Mobile Europe’s Michelle Donegan speaks with Oleg Volpin, President, Europe, Telefonica Global and Network Offering Division, Amdocs
To learn more about Amdocs, please visit www.amdocs.com
Orange Polska upgrades IMS to boost call capacity
The operator has been building 4G services based on IMS for a decade but it needed to handle more connections to better support VoLTE
Orange Polska revealed it has just expanded and modernised its IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), the network platform used to provide multimedia services over its IP network. The operator’s call management platform was last upgraded around 2016 but the number of services it offers and subscribers it has has grown since then necessitating a better platform to provide the interaction between different types of communication, such as voice, video and text – all with a higher service availability and security.
Services that rely on this platform include voice calls in VoLTE and VoWiFi technology, video calls ViLTE , SMS in Wi-Fi Calling , and emergency calls. Orange set about the upgrade by adding an additional infrastructure node to the new IMS platform, essentially to boost capacity. Now it can simultaneously handle more connections, users and devices. Higher availability of services also translates into improved network security and resilience.
In a blog post, the operator said the last point was very important aspect also in the context of increasingly popular VoLTE voice calls. These use the IMS platform and the operator needs more network resources for them. In February, calls in this technology accounted for over 70% of all voice traffic in the Orange network. Some of this was driven by the 3G switch-off driving traffic onto VoLTE.
Virtual world
Network functions are fully virtualised on the new platform. An example given is setting up a voice connection between two people, authorising a user and allowing them to access the network, redirecting a call or setting call priority. Virtualisation allows for more flexible management of the platform and faster response to potential failures. Virtualisation included partial migration to the cloud
The launch of the new IMS platform and its modernisation was accompanied by the migration of services. Orange transferred a dozen or so of them – among them, Business IP Telephony and consumer VoIP telephony. IMS also allows Orange to provide a substitute service for landline telephony. The user can transfer a landline number to a SIM card and use it in a specified area. Prepaid has already been migrated but Orange is still working on making call waiting work in all configurations.
The operator pointed out that not all services have made the migration as yet. For example, ViLTE is excluded from the Ekstra eSIM service. Orange is working on implementing and adapting Ekstra eSIM to the ViLTE technology as the EVS codec is similar. However, while modernising the IMS platform is a step in this direction, it is not the only condition for implementation.
Today, the IMS platform is mainly associated with the LTE network, but its capabilities are greater. In the future, it will allow Orange to implement VoNR (Voice over New Radio) technology, i.e. voice calls made in the 5G network.
Network investments
Orange Polska invested over PLN 2 billion last year, focusing in particular on the development of 5G and the modernisation of its radio access network, as well as fibre investments as part of EU projects. After deducting revenues from the sale of real estate, the eCapex indicator amounted to PLN 1.8 billion.
At the end of December, Orange Światłowód (fire service) was already used by almost 1.6 million individual customers. In the last three months of the year, 72 thousand of them were added, including 26 thousand as a result of Orange’s purchase of local operators. Over the entire year, the number of fiber users increased by over 200,000. The operator is consistently expanding the reach of Orange Światłowód and currently 9 million households in the country can use it.
Convergent home service packages are already used by nearly 1.8 million customers , which is 85,000 more than a year earlier. The number of mobile subscription customers at the end of the year was nearly 9.2 million , and during the year it increased by over 250,000, and in the fourth quarter alone by 66,000.
Open Fiber extends Intracom FWA partnership
Promising up-to-gigabit speeds for Italy’s National Gigabit to the Home network
Italy’s Open Fiber has extended its cooperation with Greek vendor Intracom Telecom to supply and deploy fixed wireless access (FWA) for Gigabit to the Home across the nation. The two companies said they are committed to deploy reliable gigabit connectivity to thousands of households using 5G mmWave.
The announcement comes almost a year after the two – as part of the tender for “Italia 1 Giga” plan – completed trials of Intracom’s WiBAS G5 dual-BS hub and G5 GigaConnect terminals operating at 28 GHz, reaching 1Gbps at 5km. Since 2019, Open Fiber has been pioneering in the use of FWA for rural networks in Italy, with an extensive deployment.
Open Fiber selected Intracom Telecom’s WiBAS G5 smart-BS as the key platform for its national rollout plan, bringing quality of service and gigabit speed connection to homes and businesses across Italy. It was chosen after delivering on three things: the ultra-fast speed of connection, the long range and the optimum spectrum utilisation to accommodate the highest possible subscriber density.
Intracom reckons its FWA platform hosts several technologies, which allow a subscriber to enjoy high download speeds of 1Gbps and an equally high upload speed of 200Mbps. This performance is available at ranges extending to 6km, using 200MHz of spectrum at the 5G mm Wave (26.5-27.5GHz) frequency band.
The WiBAS G5 smart-BS is a multiuser MIMO platform, with Active Antenna System using hybrid beamforming, consuming less power than conventional cellular mobile systems, achieving what the vendor claims is the highest spectral efficiency in the industry (29bit/s/Hz).
The stats are good but Ericsson for example, may argue differently. Last month the Swedish vendor teamed up with Qualcomm and Australian government-owned wholesaler NBN Co to conduct live field trials of 5G mmWave in parts of the NBN FWA network, achieving wholesale download speeds exceeding 1Gbps and upload speeds over 100Mbps at approximately 14 kilometres – albeit using 400Mhz.
“This collaboration with Intracom Telecom marks a significant step in our mission to provide high-speed connectivity across Italy, including rural and underserved areas,” said Open Fiber head of network engineering and innovation Francesca Parasecolo. “By leveraging Intracom Telecom’s advanced FWA technology, we can extend gigabit services to areas where other technologies are not cost-effective, ensuring fast, reliable, and energy-efficient internet access for both residential and business users.
She added: “This partnership is instrumental in accelerating the digital transformation of Italy, contributing to our goal of making ultra-broadband accessible to everyone.”
“We are honoured by Open Fiber’s trust in our technology, and we are fully supporting its mission to expand ultra-fast internet connectivity in Italy, bridging the digital divide in rural regions,” said acting CEO of Intracom Kartlos Edilashvili.
“Our technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing FWA services, delivering Gigabit connectivity where fiber and cellular mobile solutions face major limitations. This extension reinforces our shared commitment to bridging the digital divide and sets a new standard for FWA deployments across Europe,” he said.
No stranger
Italy was the first country in Europe to auction 5G mmWave spectrum. The multi-band auction ended in October 2018 with 1000 MHz in the 26GHz band being assigned to five MNOs. The licences are valid until 2037. Italian regulator AGCOM adopted a “club use” model where licensees can share 26GHz spectrum on a geographical basis when frequencies are not being used.
Since 2014, Intracom Telecom has been working in Italy’s telecom market, with its WiBAS product family deployed in over 50 networks worldwide, including 10 successful implementations across Italy. For example, in 2023, Eolo chose Intracom to upgrade its network, which at the time had more than 4,100 BTS (radio repeaters), connecting 1.6 million people and 116,000 businesses, public administrations and professionals.
Open Fiber and Eolo have agreed to collaborate by utilising Eolo’s fixed wireless network to enhance ultra-broadband connectivity in underserved areas. This involves Open Fiber connecting Eolo’s towers with fibre, improving the overall network infrastructure. This collaboration extends a partnership that began in 2019 with the marketing of Eolo’s FTTH services on the Open Fiber network, followed by an agreement for Open Fiber to connect Eolo towers with fibre in 2021.
Fastweb also has a partnership with Eolo to accelerate the availability of high-capacity services in areas lacking high-performance fixed connectivity. This collaboration utilises Fastweb’s spectrum in the 26 GHz band, acquired during the 2018 5G auction, and Eolo’s FWA infrastructure to provide connections of up to 1Gbps.
MWC25 – Video Interview with Patrik Rokyta, CTO, Titan.ium Platform
Mobile Europe’s Michelle Donegan speaks with Patrik Rokyta, Chief Technology Officer, Titan.ium Platform on cloud-native transformation, telco security and AI.
To learn more about Titan.ium Platform, please visit https://titaniumplatform.com
Xavier Niel boosts Eir ownership to over 70 percent
As US hedge fund Davidson Kempner exits, Niel is making good his promise of owning Irish incumbent Eir shares until the day he dies
French telecom entrepreneur Xavier Niel has tightened his grip on Irish incumbent Eir after a US hedge fund Davidson Kempner sold its 8.9 per cent stake in the business in three tranches between last September and this February to the group’s ultimate holding company, Carraun Telecom. As Mobile Europe reported in October, Niel had started on a trajectory towards full ownership of Eir, as two US hedge funds began to exit their investment in Eir.
NJJ Boru, a company controlled by Niel and his company Iliad, now owns more than 70 percent of Eir alongside US private equity firm Anchorage Capital. Niel has previously been on record stating it was his intention to buy out Anchorage at some stage. Davidson Kempner is exiting with a smile on its face – according to the Sunday Times, in the two years to the end of 2022, both it and Anchorage shared in €1.22 billion of dividend payments from Carraun on foot of payouts received from Eir. The telco has paid out more than €2 billion in dividends to its owners since Niel led a takeover in April 2018.
Eir last week reported revenues up 2% to €1.33 billion for the full year with EBITDA up 4% to €614 million. The telco said that 1.3 million premises are now passed by its fibre to the home (FTTH) network, up 17% on 2023, while a total of 2.2 million premises are passed by its combined FTTH and FTTC (fibre to the cabinet) networks, or 95% of premises in Ireland.
Eir said it has 886,000 fibre broadband connections, up 2% on 2023 and adding up to 94% of its total broadband base. In its results presentation, it pointed out that 56% of customers have triple or quad-play bundles. The telco also said it has a total of 1.5 million mobile customers, up 6% on the previous year. 1.2 million of these are postpaid customers. According to regulator ComReg, it had a 39 percent market share of the Irish retail and wholesale fixed-line market for the quarter ended 30 September, based on revenue.
In 2017, Niel announced he was buying 32.9 percent of Eir through NJJ, his private holding company, while Iliad would own 31.6 percent – at the time, valuing the company at around €3.5 billion. As part of the deal, Iliad had the option to take control of the Irish operator through a call option, granted by NJJ, which was exercisable in 2024. Niel now owns telecoms businesses in 23 countries with more than 110 million subscribers.
Danes raise telecom security threat levels to “high”
Danish cybersecurity agency releases threat assessment warning of increased state-sponsored cyber espionage activities targeting the telecom sector in Europe
In what is technically the first public warning by a European government agency, the Danish Agency for Society Security or Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed (SAMSIK) has raised the threat of cyber espionage against the Danish telecoms sector from “medium” to “high” in its latest report. This is due to increased activity from state-sponsored hacker groups against the European telecoms sector. Since the agency’s last cyber threat assessment for the telecoms sector, the threat picture for the telecoms sector has become more serious. As a result, telecoms and ISPs in Denmark must also be aware of attempted cyber attacks from foreign states, according to the agency.
In addition, it said the threat was raised for destructive cyber attacks against Denmark to “medium” in June 2024 and for cyber activism to “high” in January 2023. Both threat levels levels also apply to the telecoms sector. The threat from cybercrime to the telecoms sector also remains “very high”, including from ransomware attacks.
In the past, cyber espionage has mainly targeted telecoms providers in Asia and the Middle East, but now it is also increasingly targeting telecoms providers in Europe. The report highlights China, Russia and Iran as foreign states that “continuously use their cyber capabilities to carry out cyber espionage against the telecoms sector worldwide”. This is mainly because through cyber espionage against telecoms and internet service providers, they can gain access to large amounts of data about customers’ use of the provider’s infrastructure, including call data, internet traffic, customer data and location data.
The report says states are interested in this type of data because it can be used to monitor the communication and travel activities of individuals or groups of people. For example, China continuously attempts to monitor the Chinese diaspora in general and dissidents in particular, including minorities such as Uyghurs and Tibetans.
In addition, states can use stolen customer data from the telecoms sector to launch further espionage against customers they find interesting. This could be, for example, technical interception of telephone numbers belonging to politicians or dissidents abroad that the state may have an interest in following and spying on.
In addition to gaining access to telecoms and ISP customer data, foreign states can also use cyber espionage against the telecoms sector to prepare for destructive cyber attacks or physical sabotage. For example, SAMSIK estimated that some of the cyber espionage by Russian state hackers against critical infrastructure in Denmark is aimed at preparing destructive cyber attacks.
Intellectual property
The agency points out that the Danish telecom sector can also become attractive espionage targets for states if they develop or use modern technology or if they have knowledge and intellectual property that are attractive economically or technologically. SAMSIK pointed to January 2024, when US authorities indicted seven Chinese citizens on charges including economically motivated cyber espionage against US targets on behalf of the Chinese intelligence service, the Ministry of State Security. According to the indictment the espionage was aimed at targets in the telecoms sector, including a leading supplier of 5G network equipment.
SAMSIK said it believes that the use of telecommunications and network equipment and operational services from countries with which Denmark does not have security cooperation may pose a greater security risk than the use of equipment from countries with which Denmark cooperates. This is partly due to the fact that some states have the option of ordering companies to assist the country’s intelligence services – the agency cites China as an example here.
Destructive attacks
The agency noted Russia has long had the capacity to carry out destructive cyberattacks against Denmark. However, since the beginning of 2024, Russia has shown a greater willingness to take risks in using hybrid means with destructive effects against European NATO countries. SAMSIK believes that this increased risk appetite also includes the use of destructive cyber attacks.
It goes on to say Russian tools for doing so cover methods and capabilities of a political, informational, military and economic nature and, in addition to cyber attacks, also include the ability to jam radio signals and sabotage critical infrastructure. “In general, Russia uses hybrid means more systematically, extensively and aggressively than any other country in the world,” it warns.
Liberty Global looking to buy Vodafone out of Netherlands JV for more than €2bn
Liberty Global’s CEO Mike Fries reportedly said it was “inevitable” that there would be discussions about the future of VodafoneZiggo
Liberty Global has reportedly approached Vodafone Group about buying its share of their Dutch joint venture VodafoneZiggo, which was approved in December 2016. According to Bloomberg, talks have been ongoing for the last few months, with Vodafone’s stake valued at more than €2 billion.
As a number of sources have pointed out, Liberty Global’s CEO, said that disussions about the future of the JV were “inevitable” at Goldman Sachs’ European Communicopia Conference last September. He acknowledged that the JV was performing well but claimed seven years is a long time for such an arrangement to run.
VodafoneZiggo, the 50:50 joint venture, offers fixed, mobile, integrated communication and entertainment services. According to MarketScreener, Liberty Global is the second largest shareholder in Vodafone with a stake of 5.325%, behind UAE’s Emirates Investment Authority which owns 15.73%.
EQT acquires Crown Castle’s small cells business for $4.25bn
The deal by the Swedish asset owner bags 115,000 small cells on air or under contract spread across 43 US states
Crown Castle has retrenched its business operations to being a towerco after signing a definitive agreement to sell all of its fibre segment, together with certain supporting assets and personnel, with EQT Active Core Infrastructure fund acquiring the small cells business and Zayo Group acquiring its fibre solutions business for $8.5 billion in aggregate, subject to the usual caveats.
Crown Castle’s Small Cells Solutions business builds and operates small cells nationwide, serving mobile densification needs for cellular carriers and EQT’s part of the transaction is worth around $4.25 billion. Crown Castle operates a nationwide portfolio of approximately 115,000 small cells on air or under contract spread across 43 states, serving the top three US mobile network operators. It also plays a role in providing capacity for high-demand areas lacking macro towers through its extensive network of small cells.
“Small cell networks are an essential part of the digital infrastructure ecosystem,” said head of EQT’s Active Core Infrastructure Advisory team and partner Alexander Greenbaum. “This investment is a natural fit within EQT Active Core Infrastructure’s strategy – investing behind long-term contracted, core infrastructure assets with strong growth potential. With EQT’s deep experience in digital infrastructure and active approach to value creation, we see significant opportunity to support the company’s continued growth.”
“Crown Castle’s Small Cells Solutions business is a platform at the heart of the next generation of digital infrastructure, enabling essential digital connectivity that will help power the future,” said EQT Infrastructure Advisory team partner Nirav Shah. “With its significant scale, operational excellence, and deep carrier relationships, the company is poised to benefit from positive digital tailwinds.”
He added: “We look forward to partnering with the business to help fuel its next phase of growth, drive cutting-edge innovation, and support the long-term expansion of critical digital infrastructure.”
EQT reckons the company has a “strong foundation” of long-term contracts, operational expertise, and “deep-rooted carrier relationships”. The asset manager said it will support the company through its next phase of growth by utilising its global scale and significant experience to strengthen its asset base and further deepen its relationships with leading mobile network operators.
Wider deal
As part of the transaction, the EQT Active Core Infrastructure fund will acquire Crown Castle’s Small Cells Solutions business, while Zayo, backed by the EQT Infrastructure IV fund and DigitalBridge, will independently acquire Crown Castle’s Fibre Solutions business. As part of the deal, Zayo and the Small Cells business will enter into a long-term commercial agreement where Zayo will provide fibre to the Small Cells business. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026. TD Securities served as sole financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis as legal advisor to EQT in connection with the transaction.
With the Crown Castle assets, Zayo reckons it will provide enterprises with improved access to the networks, adding approximately 90,000 route miles of fibre to its network and increasing its overall reach to more than 70,000 on-net locations. “We are strategically investing in expanding and enhancing our country’s critical network infrastructure to meet the demands of hyperscalers, data centres, enterprises and carriers that will facilitate the growing AI economy,” said Zayo CEO Steve M. Smith.
“This acquisition strengthens our ability to deliver the reliable, low-latency, high-capacity fibre solutions our customers need to scale in an increasingly data-driven world, and furthers our commitment to providing world class customer service and solutions,” he added.
“As AI reshapes industries and accelerates economic transformation, this transaction underscores the vital nature of fibre and the critical role it plays as the backbone of innovation, productivity and market growth,” said DigitalBridge CEO Marc Ganzi. “With Crown Castle’s robust metro-focused assets, Zayo will be well-positioned to fuel AI adoption, enhance connectivity solutions and accelerate technological progress.
Strategic review
For Crown Castle, the deal concludes its strategic review of its business as it looks to refocus on purely towerco operations. In its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results, it managed 4.5% organic growth and in 2025, it expects a consistent level of activity with organic growth of 4.5% in towers – excluding the impact of Sprint consolidation churn – and it anticipates lease and amendment applications to increase year-over-year as its customers continue to add capacity to their 5G networks to meet the persistent growth in mobile data demand in the US.
The company expects its 2025 adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) to be approximately $1.8 billion, with growth now projected to reach $2.3 billion post-transaction.
Vodafone means business in the US market
The operator group’s enterprise arm announces strategic channel agreement with Intelisys after a similar deal with Advantage Communications Group last month
Vodafone Business, the operator group’s enterprise services division is trying to crack the US market.
It has announced a strategic channel agreement with Intelisys to offer fixed and mobile services to US companies with international operations. Intelisys is a ScanSource company and provides technology services that deliver fixed and mobile solutions to businesses based in the US that have global operations.
According to the press statement from Vodafone, “This collaboration helps Vodafone Business better scale in the US to provide comprehensive cloud and connectivity solutions to businesses of all sizes and empower them to thrive in today’s digital landscape”.
Access to Vodafone Business’ global connectivity products and services will be sold by Intelisys’s “extensive network of technology advisors” who have “distribution expertise”. The partnership is intended “to drive innovation, improve service delivery and enable businesses to optimise their IT infrastructures”.
Strategy of strategic partners
“Partnering…Intelisys is a significant milestone in our strategy to leverage strategic partners to reach more international businesses, introduce them to our evolving services portfolio and build new end-to-end IT solutions,” said David Joosten, President, Vodafone US. The deal “is another step forward to provide US-based businesses with global connectivity solutions”.
Paul Constantine, Executive Vice President at Intelisys, added. “We are dedicated to empowering our partners by providing access to our education, tools, services and a comprehensive ecosystem of supplier partners. This new relationship with Vodafone reinforces our commitment to accelerating growth for our partners.
Already taking Advantage
In February Vodafone Business announced a similar deal with the a global managed service provider Advantage Communications Group. The plan there is to give US-based multinationals access to Vodafone’s global network and services, offering mobility and fixed solutions for applications that need persistent connectivity, cybersecurity, high-speed data and robust infrastructure.
Advantage partners more than 2,400 organisations with “active operations” in more than 150 countries worldwide. Advantage’s CEO, David Gardner said, “This new partnership with Vodafone Business will directly benefit our clients by expanding the range of global connectivity service options available to them.
“At Advantage, a key element of our success is the ability to partner with top-tier telecommunications providers like Vodafone Business that deliver resilient and high-performing network solutions worldwide.”
Colt connects transatlantic subsea cable to New Jersey and New York
Transatlantic subsea cable Apollo South now directly connects NJFX Premium Connectivity Hub on the Jersey Shore
Colt Technology Services (Colt), has expanded its US capabilities with the Apollo South Transatlantic route now terminating directly into New Jersey Fibre Exchange (NJFX), a Colt network Point of Presence. The new NJFX landing point for the subsea cable links businesses with operations in New Jersey and New York City to Colt’s own network, offering them Colt’s on-net experience and services.
Last November Colt expanded its services to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ), along with the Options Price Reporting Authority (OPRA). To support these expanded offerings, Colt added new Points of Presence (POPs) in New York and upgraded existing backbones and infrastructure to support 100Gbps.
Apollo South links Lannion in Brittany, North West France, to New Jersey, USA and interconnects with thousands of different points in Europe. The Europe to US transatlantic subsea cable route is one of the most in-demand routes in the world, as businesses need diverse and resilient, high performance global infrastructure to manage their growth in traffic generated by AI, cloud services, IoT and other bandwidth-heavy applications.
The operator reckons the new service is ideal for NJFX tenants and Colt customers with locations, sites and branches in New Jersey and New York City which they want to connect to sites around the world including financial services customers transferring data between some of the world’s largest financial hubs; and manufacturers with facilities and offices in Europe and the US. On-net services include Wave, IP and Ethernet services with bandwidths up to 100Gbps.
“This latest strategic move for us connecting Apollo South to NJFX offers more businesses effortless access to Colt’s powerful, global, award-winning fibre infrastructure, our deep commitment to sustainability and unrivalled customer experience,” said Colt COO Buddy Bayer.
“With NJFX and Colt customers now having enhanced network access directly in New Jersey, approximately three miles from the Apollo South cable landing station, we are setting new standards for network transparency and resilience,” claimed NJFX CEO Gil Santaliz. “This strategic connection empowers businesses to scale confidently while benefiting from a secure, high-quality infrastructure that supports their global connectivity needs.”
Apollo South is around 7000km and is part of the Apollo submarine cable system which spans approximately 13,000km. It transmits data at speeds of up to 100Gbps and in the US, it lands at Manasquan/Wall Township, New Jersey. Colt said its capital market solutions cover over 80 exchanges and liquidity venues globally.
As well as delivering data to customers’ on-premises environments, the operator’s cloud-based multicast data service, Colt Market Data in the Cloud, enables the unconverted, raw multicast market data to be delivered to companies through Amazon Web Services (AWS). It delivers data in its original format to the cloud environment of exchanges, prime brokers, trading firms and market data vendors across Europe and Asia Pacific.
