Simon Saunders' Wireless Blog: June 2015

News, views and updates

Contents

Unlicensed bands, hot topics

With Qualcomm ramping up the licence-exempt spectrum debate with their recent MuLTEfire announcement, Real Wireless was keen to be part of the lively panel session at the Small Cell Forum’s timely workshop on "Small Cells and Licence-Exempt Spectrum" in London. The workshop debated the range and combinations of technology options – LTE-U, LAA and Wi-Fi. Both LTE-U and LAA use carrier aggregation principles with the licenced and the unlicenced spectrum bands to increase the overall bandwidth offered by LTE. We argued that licence-exempt technologies and small cells make a compelling match, with the LTE/small cell combination of particular value to venue owners. We shared details of our simulations for our clients on the crucial topic of LAA/Wi-Fi coexistence. This is a hot topic that will run and run as indicated by the standing-room only attendance at this workshop. You can get a flavour of the session by checking out our presentation deck.

Running short of bandwidth

We were delighted when UK Spectrum Policy Forum commissioned a report from Real Wireless to provide a snapshot of current spectrum usage and the expected long-term future needs of the major users of spectrum in the UK. In the report, we tried to look 10 to 20 years ahead for the technology and spectrum needs across a range of business sectors and societal needs. As well identifying some illuminating pinch points, our findings also reflect the sometimes contradictory priorities of different industries. For more details and to download the report, visit our website.

Shopping for a solution

Commercial property is becoming something of a passion for Real Wireless right now, as developers, landlords and tenants confront the challenges of ubiquitous wireless connectivity in diverse environments, to serve myriad demand. And one aspect of that demand that is especially challenging is delivering wireless that addresses the business needs of the retail sector. Which is why Real Wireless made its way to the Waldorf Hilton, London for Estates Gazette’s 3rd Annual Retail Summit. The event wasn’t focused on wireless – or even technology – but nearly every presentation was addressing issues which lead back to mobile in some way. To fight off the online challenge, bricks and mortar stores and malls are investing in omnichannel retail, mobile wallets, loyalty apps and a diversity of price comparison functionality. They are also relying on RFID and a growing selection of embryonic IoT technologies to improve stock control and supply chain. But who’s thinking about the infrastructure? Certainly getting this right is on the radars of big players like Hammerson, but elsewhere Real Wireless sees a lack of joined-up thinking, which risks disappointing shoppers and losing value for retailers. Find out what we’re thinking. Find out more.

What does it cost to virtualise small cells?

At Small Cells World in London this month, Small Cell Forum announced its release 5.1 document suite, which is the first phase of its work on small cell virtualisation. Network Function Virtualisation is a huge issue and mobile operators need to understand how small cells fit into the Cloud-RAN story. Alongside the Forum’s own work to assess the technical benefits of the virtualising of small cells in cellular networks, it also commissioned Real Wireless to report on the key cost elements in deploying and operating small cells in urban areas that would be most sensitive to a move to a more virtualised network architecture. Some of the results confounded exceptions. Read our key findings blog here and download the report.

Who we are, what we do

We’re always looking for new ways to better communicate our service offering. This is why we’ve created a new graphic which we think sums up what we do pretty well. We know we have a unique offering. And we think it can best be characterised as employing our deep understanding of wireless to bridge the gap between wireless service providers and wireless users. Over the past couple of years, we’ve evolved the scope of what we can deliver to include a wide range of business case, technology, economics and market-related services. You may be surprised by the depth and range of expertise at your disposal.

From strength to strength…

As well as ramping up our services offering, we’ve also enriched the strategic direction of the business. Our new advisory board comprises senior figures who help us to build bridges and improve understanding between the wireless industry and wireless users. They do this through the application of their extensive skills, experience and contacts in both the wireless industry and a variety of vertical industry and public sector users of wireless. Initial members represent investors, the IT sector, spectrum regulation, telecoms and broadcasting. The Board provides input to our strategy and development and helps us tailor our offering to meet customer needs.

Meet Real Wireless at these events

Thursday 9th July 2015, (12.30 for) 13:00-15:00: Finding PPDR Spectrum for Broadband Services
Venue: IHS (London Offices), 133 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7BX (Tel: 0207 424 2820)
What: Mike Goddard OBE, will be speaking on the panel.

16 July 2015: The Future of Mobile: networks, devices and 5G
Venue: Glaziers Hall, 9 Montague Close, London SE1 9DD
What: Prof: Simon Saunders speaking.

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