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- Open RAN Disruptive Technology, to Help With 5G: Parag Naik
- Open Networking Is the Key to Future Connectivity
- Apple iPhone Users Are Not as Loyal as You Think
- Google Pixel Buds A-Series Is Coming to India, But, Will They Sell?
- Bharti Airtel Has Fought a Formidable Force in Industry Setting an Example for Telcos
- Eronet Offers 100 Mbps Plan Starting from Rs 499 Per Month
| Open RAN Disruptive Technology, to Help With 5G: Parag Naik Posted: 06 Jun 2021 08:30 AM PDT 
Can You Tell Us About Saankhya Labs, How You Started, and What Are You Doing Now?Saankhya Labs was founded in 2007 as a semiconductor solutions company, with a focus on Software, Defined Radios (SDRs). Until then, SDRs were primarily seen in the defence domain. We introduced SDRs into the consumer space as well. We developed the world's first in-production SDR chipsets. Our SDRs were precursors to all the Software Defined Radio Access Networks that we see today. Since then, Saankhya has developed world-class products powered by in-house, award-winning, patented SDR chipsets. In 2012, we began developing wireless communication solutions. We produced SDR chipsets and also products that are powered by these chipsets. These included Fixed Wireless Access Radios, Broadcast Radios Satellite Communication terminals and hub-side equipment. In 2015, we signed an agreement with ISRO to develop Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) terminals. These 2-way MSS terminals are now installed in 2600+ Indian Railway locomotives to facilitate 2-way communication and loco-tracking. We have also received an order from a State Fisheries Department to install our Vessel Tracking Solution on fishing boats. In Jan 2020, our Fixed Wireless Access Radios became the world's first WiFAR standard-compliant TVWS products to be certified by FCC of USA. In 2021, we became the first Indian company to have FCC certified outdoor wireless communication equipment – Saankhya Broadcast Radio Head. At present, we have 70 international patents for our products, technologies and solutions. We are now developing end-to-end communication platforms with three focus areas – 5G RAN, 5G Broadcast and Satcom Solutions. At present, we are working on Open RAN based solutions for 5G. These solutions will be the backbone of next-gen 5G mobile networks. You Said That Saankhya Labs Is Focusing on 5G RAN Solutions. Can You Please Tell Us More About the Solutions Being Developed?Saankhya Labs is developing 5G RAN solutions based on Open RAN. These solutions include:
How Will Open RAN Solutions Help Companies Like Saankhya Labs?Open RAN Solutions are new disruptive technologies that 5G mobile network operators are increasingly looking to adopt. Instead of relying on proprietary aggregated RF and baseband equipment, mainly from a few dominant vendors, Open RAN solutions allow MNOs to work with a multi-vendor radio access network.
This demand opens doors for companies like Saankhya Labs, which already possess Open RAN expertise and can develop hardware and software solutions for MNOs. These solutions help in lowering the cap-ex and op-ex, thus lowering the Total Cost of Ownership. This advantage gives companies like Saankhya Labs a platform to compete with larger vendors like Ericsson, Nokia and Huawei in the RAN space. What Are the Challenges Faced by an Indian Wireless Communication Solutions Company Like Saankhya Labs?An Indian wireless communication solutions company faces challenges on multiple fronts. It has to compete with global multinationals, which are very large organizations. These companies receive billions of dollars as investment and support, from their respective governments, in the form of tax breaks and incentives. The playing field is not level, as we do not have that kind of war chest. The Indian wireless communication solutions industry is at a nascent stage. Their numbers are few, and we do not always have market-proven solutions. As one of the first movers in this space, we face the problem of trust deficit from our customers. It will take us time and effort to build the belief that a small Indian company like ours can build world-class telecom products. One of the main aspects of building world-class products is to make its field hardened. Without adequate large-scale trials, it is difficult to harden technology and make it market-ready. Ideally, the government should support such trials in India for Indian companies so as to enable them to compete with large global players. What Changes Are Needed to Build a Robust 5G Ecosystem in India?First, we need some policy changes. The government has to be proactive and must promote home-grown technology providers. It must launch new schemes and broaden existing incentive schemes like the PLI scheme, which offers immense benefits to domestic companies. The govt must also incentivise indigenous companies. It can do this by mandating that a portion of the wireless network solutions will be supplied by Indian players. This will not only promote #AtmanirbharBharat, but also ensure data security. There should also be an offset policy for the communication sector like there is in the defence sector. This will ensure that foreign investors must allocate resources to source some solutions from Indian companies. We must aim to adopt technologies in tandem with the rest of the world. Large-scale 5G solutions trials must be conducted to help home-grown companies to test their solutions in real-life conditions. When Indian companies prove their technologies, Indian MNOs will also be encouraged to use them. These changes will inject huge growth into the Indian ecosystem. |
| Open Networking Is the Key to Future Connectivity Posted: 06 Jun 2021 06:00 AM PDT 
Going forward, connected devices will reach almost 75 billion globally by 2025. These connected devices will generate approximately 79.4 zettabytes of data by 2025. In the future, will the legacy networks be able to cope up with the demand posed by such humongous data? Greater Efficiencies Will be Required for Networks of The FutureFuture networks need to deliver only what we can imagine today. They must be scalable, automated, disaggregated, open and easy to manage, self-aware and self-healing. For instance, intent-based networking, built on the back of machine learning, software-defined networking and advanced automation, will have the potential to respond to a variety of network events and conditions. Such networks must be conceptualised and built on a foundation of scalability and flexibility instead of compromise. Our current legacy networks are unable to adapt quickly enough to changing market conditions and customer needs. Legacy telco networks were proprietary, built from standards but not interoperable using black-box highly customised hardware. This proprietary approach drove costly "rip-and-replace" efforts to upgrade the network. For instance, CAPEX to switch even from 2G to 3G cost billions of dollars. Traditional network designs require hardware upgrades to release new capacity. In addition, the cost of purchasing, deploying and commissioning new hardware for every new service is a challenge for telcos. Altogether, OPEX of operating and maintaining legacy networks is eating into a provider's margins. Other specific challenges include vendor-specific solutions, closed networks, proprietary management software, specialized training and skill sets by vendor equipment, and ecosystem inertia to adapt to open networking. Moving Towards Open Networking is The KeyOpen source software-centric networking is being created and deployed in data centers and in networks around the world. The advantages of open networking solutions are many. The last couple of years have seen significant moves towards the Open RAN model, a new way of building radio networks based on a software-centric and open infrastructure, disaggregating hardware from software in the network. The push was coming from the Telco operator ecosystem, demanding open, disaggregated networking solutions. In 2019, Vodafone opened up their European operations to O-RAN by floating a tender that covered more than 100,000 sites and 400 million people across 14 countries. Rakuten has built the world's first end-to-end fully virtualized, cloud-native mobile network, which is an implementation of Open RAN, utilizing a multi-vendor approach incorporating virtualization technologies. When the demand from telecom service providers grew, then two industry bodies, TIP and O-RAN Alliance, realised the need for a more organised alignment of Open RAN processes. They announced partnerships agreements to ensure their alignment in developing and deploying interoperable Open RAN solutions. This allowed sharing of information, referencing specifications and conducting joint testing and integration efforts. This big move ensured that both the organisations develop RAN solutions in such a way so that there is no duplication, resources are shared, and costs are kept low. Opting for Community-Based InnovationsThe future of open networking looks bright. Software-defined open networking is both scalable and secure. Scalable, since it is based on cloud-native principles; secure, since it is open and has "many eyes" reviewing and progressing its efforts. Open networking is being leveraged as a major component to create the technology that will drive the evolution of the next generation of mobile networking. As we move towards the 5G era, we will need networking technology that is intelligent, flexible, energy-efficient and software-defined. This is encouraging telecom operators to collaborate on open source projects that will accentuate existing networks and also shape them to support future communications technologies. Telco operators understand this and are taking some instrumental steps in their transformational journey towards openness. Transformational Journey Towards Openness BeginsNow that telcos have realised the importance of having open networks, they are taking some firm steps for its graded implementation. Collaboration projects – Linux Foundation Networking (LFN) has 8 major open source projects on technologies relating to Network Virtualisation and orchestration. One such example is the OPNFV (Open Platform for Network Function Virtualisation) project, which aims to develop a platform to integrate virtual network functions with cloud services. Apart from bringing together thousands of contributors, open-source projects are redefining the way in which future networks are being created. Setting standards – Open source networking also helps to create shared industry efforts by ensuring common standards and uniformity across telecommunications technology. This way, service providers are able to overcome challenges they encounter in sharing hardware and software. One such example is the Open Networking Automation Platform (ONAP) project. Companies like AT&T, Verizon and Bell Canada have a shared voice when prompting suppliers to integrate technology into their products. ONAP ensures better automation in future 5G networks By developing technologies with a de facto standard, open-source is creating readiness for telecom services providers for underlying challenges and helping everyone in the value chain to develop more efficient networks. Open source offers possibilities for upgrading and improving existing platforms without too much constraint. It is a way of democratising wireless networks, which is the need of the hour. As a next step, telcos will now focus on innovations and engagements in open architecture. |
| Apple iPhone Users Are Not as Loyal as You Think Posted: 06 Jun 2021 03:30 AM PDT 
In recent times, the discussion regarding Apple and its coveted ecosystem has grown to the point that there is a debate almost every moment when talking about whether or not an iOS-based device is better than an Android. Another superstition has been in relation to user data, thinking that Apple users prefer to stick to iPhones due to a multitude of features. These features, at least the ones that are evident, are in relation to software and performance, stating that iOS had been a great skin to use with good privacy-related features as well as a great camera setup to the back. However, real data revealed by the Cupertino based company seems to paint a rather different picture. As per data released during Apple’s trial with Epic Games, which saw both companies gain a lot of limelight over a dispute regarding the in-store fees, approximately 12% and 26% of iPhone users switched to another device in the span of Q3 2019 to Q3 2020. Apple does not mention Android by name, but we can guess that these users are switching to Android devices. What Do We Know About Apple’s iPhone User Base?
The data, which was first spotted by Android Central, comes via Apple's own market research and hints at how loyal the company’s consumers were to the company between 2019 and 2020. Interestingly, it is quite peculiar to see how these figures differed over the course of the year. In terms of the data, in Q3 of 2019, 19% of iPhone users shifted to another device. However, between Q1 2020 and Q2 2020, more than a quarter of iPhone users jumped Apple’s ship. This is quite interesting, considering how the iPhone 12 series was launched in Q3. It also suggests how iPhone users are likely to move from iOS to Android just before a new iPhone is released. Do note that despite this, the reason for this could be the economic effects of the Pandemic, since the iPhone users might be searching for cheaper alternatives and, considering how multiple Android devices are much cheaper in comparison to Apple’s offerings, it might not make sense to splurge on an iPhone. In Q3 of 2020, iPhone users jumped back to 88% again, which was most likely caused due to strong iPhone 12 sales. The series remains the most sought after device lineup at the beginning of 2021. To note, the top three best-selling smartphones in Q1 of 2021 were iPhone 12 series devices. When it comes to users who jumped ship from Android to iOS or other platforms, this data remains unclear, meaning it is not known whether Apple is benefitting or at a loss with this dip in its user base in 2019-2020. |
| Google Pixel Buds A-Series Is Coming to India, But, Will They Sell? Posted: 06 Jun 2021 12:30 AM PDT 
Google recently announced its latest truly wireless earbuds under the moniker of the Pixel Buds-A series. The device is a trimmed down version of the original Buds, removing features such as gesture-based navigations and wireless charging. The new Pixel Buds have been revealed to be launched initially in the United States and Canada. Today, Google confirmed that it will be launching the new earbuds in India and that they will be available via E-commerce site Flipkart when they do launch. The launch date, however, is not fixed, as per a tweet by the company, but an official announcement should be done quite soon, if not in a day or two. In case you missed it, the Buds A-series will be on sale in the US and Canada starting June 17 for $99 or Rs 7,300. Google has cut down on some features in order to assure that the cost is low. The budget earbuds have opted out of features like wireless charging and swipe controls for volume related controls. In terms of the features, Google claims that the A-series Buds can provide the same sound quality as the original Buds. The buds feature 12mm custom dynamic drivers that promise to deliver full, clear and natural sound. To add to this, another key feature that is available on the Pixel Buds A-series is Adaptive Sound, which can increase or decrease the volume based on your surroundings. During calls, to offer a better experience during calls, the buds make use of beamforming mics in order to focus on your voice and reduce the outside noise. They also come with support for Google Assistant, with users having been provided with the option to simply state commands like "Hey Google, play my music." When it comes to miscellaneous features, the buds come with an IPX4 rating for sweat and splash resistance. The A-series buds can deliver five hours of battery life on a single charge, with the charging case providing a total of 24 hours worth of battery life. There is also fast charging support, which is a very nifty feature. Will the Buds Sell in India?
The India truly-wireless buds segment is quite hotly contested, with local companies like BoAT and Noise accounting for a good chunk of the sales despite offering half decent products. Top brands like Samsung and Apple have brand recognition in the country, with some of the former’s options usually on sale. As for the Pixel Buds A-series, the earbuds are pretty good, but pricing will be key. The Indian crowd does not believe in features as a whole; rather, it keeps pricing as a key determiner. If Google manages to price the buds relatively competitively, we can expect them to sell well, as the Hey Google functionality is a boon in most instances. Only time will tell whether these buds will do well or fail, much like some of Google’s mobile offerings, but regardless of the sales figures, they should be a pair of reliable yet feature-rich truly wireless earbuds. |
| Bharti Airtel Has Fought a Formidable Force in Industry Setting an Example for Telcos Posted: 05 Jun 2021 09:30 PM PDT 
Reliance Jio's foray into the Indian telecom industry will probably be shelved as one of the most game-changing moments for the company and its competitors. However, the tides are turning fast in this game, and the red-icon of the Indian telecom industry, which was feared to be on the back-foot, is making an extremely meteoric comeback. While Reliance Jio has certainly made pragmatic decisions that checked a lot of boxes for the consumers, the same can be said for Bharti Airtel. The company had to adjust to a drastically distinct marketplace within a matter of months, and it has surely left its mark. Behind Bharti Airtel's moves, there's a bundle of learnings which the telecom operators can look up to. Airtel Payments BankBharti Airtel was the very first to capitalise on the opportunity of opening up a payments bank to give customers a holistic banking solution. The timing of Airtel Payments Bank actually coincided with the government's digitalisation drive. Although many other payments bank cropped up, and several UPI-enabled payment systems penetrated the market. The capacity to hold on to people's bank accounts, transactions and providing them with a safe and secure banking experience favoured the telecom operator almost half a decade ago. Bharti Airtel seems to be charting a similar path on the B2B front this time with Airtel Ads. The parallel between the launch of Airtel Payments Bank and Airtel Ads seems to be the proper policy-public environment. While the former made a reeling entry during the emphasis on payment digitalisation and banking reforms, the current emphasis by the public-exchequer on ease-of-doing-business and a conducive business environment is favouring Airtel Ads. Companies are bound to require advertisement, especially when demand is scarce in today's situation. Again, Bharti Airtel has proven that its strength lies in looking the way where no one else is looking. Bharti Airtel EcosystemMuch before Reliance Jio was luring customers with its JioFibre plans, Bharti Airtel had crafted a very attractive ecosystem of its services combining wired broadband connections, Airtel Xstream streaming services, bundled with other OTT platforms and its mobile services. The combination of all these services was not only facilitating easy migration to Airtel's platform but was also allowing the customers to avail discounts which deepened Airtel's capacity and balance sheets. This, of course, is reflected in Bharti Airtel's massive ARPU jump and its retention of high-paying quality subscribers as opposed to Reliance Jio's slightly fading active subscriber base. The recent Trai reports clearly highlight that Bharti Airtel's total active subscriber base rose to 340 million, and with the loss of 0.2 million active users, while Jio's total active subscriber base dipped to 324 million. While industry experts were sceptical about Bharti Airtel's move, which stood in contrast to Jio's policies, it suffices to say that they have emerged victorious and proven that customers are ready to pay for services, provided they get the quality which was promised to them. The Spectrum RolloutsThe next front where Bharti Airtel seems to be snowballing fast is spectrum rollout. Soon after acquiring a few blocks in the March auction, the telco is on a streak of deploying spectrum in strategic locations to boost capacity and even slowly building up an appetite for 5G trials as well. Bharti Airtel has deployed 20 MHz airwaves of the 2300 MHz band in Haryana, in addition to 25 MHz spectrum in Punjab. While these are contentious competitive territories for all telcos, the special edge for Airtel happens to be in North East and Assam, where the telecom operator has strategic interests. Learnings and Way ForwardBharti Airtel's rise from difficult situations will surely go in the books as an iconic case study. However, Jio's infliction still continues in the market and has taken an upturn since the introduction of JioFibre. Since Bharti Airtel's wired broadband subscribers have been a major source of revenue for the telco, it will be a worth-watching battle as to how Bharti Airtel tackles it. Despite that, Bharti Airtel's ability to look elsewhere in a sparsely crowded market and its bets on quality over quantity has paid off. This is something that the public sector, as well as private telecom operators, can keep in mind. Similar to how Jio has been compartmentalising its holdings to better its corporate governance, Bharti Airtel is in the footsteps in a barebones fashion. This will undoubtedly lead to streamlined management and possibly faster innovation inside the company, translating to a propelled growth. |
| Eronet Offers 100 Mbps Plan Starting from Rs 499 Per Month Posted: 05 Jun 2021 06:32 PM PDT 
Eronet is a very underrated Internet Service Provider (ISP) in India. The company has a presence in several cities of India and has a bigger network than major ISPs, including ACT Broadband and Excitel. Eronet is often overlooked because the company doesn't invest a lot in branding and advertising its services. One of the notable things about the broadband plans from Eronet is their price. The company offers some of the cheapest broadband plans in the country. In fact, its broadband plans start at Rs 499 per month and with that, users can get 100 Mbps speed. None of the other companies, including JioFiber, Airtel Xstream Fiber, and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) Bharat Fiber, offer their users such a cheap 100 Mbps plan. Eronet Broadband Plans Worth Looking AtThe base plan from Eronet comes for Rs 499 per month. Users get 100 Mbps speed with this plan, along with 200GB fair-usage-policy (FUP) data. Post consumption of FUP data, users get 5 Mbps of speed. If you want more data with your 100 Mbps plan, you can choose other offerings from the company, which come for Rs 599, Rs 699, Rs 799, and Rs 899 per month. All of these plans offer 100 Mbps speed to the users. However, users get 400GB data with the Rs 599 plan, 600GB data with the Rs 699 plan, 800GB data with the Rs 799 plan, and 1,000GB data with the Rs 899 plan. All of the above-mentioned plans offer 5 Mbps speed to the users on the consumption of FUP data except the Rs 899 plan, which offers 10 Mbps speeds. Purchasing the Rs 899 plan from the company for getting 100 Mbps doesn't make any sense. But, if there is a user who needs a lower entry-level 100 Mbps plan and if he/she can survive on less data, Eronet's Rs 499 per month plan makes more sense. There are truly unlimited data plans offered by Eronet as well. The 50 Mbps truly unlimited plan of the company costs Rs 599 per month. It offers data without any fair-usage-policy (FUP) limit to the users. Then there is a Rs 999 per month plan offering 100 Mbps speeds without any FUP data restrictions. However, in this scenario, the 100 Mbps plan from Excitel makes more sense. This is because it is cheaper and also offers truly unlimited data without any FUP limit. Eronet's plan might not be suitable for everyone, but the company offers some excellent propositions to its customers. However, note that if you are a fan of the over-the-top (OTT) benefits, you will be a little disappointed by the plans from Eronet. The company doesn’t offer a single OTT benefit with either of its plans. |
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