Telecom Infra Project (TIP)
Holoportation in 2021: BT seeing DoubleMe
3D image processing specialist hints at telco deployments of HoloPort platform in 2021. Business-to-consumer service said to be in pipeline. DoubleMe–BT relationship growing out of Telecom Infra Project innovation hub.
Telefónica tests TIP’s tricks in backhaul
Increasingly familiar group of vendors named in results of technical RFI for OpenSoftHaul solution, run by Telefónica and four other operators including Deutsche Telekom.
Vi’s Vora joins Mavenir leadership
Former Vi CTO Vishant Vora appointed executive President at Mavenir. Helping open RAN pioneer build out 5G proposition. Troubled Vi left to fight its own fires.
Vodafone people moves: Vi leadership restructured; new Safaricom CFO installed
Vodafone builds open RAN influence with O‑RAN Alliance oversight spot. Takkar handed another three years to lead Vodafone’s troubled Indian JV Vi. Safaricom Board rejigged following exec changes at Kenyan operator and parent Vodacom.
Deutsche Telekom sheds its TIP spectator tag
Group backs OpenBNG, a new transport initiative from OOPT project group, champions new O‑RAN/TIP lab in Berlin, and involved in technical RFI for OpenSoftHaul solution. DT is absent, however, from new Solution Groups, focused on “end‑to‑end” virtualised networks.
Operators test TIP’s tricks in backhaul
Increasingly familiar group of vendors named in results of technical RFI for OpenSoftHaul solution, run by Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica, and others.
Infinera chosen to open up Telefónica Peru’s transport network
Long-time Telefónica partner selected for a commercial deployment of disaggregated gateways.
Vodafone brings open RAN trials to the Netherlands
NEC boosts its position as a Vodafone open RAN frontrunner, while Altiostar muscles in.
Vodafone opens up on OpenRAN trial in Turkey
OpenRAN playbook provides insight into deployment challenges. Local skills and resources are critical for successful rollouts. Acceptable performance achieved for rural environments. More work needed on management, operations, security, and deployment models. Vodafone brings open RAN trials to the Netherlands. NEC boosts its position as a Vodafone open RAN ...
Vodafone emerging as TIP’s most valuable player
Leads way in sourcing ‘open’ radio hardware suppliers. Targets DU/CU disaggregation and white‑box base stations. Involved in raft of new TIP initiatives, including Solution Groups, OpenBNG, and MUST. Tenorio insists commercial deployments to date are “tip of the iceberg”.
Telefónica gives OOPT some oomph in latest TIP update
Group closely involved in new OOPT transport initiatives, including OpenBNG and MUST. Telefónica champions Solution Groups, which aligns with Blanco’s focus on “end-to-end” virtualised architectures. Vodafone leads way, however, in sourcing ‘open’ radio hardware suppliers.
BT warns TIP not to overlook quality
Crane flags importance of broadband customer experience in OpenBNG work. Latest round of TIP updates suggests BT remains focused on core and access networks, while European peers DT, Telefónica, and Vodafone more openly embrace end‑to‑end development.
Deutsche Telekom champions new TIP/O‑RAN lab in Berlin
Choi talks of “new level of collaboration”, as joint O‑RAN/TIP lab becomes available for open RAN testing at DT’s facilities in Berlin. Hails recent European O‑RAN/TIP plugfest a success. Berlin lab available for open BNG testing, “as soon as systems are available”.
Vodafone Group open gateway trials move into commercial phase
Vodacom South Africa tests used Edgecore‑based DCSG product running Infinera software. Vodafone’s Rossi highlights move to create a “diverse supply chain”.
Vodafone vets join T-Mobile’s 5G innovation gang
Former Vodafone investment specialists linking up with T‑Mobile’s 5G innovation lab for twelve‑week springboard programme. 5G OI Lab also giving a leg‑up to FreedomFi, an enterprise networks specialist already making a name for itself through Facebook’s Telecom Infra Project.
Internet Para Todos breaks more ground on open RAN trail
Venture has target of reaching 13,000 rural communities in Peru by end of 2020. Telefónica now has sights set on deploying thousands of open RAN nodes in “core markets”.
BT takes lead on new TIP OpenRAN subgroup
Influential BT researcher in a pivotal role between operators, technologists, and standards groups on Open RAN implementation.
Safaricom to put network disaggregation into the wild
Kenyan operator to expand Vodafone’s Africa test-ground for open solutions. Project gearing is more towards core and backhaul than RAN. Scale and efficiency gains highlighted.
Deutsche Telekom sets off Wave 2 in Berlin TEAC
Five tech startups selected for twelve-month programme. Familiar R&D themes of edge computing and ‘open’ networks. TIP’s TEAC boss sees room for improvement in how smaller, new players might be onboarded into telecoms supplier ecosystems.
T-Mobile US takes TIP baton from Sprint
T‑Mobile US takes over former Sprint duties at Telecom Infra Project (TIP). NatCo commits to lead its first TIP programme.
OOPT telcos select vendors for Phoenix prototypes
Vendors selected to develop TIP’s open, disaggregated optical transponder. Operators again urge faster development.
Vodafone makes candid open RAN admissions
Tenorio says industry “not scratched the surface” on systems integration. Achieving lower TCO, compared with large-scale traditional vendors, an enormous task. O-RAN Alliance doing “great job”, but smaller vendors disadvantaged. Ambition of sub-$1000 RRH pushed back until 2021. Tech still not ready for prime time in urban ...
Deutsche Telekomwatch roundup — June 2020
Deutsche Telekomwatch roundup — June 2020 Source: Deutsche Telekomwatch #94 Group Partnerships MobiledgeX, Deutsche Telekom’s edge computing platform spin‑out, unveiled what it called a “demand‑side” initiative, branded Seamster. The aim, said MobiledgeX, was to capture and model enterprise use‑cases surrounding 5G and edge computing, and accelerate ...
TMUS doubles down on 5G innovation
NatCo sets up 5G Open Innovation Lab with Intel, NASA. Sprint Accelerator programme relaunched.
Vodafone backs lobbyist drive for Huawei alternatives
New group effectively the political wing of operator‑led efforts to develop an open RAN ecosystem, with major integrated network vendors conspicuously absent.
Telefónica lays down gauntlet to cloud-native suppliers
Lopez challenges Kubernetes to prove itself in telco environment. Hybrid VM and cloud-native model the likely norm for operators already invested in NFV.
Deutsche Telekom to issue more RFIs for TIP transport scheme
Group rounding up new posse of open transport suppliers under the TIP flag.
BT keen on open relationship with TIP
Group slips into support role in new core network disaggregation initiative.
Telefónica to issue more RFIs for TIP transport scheme
Group rounding up new posse of open transport suppliers under the TIP flag. TIP spreading disaggregation wings to core network solutions.
Vodafone to issue more RFIs for TIP transport scheme
Vodafone rounding up new posse of open transport suppliers under the TIP flag.
Deutsche Telekom joins industry frontline on open RAN push
Alliance between DT-backed O-RAN and TIP propels Group into vanguard of disrupting RAN supply chains. DT backs TIP-led Evenstar programme to lower RRH costs. Operator partners with Intel and VMware to develop open vRAN platform.
Telefónica to trial 5G open RAN
New vendor pack picked for fresh, Europe-based 4G/5G testing round. Open RAN to meld with UNICA as network cloud/virtualisation efforts spread out. O‑RAN Alliance enters picture. No word on timing for open RAN go‑to-market.
Telefónica UK taps Mavenir again, this time for vIMS
Mavenir solution to slot into operator’s UNICA data centre infrastructure. Timelines hazy for commercial launch.
Telefónicawatch 5G Momentum Index, March 2020
Telefónicawatch’s 5G Momentum Index (5GMI) for the year to March 2020 reflects Telefónica strategic decision to be best not first at 5G globally, with a shuffled pack of suppliers showing that work is well underway.
Vodafone on OpenRAN trail but tricky terrain ahead
Tenorio reaches TIP summit, appointed Chairman. Vodafone joins O‑RAN Alliance. Stubborn open RAN resistance from large suppliers. Low-volume barrier for hardware newcomers. 5G OpenRAN critical to achieve scale.
Ericsson leads, Huawei stumbles, TIP surges: Vodafone 5G Momentum Index, March 2020
Vodafone’s 5G ecosystem sees drastic changes, Ericsson holds its lead. Nokia slips into dogfight with Huawei, TIP and Samsung. Mavenir heads challenging pack with ZTE on its heels, pursued by Qualcomm, Parallel Wireless, Altiostar, and several others.
BTwatch 5G Momentum Index to February 2020
BT and EE’s 5G supplier ecosystem measured for February 2020. Nokia maintains lead, but yet to capitalise on Huawei’s wipeout. Ericsson may be surprised to find itself fending-off the Telecom Infra Project and OpenRAN to maintain contention. Peloton of vendors include ADVA, Mavenir, and Ciena, with Qualcomm holding firm. ...
BT links up with O-RAN Alliance, as TIP makes friends
“Smart RAN” momentum building.
Vodafone’s Read perturbed as UK rations Huawei usage
Industry looks set to be given three years to firewall Huawei, with potential 35% cap on High Risk Vendors. Security officials position the decision as largely a clarification and formalisation of current restrictions, but stringent caps could spark immediate change in industry security and procurement strategies. UK capex should ...
Tenorio takes TIP topspot: Vodafone Group people movements, February 2020
Reshuffles at Vodafone Business. Boddy moves into Group Strategy Director position. Tenorio take TIP topspot.
O2 dodges bullet as Huawei capped
Industry looks set to be given three years to firewall Huawei, with potential 35% cap on High Risk Vendors. O2’s longstanding links with Ericsson and Nokia mean operating business avoids costly replacement programmes that major rivals must implement. Security officials position the decision as largely a clarification and formalisation ...
O2 UK joins open RAN party
UK operating business following the party line with increased enthusiasm for greater flexibility in the access network. Mavenir a key early partner, with DenseAir and WaveMobile also flagged.
Telefónica urges a “new approach” to networks
Group emphasises partnership opportunities and launches new TIP Innovation Lab in Madrid. Telefónica, Tech Mahindra lead CI/CD push to create open networks for rural areas. Group reiterates commitment to invest and partner around OpenRAN development. A strengthened commitment to rural connectivity with NaaS.
TIP state of play: TEAC Waves pick up after extended slow down
Community Labs; PlugFest; and a TEAC down. Rundown of ALL previous TEAC winners.
TEAC UK Wave 3: BT focuses on 5G private networks and edge compute
BT’s Telecom Infra Project (TIP) Ecosystem Acceleration Centre (TEAC UK) hosted its third wave of finalists and inducted two winners into the fold in January 2020, with the successful pitches joining BT at its Adastral Park innovation hub, as well as securing access to expertise and support from BT and ...
ADVA: Taking on the heavyweights in an evolving market
Increasingly bullish vendor aiming to build on core strategic contract wins with BT to change its image and bring the spotlight onto its software and solutions portfolio in a virtualising environment. Major vendors still possess heavyweight advantages, but ADVA leveraging agility and reflexes of a middleweight champion. Importance of ...
2019 TIP highlights and 2020 expectations
TIP Project Groups include partnerships between Vodafone, Telefónica, Orange, Deutsche Telekom, and BT. Suppliers and vendors join projects, with ADVA, Infinera, and Mavenir among the headlines.
BT hosts the TIP
BT hosts TEAC UK competition, a TIP-backed accellerator. Past, present, and future of TIP outlined.
TEAC UK Wave 3: six shortlisted start ups in the running
BT’s UK TIP centre hosts six start-ups in competition to collaborate on 5G and edge compute. Two winners, Ori Industries and DoubleMe, named. ADVA, Cloud Backend, Condense Reality, and TDCOMM runners-up.
Santiago Tenorio calls for network suppliers to “stop verticalisation”
Santiago Tenorio, Head of Network Strategy & Architecture at Vodafone, used the Telecom Infra Project’s (TIP) latest industry gathering to fire another warning at the vendor establishment.
Telefónica Argentina deploys Mavenir firewall
Mavenir continues to build up its Telefónica relationship with a deal to protect signalling infrastructure in Argentina.
Telefónica boosts open RAN cred with Altiostar investment
Telefónica putting money where mouth is on commitment to fostering an open, multi‑vendor environment. TIP‑based collaboration translates to commercial opportunities for Altiostar.
O2 Germany picks Infinera for 5G open transport
Infinera, a long‑term Telefónica partner, picked up a new contract to upgrade Telefónica’s mobile transport network in Germany.
NTT and Telefónica herald TIP disaggregation progress
Telefónica Group and Japanese peer NTT DoCoMo highlighted the successful conclusion of testing of open transmission and forwarding technologies undertaken as part of the partners research linked to the Telecom Infra Project (TIP).
BT, TIP and Facebook launch third annual startup competition
BT Group, the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), and Facebook launched their third annual competition for startups in telecom infrastructure to join the UK’s TIP Ecosystem Acceleration Centre (TEAC), based at BT Labs in Adastral Park, Suffolk and Tech City in London.
Vodafone throws down OpenRAN gauntlet
OpenRAN time appears to be coming, with supplier choice constraints evidently dominating Group thinking. Vodafone steps up rhetoric regarding potential of tech; “fast tracking” referenced. Group still in trial mode with technology, however. Firm strategy for bearers and configurations yet to emerge.
MobiledgeX expands to Canada
Startup gets a first booking outside DT–SKT double-act.
Facebook and Telefónica link for wholesale open access
Latest evolution of the Internet para Todos programme to see the advent of an open‑source wholesale network. Telefónica and Facebook testing potential next‑generation infrastructure in underserved markets where the stakes for failure are lower.
BT embraces TIP as faithful gather in London
Europe‑centric TIP moving towards the challenging deployment phase, while tempting new partners onboard. BT CTIO Watson heralds virtues of closer operator ties to push vendors towards greater innovation. vRAN and disaggregation among BT contributions to TIP development.
TEAC UK class of 2018: BT focuses on rural and intent
BT holds TEAC UK Wave 2 FInal as part of TIP. Two start-ups win, with another awarded Special Prize.
Deutsche Telekom welcomes growing TIP ‘maturity’
DT expands backing for initiative with new trials and funding schemes. Clauberg warns against unnecessary proliferation of open source industry groups, though DT is behind many of them. Closer collaboration between DT-backed ORAN and TIP’s OpenRAN on the cards.
Telefónica helps reel in vendors for TIP projects
ADVA and Edgecore moving forward with TIP‑driven disaggregated gateways for 5G traffic management. Telefónica co‑opetition with Vodafone in full flow through OpenRAN group, with early partners named, including Parallel Wireless. Operators’ joint CrowdCell work could lead to the next big thing in small cells.
Deutsche Telekom joins TEAC club to disrupt network suppliers
TIP Ecosystem Acceleration Centre established on home turf. Group expands effort to upend traditional infrastructure supply chains. First three startups selected cover beamforming, network virtualisation, and phased-array antenna technology.
Welcome interlopers: BT’s TEAC launch event
Opening of the TEAC shows BT embracing a more dynamic approach to identifying disruptive technology, recognising the convergence of telecoms and IT. Startups in the fields of IoT, open networking, and quantum security selected as winners of the six‑month innovation search.