Here’s ABI’s “Featured Chart of the Week” (aren’t these analysts crazy with their chart of the week comps? I hear the compiler of the “Magic Quadrant of Magic Quadrants – Net of Declared Consulting Fees” chart was gutted to miss out.)
Anyway, if this chart is accurate, it says it all really. It’s called Net Base Station Equipment Spend, World Market Forecast, 2009-2015, as you can see. (Click on it for bigger image)
Our final newsletter of 2010 hoves into view and you might think it would solely consist of items such as “Ten Things to Think About While You Wait For The Holidays”, but Ericsson put a cat amongst those thought pigeons by buying itself a little early Christmas present.
Yes, the Swedish outfit has added Optimi to its squad, giving it a bigger midfield presence in the network optimisation and SON game. This one is related to Ericsson’s role in network services, of course, where it has the ambition to extend its contracts beyond outsourced network management, and deeper into the IT practices of mobile operators as well. Optimi, with its OSS-based (something Ericsson was very keen to point out) network optimisation products, will help Ericsson manage multi-vendor and mutli-technology networks on behalf of its operator customers.
But back to the lists. Byte Mobile popped up with a list of data stats that it says it has observed in its customers’ networks. The stats’ headline finding is that there is no “busy hour” any more, with a pretty much constant network load across a 12 hour period. This is relevant in terms of defining tariffs, service launches, etc, but as a piece of network management or planning information, not of great help. Byte’s findings, if you take them as read, indicate that overall there is not much difference between ten at night and 3 in the afternoon. But you can bet your bottom dollar that on a per cell basis, there surely are busy hours. For instance, Byte also states that 10% of all users generate 85% of all data. So if those 10% are in any way mobile, then they will be shifting that load of data around with them, as they go to work and then return home. That alone is an optimisation challenge, as Ericsson would well know.
Another list – Google was the top website visited in 2010 by Opera Mini users. This is of limited use, again, as it tells us that people who use a web browser tend to start with Google. What was more interesting in Opera’s list was the amount of local-specific sites that featured highly. Outside of Facebook, YouTube and Yahoo there were Brazlian and Russian sites figuring highly – showing the extent of local + mobile. GetJar was also very high, at number 10 – perhaps an indication that those with “lesser” phones are still interested in apps, even if they don’t have an on-board app store.
Finally, there was news that the Cityzi service, the mobile payments pilot that is running in Nice, will go live across France next year, and that Orange will be pressing handset makers to include NFC-enabled SIMs in more handsets. Finally, perhaps, some egg before chicken movement on mass market NFC in Europe. More details in January, we hope, as it seems the Orange execs we need to speak to about this have all duly scarpered.
So there we are. Some lists, yes, but some actual news too. Who would have thought it? I’d like to wish all of you a Happy Christmas and a stupendous 2011. I will see you on the other side.
Keith Dyer
Editor
Mobile Europe
http://mobileeurope.co.uk/news/news-anaylsis/8368-the-death-of-the-busy-hour-how-mobile-data-works
http://mobileeurope.co.uk/news/news-anaylsis/8367-ericsson-acquires-optimi-to-boost-network-services-play
http://mobileeurope.co.uk/news/press-wire/8365-google-tops-web-list
How real-time charging and policy management are converging to drive more profitable mobile data plans
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/598143072
Four Years Later: The Evolving Femto Ecosystem and Value Proposition
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/122008297
Solutions for Mobile Broadband Profitability
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/548172536
We have received some nice stats and graphs in from Byte Mobile, providing an insight into the network activity it observed during 2010. Some of the highlights Byte observed might be well known by now, but they reveal some good insight all the same – and particularly into how video is impacting the overall data load of the network.
1. The death of the busy hour
Network capacity is under a constant strain throughout the day and evening. With traffic peaks lasting up to 12 hours, so called “busy hours” are a thing of the past.
2. The data hog does exist
10% of all mobile data users generate approximately 85% of overall traffic in the network. Touch smartphone subscribers access and view video five times more than non-touch smartphone subscribers.
3 Video is the driver, and higher resolutions are set to take that further
Video accounts for 48% of total network traffic, with user-generated content such as YouTube dominating the consumption of network capacity. Today, higher-resolution video is requested a third less often than lower-resolution video yet generates a similar amount of the total data traffic in the network – 31% to 39%. This trend indicates that even a small increase in the number of users consuming higher-quality video will generate a significantly greater network traffic load.
4 Data offload is an option – as is optimisation
Mobile network operators are quickly evolving their networks in order to manage the strain on the radio access network (RAN), backhaul and core. They are employing data offload strategies using small cells and Wi-Fi, upgrading their backhaul, and adding smart capacity utilisation products to improve network efficiency and the delivery of multimedia content and video services.
Byte Mobile’s 2010 Mobile Minute Metrics Highlights
User Behavior
●The peak hours for data traffic in wireless networks are consistent throughout the day and evening.
●The most prevalent type of video on wireless networks worldwide continues to be user-generated content available on YouTube and Google Videos. On average, this content currently accounts for 48% of the total network video traffic.
●Today, higher-resolution video is requested a third less often than lower-resolution video yet generates a similar amount of the total data traffic in the network – 31% to 39%. This trend indicates that even a small increase in the number of users consuming higher-quality video will generate a significantly greater network traffic load.
●10% of all mobile data users generate approximately 85% of overall traffic in the network.
New Class of Mobile Devices
●A new generation of touchscreen mobile devices is driving increased video consumption, and the operators servicing these devices are experiencing significant network changes. This trend indicates that as mobile devices get smarter and the user experience improves, video consumption will continue to rapidly accelerate.
Multimedia Applications are Consuming Wireless Networks
●The mobile applications that consumed the highest amount of network bandwidth in 2010 were Media Player (mobile video), Web Browser (a significant portion being mobile video), iTunes, and Facebook. Media Player, Web Browser and iTunes generate approximately 87% of total data volume in the network. This trend confirms the shift to entertainment-based usage and demonstrates the impact of multimedia applications on wireless networks.
Ericsson has acquired Optimi Corporation, a US-Spanish telecommunications vendor with a strong focus on OSS-based optimisation services, for an undisclosed amount.
The acquisition brings in approximately 200 personnel and a portfolio of services and tools that are intended to reinforce and consolidate Ericsson’s position in multi-technology, multi-vendor, Self-Organizing Networks (SONs) and OSS-based network optimisation.
An Ericsson statement said the acquisition would open up an opportunity for Ericsson to offer products and services providing more efficient planning, rollout and optimisation of radio networks.
“The Optimi portfolio complements our existing OSS portfolio, which today is largely deployed among networks managed by Ericsson,” said Magnus Mandersson, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Unit Global Services, Ericsson. “Network optimisation is already a core business for Ericsson. Today’s acquisition is further proof of our commitment to support our customers in the transformation currently taking place within the telecommunications industry.”
Optimi markets design, optimisation and management solutions and claims leadership in multi-technology SONs. Optimi services and products are currently used by more than 50 leading operators.
The acquisition will be blended into Ericsson’s OSS/BSS divisions, and form part of its Global Services capability. Ericsson sees operators as increasingly needing the ability to manage multi-technology networks to increase quality of experience and reduce churn. It said the Optimi purchase is intended to boost its service capabilities in that area.
Opera Software has introduced a widget runtime platform for Google’s Android operating system. The runtime will support the new Wholesale Applications Community (WAC) 1.0 Specification.
WAC is an alliance of the world’s leading mobile operators and OEMs, such as Vodafone, Verizon, China Mobile, Telenor, Telefonica, AT&T, Samsung, Huawei and others, working together to define, create and deploy a common mobile application platform.
This alpha release of Opera’s widget runtime for Android allows developers to get a head start in developing the next step in applications for smartphones. At the same time, the WAC implementation serves as a platform for distribution.
“It is a great pleasure for us to present our public implementation of the WAC 1.0 specification and to get developers going,” said Christen Krogh, Chief Developer Officer, Opera Software. “Opera is participating in WAC and remains committed to take the WAC platform to the masses.”
With the Widget runtime for Android, Opera enters a natural arena for its popular widget system. Currently, Opera has implemented cross-device widgets on the Opera desktop browser, Opera Mobile and Opera for devices.
“We are delighted that Opera is supporting WAC 1.0 with its new widget runtime” commented Peters Suh, CEO, WAC, “In the year since WAC was announced at Mobile World Congress in 2010 we have consistently hit our deadlines, and this announcement underlines that we are on schedule to launch WAC 1.0 devices and storefronts at Mobile World Congress 2011.”
To start developing widgets and begin implementing the WAC APIs, simply go download the runtime here.
Instructions can be found at: http://labs.opera.com/docs/wac/installation_instructions/ This runtime is provided for evaluation and demo purposes and is free of charge for all developers.
Read more about the WAC specifications here: http://www.wacapps.net/
Opera’s year-end review of the most popular websites on mobile phones using its Opera Mini browser shows that Google once again rests at the top of the State of the Mobile Web top 30 list. In 2009, Facebook was king of the mobile Web. In 2010, Google returned to claim the top spot among more than 80 million Opera Mini users worldwide, knocking Facebook to the second spot.
Another rising star on the mobile web is e Twitter, while the older social network Friendster is decreasing in popularity on a global basis. The rapid growth of Twitter, rising eight places to #13 in the ranking, is mirrored by the rise of the social website Orkut as Brazilian web users take Opera Mini to their hearts.
“We believe people with access to information lead more social, more informed and more empowered lives,” said Jon von Tetzchner, Co-founder, Opera Software. “Growth in mobile browsing means the Web is pushing beyond its traditional borders. If the first era of the Web was about expanding the capability and content of the Web, the second age is clearly about access. In Opera we believe that access to the Web is a universal right.”
Top 10 global mobile websites for November 2010:
Google.com (up 1)
Facebook.com (down 1)
Vkontakte.ru
Youtube.com (up 4)
Odnoklassniki.ru (down 1)
Yandex.ru (up 1)
Yahoo.com (up 2)
My.opera.com (down 2)
Mail.ru (down 4)
Getjar.com (up 3)
For a complete top 30 list, visit the State of the Mobile Web site: www.opera.com/smw/2010/11/
As the mobile technology progresses, users constantly change their hardware to keep up. During 2010, the top list of mobile phones used to access the Web via Opera Mini changed significantly. Close to half of the top 30 list in 2010 are handsets not present in the top 30 list for 2009. With one exception, the Nokia feature phones rule the top 10 list of the Opera Mini users’ phones.
Top 10 mobile phones for November 2010:
Nokia 5130 XpressMusic (up 1)
Nokia 2700c (up 5)
Nokia 6300 (down 2)
Nokia 2690 (new)
Apple iPhone (new)
Nokia 2330c (up 13)
Nokia 2730c (new)
Nokia N70 (down 4)
Nokia C3 (new)
Nokia 5310 XpressMusic (down 5)
Global trends:
Opera Mini saw significant increases in all three categories of growth in November 2010: unique users, pages viewed and data consumed. In all, 80.0 million people used Opera Mini in November, 44.6 billion pages were served, and 6.3 petabytes of operator data were compressed for Opera Mini users.
Nigeria passed the United States in terms of total Opera Mini users in the month of November.
The United Kingdom, Belarus, Philippines, Poland, Bangladesh and Germany all went up in the ranking of top 20 countries. Turkey was a new addition in November, as Malaysia fell off the list.
BullGuard has announced the release of BullGuard Mobile Security 10 – a security solution for smartphones which it claime offers superior protection, more features and covers more platforms than any other product available today.
Features: Antivirus, Antispyware, Antitheft, Parental Control, Firewall, Spamfilter, Basic Backup, Support.
Operating Systems: BullGuard runs on Android, Symbian, Windows and Blackberry phones, covering more than 80% of the smartphone market.
Price: £19.95
Special launch promotion: To celebrate the launch, BullGuard is giving away 5,000 special edition of “BullGuard Mobile Antivirus” – the Antivirus module incorporated in BullGuard Mobile Security. www.bullguard.com/mobilespecial
BullGuard Mobile Security protects smartphones by stopping viruses, spyware and hackers from accessing the phone, and keeps personal details safe even if the phone is lost or stolen.
Wireless communication is without doubt one of the biggest advances to modern technology in recent times. Being able to access data including personal media, files, services and websites on the move without being physically connected to a source has brought a massive amount of convenience to our lives, as well as putting a wide range of technologies in the palm of our hands.
“It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers that may be involved, though,” stated Morten Rinder Stengaard, Product Manager at BullGuard. “We’ve come a long way from the antiquated “brick” that simply offered the ability to make calls on the move, and modern mobiles now offer access to the internet, allow you to perform financial transactions, place product orders, access emails, download games and applications and stream media all from the comfort of a handheld, as well as communicate with other users within range using wireless protocols such as Bluetooth.”
He continued: “All the risks that are a part of your life when you go online from your computer are just as real when you use your phone to check for Facebook updates and news, to receive e-mails and access your bank account. Viruses and other types of malware don’t care what device you use. They just need your phone to be switched on – that way they can call paid services, send text messages, steal and exploit personal information such as credit card details, passwords and phone numbers. In short, a smartphone without proper protection puts you at risk.”
Over the past year there has been an alarming increase in mobile-based viruses and malware. The rise in threats has led to an increasing demand for security software that is tailor-made for mobile devices. Mobile security is essentially a stripped down version of a security suite that might typically be found on a PC, but BullGuard Mobile Security also includes mobile-specific protection such as an antitheft module to allow users to remotely delete data, lock a device or locate it using GPS. Tailor-made backup tools can help to ensure that your contacts and other data is safely secured in another location for easy retrieval and spam filters screen text messages and calls.
BullGuard Mobile Security has more features and covers more platforms than any other product available, the company said.
The fact that BullGuard can be used on all major OSs means that users can easily transfer their security subscription to a new phone, regardless of which platform it runs on.
Numo, a Scandinavian mobile application company, is joining forces with Widespace – a mobile ad network.
For the last three years Numo has built a customer base of over 3 million end-users of the products Numo Finder, SMS Preview and Company Phonebook. By joining forces with Widespace, represented in over 60 countries, Numo will get the opportunity to capitalise on this customer base and their dynamic ad enabled mobile clients.
The key to success in mobile advertising, a Numo statement said, is to deliver ad placements that work, without being intrusive. People are willing to see ads in free software as long as it is done in a delicate way.
“I strongly believe that we are in the right position to succeed in this market, with our unique and effective mobile ad units and their volume. With the Widespace revenue maximizing ad server and ad feed, we are about to create a very interesting business model for us and for the consumers” says Trond Ingeretsen CEO at Numo.
“We are especially pleased to work with Numo, since they have interesting and unique advertising placements. Ad effectiveness is one of our key differentiators and we believe Numo has some very compelling ad spaces” said Henric Ehrenblad, founder and head of marketing at Widespace
Red Bend Software, said it set a new company record for quarterly shipments as its vRapid Mobile, vDirect Mobile and VLX software products were embedded in 85 million mobile phones and connected devices in the third quarter of 2010. That brings Red Bend’s total shipments to 915 million. Q3 shipments were up 48 percent from third quarter last year, outpacing overall mobile phone shipments, which rose 35 percent year over year.
In September, Red Bend entered the mobile mirtualization market through the acquisition of VirtualLogix and its solution, VLX. As part of integrating the two companies, Red Bend has appointed two new members to its management team to lead its mobile virtualization business. Michel Gien, cofounder of VirtualLogix, serves as Red Bend’s executive vice president and general manager for mobile virtualization. Christian Jacquemot, cofounder of VirtualLogix, serves as CTO and vice president of engineering for mobile virtualization.
Third-Quarter Highlights:
Forty-three new Red Bend-Enabled mobile devices shipped in the quarter, bringing the total to 707, including:
· Samsung Galaxy Europa GT-i5500 – featuring Red Bend’s vRapid Mobile firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updating software
· Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X8 – featuring Red Bend’s vRapid Mobile and vDirect Mobile device management software
· Kyocera/Sanyo Zio SCP 8600 and Zio M6000 phones from Sprint
· NEC N-08B and Sharp Lynx SH-10B mobile internet devices (MID) from NTT DOCOMO
· The Acer BeTouch E130, E120 and E110 – low-cost Android smartphones featuring Red Bend’s VLX mobile virtualization solution, the most widely deployed mobile hypervisor
· The K-Touch W606 and Coolpad W711, both available from China Unicom
“Q3 was a game-changer for Red Bend and the mobile industry,” said Red Bend CEO Yoram Salinger. “Not only did we set a new company record for MSM shipments, but with the acquisition of VirtualLogix and its market-leading mobile hypervisor we set in motion the convergence of Mobile Software Management and Mobile Virtualization.
“I’m extremely pleased to have Michel Gien and Christian Jacquemot bring their leadership in mobile virtualization to the Red Bend management team,” Salinger continued. “The strength of our team combined with the most widely deployed and trusted solutions for mobile software management and mobile virtualization will enable our customers throughout the mobile ecosystem to develop feature-rich, highly customizable, affordable and secure mobile phones and connected devices.”
Livewire Mobile, a global specialist in mobile music and content, announced today that it has acquired FoneStarz Media Group, a mobile digital storefront and mobile content supplier currently working with many of the world’s largest telecom and media brands.
The combination of the two companies creates a mobile content provider with a broad content-offering that includes application distribution, ringback, full-track music, video, advertising, ringtones, images and games. Furthermore, the acquisition expands Livewire Mobile’s market reach to more than 400 million subscribers at over 40 mobile operators in nearly 30 countries – said to provide one of the most comprehensive one-stop digital content solutions for carriers, handset manufacturers and other media companies entering the mobile content market.
Based in Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, FoneStarz has a track record of retailing mobile entertainment content for mobile network operators. It manages digital content services from its proprietary merchandising and delivery platform for 11 mobile operators in eight countries around the world.
FoneStarz services are currently deployed with premier operators including Vodafone, Hutchison 3 and O2 in countries including the U.K., Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, New Zealand, South Africa and Egypt. It works with a number of other Tier 1 and 2 operators and has content aggregation agreements with handset manufacturers including Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung and LG, and content licenses with more than 140 media companies, including Disney, Playboy, Turner, American Greetings and Manchester United.
Livewire Mobile plans to incorporate the FoneStarz platform into its Infuse integrated storefront solution for mobile operators, as well as its recently launched Mediadrome direct-to-consumer music service.
The management team is headed up by Matthew Stecker, CEO, Livewire Mobile and Dave Moreau, CEO and founder of FoneStarz, who will become COO of the combined company. They intend to grow the combined business by exploiting its product set and extending services across six continents.
“As we stated earlier this year, we refocused our company resources toward providing our global partners and customers with an innovative suite of products and end-to-end services,” said Mr. Stecker. “Now, with this combination of two complementary companies, we are creating an even stronger organization with a broadened product suite, improved service and support worldwide and increased cross-selling opportunities to an expanded customer base.”
Mr. Moreau added: “We spent some time looking for a partner that offered a strategic fit in terms of product roadmap and territorial expansion. Scale is vital in this fast moving, global market and we believe Livewire Mobile and FoneStarz together will be able to provide a preeminent digital solution for mobile network operators, handset manufacturers and media businesses.”
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