility and allowing for fully

exposed to cyber risks and we are

digital customer experience”.

195

seeing double-digit growth in firewall and anti-DDoS services.”

Be Together and activate our best service package (Czech) CLICK TO WATCH

|

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mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

Powering Cell Tower Infrastructure in the Philippines 196

WRITTEN BY

DOMINIC ELLIS PRODUCED BY

STUART IRVING

JANUARY 2021

197

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PHILTOWER CONSORTIUM

PhilTower Consortium Chief Operating Officer Rodrigo Araujo is at the forefront of a new industry as it plans a rapid roll-out of cell towers in the Philippines

R

odrigo Araujo, the Chief Operating Officer for PhilTower Consortium, has dialled in from Phnom Penh for our Zoom meeting

and the connection is so clear he could be in the 198

next room. The ease of connectivity seems appropriate for a man who has bold plans to revolutionise Philippines’ cell tower infrastructure.

PhilTower Consortium, which launched late 2019, is one of the first incorporated ITCs in the country. The consortium has a group of international private investors, which specialises in integrated niche infrastructure.

The opportunity is self-evident; the Philippines currently has around 16,000 cell towers for a country of 100 million people. Yet on a whole host of fronts – from sites and capacity, to coverage and quality – the industry has come up short.

“There’s a lot of pressure on operators to improve capacity, especially with the Pandemic,” says Araujo.

JANUARY 2021

2019

Year founded

500+ Number of employees

199

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

PHILTOWER CONSORTIUM

Whereas in the past the pace

telecommunications, based on the

of change was slow, now there is

IMD World Digital Competitiveness

clear impetus from the government

Rankings of 2020, but that may be

and Department of Information and

because it lags on several key metrics

Communications Technology (DICT),

(58 for internet users, 61 for internet

which issued provisional certificates

bandwidth speeds and 62 for commu-

to 23 tower companies in September,

nications technology).

allowing them to own, construct, man-

Undoubtedly, there is now clear

age and operate common towers

momentum and optimism, and for

hosting cellular sites.

all the challenges associated with

The Philippines has broken into the

COVID-19, it has provided Araujo and

Top 10 countries for investments in

his team with time to develop its supply

200

“ It’s a new business and industry, and the project planning is in place” — Rodrigo Araujo, Chief Operating Officer, PhilTower Consortium

JANUARY 2021

E X E C U T I V E PR O FILE :

Rodrigo Araujo Title: Chief Operating Officer

Company: PhilTower Consortium

Industry: Cell Tower infrastructure Location: Philippines Rodrigo Araujo works with provincial governments and courts partnerships with the Commission of Higher Education (CHED), such as its Smart University and Cities initiatives, to drive innovation and future growth, and supports Secretary Gregorio Honasan in pushing more fair and modern ITC regulations to accelerate the country’s telecom industry. “Our business philosophy is that we should not only be contributing to the development of the industry but also add value to society,” he says. “ I see myself as the client’s ambassador. I align local needs with anticipation of technology trends in or meet client’s expectation with future proof infrastructure and services. I am hands on, work for the team and lead by example by focusing on delivering what was committed.”

He is very protective of the financial stakeholder’s interests, providing comfort and trust so they can be sure that their investments will be maximised and yield strong returns. “ I see ourselves as catalysts, integrating several different technologies in order to meet our client’s demands and provide them future proof solutions that can support their growth and evolution. “ I work closely with our Strategic Partners, interpreting the local industry’s need and translating them into meaningful solutions for our clients and stakeholders. These solutions become the foundations for our success of our delivery to our clients.” “ Human Capital is absolutely paramount, he concludes.

Powerful tools and detailed processes will not generate real value without committed people behind them.”

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

201

PHILTOWER CONSORTIUM

“ The Philippines is the most promising as it has immediate demand” — Rodrigo Araujo, Chief Operating Officer, PhilTower Consortium

chain and business partners. Together with GSM Towers, there has been a 202

lot of work customizing new structure concepts to fit into Philippines standards and requirements and support the high demand of the operators.

Anything up to 50,000 new common

Also, due to the necessity of working

towers could spring up across the

remotely, new tools have been put in

country in the next seven to 10 years,

place, such as automated project man-

according to regional reports. Telcos

agement and development of AI based

may select from the 2,500 sites made

asset control.

available by DICT and contract any

“It’s a new business and industry,” he

of the common tower companies that

continues. “The project planning is in

have signed an MOU with the DICT to

place. There was a lot of work by oper-

put up a cell site infrastructure to be

ators and the government to provide

shared with other telcos and inter-

1,500 permits in a matter of weeks.

ested stakeholders.

The service issues can be minimised

Besides of being used to the usual

and the pace can increase further by

‘high tower approach’, PhilTower

the common towers approach.”

Consortium will focus on small cells,

JANUARY 2021

he added, and is “close” to signing contracts with Smart Communications and Globe Telecom and is in talks with a third operator, Dito Telecommunity; the latter claims to have completed 1,532 cell towers nationwide and is confident of covering about a third of the population with mobile signals ahead of its January 2021 technical audit.

“We are one of the first on the ground and expect a few hundred sites until end of 2021 and growing rapidly to a few thousands afterwards,” he said.

The ingenious part is the “street furniture”, as he describes it, with

IMD 2020 Digital Competitiveness Ranking CLICK TO WATCH

|

1:50

mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

203

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“ We expect a few hundred sites until the end of 2021 and growing rapidly to a few thousands afterwards” — Rodrigo Araujo, Chief Operating Officer, PhilTower Consortium

curve. There will be increased efficiencies of CAPEX and reduced costs for

cells able to be erected quickly and efficiently in electricity-style poles,

operators,” said Araujo.

The impetus coincides with the ubiq-

with the technology embedded within,

uitous push towards 5G and demand

minimsing their impact to local com-

for new apps and revenue streams.

munities. He said they can go up in one

“2G is moving out, there will still be

week, around five less than it takes to

demand for 3G for the next five years

erect a conventional cell tower.

and 4G will be the main tech,” Araujo

For population-dense cities such as Manila – the principal initial focus, along with Luzon Islands, although Mynamar, Malaysia and Indonesia are also in his sights – this is a huge benefit and offers the added benefit of circumventing site acquisition and permitting challenges that accompany larger installations.

“The Philippines is the most promising as it has immediate demand. The new infrastructure is highly optimised.

Operators are still understanding the benefits and there will be a lot of ongoing talks with vendors – it’s a learning mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

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PHILTOWER CONSORTIUM

206

“ Our business philosophy is that we should not only be contributing to the development of the industry but also value to society” — Rodrigo Araujo, Chief Operating Officer, PhilTower Consortium JANUARY 2021

adds. “The average costs of MBs will reduce and consumers will have much more capacity. I believe that we can expect something around 25 to 30 per cent of the population having 5G coverage by 2025.”

Telecommunications and digital services provider PLDT recently announced it is poised to ramp up its capital spending in the “foreseeable future”, as it expands its network and 5G roll-out.

207

Alongside the commercial drive,

“Our business philosophy is that we

Araujo says it is working with provincial

should not only be contributing to the

governments and courting partner-

development of the industry but also

ships with the Commission of Higher

value to society,” Araujo concludes.

Education (CHED), such as its Smart University and Cities initiatives, to drive innovation and future growth, and supporting Secretary Gregorio Honasan – who has been extremely active – in pushing more fair and modern ITC regulations to accelerate the country’s telecom industry. mo bi l e ma ga z in e. com

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