Mobile Broadband - Technology and its Business Implications

Mobile Broadband - Technology and its Business Implications

Summary

This unique course is based on our two-in-a-box concept using two trainers working together in the class room to provide an interspersed perspective on the mobile technology evolution:

• A technical expert takes the executives through the mobile technology ETSI/3GPP evolution up to and including LTE/ SAE using our renowned DTM methodology to maximize learning.

• A senior management consultant covers current, real-life based business perspectives on issues such as technology choice, system migration challenges, service development and promotion – issues that are fundamental to the commercial success of operators today.

The course is exceptionally effective. We have excluded any generic management training and the course focuses on mobile technology and its business implications. The methodology ensures maximum class room productivity, and our trainers are experts in their respective field.

Course Topics

Background – GSM, UMTS and CS Services

Technology
We review the Circuit Switched GSM/UMTS system architecture for voice calls and SMS.

Business
What parameters are typically used to measure and illustrate the performance of an operator? We review KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and cost & revenue structures.

IP – The Internet Protocol

Technology
We examine the IP protocol, the “TCP/IP protocol suite”, and outline basic features like IP-address allocation, client/server roles, routing and DNS.
Fundamental differences between “telecom” and “IP-networks” are discussed, e.g. regarding identities, security and QoS, particularly when IP is used in radio networks.

VoIP – Voice over IP

Technology
VoIP (Voice over IP) is a particularly interesting topic for the telecom community. We review how VoIP-calls can be set up and how voice is transported in IP networks.
We describe SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and how it is used in IMS. We also discuss “Internet telephony” (e.g. Skype), IP-telephony and VoIP as a transport solution in converged core networks.

The new Voice Business

Business
The voice business is going through fundamental changes, and more will come
We examine the transitions from fixed voice to mobile voice, and how VoIP in various forms affects the voice business. Will telecom operators be able to defend their voice revenues?  
 

High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) and Mobile Broadband

Technology
We outline the technology for HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) and HSUPA (for Uplink). The concept of shared channels and higher order modulation orders are described.
We also review the functionality introduced under the name Evolved HSPA (eHSPA) in order to allow even higher user/system throughput.
The use of Femtocells is discussed. How will they be used, and what are the benefits.

Business
We discuss Mobile Broadband and how operators face new challenges with HSPA. What is e.g. the impact of the various models of smartphones?  We outline a “Mobile Broadband Business Case” and examine possibly expensive investment areas.

Fixed Broadband - alternatives

Technology
The merits of mobile broadband cannot be understood without looking at the alternatives. We discuss fixed broadband technologies (xDSL, DOCSIS) with or without WLAN radio access.

Mobile Broadband vs Fixed Broadband

Business
Is mobile and fixed broadband competing or complementing services? What is the value of mobility?
We outline operator strategies in different scenarios; Mobile only operator vs both mobile and fixed

LTE / EPS / 4G

Technology
We describe the OFDM-based evolved Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and the Evolved Packet Core (EPC). We explain how they relate to the legacy 2G/3G radio access networks.
With mobile broadband a new approach is needed on how to control quality of service (QoS) and how to charge subscribers. We outline the 3GPP architecture for Policy and Charging Control.

Business
We analyze current drivers and obstacles for LTE and how it may impact end users, operators and suppliers. We also discuss some regulatory issues e.g. the “licence situation”

Services and Service Provisioning

Technology
We compare Internet vs operator controlled services using IMS. We discuss “over the top services (browser based and apps).  

Business
What is the Service? Access, content or communication? Who will provide the service?
We discuss the telecom model and how/if IMS and RCS is a way to meet a threat and enable opportunities.  We also discuss the Internet model and the sometimes differing views.  Examples, cases, trends….