Azam Akram

Even as networks mature, delays in provisioning remain a hidden drag on revenue and customer trust. This piece looks at why incremental fixes fall short - and how operators can enable faster, more predictable activation.

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Exciting times are ahead for the Telecom industry, as Agentic AI is set to redefine how we think about connectivity and communication! 🚀 As we move towards a future where AI isn't just reactive but proactively engages with its environment, Agentic AI opens up a world of possibilities for Telecom professionals. Imagine systems that intelligently manage network traffic, predict outages before they occur, and offer personalized services by understanding user needs in real-time. This is no longer a distant dream but an emerging reality driven by innovations in Artificial Intelligence. Such advancements are not just about improving efficiency but also about creating seamless and more responsive customer experiences. 🎯 The potential for Agentic AI in Telecom is enormous. From enhancing operational efficiencies to revolutionizing customer service, the possibilities are endless. For professionals in the industry, staying updated with these developments is crucial for leveraging these technologies to drive growth and provide superior service. Are you ready to harness the power of Agentic AI to transform your operations? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how AI is reshaping the Telecom landscape. Let's lead the way into a smarter, more connected future together. 🌐 #AgenticAI #TelecomInnovation #AIinTelecom #FutureOfCommunication #AIRevolution #TechTrends

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RIST TR-06-4 Part 7: Making Satellite Reliable with In-Band Metadata Thank you to everyone involved in the development of VSF TR-06-4 Part 7, a major milestone that combines the strengths of satellite broadcasting with the resilience of IP-based recovery. Special thanks to Ciro Noronha (Cobalt Digital), Adi Rozenberg (AlvaLinks), Rick Ackermans (CBS/Paramount), and Wes Simpson (LearnIPvideo) for their leadership in shaping this work. You can find the specification here: https://lnkd.in/ek_HRxUH Summary: When delivering media to many locations, satellite broadcast remains unmatched in its efficiency and reach. But it’s unidirectional and can be subject to rain fade and interference. What if you could make it reliable, without breaking compatibility with existing receivers? That’s exactly what the Video Services Forum addresses in the new open specification: TR-06-4 Part 7: RIST Satellite-Hybrid (In-Band Method) How does it work? The MPEG-TS is sent over satellite as usual A RIST-enabled Recovery Server also receives the TS and creates RTP packets (7 TS packets per RTP) Metadata markers, small packets containing RTP sequence numbers and packet counts, are periodically inserted into the TS in-band using a private PID (e.g., 0x1FF0) These markers allow receivers to identify missing MPEG-TS packets and request the corresponding RTP packets via RIST ARQ Two real-world scenarios: What if some satellite packets are lost, including the metadata marker? Each marker describes the previous block, not the next, so even if a marker is lost, the next one still provides the anchor to detect and request missing RTP packets. Resilience is built into the sequence numbers and marker continuity. What if the satellite feed is lost completely? The receiver detects loss of TS and metadata, then sends a “Full Stream Request” to the Recovery Server. The full stream is delivered via RIST over IP until the satellite signal returns, at which point the receiver gracefully switches back. Are all transitions hitless? Not always, and the specification is transparent about this: - Partial packet loss + ARQ recovery? Can be hitless if buffers are sized to cover the worst-case Internet RTT. - Loss of both packets and markers? Still recoverable using the next marker. - Total satellite loss? Not guaranteed hitless, there will be a detection delay + IP ramp-up unless the receiver pre-buffers or dual-ingests both paths. - Switching back from IP to satellite? Can be hitless if the receiver aligns with the delayed satellite signal. In short, buffering is critical, and the spec gives implementers the tools, but seamlessness depends on engineering choices. Here are some advantages: Backward-compatible with legacy MPEG-2 TS receivers Supports point-to-multipoint over satellite and Internet ARQ recovery Enables tiered delivery strategies (reducing satellite cost) Adi Rozenberg or Ciro Noronha, am I missing anything?

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Some of my network predictions for 2026 - based on some new research data into network disaggregation from network operators - as reported in VMblog. 1. 90% of operators anticipate needing disaggregation deployment sooner than expected. 2. Yet only 6% of telcos surveyed have deployed it in their networks to date. Both smaller, regional ISPs and larger telcos such as Comcast, AT&T, and Deutsche Telekom currently have live disaggregated networks and are already reaping their benefits. 3. The operators dragging their feet will fall further behind the industry's movers and shakers in 2026. Expect a disaggregation divide... Read the full article here https://lnkd.in/eZ5U2JxE #telecoms #future #software

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Although I didn't make it to MWC this year 😔, I'm proud to see the 5G-EMERGE consortium continuing to deliver 🚀. Our new white paper on 'Architectures & Innovations' is now available, exploring how satellite solutions can enhance online content delivery for various use cases. Kudos to our Inverto team who has been a central player in the consortium, driving key contributions to this work 👏. A big thank you to ESA and all the consortium members for the hard work and outstanding achievements — and to Gcore for hosting the meetup in Barcelona 🙏.

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5G networks are evolving rapidly, with new technologies like Open RAN shaking up the landscape. While some UK operators are still testing the waters, early adopters are proving that these innovations can deliver reliable, high-performance 5G experiences, especially in urban areas. This shift promises exciting opportunities for businesses looking for dedicated, flexible 5G connectivity tailored to their needs, such as network slicing for enterprise applications. However, the rollout faces regulatory and infrastructure challenges, reminding us that the telecoms ecosystem is still very much in transition. Staying informed on these developments will help UK businesses future-proof their connectivity strategies as 5G matures. Learn More: https://heyor.ca/K7ahE9 #SMETech #5GRevolution #Enterprise5G #FutureOfConnectivity

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As Ericsson , we are delighted to announce major updates to our OSS/BSS portfolio at #DTWIgnite,to enable an AI-driven, cloud-native world. The updates focus on five transformation areas: Data, AI, Cloud & IT, Core Commerce & Monetization, and Service Orchestration. This marks a significant step toward industrializing OSS/BSS for the autonomous era—prioritizing real value, simplicity, and results through deep industry expertise and collaboration.

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What to give the consumer who has everything We’re rapidly approaching a world where customers have all the fixed broadband speed and mobile data they need, and networks are more than capable of delivering it. So what happens next? Do operators just compete on price (as all other things are equal)? Is there something else they can offer? Should the focus be on other areas? These are crucial questions for the telecoms sector, but they have received little attention. More time is spent on new technologies that might add 1% extra revenue rather than on these issues that are fundamental to the telecoms business model. This Analysys Mason video presentation explores these questions, paying special attention to the Digi-model (give consumers all the connectivity they want for a competitive price) and the main alternatives. The discussion draws on multiple pieces of research we’ve published over the past year. If you’d like to talk about the implications or explore the findings in more detail, I’m always happy to discuss. https://lnkd.in/eZA7i4Rq

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DWDM vs CWDM: Understanding the Key Differences in Optical Networks In modern telecom and data networks, **fiber capacity and efficiency** are critical. Two popular technologies used for this are **DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing)** and **CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing)**. Let’s break down the differences 👇 🔹 **DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing)** ✔ Supports **80–160 channels** ✔ **Tight channel spacing (0.4–0.8 nm)** ✔ Ideal for **long-distance transmission** ✔ **High capacity & scalability** ✔ More **expensive & complex setup** 👉 Best suited for: **High-performance networks, telecom backbone, long-haul communication** 🔸 **CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing)** ✔ Supports **8–18 channels** ✔ **Wide channel spacing (20 nm)** ✔ Suitable for **short-distance communication** ✔ **Cost-effective & easy to deploy** ✔ Lower overall capacity 👉 Best suited for: **Enterprise networks, metro networks, budget-friendly solutions** 💡 **Conclusion:** * Choose **DWDM** when you need **high capacity and long-distance transmission** * Choose **CWDM** when you want a **simple, cost-effective solution for shorter distances**

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At FutureNet World London, the NMG Media panel discussions with leaders from Telenor, Orange, and Battelle focused on the shift of Open RAN from proof-of-concept to scaled deployments, emphasizing the operational complexity of managing disaggregated, multi-vendor architectures while maintaining carrier-grade performance, security, and reliability. The sessions highlighted the growing importance of advanced integration frameworks, interoperability testing, and automation-driven validation to ensure seamless coordination across radio, distributed, and centralized units. Powered by NMG Media On-Demand, April 27th Operationalizing Open RAN: Integration, Testing, and Assurance for Multi-Vendor Networks https://lnkd.in/dcZWeAy7 Horizontal RAN Architectures as the Foundation for AI-Driven, Mission-Ready Networks https://lnkd.in/gGwM95MY Alexis Koalla, Orange, Mark Reudink, Battelle, Terje Jensen, Telenor

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One of the country’s largest alternative broadband networks, Netomnia (Substantial Group), will today publish their Q3 2025 results. The figures reveal that revenues on their multi-gigabit speed full fibre (FTTP) network increased to £27.7m (up from £23.6m in Q2 and 125% YoY) and take-up reached 14% (up from 13.4%). Some 2.8 million premises are now covered (up 241k in Q3 vs 243k in Q2). https://lnkd.in/eWjdRFtP

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📅 November 5 marks the day Virgin Media O2 will switch off its 3G network in Scotland. The shutdown is part of the UK’s broader 3G sunset, which will free up spectrum for faster and more efficient 4G and 5G services. ⚡ While most subscribers and devices are already VoLTE-ready, roaming devices from markets that haven’t yet deployed VoLTE, ranging from telecare devices to security systems, can face connectivity issues when in regions where 3G is no longer available. With #Syniverse’s Evolved Mobility, those devices don’t lose their connection overnight. It works by enabling seamless roaming for subscribers whose home networks haven’t implemented VoLTE, ensuring they can still make and receive voice calls and access data over modern 4G and 5G networks. To the device, nothing changes. It dials or sends data the same way it always has. But behind the scenes, the connection is carried across today’s infrastructure. Ready to explore how Evolved Mobility can support your transition? https://lnkd.in/gtb8BN2R https://lnkd.in/gikptaiN #3G #3GShutdown #Connectivity

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AI is transforming how networks think and operate — and AI-RAN is leading that change. In my interview with Developing Telecoms, I shared how AI-RAN is a foundational building block for the broader vision of autonomous networks — capable of reducing energy consumption by up to 40%, improving spectrum utilization, enhancing service quality, and unlocking new revenue opportunities through network programmability. Read the full conversation here 👇 https://lnkd.in/dvX_PA6z Randa El Sawi #Ericsson #5G #AIRAN #AutonomousNetworks

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The pace of AI Grid announcements is amazing. BT is emphasizing control of data residency while others are designing for latency or egress savings.

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Telecoms never lost their data treasure — they simply stopped looking at the map. For years I watched Big Tech build trillion-dollar engines powered by behavioural intelligence, while telcos sat on something far more valuable: structured, high-frequency, real-time behavioural telemetry generated inside the network itself. Today, even a mid-size operator produces cca 8 billion usable daily events that can responsibly fuel: 📡 AI-driven network operations 🛡️ Fraud & identity intelligence 🌍 Mobility insights for cities & tourism 📉 Churn prediction & QoE optimisation 🤝 Privacy-first personalisation 🔐 Trusted digital services built on GDPR/NIS2 principles We have seen this firsthand. We’ve built and operated real systems processing up to 15 billion events per day in national, highly regulated environments. The opportunity is not theoretical — it is operational, proven, and waiting to be activated. My new article “Lost Telecom Treasure” explores: 🔍 why telcos stepped back from the data race 📈 real CPM benchmarks & monetisation models 🏗️ practical roadmap to reclaim telco behavioural intelligence 🛡️ strong privacy-by-design principles 🚀 how AI finally makes this treasure useful again The treasure was never stolen. It was simply forgotten. It’s time to reclaim it. 👇 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dqeeWC_z #TelecomInnovation #DataMonetization #NetworkIntelligence #TelcoAI #DigitalServices #LastByteStanding #Girtab #AIinTelecom #FutureOfTelecom #PrivacyByDesign

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VMO2’s 3G switch-off is moving full speed ahead. 📶 On 17 September, Watford will be the next UK town to retire 3G, as Virgin Media O2 completes its nationwide sunset by the end of the year. Most customers already have 4G or 5G devices, but those who don’t will need to upgrade soon. https://lnkd.in/dnnXzUGM #3G #3GShutdown #Connectivity

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21 Aug 2025 — What is the market opportunity for network APIs? The article below shares forecast numbers from several research houses. As to be expected, the market projections are all over the place. The "experts" are not all agreed, therefore no conclusion is certain. The lesson here is obvious. In any emerging market segment, it is a quixotic quest to attempt to nail down the market opportunity. Unfortunately, many telco bean counters insist upon quantitative data before any initiatives can be approved. One is caught between a rock and a hard place. What can a telco decision maker do? Here are some suggestions: ▪️ Take the average of all the market forecasts (and one may even wish to exclude the obvious outliers before undertaking this exercise). ▪️ Seek clarification on what exactly is being counted by the forecasters. One has to ensure that there is an "apples to apples" comparison. ▪️ Pay attention to the assumptions behind the forecasts. Evaluate the validity of these assumptions. ▪️ Carry out scenario planning exercises. They are a great way to make decisions in the presence of high uncertainty. ▪️ Evaluate the track record of forecasters. Look up the forecasters' background and experiences. How accurate were their forecasts in the past? Consider the frequency of forecast revisions and the actual size of the revisions. ▪️ Be on the look out for vested interests. Consider the interests of vendors, trade or industry bodies, or research firms who produce the forecasts. Ask if the forecasts are sponsored by third-parties and who they are. ▪️ Conduct qualitative assessments for it is dangerous to rely on quantitative forecasts alone. A forecast may be unattractive but there may be indirect benefits or hidden implications. Oftentimes, value is not obvious! Do not rely solely on projected revenue figures for decision making. Carefully evaluate the strategic implications as well. https://lnkd.in/gH5E_FMd

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🚀 Big news from Vodafone! We're launching satellite-guided sensors in our new radio antennas, starting in Albania this September. This tech will make sure our antennas are perfectly aligned, giving you the best mobile signal ever! 📶 Can't wait to see the difference this makes! Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/egP5FsRh #Vodafone #Innovation #4G #5G #Technology #Satellite #SpaceTech

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