Month: February 2019
MWC 2019: KT Corp. Debuts New 5G Services; Who is “Mr. 5G?”
KT Corporation, South Korea’s largest telecommunications network provider, is preparing for the world’s first full-scale commercialization of 5G in March. The South Korean telecom leader is demonstrating its latest 5G technology and services, from AI robots to a flying rescue system, at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2019, held this week in Barcelona, Spain. KT’s slogan at MWC is “Now a Reality, KT 5G and the Next Intelligent Platform.”
During a keynote speech at MWC, KT Chairman and CEO Hwang Chang-Gyu said that the new 5G era will transform the world into a better place for everyone. The next mobile revolution will benefit and create more businesses and enterprises, and it will also elevate the user experience to a new level of maximum versatility and immersion, he said. “In March, KT will be the first in the world to introduce ‘True’ 5G mobile services,” said Chairman Hwang, who is now often referred to as “Mr. 5G” for his passion and dedication to launching the next-generation wireless.
KT Chairman and CEO Hwang Chang-Gyu displays the world’s first 5G smartphone during his keynote speech at MWC 2019, held February 25 to 28 in Barcelona, Spain.)
“In the 5G era, neckband cameras, AR glasses and all kinds of devices will be connected to 5G, contributing to a better life for mankind.” Mr. 5G was the first to mention the future of 5G back at MWC 2015, where he spoke about a commercial 5G network by 2019. “Today, I would like to announce that the promise I made four years ago has finally been fulfilled,” he said during the speech at MWC 2019. World’s First 5G Trial Services at PyeongChang Olympics KT, formerly known as Korea Telecom, showcased the world’s first 5G trial services at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games in February last year. The company’s plan for the trial services, such as 360-degree Virtual Reality (VR) live steaming, was later approved by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as an international standard. After launching the full-scale commercial 5G network, KT plans to focus on five key areas, including smart cities, smart factories, connected cars, 5G media and the 5G cloud. It is collaborating with various companies and the Korean government to develop 5G services for both Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Government (B2G) industries. KT deployed the first phase of its 5G network in late November 2018. The new service has been launched in the greater Seoul metropolitan area, in the country’s most populated, major metropolitan cities outside the capital city and in isolated areas including Jeju, Ulleung and Dok islands. Korea’s leading telecom company plans to expand its nationwide 5G network to 24 major cities, key transport routes such as expressways, subways, high-speed railways, large universities and neighborhood shopping areas. A commercial 5G network in South Korea is expected to create at least 30.3 trillion won in socioeconomic value in 2025, 1.5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to a report released last year by the KT Economic and Management Research Institute).
The report forecasts that number will increase to at least 47.8 trillion won, 2.1 percent of GDP, in 2030. KT and Nokia Agree to Collaborate on 5G Future As the global leader in 5G, KT is actively seeking to expand collaborations with innovative ICT companies around the world. Its 5G Open Lab (https://5GOpenLab.com), a collaborative testbed, has already attracted major local and global corporate partners, including Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Mobis, Posco, Intel, Ericsson and Nvidia. KT plans to forge 1,000 partnerships by 2020. It also has signed agreements with Cisco, Intel and Qualcomm to cooperate in preparing commercial 5G services. On the sidelines of MWC 2019, KT and Nokia on February 24 signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on various 5G technologies, including NFC and network slicing, in order to develop new applications and business models for the operator’s enterprise customers. The joint work, which will take place in Seoul later this year, includes Service Orchestration and Assurance for the 5G era, with the aim of delivering end-to-end automation and new revenue opportunities. “We are excited to partner with Nokia to conduct these path-breaking trials,” said KT Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Jeon Hong-Beom.
“This collaboration will ensure that we are able to leverage Nokia’s proven solutions and best-in-class professional services to provide a superior and differentiated experience to our subscribers.” Bhaskar Gorti, President of Nokia Software, said, “With Korea, one of the lead countries in the early deployment of 5G, we are delighted to be working with KT to help them build a future-ready network. Nokia’s end-to-end portfolio will empower KT to improve its customer experience and network efficiency.” KT has also partnered with Saudi Telecom Company (STC) to upgrade fixed-line and mobile networks in Saudi Arabia and collaborate on next-generation telecom services. The Korean telecom company plans on exporting its ICT-based services such as GiGA Wire high-speed internet service, GiGAeyes visual security service, 5G services, VR & AR, as well as its big data services to the Middle East. 5G Robots, Skyship, VR, Remote Cockpit Showcased at KT’s Booth At MWC’s Innovation City exhibition zone,
KT is presenting its latest 5G innovations and services from AI-powered robots to a flying emergency rescue system, offering visitors a chance to see how the next generation of wireless network will transform their lives both today and in the future. “Hey Genie, bring me a bottle of Water,” says a guest interacting with KT’s AI-supported voice assistant device for hotel room. Soon after, an autonomous butler robot makes its way to deliver the water to the room’s doorstep. A customer orders coffee through KT’s 5G-powered AI barista machine, b;eat 2nd Evolution (b;eat2E), which uses a robot arm that autonomously provides 47 tailored drinks. In partnership with Dal.Komm Coffee, Korea’s first robot cafe operator, the new 5G cafe can offer faster service than it could with wired internet service. These are some of many future services visitors can watch and experience at KT’s state-of-art exhibition booth at this year’s annual MWC, where some 25,000 global companies gathered to present technologies powered the 5G network. The SKYSHIP platform, an emergency rescue system, is demonstrated to connect Korea’s port city of Busan to Spain’s Barcelona. Utilizing 5G’s super-fast, ultra-low latency and massive connectivity, the Korean telecom company is also showcasing the new era of autonomous driving like the 5G Remote Cockpit system and immersive media services such as holograms, AR, and VR-based content. New 5G smartphones will enable “True mobile live communication” through one-person broadcasting and cloud-based games, KT’s Hwang said during his speech at MWC 2019. KT to Open More AI Hotel in South Korea with Accor, Hyatt, Marriott Pioneering a new era in the hospitality industry with its innovative AI technology, KT opened the first AI hotel in South Korea, Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences. The company plans to open three more similar hotels across the capital city of Seoul by 2020 in partnership with major global hotel chains such as Accor, Hyatt and Marriott. The new AI service platform — named GiGA Genie Hotel — is a customization of GiGA Genie, the world’s first AI-powered smart home media hub developed by KT in 2017. As a multi-functional, voice-recognizing infotainment system, users can command the hotel rooms’ lights, temperature controls and TV with voice.
For example, guests can say, “Genie, please set the room temperature to 20 degrees.” Boasting more than 1.4 million subscribers in South Korea as of January this year, KT’s voice-activated AI platform allows users to see what they command on touch screen devices or UHD TV screens in various languages, mainly Korean and English. Additional languages, including Chinese and Japanese, will be added to attract more international users. KT Wins 3 GLOMO Awards at MWC19 for Sales and Customer Service KT is receiving worldwide recognition for its achievements developing the 5G network and information and communications technology (ICT) sector, having won many international awards over the past years.
This week KT won the Best Mobile Innovation for Payment and Fintech with Genie Pay, the world’s first AI-powered, voice-certified payment service, and the Best Network Software Breakthrough, with its Integrated Orchestrator Platform, a core 5G technology for network slicing, during the Global Mobile Awards (GLOMOS) 2019 at MWC. The GLOMOS showcases companies and individuals that are driving innovation in the rapidly evolving mobile industry. For its excellent sales and customer service, KT also received four 2019 Stevie Awards from the American Business Association on February 25. It is the third consecutive year the company has been honored in four categories. The awards included three Bronze awards for the Contact Center Solution (New), the IVR or Web Service Solution (New Version), the Best Use of Technology in Customer Service (Telecommunication Industries), and the Customer Service Team of the Year (Recovery Situation, All Other Industries). The Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service recognizes the achievements of the contact center, customer service, business development and sales professional worldwide.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kt-corp-debuts-new-5g-services-at-mwc-2019-300804026.html
MWC 2019: 5G smartphones are expensive, power hogs, and not interoperable!
MWC 2019 in Barcelona marked the debut of the first batch of 5G smartphones. Indeed, 5G was all anyone talked about at the mobile trade show. Except for Apple, every major handset maker plans to launch a 5G phone early this year. Here were the 5G smartphones at MWC 2019:
–Huawei Mate X
–LG V50 ThinQ 5G
–Samsung Galaxy Fold
–Samsung Galaxy S10
–Xiaomi Mi Mix 3
–ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G
OnePlus, which promised last year that it would be among the first to hop on the 5G train, didn’t have a handset to announce, but it did demo a prototype and announce an initiative for 5G app developers.
Samsung, the world’s biggest smartphone vendor, unveiled its first 5G phone just days before MWC during its Unpacked event in San Francisco. Oppo on Saturday at MWC 2019 talked about its first, not-yet-named 5G phone. Samsung, which is on the other end of the spectrum with premium pricing, hasn’t said what it will charge for its Galaxy S10 5G or the version of its Galaxy Fold that runs on the faster network. The 4G versions of those devices start at $749 for the Galaxy S10E and $1,980 for the Galaxy Fold.
Huawei showed off its Mate X foldable on Sunday, while Xiaomi detailed its Mi Mix 3 5G that same day. mwc 2019 also marked the debut of LG’s V50 and ZTE’s Axon 10 Pro, while Sony and OnePlus showed off prototypes for devices they’ll launch this year.
OnePlus wants to keep the cost of its first 5G phone “within $1,000,” CEO Pete Lau said during an interview on Monday. In December, he had said OnePlus’ first 5G phone could be $200 to $300 higher than the OnePlus 6T, which starts at $549 (about £499 or AU$774) for the 128GB model with 6GB of RAM. “From the perspective of OnePlus devices, the [higher] cost is [because] the cost of technology has also risen this year,” Lau said Monday. “From our perspective, there’s no better value proposition in the market than a OnePlus device.”
Device makers need to use pricier components like 5G radios/antennas and bigger batteries. Those higher costs will likely flow down to you through more expensive service and phones. The shift to 5G gives carriers and phone makers the chance to charge more for those top speeds at a time they’re not selling as many devices. Last year, smartphone shipments fell for the first time ever in history, according to Strategy Analytics. Globally, they dropped 5 percent to 376 million units, something the research firm called “a landmark event.”
Ultimately, more of the 5G phone price increase could come from the new features that are added. There are higher costs overall for the 5G devices, from the chipset to the antennas, batteries and other components.
“Initially, the price of 5G phones will be higher than 4G phones, that’s for sure,” said Yenchi Lee, senior director of product marketing for MediaTek’s wireless communications business, in an interview Monday. The company this week unveiled its first 5G modem, which will be in smartphones in early 2020.
“I do believe it should be priced at a small premium to 4G,” said Marc Allera, chief executve of UK carrier EE, during a 5G panel at MWC. “But not so much that it slows adoption down.”
https://www.cnet.com/news/5g-from-samsung-huawei-xiaomi-is-here-but-it-will-cost-you/
AJW Comment:
None of these pre-standard 5G smart phones will work on any 5G network other than the one they are announced for. No interoperability and no roaming!
The pre-standard 5G carriers all use different frequencies while the smartphone vendors use different chip sets- all of which are variations of 3GPP release 15 New Radio (NR), Non Stand Alone (NSA). They use LTE siignaling/control plane and EPC rather than IMT 2020 control plane and mobile packet core, which has yet to be defined, let alone standardized by ITU-R WP 5D.
All the non radio IMT 2020 standards from ITU-T are works in progress. Hence, all the network slicing, virtualized RAN, software defined network and network virtualization for 5G are all proprietary and will be for at least the next 2 years! So eavery 5G smartphone must be matched with the 5G base station chosen by the network provider for its 5G network. There will be many variations in functionality until the IMT 2020 standards are completed and implemented. Until then, 5G smartphones and other 5G endpoints will only work on a single carrier’s 5G network and not any other!
Gartner: Magic Quadrant for Global Network Services has Orange Business #1
Summary:
Driven by cloud IT service adoption, the market for global enterprise network services is undergoing a generational shift in both technologies and the provider landscape. Infrastructure and operations leaders must adapt their network sourcing approaches to reflect this transformation.
Market Definition/Description:
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WAN transport services, used to form hybrid WANs and underpin managed software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) services — These include MPLS, Ethernet services and internet services, including dedicated internet access (DIA), broadband and cellular.
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Carrier-based cloud interconnect — This refers to direct MPLS, internet and/or Ethernet connections to leading providers of cloud services, including infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a Service (SaaS). These services improve the performance, availability and security of connectivity to critical cloud services, compared with generic public internet access. The option to insert network functions, such as firewalling and WAN optimization (which are often virtualized), into these connections is increasingly common.
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Managed software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) services — While some enterprises are renewing their existing MPLS or hybrid WANs, virtually all new managed global network deployments seen by Gartner in 2018 were managed SD-WAN networks, a trend we expect to see continue through 2019 and beyond. These services are based on edge devices with zero-touch configuration, able to dynamically route traffic over different links based on policies under central policy management control (see “Technology Insight for Software-Defined WAN [SD-WAN]”). SD-WAN improves WAN agility by allowing easier and faster deployment of new sites, flexibility in the link types used, and simplified addition of new applications to the network. In addition, SD-WAN services typically provide significantly enhanced levels of application visibility compared to traditional managed router services.
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Network on-demand services — Network on-demand services from NSPs enable enterprises to make real-time changes to access/port bandwidth, change the WAN service types delivered over a network port and, in some cases, even add and remove endpoints, such as connections to cloud providers all under software control. They are controlled by the enterprise, via the provider’s web portal or APIs. Many providers are using software-defined networking (SDN) to deliver this functionality.
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Network function virtualization (NFV) services — This functionality is the replacement for purpose-built hardware devices, such as routers, security devices or WAN optimizers, with software running on industry-standard hardware equipment (see “Network Function Virtualization Will Enable Greater WAN Agility and Flexibility”). It can be run in virtual customer premises equipment (vCPE), which consists of on-site x86-based servers, supporting multiple virtualized network functions. Alternatively, some functions can run NFV service nodes, located in the provider’s network; although, in this case, some form of on-premises device will still be needed. NFV allows network functions to be activated on demand and consumed on an “as a service” basis, seeking to improve both the agility and cost-effectiveness of the enterprise WAN.
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vCPE — vCPE is the use of industry-standard, x86-based servers, rather than function-specific appliances, at enterprise premises to deliver enterprise network edge functions, such as WAN edge routers, including SD-WAN, WAN optimization controllers (WOCs), and security functions such as firewalls. (See “Innovation Insight for Virtual CPE.”)
What’s Changed?
The inclusion and exclusion criteria for this year’s Magic Quadrant, although similar to prior years, have been adjusted to reflect these trends.
Magic Quadrant
Figure 1. Magic Quadrant for Network Services, Global
Source: Gartner (February 2019)
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https://www.gartner.com/document/code/354862?ref=ddisp&refval=354862
AT&T tests 5G and network edge computing with Microsoft Azure; Partners with Vodafone Business for IoT
AT&T announced at MWC 2019 that it is working with Microsoft on a proof of concept to integrate network edge compute (NEC) capabilities with its 5G network and Microsoft Azure cloud services. The solution would be important for the industries and Internet of Things (IoT) use cases of retail, healthcare, public safety, entertainment, and manufacturing, AT&T said, as it would provide businesses with lower latency, access to high compute power, and network routing without needing on-premises hardware.
“We’re testing our ability to substantially reduce latency and improve user experience by deploying advanced cloud services in specific geographic locations closer to business sites. A fully-scaled deployment will give businesses access to compute power, lower latency and optimized network routing without the need for dedicated on-premises hardware.” These advantages will be important for the low-latency cloud and IoT solutions used by retail, healthcare, public safety, manufacturing and entertainment.
Last month, AT&T* announced its approach to 5G for businesses, laying out three key pillars: mobile, fixed and edge computing.
“Our collaboration will pave the way to enable Microsoft Azure cloud services to connect to more customers and devices across the US through AT&T’s nationwide wireless network,” Microsoft corporate VP of Azure Networking Yousef Khalidi said. “Our two companies are working together to achieve the low-latency connectivity needed for the explosion of devices and immense amount of data being created by computing at the edge,” he added.
AT&T is using drones to test the network edge compute capabilities with Azure, working with Israel-based startup Vorpal in its foundry in Plano, Texas. Vorpal’s VigilAir product detects and geo-locates drones in real-time, which could be used by law enforcement agencies and airports.
“By running their VigilAir application using Azure cloud services delivered through the Plano AT&T test environment, and connecting their drone-tracking sensors using AT&T LTE and 5G networks, Vorpal could achieve the low latency and compute scalability required,” the carrier said.
AT&T expects to share more details about NEC services with Microsoft Azure later this year. NEC is part of AT&T’s broader edge compute strategy that also includes AT&T Multi-Access Edge Compute (MEC).
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Earlier at MWC 2019, AT&T announced it’s working with Vodafone Business on IoT applications for the automotive space, including safety, security, and entertainment.
“This alliance with Vodafone Business is a natural extension of our existing relationship,” said Chris Penrose, President, Internet of Things Solutions, AT&T. “We each have rich experience in connected vehicle technology. By working together, we can innovate faster and help our global customers bring connectivity, entertainment and telematics to more vehicles across our respective footprints.”
“Our work with AT&T will benefit automotive manufacturers and their customers around the world as we simplify processes and provide a consistent experience to accelerate IoT adoption in this fast-moving market,” said Stefano Gastaut, IoT Director, Vodafone Business. “As technology complexity increases, this is the right time to make technology adoption easier for the automotive industry to help them achieve their business outcomes. This is the goal of this alliance.”
The two companies said they would develop connected car solutions across 5G and autonomous vehicle technology; vehicle-to-everything (V2X) capabilities; in-vehicle entertainment; connected car applications and services; global service quality models; and the intersection of connected cars and smart cities.
The companies will prioritize projects to enhance safety, security and entertainment capabilities. Key areas of focus will be:
- 5G and autonomous vehicle technology
- V2X capabilities (vehicle-to-everything)
- In-vehicle entertainment
- Connected car applications and services
- Global service quality models
- Connected car/ smart cities intersection
AT&T and Vodafone Business each provide connected car services and products for the automotive, fleet and insurance industries. They integrate electronic and telematics systems into complex vehicles, both at the point of manufacture and beyond. Together, the companies bring more than 50 years of experience in the automotive industry. And they collectively work with nearly 50 global automotive brands and connect more than 43 million cars and trucks on the road today.
References:
https://about.att.com/story/2019/att_nec.html
https://www.zdnet.com/article/mwc-2019-at-t-tests-5g-and-edge-computing-with-microsoft-azure/
AT&T tests 5G and network edge computing with Microsoft Azure; Partners with Vodafone Business for IoT
AT&T announced at MWC 2019 that it is working with Microsoft on a proof of concept to integrate network edge compute (NEC) capabilities with its 5G network and Microsoft Azure cloud services. The solution would be important for the industries and Internet of Things (IoT) use cases of retail, healthcare, public safety, entertainment, and manufacturing, AT&T said, as it would provide businesses with lower latency, access to high compute power, and network routing without needing on-premises hardware.
“We’re testing our ability to substantially reduce latency and improve user experience by deploying advanced cloud services in specific geographic locations closer to business sites. A fully-scaled deployment will give businesses access to compute power, lower latency and optimized network routing without the need for dedicated on-premises hardware.” These advantages will be important for the low-latency cloud and IoT solutions used by retail, healthcare, public safety, manufacturing and entertainment.
Last month, AT&T* announced its approach to 5G for businesses, laying out three key pillars: mobile, fixed and edge computing.
“Our collaboration will pave the way to enable Microsoft Azure cloud services to connect to more customers and devices across the US through AT&T’s nationwide wireless network,” Microsoft corporate VP of Azure Networking Yousef Khalidi said. “Our two companies are working together to achieve the low-latency connectivity needed for the explosion of devices and immense amount of data being created by computing at the edge,” he added.
AT&T is using drones to test the network edge compute capabilities with Azure, working with Israel-based startup Vorpal in its foundry in Plano, Texas. Vorpal’s VigilAir product detects and geo-locates drones in real-time, which could be used by law enforcement agencies and airports.
“By running their VigilAir application using Azure cloud services delivered through the Plano AT&T test environment, and connecting their drone-tracking sensors using AT&T LTE and 5G networks, Vorpal could achieve the low latency and compute scalability required,” the carrier said.
AT&T expects to share more details about NEC services with Microsoft Azure later this year. NEC is part of AT&T’s broader edge compute strategy that also includes AT&T Multi-Access Edge Compute (MEC).
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Earlier at MWC 2019, AT&T announced it’s working with Vodafone Business on IoT applications for the automotive space, including safety, security, and entertainment.
“This alliance with Vodafone Business is a natural extension of our existing relationship,” said Chris Penrose, President, Internet of Things Solutions, AT&T. “We each have rich experience in connected vehicle technology. By working together, we can innovate faster and help our global customers bring connectivity, entertainment and telematics to more vehicles across our respective footprints.”
“Our work with AT&T will benefit automotive manufacturers and their customers around the world as we simplify processes and provide a consistent experience to accelerate IoT adoption in this fast-moving market,” said Stefano Gastaut, IoT Director, Vodafone Business. “As technology complexity increases, this is the right time to make technology adoption easier for the automotive industry to help them achieve their business outcomes. This is the goal of this alliance.”
The two companies said they would develop connected car solutions across 5G and autonomous vehicle technology; vehicle-to-everything (V2X) capabilities; in-vehicle entertainment; connected car applications and services; global service quality models; and the intersection of connected cars and smart cities.
The companies will prioritize projects to enhance safety, security and entertainment capabilities. Key areas of focus will be:
- 5G and autonomous vehicle technology
- V2X capabilities (vehicle-to-everything)
- In-vehicle entertainment
- Connected car applications and services
- Global service quality models
- Connected car/ smart cities intersection
AT&T and Vodafone Business each provide connected car services and products for the automotive, fleet and insurance industries. They integrate electronic and telematics systems into complex vehicles, both at the point of manufacture and beyond. Together, the companies bring more than 50 years of experience in the automotive industry. And they collectively work with nearly 50 global automotive brands and connect more than 43 million cars and trucks on the road today.
References:
https://about.att.com/story/2019/att_nec.html
https://www.zdnet.com/article/mwc-2019-at-t-tests-5g-and-edge-computing-with-microsoft-azure/
MWC 2019: Korean companies set to present new world of 5G connectivity & smart phones
Wireless network providers/ telcos, telecom equipment, industrial giants, and smart device companies have arrived in Barcelona, Spain for the Mobile World Congress (MWC) that kicks off on Feb. 25th. Under the theme of “Intelligent Connectivity,” the four-day event features companies demonstrating how new technologies will change everyday lives.
There has been so much hype surrounding 5G in the past few years, it’s deafening. Yet the world still needs to wait for full-fledged 5G standards and associated services. Hopefully, this year’s MWC will paint a clearer picture about a world powered by 5G networks.
“I have never seen tech companies at MWC rallying behind a single banner. And that is 5G,” said a senior official from a South Korean telecom giant, who visited the MWC venue in Fira Barcelona before the event officially kicked off.
Some mobile device manufacturers, such LG Electronics and Huawei, unveiled their first 5G-based smartphones on Feb. 24, a day before the official launch of the MWC. Samsung’s Galaxy S10 5G will be demonstrated to the public after its debut in San Francisco on Feb. 20. South Korean telecom giants (like SK Telecom, Korea Telecom, and LG U+ –formerly LG Telecom) will also unveil platforms that capitalize on the hyper-speed, low-latency network. These are expected to include futuristic hotel services, smart factories and unmanned blimps.
Leading telecom companies at MWC include Verizon, AT&T and NTT Docomo, along with IT giants like Microsoft, Google Cloud, Amazon Web Service, Huawei, Xiaomi, Nokia, Ericsson, Renovo, Intel and Qualcomm.
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Approximately 222 South Korean firms have come for the event, with combined investments of 100 billion won ($89 million) and some 3,000 officials. They will join some 2,500 companies from around the world in presenting technologies that span eight areas: connectivity, artificial intelligence, industry 4.0, immersive content, destructive innovation, digital wellness, digital trust and the future.
LG Electronics’ first 5G-powered smartphone, the V50 ThinQ (pre-standard) 5G, will be on display at MWC. The company joins Samsung in having a (pre-standard) 5G-capable smartphones in the market. Samsung will live broadcast the MWC 2019 Barcelona’s official media channel using its prototype 5G network on big screens throughout the Fira Gran Via venue and about 280 hotels in Barcelona, as well as stream the event live globally.
China’s Huawei, the world’s second-largest smart phone maker after Samsung, is expected to unveil its 5G foldable smartphone, the Mate X, during a press conference at the MWC.
During the MWC sessions, SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus said they would demonstrate how the 5G network can transform business and leisure when the first 5G-based smartphones hit the market this March.
KT will demonstrate the extent to which seamless communication is possible regardless of distance. Using its remotely controlled blip, called 5G Skyship, the company showed images sent in real time to Barcelona all the way from South Korea’s southern port city of Busan. As the 5G Skyship’s high-definition camera is capable of delivering flawless images sent from halfway around the world, the company said the technology could be used in search-and-rescue missions in the event of natural disasters and other emergencies.
KT said Sunday it will be remotely controlling its KT 5G Skyship airship drone in the skies above Haeundae in Busan, South Korea from the location of the Mobile World Congress 2019 in Barcelona, Spain, through a (pre-standard) 5G network.
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“Signals capable of controlling the blip’s camera are sent from Busan to Barcelona through international circuit lines. … Visitors can control the blip’s movement whatever they see fit and enjoy the night scenery of Busan from Barcelona,” said KT officials.
KT is joining the GSMA Innovation City exhibition alongside leading brands such as Google and Huawei to present its connected devices, immersive content and services under the theme “5G becomes reality.”
The company will exhibit Skyship, a 5G-enabled real-time airborne platform for disaster management, and provide a hands-on experience for remote autonomous driving and inspection of a 5G factory zone. It will also present 5G-connected robots, AR glasses, remote support solutions for enterprises, a VR baseball park, a 360-degree video zone and a robot hotel.
KT Chairman Hwang Chang-gyu plans to deliver his third MWC keynote speech to unveil his 5G vision, following similar addresses in 2015 and 2017. Hwang plans to visit the exhibition halls of Samsung Electronics, Ericsson and Nokia to explore business opportunities with the major wireless equipment manufacturers.
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Meanwhile, KT’s biggest rival, SK Telecom, plans to show how 5G can greatly improve productivity in factories and offices by using AI, robots, connected devices and security solutions. It unveiled the 5G Hyper Space platform that could blur the line between the virtual and real world by allowing users to toggle back and forth between the two.
“Having copied the images of hotels and offices in the real world, those wearing the VR machine can hardly feel the difference in the virtual world,” said an official from SK Telecom. “In accordance with the commercial rollout of 5G, we will expand the service.”
According to SK Telecom, users can visit a restaurant and see a hotel room “virtually” via virtual reality goggles before making reservations. Reservations made in the virtual world would also be effective in the real world.
“Commercialization of 5G is speeding up technology integration, highlighting the importance of cooperation at the global level,” SK Telecom said. “As only a few companies have shown 5G solutions for the commercial market, we expect global telecom and ICT companies to show interest in partnerships with SK Telecom.”
The two Korean telcos will also show a system for “smart factories” connected by a 5G network. By processing enormous volumes of data at hyper speed, the system can reduce the amount of defected products and the risk of safety accidents, they said.
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Korea’s third-biggest mobile carrier, LG Uplus, will push for strategic partnerships with global telecom firms, handset makers and media companies during this year’s MWC. It revealed a service that allows consumers to enjoy sports events and music performances with advanced quality. The company said the hyper-speed network allows users to watch footage with minimum latency.
The #3 South Korean mobile carrier will present remote-controlled robots, smart drones, smart CCTV and a block chain payment service for businesses. Visitors can, moreover, enjoy baseball, golf and K-pop, as well as AR, VR and hologram content based on 5G. CEO Ha Hyun-hoi plans to meet with senior officials of major mobile operators, including Verizon, T-Mobile and Vodafone, to discuss 5G strategy and fresh business opportunities, LG Uplus said.
“LG Uplus’ 5G technologies and services will illustrate how the advanced cellular technology can change everyday lives in a better way,” the company said in a release. LG Uplus, which provides Netflix videos on its set-top boxes, expressed a hope to form partnerships with major media players to provide AR, VR, AI and Internet of Things services in connection with 5G.
LG Uplus is teaming up with LG Electronics Inc. to unveil the latter’s first 5G smartphone, V50 ThinQ, on the eve of MWC.
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Among the MWC conference sessions we’re interested in are:
Unlocking the benefits of 5G for the Enterprise Market
What’s Keeping Operator CTOs up at Night?
5G Summit 2019 — Embracing 5G Era (ZTE)
Huawei Product & Solution Launch: 5G is On
The Internet of the Skies – Connecting Drones
China Unicom MEC Edge-Cloud Commercial Acceleration Plan
Aligning 5G Technology and Policy
Cloud without Limits (VMware)
Smart Buildings & 5G: The Use Case
First 5G tele-mentored Live Surgery!
5G Cities: Connecting People, Here, There and Everywhere
IoT Debate: LPWA Let’s get to ready to RUMBLE
References:
http://www.theinvestor.co.kr/view.php?ud=20190224000155
http://koreabizwire.com/s-korean-tech-telecom-firms-to-present-5g-future-at-mwc/133090
https://www.mwcbarcelona.com/conference-programmes/agenda/#day=7808
MWC 2019: Korean companies set to present new world of 5G connectivity & smart phones
Wireless network providers/ telcos, telecom equipment, industrial giants, and smart device companies have arrived in Barcelona, Spain for the Mobile World Congress (MWC) that kicks off on Feb. 25th. Under the theme of “Intelligent Connectivity,” the four-day event features companies demonstrating how new technologies will change everyday lives.
There has been so much hype surrounding 5G in the past few years, it’s deafening. Yet the world still needs to wait for full-fledged 5G standards and associated services. Hopefully, this year’s MWC will paint a clearer picture about a world powered by 5G networks.
“I have never seen tech companies at MWC rallying behind a single banner. And that is 5G,” said a senior official from a South Korean telecom giant, who visited the MWC venue in Fira Barcelona before the event officially kicked off.
Some mobile device manufacturers, such LG Electronics and Huawei, unveiled their first 5G-based smartphones on Feb. 24, a day before the official launch of the MWC. Samsung’s Galaxy S10 5G will be demonstrated to the public after its debut in San Francisco on Feb. 20. South Korean telecom giants (like SK Telecom, Korea Telecom, and LG U+ –formerly LG Telecom) will also unveil platforms that capitalize on the hyper-speed, low-latency network. These are expected to include futuristic hotel services, smart factories and unmanned blimps.
Leading telecom companies at MWC include Verizon, AT&T and NTT Docomo, along with IT giants like Microsoft, Google Cloud, Amazon Web Service, Huawei, Xiaomi, Nokia, Ericsson, Renovo, Intel and Qualcomm.
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Approximately 222 South Korean firms have come for the event, with combined investments of 100 billion won ($89 million) and some 3,000 officials. They will join some 2,500 companies from around the world in presenting technologies that span eight areas: connectivity, artificial intelligence, industry 4.0, immersive content, destructive innovation, digital wellness, digital trust and the future.
LG Electronics’ first 5G-powered smartphone, the V50 ThinQ (pre-standard) 5G, will be on display at MWC. The company joins Samsung in having a (pre-standard) 5G-capable smartphones in the market. Samsung will live broadcast the MWC 2019 Barcelona’s official media channel using its prototype 5G network on big screens throughout the Fira Gran Via venue and about 280 hotels in Barcelona, as well as stream the event live globally.
China’s Huawei, the world’s second-largest smart phone maker after Samsung, is expected to unveil its 5G foldable smartphone, the Mate X, during a press conference at the MWC.
During the MWC sessions, SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus said they would demonstrate how the 5G network can transform business and leisure when the first 5G-based smartphones hit the market this March.
KT will demonstrate the extent to which seamless communication is possible regardless of distance. Using its remotely controlled blip, called 5G Skyship, the company showed images sent in real time to Barcelona all the way from South Korea’s southern port city of Busan. As the 5G Skyship’s high-definition camera is capable of delivering flawless images sent from halfway around the world, the company said the technology could be used in search-and-rescue missions in the event of natural disasters and other emergencies.
KT said Sunday it will be remotely controlling its KT 5G Skyship airship drone in the skies above Haeundae in Busan, South Korea from the location of the Mobile World Congress 2019 in Barcelona, Spain, through a (pre-standard) 5G network.
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“Signals capable of controlling the blip’s camera are sent from Busan to Barcelona through international circuit lines. … Visitors can control the blip’s movement whatever they see fit and enjoy the night scenery of Busan from Barcelona,” said KT officials.
KT is joining the GSMA Innovation City exhibition alongside leading brands such as Google and Huawei to present its connected devices, immersive content and services under the theme “5G becomes reality.”
The company will exhibit Skyship, a 5G-enabled real-time airborne platform for disaster management, and provide a hands-on experience for remote autonomous driving and inspection of a 5G factory zone. It will also present 5G-connected robots, AR glasses, remote support solutions for enterprises, a VR baseball park, a 360-degree video zone and a robot hotel.
KT Chairman Hwang Chang-gyu plans to deliver his third MWC keynote speech to unveil his 5G vision, following similar addresses in 2015 and 2017. Hwang plans to visit the exhibition halls of Samsung Electronics, Ericsson and Nokia to explore business opportunities with the major wireless equipment manufacturers.
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Meanwhile, KT’s biggest rival, SK Telecom, plans to show how 5G can greatly improve productivity in factories and offices by using AI, robots, connected devices and security solutions. It unveiled the 5G Hyper Space platform that could blur the line between the virtual and real world by allowing users to toggle back and forth between the two.
“Having copied the images of hotels and offices in the real world, those wearing the VR machine can hardly feel the difference in the virtual world,” said an official from SK Telecom. “In accordance with the commercial rollout of 5G, we will expand the service.”
According to SK Telecom, users can visit a restaurant and see a hotel room “virtually” via virtual reality goggles before making reservations. Reservations made in the virtual world would also be effective in the real world.
“Commercialization of 5G is speeding up technology integration, highlighting the importance of cooperation at the global level,” SK Telecom said. “As only a few companies have shown 5G solutions for the commercial market, we expect global telecom and ICT companies to show interest in partnerships with SK Telecom.”
The two Korean telcos will also show a system for “smart factories” connected by a 5G network. By processing enormous volumes of data at hyper speed, the system can reduce the amount of defected products and the risk of safety accidents, they said.
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Korea’s third-biggest mobile carrier, LG Uplus, will push for strategic partnerships with global telecom firms, handset makers and media companies during this year’s MWC. It revealed a service that allows consumers to enjoy sports events and music performances with advanced quality. The company said the hyper-speed network allows users to watch footage with minimum latency.
The #3 South Korean mobile carrier will present remote-controlled robots, smart drones, smart CCTV and a block chain payment service for businesses. Visitors can, moreover, enjoy baseball, golf and K-pop, as well as AR, VR and hologram content based on 5G. CEO Ha Hyun-hoi plans to meet with senior officials of major mobile operators, including Verizon, T-Mobile and Vodafone, to discuss 5G strategy and fresh business opportunities, LG Uplus said.
“LG Uplus’ 5G technologies and services will illustrate how the advanced cellular technology can change everyday lives in a better way,” the company said in a release. LG Uplus, which provides Netflix videos on its set-top boxes, expressed a hope to form partnerships with major media players to provide AR, VR, AI and Internet of Things services in connection with 5G.
LG Uplus is teaming up with LG Electronics Inc. to unveil the latter’s first 5G smartphone, V50 ThinQ, on the eve of MWC.
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Among the MWC conference sessions we’re interested in are:
Unlocking the benefits of 5G for the Enterprise Market
What’s Keeping Operator CTOs up at Night?
5G Summit 2019 — Embracing 5G Era (ZTE)
Huawei Product & Solution Launch: 5G is On
The Internet of the Skies – Connecting Drones
China Unicom MEC Edge-Cloud Commercial Acceleration Plan
Aligning 5G Technology and Policy
Cloud without Limits (VMware)
Smart Buildings & 5G: The Use Case
First 5G tele-mentored Live Surgery!
5G Cities: Connecting People, Here, There and Everywhere
IoT Debate: LPWA Let’s get to ready to RUMBLE
References:
http://www.theinvestor.co.kr/view.php?ud=20190224000155
http://koreabizwire.com/s-korean-tech-telecom-firms-to-present-5g-future-at-mwc/133090
https://www.mwcbarcelona.com/conference-programmes/agenda/#day=7808
AT&T to shut down 3G network in 2022; Verizon at end of 2019
AT&T will shut down its 3G network in early 2022 as the company shifts its focus to 5G implementation (?) and compatible 4G LTE networks. Research firm Ovum estimates that the number of devices using 3G exceeds 85 million, while AT&T reports that 3G was still the choice for 11% of the company’s postpaid users last year.
AT&T’s decision to shutter 3G, disclosed in a Wednesday regulatory filing, follows rival Verizon Communications’s warning that it will disconnect 3G cellphones at the end of this year. Verizon said in a recent filing it is “aggressively refarming 3G bands” for 4G but still needs more spectrum to keep up with its users’ demands. Verizon executive Ronan Dunne told investors at a Thursday meeting that its 5G service will reach 30 cities this year. AT&T’s 5G service touched parts of 12 cities at the end of 2018, with nationwide service expected in 2020.
The demise of 3G in the U.S. has been all but certain after cellphone carriers spent billions of dollars over the past decade to blanket the country with 4G service. That standard, also known as long-term evolution, or LTE, allows users to download data 10 times as fast as its predecessor and has paved the way for many smartphone apps that require ample mobile bandwidth.
Winding down obsolete versions is a habit for telecom companies. In the 1990s they pushed analog cellphone users to the first digital standards, and later persuaded 2G users to upgrade to one of several wireless technologies with the 3G label.
The companies are driven by necessity. Cellphone users with unlimited data plans stream more video on the go, testing the limits of what service providers can handle. Getting customers off 3G allows carriers to free up wireless frequencies for 4G signals over broader swaths of the radio spectrum.
Early 3G phones kicked off the smartphone era by giving customers a reason to use their devices for more than just talking and texting. Apple Inc.’s cellphone sales took off after it launched the iPhone 3G.
AT&T said 11% of its postpaid customers were using 3G service at the end of 2018. More than 85 million devices use 3G, according to research firm Ovum. They include smartphones, tablets and devices like vehicle-location trackers. The coming changes could also affect users of prepaid cellphone brands like TracFone that use other companies’ networks.
Telecom executives are already shifting their attention to the latest group of engineering standards known as 5G, which are expected to make video streaming and downloads even quicker. The specifications also support many more connections at once, allowing carriers to go after more types of gadgets.
The end of 4G LTE service, if it comes, is years away. ITU-R [1] and ITU-T haven’t finished writing 5G standards, and telecom companies say it will take years to make 5G commonplace. Companies are less motivated to kill 4G service because it can work in tandem with 5G, unlike previous generations that forced carriers to devote a band of wireless spectrum to one technology.
Note 1. An AT&T representative chairs ITU-R WP 5D which is responsible for the IMT 2020 (official 5G) standard. Another AT&T rep chairs the WP 5D SWG on Radio Aspects within the Technology WG. Hence, AT&T has tremendous influence and impact on IMT 2020 yet it’s marketing communications department falsely claims the company has deployed “standards based” mobile 5G.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/at-t-gives-3g-service-three-years-to-live-11550765221
Have a 3G phone? Here’s why it’s time to start thinking about upgrading
AT&T to shut down 3G network in 2022; Verizon at end of 2019
AT&T will shut down its 3G network in early 2022 as the company shifts its focus to 5G implementation (?) and compatible 4G LTE networks. Research firm Ovum estimates that the number of devices using 3G exceeds 85 million, while AT&T reports that 3G was still the choice for 11% of the company’s postpaid users last year.
AT&T’s decision to shutter 3G, disclosed in a Wednesday regulatory filing, follows rival Verizon Communications’s warning that it will disconnect 3G cellphones at the end of this year. Verizon said in a recent filing it is “aggressively refarming 3G bands” for 4G but still needs more spectrum to keep up with its users’ demands. Verizon executive Ronan Dunne told investors at a Thursday meeting that its 5G service will reach 30 cities this year. AT&T’s 5G service touched parts of 12 cities at the end of 2018, with nationwide service expected in 2020.
The demise of 3G in the U.S. has been all but certain after cellphone carriers spent billions of dollars over the past decade to blanket the country with 4G service. That standard, also known as long-term evolution, or LTE, allows users to download data 10 times as fast as its predecessor and has paved the way for many smartphone apps that require ample mobile bandwidth.
Winding down obsolete versions is a habit for telecom companies. In the 1990s they pushed analog cellphone users to the first digital standards, and later persuaded 2G users to upgrade to one of several wireless technologies with the 3G label.
The companies are driven by necessity. Cellphone users with unlimited data plans stream more video on the go, testing the limits of what service providers can handle. Getting customers off 3G allows carriers to free up wireless frequencies for 4G signals over broader swaths of the radio spectrum.
Early 3G phones kicked off the smartphone era by giving customers a reason to use their devices for more than just talking and texting. Apple Inc.’s cellphone sales took off after it launched the iPhone 3G.
AT&T said 11% of its postpaid customers were using 3G service at the end of 2018. More than 85 million devices use 3G, according to research firm Ovum. They include smartphones, tablets and devices like vehicle-location trackers. The coming changes could also affect users of prepaid cellphone brands like TracFone that use other companies’ networks.
Telecom executives are already shifting their attention to the latest group of engineering standards known as 5G, which are expected to make video streaming and downloads even quicker. The specifications also support many more connections at once, allowing carriers to go after more types of gadgets.
The end of 4G LTE service, if it comes, is years away. ITU-R [1] and ITU-T haven’t finished writing 5G standards, and telecom companies say it will take years to make 5G commonplace. Companies are less motivated to kill 4G service because it can work in tandem with 5G, unlike previous generations that forced carriers to devote a band of wireless spectrum to one technology.
Note 1. An AT&T representative chairs ITU-R WP 5D which is responsible for the IMT 2020 (official 5G) standard. Another AT&T rep chairs the WP 5D SWG on Radio Aspects within the Technology WG. Hence, AT&T has tremendous influence and impact on IMT 2020 yet it’s marketing communications department falsely claims the company has deployed “standards based” mobile 5G.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/at-t-gives-3g-service-three-years-to-live-11550765221
Have a 3G phone? Here’s why it’s time to start thinking about upgrading
Gartner: Enterprise Network Service Prices Continue to Decline
Prices for enterprise fixed and mobile network services around the globe have declined from 2017 through 2018 by up to 20%, with further declines expected through 2019. Highlights:
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Since 2012, overall network service prices in the developed world have declined by 5% to 20% annually, depending on the specific service and geography, but enterprises often fail to achieve the full potential savings.
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Prices for nonstandard or legacy network services see little decrease or even increases.
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Although network technology improvements can reduce an operator’s cost of delivering service, network service providers (NSPs) will only pass on savings to customers when they’re pressured to do so.
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By 2020, 10 Mbps Ethernet access to Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) or internet services will be priced lower than T1 or E1 access to the same services, from a premium of up to 1.5 times today’s T1/E1 price.
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By 2020, MPLS pricing in mature markets will equalize with business-grade internet services, down from the 10% to 20% premium in 2018.
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By 2020, the cost of 5G enterprise cellular services will be priced at a premium of 10% or less above 4G cellular services.
There is considerable country-to-country variation within regions. The countries with a greater degree of competition (three or more viable choices for a service) have seen larger price decreases than countries that have little or no competition. We have noted with an asterisk (*) the regions in which there is either too little data or where large variations in pricing exist, negating any meaningful “average” price trend.
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The North American telecommunications market is very mature, with highly competitive conditions. Within all five service group categories, there are more than three providers. Since the competitive landscape has seen some consolidation, the only truly viable way for Gartner clients to take advantage of these conditions is to create a competitive RFP.
- T1 or any other TDM-based access to any network services should be treated as legacy and only used when no other access services are available. These prices are not changing, and Gartner predicts they could possibly increase in the near future as providers are eager to shed those amortized assets.
- The pricing of MPLS and direct internet access, over optical Ethernet access, continues to converge with internet access typically not more than 10% to 15% cheaper than MPLS, while Ethernet services remain significantly cheaper. Broadband internet access pricing is not decreasing significantly, although average speeds are continuing to increase, as are the number of providers in the market.
- SIP trunking is fully mature, and existing ISDN lines should be replaced with SIP as soon as the contractual opportunity arises.
- Cellular is a mature service, with 4G LTE the default network technology for most voice, messaging and data plans. While 3G network fallback still is available for areas of weak 4G coverage, providers do not differentiate service plans or prices for the two technologies. Data plan cost reductions primarily have occurred due to more competitive negotiated discounts from standard or rate card prices. Standards-based 5G technology providing higher data speeds, lower latency and the ability to support significantly higher cellular endpoint density than 4G LTE will begin commercial availability in 2020 and later.
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Avoid sourcing services that are not part of provider’s standard portfolio, even if this means accelerating the depreciation of nonstandard devices or losing some functionality of nonstandard configurations.
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Migrate away from legacy network services, even if it means replacing edge devices, while seeking improved pricing from the provider in return for adopting the current offerings.
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Ensure you are fully aware of any end-of-life announcements for network services you are using and aim to migrate away from such services.