Skip to main content

Legacy Telecom Market will Transition to Web-Scale

​Worldwide traffic on 3G and 4G mobile communication networks continues to reach new highs as operators strive to satisfy the insatiable craving for broadband access to the Mobile Internet.

Around the globe, satisfying this demand -- by expanding network capacity -- will push mobile packet core spending to over $18 billion through 2019.

Though much of the telecom market experienced a 1Q 2014 seasonal dip, mobile packet core expansion continues with just-in-time infrastructure deployment.

First mover developed markets continue to lead, and now the Rest of the World demands additional capacity as network operators scale-up with the demand.

Mobile network operators must make their network investment choices to meet this never-before experienced growth -- and have a good grasp of the growing demand in the foreseeable future.

"Operators closely manage their CapEx and OpEx with a sharp eye on the top line," says Joe Hoffman, practice director at ABI Research.

But while network functions virtualization (NFV) gains momentum, current business needs require continued investment in the mobile packet core, likely utilizing the legacy technologies.

According to ABI's assessment, continued advances in semiconductor technology -- as they're manifested with commercial IT scale -- will regularly deliver a 20 to 30 percent cost performance improvement.

Software defined networking (SDN) combined with optimization from NFV capabilities brings new WebScale benefits and other much needed advantages to the telecom service provider community.

Furthermore, the rapid transition to open source software -- plus guidance via the OSS vendor consulting and technical services -- will enable this next transition to occur much sooner than originally anticipated.

In its research, ABI found that even with the increased mobile internet traffic growth, traditional packet core spending will taper just as WebScale utilization takes hold and starts to deliver results.

Following the proof of concept tests and beta deployments, the widespread adoption of open source hardware and software will quickly gain momentum -- that's the current forecast.

Popular posts from this blog

Bold Broadband Policy: Yes We Can, America

Try to imagine this scenario, that General Motors and Ford were given exclusive franchises to build America's interstate highway system, and also all the highways that connect local communities. Now imagine that, based upon a financial crisis, these troubled companies decided to convert all "their" local arteries into toll-roads -- they then use incremental toll fees to severely limit all travel to and from small businesses. Why? This handicapping process reduced the need to invest in building better new roads, or repairing the dilapidated ones. But, wouldn't that short-sighted decision have a detrimental impact on the overall national economy? It's a moot point -- pure fantasy -- you say. The U.S. political leadership would never knowingly risk the nation's social and economic future on the financial viability of a restrictive duopoly. Or, would they? The 21st century Global Networked Economy travels across essential broadband infrastructure. The forced intro...