Versa Networks, the global leader in AI/ML-powered Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), today announced its release of Versa SASE on SIM™ for Mobile Operators. The patented solution leverages SIM-based identity for authentication and access control – enabling Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to seamlessly deploy SASE services and enforce advanced security policies at the mobile network edge. 

 

The Need for SASE in Mobile Networks 

MNOs and MVNOs are increasingly challenged to grow their businesses in a market where basic connectivity services are becoming commoditized. Many MNOs are introducing new value-added services to expand revenues, improve customer retention, and diversify their revenue streams. They see security services as an opportunity but are unable to deliver them at scale cost effectively. As the workforce has become more mobile and remote, traditional architectures delivering security services are insufficient.  

 

SASE has enabled delivery of cloud-based security services at scale for traditional IT users. It offers a more dynamic and context-aware security approach, ensuring that mobile and remote users have secure access to applications and data, regardless of their location.  

 

Many of the devices connecting to mobile networks cannot easily accommodate security clients and introduce lifecycle management complexity. This is a challenge for deploying SASE into mobile networks.  

 

What’s New? 

Versa SASE on SIM for Mobile Operators blends the capabilities of SASE with SIM-based identity for authentication and access control in their mobile networks. By extending SIM-based identity to SASE services, MNOs can: 

 

Offer value-added security services to build network security and Zero Trust offerings into mobile services for IoT and IT devices without the need for an agent.
Deliver scalable private network services by eliminating the need to provision private APNs per enterprise.
Simplify operations by avoiding lifecycle management and monitoring across multiple agents, operating systems, and end-user devices.

 

“With the launch of our SIM-based SASE solution, we are setting a new standard for security and connectivity in mobile networks,” said Apurva Mehta, Versa Co-Founder and CTO. “Our patented technology not only simplifies the deployment of SASE services for mobile operators but also marks a significant step forward in advanced, seamless authentication methods. This innovation underscores our commitment to delivering unparalleled value to our partners worldwide.” 

 

How Clientless SASE Works 

Many types of endpoints in mobile networks are unintelligent, such as cameras, sensors, and thin clients. As these endpoints attach to the MNO’s field radio network, Versa SASE gateways use the subscription ID (e.g. IMSI) in the device’s SIM card, along with the IP address information, for tenant and user identification. With Versa SASE gateways integrated into the mobile network data path, SASE services can now be applied to these endpoints.  

 

To learn more, register for Versa’s “Unlocking the Future of Mobile Network Security: Versa SASE on SIM” webinar on Thursday, March 7, at 8 am PST, at https://versa-networks.com/resources/webinars/unlocking-the-future-of-mobile-network-security-versa-sase-on-sim/, or contact Versa at https://versa-networks.com/contact/.  

By automatically reacting to changes in the network, updating and re-configuring cell parameters without manual intervention, Magenta Telekom Austria moves one step closer towards a ‘zero-touch’ network operation.

FAIRFAX, VA., USA – February 22, 2024 – TEOCO, the leading provider of analytics and optimization solutions to over 300 communication service providers worldwide, is helping Magenta Telekom Austria, a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, to optimize its radio network operations through automation. SmartCM, TEOCO’s industry-leading configuration management platform, now includes an automation framework that allows Magenta Telekom to not only monitor and adjust how its radio network is configured without any human intervention, but also create automated responses to changing network conditions.

“Mobile networks require constant fine-tuning,” said Robert Schneider, Senior Manager Mobile Engineering & Lifecycle Management of Magenta Telekom. “Monitoring hundreds of millions of cell parameters is an important but time-consuming, labor-intensive task. SmartCM detects discrepancies and adjusts cell parameters instantly and automatically, helping Magenta Telekom provide superior network coverage in a more scalable, cost effective way. The new framework moves us a step further, allowing engineers to define enabling workflows that react to external triggers and automatically take corrective action.”

Magenta Telekom began using TEOCO’s SmartCM solution in 2018 to help configure its 5G radio network. The SmartCM automation framework enables Magenta Telekom to inject data, services, and existing and proven optimization algorithms into an automated end-to-end process to speed up a variety of tasks. For instance, if traffic exceeds a particular threshold, the algorithms will detect this and automatically adjust cell parameters to help balance the load. The new framework can be customized to automate a variety of network optimization tasks for immediate cost savings, while also improving network performance.

“Magenta Telekom has always been an industry innovator that’s willing to think outside of the box,” stated Atul Jain, CEO of TEOCO. “These new automation capabilities will allow them to optimize their network operations for the many opportunities that lie ahead. We are looking forward to working on more exciting projects with them in the future.”

About TEOCO

TEOCO is a leading provider of analytics, assurance, planning, and optimization solutions to over 300 communication service providers (CSPs) worldwide.  Our solutions enable the digital transformation of CSPs while enhancing their network QoS, improving their customer experience and reducing their operational costs.

Through advanced analytics, TEOCO products provide actionable and measurable insights into network and customer behaviour. This includes the optimization, effective monetization, and delivery of new and existing services, such as 5G.

Our commitment to network flexibility and agility makes TEOCO the obvious choice for CSPs looking to maximize the revenue potential of 5G investments and capitalize on new opportunities tied to the emerging Internet of Things (IoT).

For more information please visit: www.teoco.com

About Magenta Telekom

Magenta Telekom (T-Mobile Austria GmbH) is a leading provider of internet and mobile communications, entertainment, and business solutions in Austria. The company has around 2,500 employees and generated revenues of 1.391 billion Euro in 2022.

As part of the Deutsche Telekom Group, the company benefits from the innovative strength and financial stability of the Group, one of the world’s largest players in the telecoms market. In the 2022 financial year, the Group generated revenue of 114.4 billion Euro. Magenta Telekom acts as a competence center for the Internet of Things (IoT) for the entire Deutsche Telekom Group.

For more information, visit www.magenta.at

CUPERTINO, CA – 21 February 2024 – Mobileum Inc. (“Mobileum”), a leading global provider of telecom analytics solutions, is pleased to announce that NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), an NTT Group subsidiary, selected Mobileum to provide the technology platform to deliver its connected car solutions to a global car OEM business case. Mobileum provides connectivity management, connectivity testing and fraud prevention solutions for the connected car market. The solution provides an integrated approach for eSIM connectivity management, quality testing and fraud detection and prevention across NTT Com’s connected cars portfolio.

According to Juniper Research, the number of connected cars is projected to surge by 91%, reaching 367 million by 2027, up from 192 million in 2023. Car manufacturers are increasingly providing connected car infotainment, safety, and utility services to create new digital revenue streams and enhanced customer experiences. To ensure the security and quality of these services, manufacturers require a platform for testing connectivity, expanding digital services, and safeguarding end-customers. NTT Com will rely on Mobileum’s integrated solution, combining a Connectivity Management Platform (CMP) with Service Assurance and Fraud Management solutions to deliver a consistent and high-quality customer journey for car manufacturers. This will allow NTT Com to deploy, test, and secure extensive connected infrastructures, meeting the evolving needs of the automotive industry.

With the proliferation of digital services and the expanding connected car fleet, the automotive industry faces heightened concerns regarding continuous connectivity, introducing security and fraud risks that can adversely affect various stakeholders, including car manufacturers, businesses, and consumers. The surge in data generated by connected cars places corporate commercial fleets at an increased vulnerability to potential ransomware threats. Consumer privacy, security, and personal data are now more exposed to potential fraudsters. To address these challenges, car manufacturers are particularly susceptible to ransomware attacks. With the implementation of a combined Connectivity Management Platform and IoT Fraud Management solution, NTT Com can mitigate these risks, ensuring a safe and secure IoT connectivity experience for its advanced vehicles and mobility customers.

Mobileum’s IoT Fraud Management solution leverages Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence and continuously learns from data processed by the system, enabling NTT Com to assess potential risks, define controls, monitor events, and implement and track remediation plans on demand. Its advanced analytical capabilities provide NTT Com with real-time, end-to-end visibility to avoid significant risk events and prevent potential losses.

Mobileum’s IoT Service Assurance solution responds to the rapid expansion of IoT devices across diverse markets. This empowers OEMs to deliver reliable services not only domestically but also internationally, ensuring comprehensive coverage and seamless service continuity for IoT deployments. Mobileum’s solution assesses IoT services on both core and radio network infrastructures, conducting end-to-end testing of platform connectivity, data transfer, data integrity, and application monitoring while also validating power-saving features for IoT devices.

“As part of our mission to deliver high-value solutions to our enterprise customers, NTT Com is focused on ensuring an optimal customer experience. We chose Mobileum because they demonstrated an extensive understanding of our customers’ needs as well as our requirements and showed proven expertise along the connectivity management, testing and fraud prevention. Mobileum’s connected car solutions are flexible, forward-looking, and expand our capacity to provide car connectivity in good quality and visibility with fraud prevention, which will ultimately help improve customer experience,” stated Yuji Tamai, Director of 5G & IoT Services, NTT Communications.

“As the connected car market keeps growing, IoT connectivity management, connected car testing, assurance and fraud prevention will be key priorities for the automotive industry. Service providers like NTT Communication are in a unique position to accelerate the connected car market growth, delivering fast, dependable, and safe connectivity. Mobileum is excited to play a pivotal role in expanding their underlying connectivity management, testing, security, and fraud prevention capabilities”, stated Raja Hussain, Chief Revenue Officer at Mobileum. “Mobileum is committed to its presence in Japan and has incorporated a local subsidiary, Mobileum Japan KK in 2022 to continue to invest more in Japan.”

To learn more about Mobileum’s IoT & Connected Car solutions, visit Mobileum’s stand (Hall 2J50) at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, from February 26-29, 2024.

 

 

ENDS

 

About Mobileum Inc.

Mobileum is a leading provider of Telecom analytics solutions for roaming, core network, security, risk management, domestic and international connectivity testing, and customer intelligence. More than 1,000 customers rely on its Active Intelligence platform, which provides advanced analytics solutions, allowing customers to connect deep network and operational intelligence with real-time actions that increase revenue, improve customer experience, and reduce costs. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Mobileum has global offices in Australia, Germany, Greece, India, Japan, Portugal, Singapore, UK, and United Arab Emirates.

 

Learn more in https://www.mobileum.com/  and follow @MobileumInc on Twitter 

 

About NTT Communications

NTT Communications solves global technology challenges by helping enterprises utilize managed IT-infrastructure solutions to overcome complexity and risk in their IT environments. These solutions are backed by our worldwide infrastructure, including industry-leading, global tier-1 public and private networks reaching over 190 countries/regions, the world’s most advanced data-center facilities (more than 500,000m2) and cutting-edge technologies for cloud, security and AI. As the core provider of the DOCOMO group’s enterprise-business services and solutions, we create value by providing global-scale support for restructuring in industry and society, new workstyles and digital transformation in communities, leveraging 5G, IoT and other technologies under the “docomo business” brand. Together with NTT Ltd., NTT Data and NTT DOCOMO, we are the NTT Group. 

Learn more in https://www.ntt.com/en/about-us/

 

 

Useful Contacts:

QUEXOR GROUP INC.

Barbara Henris | bhenris@quexor.com | Mob.: +1 (703) 470-9446

 

Media and Corporate Communications – Mobileum
Sandra Almeida | sandra.almeida@mobileum.com | Mob. +351 939650229

 

 

 

Mobilise, a leading provider of telecom software solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its Tier 5 MVNE services in Nigeria, catering to the country’s growing mobile market valued at US$9.09 billion. With over 200 million users, Nigeria stands as a key player in Africa’s telecom landscape, projected to reach US$11.43 billion by 2029.

 

Nigeria is one of Africa’s leading countries and has a dynamic and expanding mobile market of over 200 million users forecasted to generate an estimated US$9.09 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach US$11.43 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.70 per cent.

 

Currently dominated by four incumbent operators — MTN, Airtel, Glo Mobile and 9mobile — the introduction of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) is set to dramatically shake up this market with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issuing over 30 MVNO licences in the last year to enhance competition and innovation in the sector.

 

The introduction of this new MVNO regime has driven a dramatic interest in acquiring MVNE services from global experts such as Mobilise to support this new category of telecom operator in Nigeria. Mobilise is at the forefront of this transformation, offering its cutting-edge MVNE services to support the emergence of new MVNOs. Its regional office in Abuja is dedicated to assisting businesses in launching their own telecoms services, leveraging Mobilise’s expertise and infrastructure.

 

Mobilise’s HERO platform, combined with a modular approach and high levels of virtualisation, offers MVNOs a seamless and efficient path to market. This solution not only simplifies integration but also accelerates time-to-market, a crucial factor in today’s fast-paced industry.

 

The introduction of eSIM technology further revolutionises the telecom landscape, offering greater flexibility and convenience for consumers. As an MVNE, Mobilise is well-positioned to support MVNOs in integrating eSIM capabilities, enhancing their service offerings and customer experience.

 

MVNOs bring significant value to the market by catering to niche segments and driving competition, ultimately benefiting consumers with more choice and better prices. For brands, partnering with MVNOs opens up new revenue streams and opportunities for customer engagement, leveraging the power of telecommunications to connect with audiences in innovative ways.

 

Hamish White, director at Mobilise Communication, commented:

“Mobilise has helped over 40 MVNOs launch services in ten markets, and we see a huge opportunity for MVNOs in the Nigerian market. We are excited to contribute to the vibrant telecom ecosystem in Nigeria and beyond. This is an exciting time not only for Nigeria’s telecoms landscape, but also worldwide as this innovative model is essential to enabling mass digitalisation — something that the consumer market is increasingly demanding.”

 

Mobilise’s HERO MVNE platform, allied with a full range of consultancy services, is poised to provide MVNOs in Nigeria with the opportunity to access an ’off the shelf’ product that removes the need for complex integrations and allows the MVNO to focus on its sales and marketing activity.

 

Mobilise is now operating as an MVNE in Nigeria. For more information on how the company can support your business to launch telecoms services in the country, please contact us here.

 

News 

The contract covers the rollout of full fibre to over 28,000 rural homes and businesses, primarily in West Yorkshire but also reaching some communities in North Yorkshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire 

The UK government has awarded East Yorkshire-based ISP Quickline Communications £60 million in funding as part of the Government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit scheme.  

Project Gigabit currently aims to deliver gigabit-capable broadband hard-to-reach communities, helping to bring the technology’s availability to at least 85% of UK premises by 2025 and the whole of the UK (roughly 99%) by 2030. 

Specifically, rural communities to be connected as part of the Quickline contract include those surrounding Selby, York, Bradford, Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield, Harrogate, Skipton, Ripon, Keighley, Calder Valley, Stamford Bridge, and Pocklington. 

Alongside the premises covered by the Project Gigabit contract, Quickline has confirmed that it will also make an additional (undisclosed) investment in these areas to add a further 58,000 premises to their full fibre networks.  

However, there has been no word on timelines for either investment project. 

“This is about more than just broadband; we’re passionate about supporting rural communities, driving economic growth, creating jobs and helping to build the future digital workforce,” said Sean Royce, CEO at Quickline in a press release.

“We recognise the importance of aligning industry, primary schools, communities, parents and higher and further education to ensure future skills meet future needs, and we want to inspire and energise the next generation.” 

“We’ve hit a huge milestone in connecting a million homes and businesses in hard-to-reach communities across the country to fast, reliable broadband,” said Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez, calling the announcement “a huge boost for Yorkshire”. 

Earlier this month, the UK’s largest altnet CityFibre was awarded nearly £400 million in government funding to provide full fibre to 202,000 rural premises in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Sussex, Kent, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Milton Keynes. CityFibre aims to cover 8 million premises with full fibre by 2025. 

Want to keep up with all the latest developments in the UK telecoms market? Join the ecosystem in discussion at this year’s Connected North conference live in Manchester 

Also in the news:
VMO2 records £3.3bn loss as interest rates begin to bite
Verizon to trial private 5G networks at NHL stadiums
From humble beginnings: The amazing journey of Hormuud Telecom CEO Ahmed Mohamud Yusuf

News

The two new partners join existing collaborators Fujitsu, NEC, Nokia, Ericsson, and Keysight Technologies

There is little doubt that 6G is still many years from commercial reality, but interest in the nascent technology is nonetheless growing steadily throughout the telecoms ecosystem.

This week, Japanese telecoms giants NTT DOCOMO and NTT have announced that their pool of 6G research partners is growing, with South Korean operator SK Telecom and electronics testing specialist Rohde & Schwarz stepping into the fold.

The new partners will help collaborate on various 6G trials currently taking place in Japan focussed on exploring potential frequency bands for the new technology. More specifically, SK Telcom will join an existing trial by DOCOMO, NTT, and Nokia aiming to explore the use of AI to “tailor radio interfaces for various propagation environments”.

A press release from Nokia gave further detail, describing the collaboration as focussing on developing a ‘6G AI-native air interface (AI-AI), a critical next-generation technology that could greatly boost network performance while increasing energy efficiency’. This includes created a future proof-of-concept for 6G AI-AI systems, which can then be tested under real-world conditions.

“For Nokia to create a world-class 6G system, it’s critical we get input from the service providers that will one day deploy 6G. SKT, NTT and DOCOMO are among the most innovative service providers in the world, which gives us the perfect partners to design the networks of the future,” explained Peter Vetter, President of Bell Labs Core Research at Nokia.

Given SK Telecom’s ambition of transforming from a telco to an AI company, their interest in this project with Nokia and the Japanese operators is hardly surprising.

Rohde & Schwarz, meanwhile, will use their measurement-system design technology to evaluate wireless-sensing solutions in real-world environments.

DOCOMO and NTT are already conducting various 6G spectrum trials with Fujitsu, NEC, Nokia, Ericsson, and Keysight Technologies, aiming to play a integral role in the development and standardisation of the 6G technology.

Nokia, for example, has already conducted successful beamforming trials in the 140GHz band, with the next steps set to explore more specific applications using sub-terahertz spectrum in indoor environment. Fujitsu, on the other hand, has been trialling distributed MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology in the 100GHz and 300GHz bands.

Keep up to date with all the latest telecoms news with Total Telecom’s daily newsletter

Also in the news:
VMO2 records £3.3bn loss as interest rates begin to bite
Verizon to trial private 5G networks at NHL stadiums
From humble beginnings: The amazing journey of Hormuud Telecom CEO Ahmed Mohamud Yusuf

The UK Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) has just kicked off their annual hunt for the best ISPs and internet companies ahead of their forthcoming 2024 awards event, which this time adds several new and refreshed categories (total of 17) to help reflect the trends and successes of the industry. The winners of the previous […]

Mobile operator Superdrug Mobile, which is a virtual operator (MVNO) on Three UK’s national network, has today announced the re-launch of their “competitive” 4G and 5G SIM Only plans, starting from £10 a month and featuring benefits for Superdrug member. The virtual operator has in recent months been playing catch-up with the rest of the […]

Telecoms and broadband giant BT (EE) has today launched a new multi-million-pound Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network, which is a low-power and long-range fixed wireless network that claims to cover 97% of the UK’s “outdoor population” (not geography) and will be used to connect sensors or other smart IoT devices. The new standards-based NB-IoT […]

The UK Government’s £5bn Project Gigabit broadband rollout scheme has today awarded the local £16m (state aid) contract for East Gloucestershire in England to ISP Gigaclear, which will aim to extend their full fibre network to around 4,400 additional premises in hard-to-reach rural areas. Just to recap. Project Gigabit aims to extend 1Gbps (download) capable […]