Southern African Volume 21 Number 2

JULY/AUGUST 2016 southern african Volume 21 Number 2

Forwireless communications professionals in southern Africa COMMUNICATIONS

● What’s new in microwave? ● Wireless tech in transportation ● Building Carrier Wi-Fi networks wirelesssouthern african CONTENTS COMMUNICATIONS

JULY/AUGUST 2016 5 News southern african Volume 21 5 News review Number 2 JULY/

Forwireless communications professionals in southern Africa COMMUNICATIONS AUGUST 2016 > Iridium plans world’s largest satellite network

● What’s new in microwave? > Tigo to connect schools and women in Africa ● Wireless tech in transportation ● Building Carrier Wi-Fi networks Volume 21 > “Giant step forward” for cheaper connectivity Number 2 > Telkom hit by sabotage in Limpopo > Africa passes half a billion unique subscribers > Comsol claims fi rst with open access network > Digital divide: billions still offl ine 16 Wireless solutions > Malawi to develop cyber security strategy > SEACOM adds peering in Europe and Africa SAF Tehnika is one of world’s leading microwave data transmission equipment 13 Wireless business manufacturers with a global presence in > Vestburg quits after dismal Q2 for Ericsson over 130 countries. 16 Wireless solutions SAF microwave radios provide the best > Cambium promises fi bre-like throughput possible alternative to fi ber optics. 20 Backhaul SAF’s point-to-point systems offer data transmission speeds of up to 1Gbps while Features: being cheaper and more effi cient in places where cable network is not available. 20 Backhaul Microwave links can be deployed in > RAHIEL NASIR discovers microwave’s power almost any environment and the link is unlikely to diminish in the near future. distances can reach 150 km. 24 Wireless users 24 Wireless users SAF Tehnika offers customizable solutions > Wireless comms travel across huge distances to various industries, ranging from to keep man and machine connected. mobile operators and internet service providers to system integrators, oil & gas 29 Industry view companies, mining industry enterprises > GRANT MARAIS and KHETAN GAJJAR on the and government & municipal institutions challenges of building Carrier Wi-Fi.

Company’s products range from license- free microwave radio solutions to ultra- 32 World news low latency products, as well as energy > First LoRA-based IoT network goes live efﬁ cient carrier-grade systems such as SAF > Longest rail tunnel safer with Tetrapol Integra and spectrum analyzers for 2GHz- > TETRA expanding but Europe dominates 40GHz and E-Band frequency range from > Small cell system for data-hungry London 70-87 GHz. > ZTE claims new record for 800G network 32 World news > Cloud-based platform helps connect cars By choosing SAF you choose superior European build quality, exceptional SUBSCRIPTIONS: of control can purchase an annual service, and technical support as well Southern African Wireless Communications is subscription at the cost of £110. as industry-leading performance! a controlled circulation bi-monthly magazine. For more information and general enquiries Register now for your free subscription at please contact Suzanne Thomas at www.saftehnika.com www.kadiumpublishing.com [email protected] [email protected] Readers who do not qualify under the terms or call +44 (0) 1932 481728.

Turn to page 12 EDITORIAL: ADVERTISEMENT SALES: to ﬁ nd out more about SAF Tehnika Editorial director: Rahiel Nasir Senior Sales executive: Andy London Designer: Alan McClenaghan [email protected] Contributors: Khetan Gajjar Tel: +44 (0) 1932 481731 Rob Miller Grant Marais Production & circulation: Production: Suzanne Thomas [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1932 481728 Editorial enquiries: Tel: +44 (0) 1932 481729 Publishing director: Kathy Moynihan [email protected] +44 (0) 1932 481730

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World’s largest commercial satellite constellation ready for lift-off Testing of the first two satellites NEXT will comprise 66 cross- that will form Iridium’s NEXT fleet linked satellites in low-Earth orbit has been completed. At the time of to deliver mobile voice and data writing, they were at Vandenberg coverage over the planet’s entire Air Force Base being processed by surface, including oceans, airways Towards the end of next SpaceX before their launch which and polar regions. year, Iridium expects to have was targeted for 12 September. Each satellite will link-up with 66 of these in a low orbit of “After more than seven years of four others to ensure a continuous just 476 miles away. effort, the first of our next-generation and ubiquitous meshed connection. satellites are finally ready for space,” Iridium says the large number of Working with sub-contractor Air Force Base to prepare for lift-off. said Iridium CEO Matt Desch. fast-moving spacecraft with multiple Orbital ATK, Thales Alenia Space They represent SpaceX’s heaviest “This programme replaces overlapping spot beams minimises will build a total of 81 satellites for payload to date. the largest commercial satellite missed connections and dropped calls. Iridium. While 66 will form the All 66 orbiters are expected to be constellation in space with state-of-the- It adds that with each satellite NEXT network, the remainder will launched by late 2017. Starting in art technology and new capabilities, orbiting at just 476 miles (780km) serve as ground and on-orbit spares. 2018, Iridium said the constellation allowing Iridium to support the away from the surface, transmission As the eight first-launch satellites will enable Aireon’s satellite-based connectivity needs of today, as paths are shorter and signal are completed, they will also be system to provide global aircraft well as those yet to be imagined.” attenuation is reduced. shipped two at a time to Vandenberg surveillance in real time. Tigo to connect more schools and women in Africa Tigo will help connect Tanzania’s The permanent secretary in the company, acquired Zantel last year schools as part of a partnership that Ministry of Communications, Works – see Wireless Business, May-Jun 2015 ). represents the first time the country’s and Infrastructure, Prof. Faustine The GSMA’s aim is to reduce the government and a mobile operator Kamuzora (seated left), and Tigo CCO gender gap in mobile internet and are cooperating on an ICT project of Shavkat Berdiev (seated right) sign mobile money services. such scale and scope. an MoU under which Tigo will provide Tigo says its operations in Chad, Following the recent signing internet access to Tanzania’s secondary Senegal, Tanzania, Ghana and of an MoU with the Ministry schools through the e-Schools Project. Zanzibar will now follow the lead of of Communications, Works and Tigo Rwanda which became the first Infrastructure, Tigo will facilitate will include wiring classrooms and schools in Tanzania, and plans to African operator to commit to the the rollout of internet access points the installation of WLANs. connect 50 more this year. initiative in February. in the country’s secondary schools Tigo says the agreement with the In a separate announcement They will all work to increase the over the next two years. The ministry government is part of its e-Schools made earlier in July, Millicom’s Tigo proportion of their female customers will identify and provide a list of Project. Under this social investment operations and Zanzibar Telecom using mobile financial services. Tigo schools without computer labs to be initiative, the operator says it (Zantel) have joined the GSMA’s Chad has also committed to increase connected, while Tigo will sponsor has been able to deliver internet Connected Women Commitment the proportion of female customers the infrastructural development that connectivity to 31 public secondary Initiative (Millicom,Tigo’s parent using the mobile internet. Intelsat launches ﬁ rst high throughput satellite for Africa Intelsat has successfully launched The company says IS-33e is the fixed line operators to cost-effectively the first satellite for Africa that first multi spot beam, Ku-band high extend their networks and meet the uses its EpicNG high throughput throughput satellite to serve these surges in demand for services. system. Intelsat 33e was launched by regions, and will be its second to use Select customers have already Arianespace from French Guiana EpicNG following IS-29e’s launch committed to take advantage of together with Intelsat 36 on 24 August. earlier this year for coverage across Intelsat 33e. In Africa, they include Built by Boeing and equipped the Americas and North Atlantic. Telkom South Africa, Orange, IP with what’s claimed to be the “most According to Intelsat, EpicNG’ Planet, Vodacom, Dijoubti Telecom, advanced” digital payload on a com- is designed for higher performance, Africell and MultiChoice. mercial spacecraft, IS-33e will extend better economics and simplified IS-33e will be located at 60°E where Intelsat’s high throughput capacity in access. It claims that with increasing it will undergo in-orbit testing before both C- and Ku-band from the Americas broadband requirements and a going into service at the end of 2016. Intelsat 33e is unloaded from an to include Europe, Africa, the Middle growing number of smartphone users, IS-36 will be colocated with IS-20 at Antonov 124 transport plane after East, Asia Pacific, the Mediterranean the flexible and open architecture of 68.5°E, and has a Ku-band payload arriving in French Guiana on 22 July. and Indian Ocean regions. its platform will enable mobile and that was built to support MultiChoice.

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Telkom “Giant step forward” for “sabotaged“ in Limpopo cost-effective connectivity AfricaOnline and Intelsat have teamed- and ongoing fixed operating cost On 2 August, thousands of up to deliver a managed broadband structure of Ku-band VSAT has mobile and fixed line customers internet service for sub-Saharan Africa. constrained expansion of services in in Limpopo were left without Under the agreement, Intelsat will Africa. A managed VNO platform connectivity following a serious provide satellite services via Intelsat 28 allows for increased economies of scale, incident of sabotage to the Telkom located at 33°E, while AfricaOnline will both in terms of capex and opex, and network. The operator immediately provide ground support and network is a giant step forward in bringing sent its engineers to the sites where management services from its facilities cost-effective connectivity to Africa.” fibre cables had been cut. They at Hartebeesthoek in South Africa. The partners believe their VNO worked through the night to restore The two companies will work model reduces minimum capacity connectivity. together to offer a “high-quality” Ku- obligations, and cuts both the initial “Three significant cable band broadband service on a virtual outlay needed by the region’s VSAT The partners say that up until now the breaks occurred, but this was not network operator basis. operators for infrastructure as well costs of building and running Ku-band cable theft,” said Telkom Group AfricaOnline is a wholly-owned as their operational costs. VSAT infrastructure has hindered the spokesperson Jacqui O’Sullivan. subsidiary of communications solutions They add that this is beneficial to growth of services in Africa. “This was the targeted and specialist Gondwana International operators, distributors and end-users considered action of a person or Networks. Its CEO, Mathew Welthagen, alike. The firms say it enables VSAT customers, rather than network persons who knew where to go, how says: “The upfront capital commitment service providers to focus on their infrastructure. to access the fibre, and how to do the most damage. This was sabotage.” She added that South Africa’s Comsol claims South African fi rst with Criminal Matters Amendment Act has created a new offence to criminalise damage to essential high-speed open access network launch infrastructure or interfering with Comsol has launched what it says It claims the key advantage of Comsol Fibre Connect is backed by the functioning of basic services is South Africa’s first and only its network is that customers are Convergence Partners, Nedbank through criminal activity. nationwide open access high-speed guaranteed connectivity of a high Private Equity, and the Industrial Telkom is now cooperating carrier grade data network. capacity, uncontended product, Development Corporation (IDC) with the authorities to share all Comsol Fibre Connect combines underpinned by a carrier grade SLA. as investment partners. The private information that could be used a fibre optic backbone with a The first elements of the network equity arm of Nedbank Corporate to identify the saboteurs. In the high-speed, fully licensed wireless have already been rolled out and are and Investment Banking has become meantime, security has been infrastructure to provide what’s said fully operational. a 25 per cent shareholder in Comsol. immediately bolstered at key to be “near blanket” coverage of In addition to extensive coverage In addition to the initial funding communication points by state metros, cities and district councils. in the major metros, cities and which equates to more than half a security services. According to Comsol, its network district councils, Comsol promises billion rand, Comsol expects to re- The operator has also will enable telcos, carriers and to connect more than 200 towns invest and spend a further ZAR1bn announced a ZAR250,000 reward service providers to connect their and cities across South Africa. on existing fibre infrastructure and for information leading to the customers in just six working days Deployment in outlying areas has leased fibre. The firm believes this will successful prosecution of the with speeds ranging from 2Mbps begun, with the majority of towns create a “massive opportunity” for perpetrators. up to 1Gbps. due to be connected by December. existing fibre players in the market. Econz Timecard GPS enables network strength testing Metro Telworks is using a GPS-based Each team consists of a vehicle, works on a variety of mobile OS, tracking system provided by Econz driver and engineer. Because they are including iOS and Android, clocking in Wireless to monitor its engineers. out in the field for long periods of time, and out is performed by the engineer on Formed in 2004, Metro Telworks Metro needed to know where they his device, thus saving Metro the costs of provides RF and network optimisation were, if they used the correct route, and individual subscriptions for two separate services to various companies, and its which hours they worked. Other issues phones. Up to 45 team members can South African branch covers several for the company involved speeding, be clocked in/out on one device. countries on the continent. robberies of expensive equipment The system’s Speed Trigger feature The bulk of the company’s work is from the vehicles, misreported hours allows head office to see speeding performed by field engineers who are worked (especially overtime), damage reports, location, and if it lead to driven each day along specific network to vehicles, and accidents. an accident. These reports fulfil Metro’s fi eld teams drive along specifi c routes to check signal strength for 2G, By using Econz Wireless Timecard insurance requirements which then network routes each day to check 3G, and 4G on behalf of operators GPS system, Metro has now been able enables the company to penalise the signal strength for mobile operators. such as Vodacom and Cell C. to solve these issues. While the solution driver and to recoup costs.

6 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS July/August 2016

Rob Miller, senior security Africa passes half a billion consultant, MWR InfoSecurity

ON THE NETWORK unique mobile subscribers More than half a billion people across the continent are now Building a subscribed to mobile services, according to the GSMA. secure LoRa The Mobile Economy: Africa 2016 study published at the end of July solution revealed that there were 557 million unique subscribers across the Long range radio protocols, like GSM continent at the end of 2015, equivalent In The Mobile Economy: Africa 2016 report, the GSMA said Africa is now the world’s and Wi-Fi, draw a lot of power which to 46 per cent of the population. The second largest but least penetrated mobile market. makes them unsuitable for smaller GSMA said this makes Africa the or remote devices. In contrast, low second largest but least penetrated connections (including M2M) at the The study also found that the power solutions, such as ZigBee or mobile market in the world. end of 2015, but the GSMA expects use of mobile technologies and BTLE, are limited in range to tens The region’s three largest markets this to be responsible for almost two- services across Africa generated of metres. So there is a need for a – Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa thirds by 2020. USD153bn in economic value last long range solution that only sends – together accounted for around a The number of unique mobile year, equivalent to 6.7 per cent of occasional, small amounts of data third of the total subscriber base. subscribers is forecast to reach 725 the region’s GDP. This contribution that could run off a battery for years. Mobile broadband (3G/4G) million by 2020, accounting for 54 is forecast to rise to USD214bn by LoRa, and its primary protocol made up just over a quarter of total per cent of the expected population. 2020, or 7.6 per cent of GDP. LoRaWAN, addresses this gap in the market. It is intended for systems that require the ability to send and receive low amounts of data over a wide ITA uses RADWIN’s sub-6GHz broadband range without high power costs. Internet Technologies Angola (ITA) scalability at a price point that beats But whilst several effective has deployed a national network using other technologies, including fibre. security features are designed RADWIN’s point-to-multipoint solu- ITA provides business-class into LoRa, companies should tions in the 2.2GHz to 2.3GHz band. services to many of Angola’s largest not consider the protocol secure ITA CEO Rolf Mendelsohn said: corporations. Earlier this year, it out of the box. Simply stating “We sought a solution in the unique opened its new state-of-the-art head that a technology “uses AES-128 2.2-2.3GHz band that could co-exist office building at Lar do Patriota in encryption” does not mean it is with the high transmit power of the Luanda which makes it totally self- therefore secure. It should be clear 3G cellular network in our capital ITA said its new, multimillion dollar HQ sufficient in its infrastructure. to all developers of LoRa solutions Luanda and other cities.” means it is now totally independent from Covering an area of 2,300m2, the that using the protocol does not He said ITA evaluated several an infrastructure perspective. USD12m facility includes: a data guarantee security. Instead, they technologies, including WiMAX, centre with systems for redundancy; should build LoRa solutions with the before opting for the bespoke carrier- RADWIN said ITA has deployed a network operations centre; a potential attacks in mind. grade wireless broadband solution “hundreds” of its 5000 JET PtMP teleport; and a transmission and a Given that LoRa will form part provided by RADWIN. “Today we radios to provide a WiMAX power room. The new headquarters of a complex IT solution, security can provide high-speed connectivity replacement in a “tough” radio also has two fuel tanks with a total vulnerabilities are likely to occur of 50Mbps and upwards with low band. The firm claims the devices capacity of 20,000 litres, and three during development. Similarly, given latency and guaranteed SLAs.” offer fibre-like connectivity and 700kVA generators. that LoRa solutions are being used in applications ranging from home security through to monitoring and controller infrastructure, attacks and Telkom facilitates free and fair elections development of exploits against Telkom provided the ICT services that ipal election offices, nine provincial Centurion in real time. This ensured these systems are also likely. supported South Africa’s recently held results operation centres, and the that in the event of a disaster at IEC Secure systems can be developed municipal elections. Independent Electoral Commission’s HQ, the recovery site would take over by understanding LoRa’s security On 3 August, more than 26 million (IEC) headquarters in Centurion. all activities allowing the elections to features as long as developers South Africans headed to polling The solution included access for the proceed uninterrupted. accept that they are not a silver stations. Telkom provided a variety of IEC’s WAN through Telkom’s VPN In addition to the services it provided bullet. A solution can be developed ICT solutions to connect every point services platform. This uses multiple for the electoral commission, Telkom by considering cyber security at of the electoral chain to enable the access technologies such as satellite, also setup a network of open access every stage. Knowing the different delivery of ballot results from more metro LAN, ADSL, amongst others. free Wi-Fi hotspots in almost 1,000 ways that an LPWAN solution can than 22,000 polling stations around As part of a disaster recovery voting stations nationwide. The pilot be attacked allows a system to be the country to the national results and business continuity solution, all programme was used to showcase developed that is built to defend, operation centre in Tshwane. They data activities at the IEC’s HQ were Telkom’s 4G services and is likely to be detect and respond to cyber attacks. were connected via nearly 350 munic- replicated at Telkom’s data centre in expanded for future elections.

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Digital divide: billions still ofﬂ ine By the end of 2016, 3.9 billion people The ITU also found that internet around the world will still remain penetration rates are higher for men cut-off from the internet, according than for women in all regions of to recent ITU data. the world. The global internet user In its latest ICT Facts and Figures gender gap grew from 11 per cent 2016 report published in July, the in 2013 to 12 per cent in 2016. The union said that while almost one regional gender gap is largest in billion households in the world now Africa at 23 per cent, and smallest in have internet access, 84 per cent the Americas at two per cent. of them are connected in Europe In terms of capacity, the report compared to 15.4 per cent in Africa. said that by early 2016, international The report revealed that mobile internet bandwidth had reached phone coverage is now near- 185,000Gbps, up from a low of ubiquitous, with an estimated 95 per The ITU forecasts that 3.9 billion people will still not have internet access by the 30,000 gigabits in 2008. But it cent of the world’s population (around end of this year. Almost 75 per cent of Africa’s population will be non-users. also revealed that bandwidth is seven billion people) living in an area unequally distributed worldwide. covered by a basic 2G network. Globally, the ITU expects the continues to grow at double digit A lack of bandwidth remains It added that advanced mobile- total number of mobile-broadband rates, reaching a penetration rate of a major bottleneck to improved broadband networks (4G) have subscriptions to reach 3.6 billion by close to 41 per cent. But in Africa, connectivity in many developing spread quickly over the last three end 2016, compared with 3.2 billion the report stated that there are only and Least Developed Countries. The years and reach almost four billion at end 2015. In developing countries, 29.3 mobile broadband subscribers latter currently includes 48 nations people today. the number of subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. of which 34 are in Africa. Malawi to develop national cyber security strategy Malawi’s ICT minister has called for government departments’ websites by these competencies can be delivered ICT minister Patricia collaboration in securing the country some unscrupulous hackers causing for the benefit of the citizens.” Kaliati said Malawi against cyber threats. interruption to the smooth flow of The five-day workshop in Lilongwe cannot tackle cyber Speaking in July at a workshop information for vital services.” was organised by the Commonwealth crime on its own aimed at developing a national cyber She told the high level gathering Telecommunications Organisation as the problem is security strategy, Patricia Kaliati of more than 100 participants from in close collaboration with Malawi’s borderless. said that as Malawi is opening up to academia, civil society organisations, regulator MACRA. Godfrey Itaye, increasing online transactions, it is now telecom operators, banks, security the latter’s DG, said that in the more prone to cyber crime. She pointed agencies and government departments absence of specific cyber security deal with online liability,” he said. out that the nation cannot tackle cyber that it was now time to tackle cyber laws, the regulator was grateful that Itaye also highlighted other aspects crime on its own as the problem is crime head on and make Malawi one the government has come up with of the bill such as the recognition borderless, and criminals threaten the of the most secure places in the world legislation such as the Electronic of digital data in rules of evidence, country from across the world. to conduct online business. Transaction Bill which is expected to be e-signatures, cryptography for “We have heard stories of how we “The government is therefore tabled in the National Assembly soon. authentication, and establishment of lost some of our young girls and boys committed to ensuring that law “Our optimism is on this bill as it will the Computer Emergency Response through human trafficking initiated enforcement agents have the powers address promotion of e-transactions Team. He described these as “great over cyberspace,” said Kaliati. they need to investigate cyber crimes,” and e-commerce, facilitate the use steps” towards addressing cyber “We have experienced attacks on said Kaliati. “We need to consider how of e-application in public sector and threat issues in Malawi. Orange Money transfers possible from France to Africa Orange has launched its mobile money the country, including newsagents, such as mobile top-ups, electronic service in France. Users will not only call shops, local grocery stores and money codes, or money transfer. be able to make fund transfers via tobacconists, as well as an Orange The launch of Orange Money in their handsets to other Orange Money Money store in Paris that was used in France is also supported by W-HA, customers in metropolitan areas of the pilot network that ran in July 2015. an Orange subsidiary which is the country, but also to its mobile This first store was fitted with authorised to issue and manage money users in Africa. technical solutions developed and electronic money. The operator says the launch comes managed by Aleda, Orange’s long- The operator plans to release an in response to “strong demand” from standing wholesale partner for the Orange Money app in France soon, its customers with family or friends in distribution of pre-paid telephone and adds that it will also look to Africa. It says the service will develop offers. As part of the trial network, expand the money transfer offer to Orange Money users in France can gradually and that it intends to Aleda provided around 4,000 other countries over time. The initial now transfer funds to the cellco’s increase the number of points of sale independent close-to-the-customer launch in Africa covers Côte d’Ivoire, operations in Africa. in France. There are already 41 across points of sale for paperless transactions Mali and Senegal.

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Connecting SEACOM adds peering Tanzania Airtel, Millicom and in Europe and Africa Vodacom have launched East Africa’s first active infrastructure SEACOM has become the first Over the last few months, SEACOM’s head of sharing initiative. Working with the African carrier to peer at Netnod in SEACOM has been expanding the engineering Mark GSMA, the operators will launch six Stockholm. Netnod is an independent, list of European IXPs at which it Tinka says most 3G pilot sites to test the sustainable non-profit IXP that operates five IXPs peers. It has recently added France of Africa’s internet provision of mobile broadband in Sweden and Denmark. Internet Exchange (France-IX) in trafﬁ c comes services to 13 million underserved “The majority of internet traffic Paris to PoPs it now has in Europe’s from and goes to people across rural Tanzania. The into and out of Africa goes to five busiest centres for internet traffic: Europe. GSMA says operators have so far Europe, which is why we’re investing Stockholm, Amsterdam, London, been able to deploy their 2G networks in connectivity on [that] continent,” Frankfurt and Marseille. The firm says all these new peering to up to 85 per cent of the country’s says Mark Tinka, SEACOM’s head Marseille is said to one of the key agreements will further enhance the population, while 3G network of engineering. landing points in Europe for most performance and reduce the latency deployment is mostly limited to urban “We are the only African carrier of the marine cables coming in from its clients will experience when they areas. This has resulted in only 35 per with a direct physical presence in Asia, Middle East and Africa. connect to web services in Europe and cent of Tanzania’s people being able Stockholm, which means that we can SEACOM has also added new across Africa. It also claims its IP transit to access the mobile internet. help our service provider and network internet exchange points to its roster network now offers African service operator clients deliver a superior of peering agreements in Africa. They providers direct connectivity to a range level of service to clients connecting include Kampala (UIXP), Nairobi of small, medium and large partner Epsilon hub to internet services in Scandinavia.” (KIXP) and Durban (NAPAfrica). networks in Europe. for BringCom Epsilon will deliver a Broadlink adds wires to wireless network complete communications Licensed telecoms provider Broadlink solutions, and says that adding fibre “With this footprint, and the fact hub for BringCom, providing says its upgraded network expansion solutions was partly in response to that Broadlink reaches over 3,000 interconnection with more than project has begun, and that more growing enterprise demand for fibre- businesses, it made sense to offer 500 operators across the globe. than 40 new high sites are now live based internet access. customers access to both fibre and BringCom manages the Djibouti in South Africa. The company reckons this new microwave,” says CEO Mike Brown. Teleport through a joint venture To complement its existing radio approach will enable it to increase “We have partnered with numer- with Djibouti Telecom, and its network, the company has launched its client base on either radio or fibre ous well-established fibre providers of MPLS network connects 17 a last-mile fibre access network solutions using what is already a metro and long-haul telecoms traffic countries in Africa. With an which it says will ultimately have “proven” telecoms network. in South Africa. This collaboration outsourced solution, Epsilon national coverage across the country. It adds that it seemed logical to will bring a very competitive offering says the operator will be able to Broadlink is a subsidiary of diversify into fibre given that the to the market as it continues to grow focus on developing its satellite WBS Holdings which was recently group already utilises 8,000km of at unprecedented rates.” and fibre infrastructure in emerging acquired by Multisource. It is perhaps fibre which is used exclusively for The firm has initially lit its fibre in markets in Africa, the Middle better known for its provision of Broadlink’s microwave high sites and Gauteng, Durban, Bloemfontein and East and the Caribbean. wireless and satellite connectivity backhaul requirements. Cape Town, with other areas to follow. Huawei Tigo Insurance reaches new milestone Tigo says its mobile insurance service success, having recently paid out its joins SAA has now reached around 2.7 million 10,000th claim. On average per month, Huawei has joined the active users across Africa. Tigo Insurance is said to pay more than Smart Africa Alliance Tigo Insurance products are available 300 claims through Tigo Cash, with (SAA) as ICT advisor and in Ghana, Senegal and Tanzania, valid claims going out within 72 hours ‘Platinum’ member. Smart Africa and are delivered in partnership with after the submission of documents. is a commitment from African mobile micro-insurance specialist “Mobile network operators such as heads of state and government BIMA. They are designed specifically Tigo Insurance agents have signed up Tigo have the power to open the door to to accelerate sustainable socio- to give lower income segments of the almost three million users in Africa. an entirely new and previously under- economic development on the population access to life, hospitalisation served market,” says Paddy Partridge, continent through affordable access and personal accident insurance. the continent’s traditional insurance regional manager for Africa, BIMA. to broadband and ICT usage. Tigo says that 99 per cent of its industry, driving financial inclusion “And the close partnership between Huawei has been working in Africa insurance customers in Africa live and bringing mobile micro insurance Tigo and mobile insurance experts since 1998. It will support Smart on less than USD10 per day, and to customers who otherwise would such as BIMA, guarantees that access is Africa through the deployment that around 73 per cent are new to not be able to afford it. combined with high-quality education, of flagship projects, experience- insurance. The operator believes Tigo For example in Ghana it’s claimed technical delivery and claims support sharing, and talent cultivation. Insurance has “positively disrupted” Tigo Insurance has seen considerable in providing these vital services.”

10 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS July/August 2016

The next generation microwave radio system

One of the leading European microwave Built-in multi-core network packet radio equipment manufacturers SAF processor enables Carrier Ethernet Tehnika has recently launched the second performance with features like Synchronous generation of its best-selling microwave Ethernet, header compression, and RADIUS radio system The Integra. authentication. Three Gigabit Ethernet SAF Integra series products are among the ports per radio allow using the built-in high latest technological developments in the performance Gigabit switch in all-outdoor eld of microwave data transmission from environment and avoid additional cost SAF Tehnika. This innovative next generation of expensive rack-mount switches and microwave radio platform combines the facilitate shelter-free installations. radio part, mounting brackets, and modem Key bene ts of the Integra series radios: interfaces into a single unit making it one of ● All-Outdoor radio (inc. modem, Ethernet the most cost-e cient and easy-to-install network processor, PoE splitter and surge radios on the market, superior in terms of arrestor) with an integrated antenna in a build-quality and performance. single-unit compact design The radio can be purchased in three ● Bandwidth support from 3.5MHz up to di erent modi cations: 112MHz. Integra products are a perfect t ● As a single radio unit that is compatible for a variety of applications – from last- with any manufacturer’s antenna systems mile to backbone connectivity ● Radio + integrated antenna that is made ● In case of Integra-G, the direct radio from innovative, corrosion-resistant and antenna integration allows saving materials time usually spent on radio to antenna ● As a dedicated solution for wideband environment. The bandwidth range goes assembly and sealing applications from 3.5MHz up to 112MHz in single hardware design. Integra series products Currently Integra is available in six di erent Integra series radios have a capacity of are the most universal t for a variety of con gurations, each o ering di erent up to 1Gbps throughput with header applications – from last-mile to backbone solutions to solve a particular problem a compression in 1+0 con guration. The connectivity. Besides, direct radio and project might face. If you are interested in latest modem technology solution enables antenna integration (Integra-G) allows learning more about these solutions and covering longer distances due to better saving the time usually spent on radio-to- the di erent Integra variations, visit SAF system gain at 256QAM and hitless ACM antenna assembly and sealing. Tehnika’s website at www.saftehnika.com switching up to 2048QAM. With optional Integra radios are unbelievably light, energy ETSI Class 4 antennas Integra is the perfect e cient carrier-grade systems that exemplify SAF Tehnika will participate at this year’s radio to be deployed in a dense microwave an outstanding return on smart engineering Africa Com exhibition that takes place - the synergy of high competence in radio in Cape Town International Convention electronics and materials science. All Integra Centre, South Africa from November 15th till products are made from an innovative EMC- November 17th. SAF’s team will be there to compliant plastic material ensuring complete provide an even more detailed description of corrosion resistance surpassing that of the Integra series radios and other SAF solutions. classic microwave antennas. The mounting bracket is optimized for Visit SAF booth #F22 and/or arrange a wind-load reduction, ensuring a considerably meeting by writing to [email protected] higher wind resistance, which keeps the radio link up even in rugged weather. Another signi cant addition is the software controlled LED, which indicates whether the radio has been synchronized with the remote end and is operating properly. Register here for your free Digital Edition http://kadiumpublishing.com/forms/africa/sawc_reg.htm WIRELESS BUSINESS

Vestberg goes as Ericsson reports dismal second quarter in 2016 Hans Vestberg has stepped down as which targets a new annual run rate by 13 per cent YoY. Ericsson encompasses a complete overhaul Ericsson’s president and CEO with of operating expenses (excluding said the decline was mainly due of VimpelCom’s IT infrastructure immediate effect. His departure was restructuring charges) of SEK53bn to a lower level of investments, across 11 countries on a scale that is announced on 27 July and came in the second half of 2017. impacted by lower oil prices, and the claimed to be the “largest and most amidst shareholders reportedly calling Writing the CEO’s comments in ramping down of a sizeable mobile ambitious” in the industry’s history. for him to go following poor results what has now turned out to be his broadband project in South Africa. Under a seven-year deal, for the second quarter of this year. final earnings report for Ericsson, The company said the floating of Ericsson will digitalise and globalise Vestberg leaves Ericsson after 28 Vestberg said: “Negative industry the Nigerian currency resulted in VimpelCom’s BSS infrastructure using years, the last seven of which saw trends from the first quarter have a devaluation of more than 40 per new software and cloud technologies him at the company’s helm. EVP and intensified, impacting demand cent in June, and this also impacted The operator says this Digital Stack CFO Jan Frykhammar will replace for mobile broadband, especially investment decisions negatively. will accelerate product and service him until a successor is found, while in markets with a weak macro- However, it added that development, enabling it to fast- Carl Mellander has been appointed economic environment.” mobile broadband sales track its digital innovation strategy, acting CFO. In sub-Saharan Africa, sales increased somewhat particularly in the areas of mobile Board chairman Leif Johansson for the company’s Networks, as certain markets are entertainment, communication, IoT, said: “In the current environment Global Services and Support investing in network and mobile financial services. and as the company accelerates its Solutions divisions decreased improvements and Ericsson adds that the delivery strategy execution, the Board of introducing 4G. and use of near real-time analytics Directors has decided that the time is Elsewhere, will allow greater personalisation of right for a new leader to drive the next Jan Frykhammar – Ericsson’s there was some services for subscribers. phase in Ericsson’s development.” current EVP and CFO – will good news for the VimpelCom expects the move Just a week before announcing take over as CEO until a Swedish vendor to result in a significant reduction Vestberg’s departure, Ericsson successor to Vestberg with the signing in opex across the group. Going revealed its 2Q16 results (see table, is found. Frykhammar of a software forward, the operator says that p15) and reported an 11 per cent drop has apparently told the deal worth more by year three it will reduce its IT in YoY sales. It said further actions board that he is “not than USD1bn with expenses (opex and capex) by more have now been initiated as part of aspiring” to permanently VimpelCom. than 50 per cent down to a ratio of a cost and efficiency programme take on the role. The partnership around two per cent of total revenue.

Avanti open to takeover bid to have discussions with interested set up by Eutelsat to provide satellite Eutelsat will use resources on its own Avanti Communications Group is parties on a confidential basis, broadband services on the continent. dedicated high throughput satellite looking for a buyer. and they will not be required to be InfraMed is a EUR385m which is expected in 2019. In early July, the UK-based operator publicly identified. investment vehicle dedicated to of the HYLAS satellite fleet announced The company has already been in infrastructure in the southern and Vantage releases further funding for its intention to engage in discussions talks with some unnamed entities. eastern Mediterranean. It was Vumatel’s ﬁ bre rollout with a number of potential investors This has led to some speculation created in 2010 by Cassa Depositi Vantage Capital, which describes itself to address its funding requirements. that one of the interested parties is e Prestiti, Caisse des Dépôts et as Africa’s largest mezzanine fund In parallel to considering an equity Inmarsat. But it has said that it has de Consignations, the European manager, has disbursed the second raise, the company’s directors are “no intention” to make an offer to Investment Bank, Caisse de Dépôts et and final tranche of a ZAR250m conducting a wider strategic review to acquire Avanti. de Gestion, and EFG Hermes. (USD16.6m) expansion capital facility explore additional opportunities. This In an online statement dated 1 The organisation has acquired around to Vumatel. The company will use the includes a corporate transaction such as August, the firm said: “Inmarsat 21 per cent of Broadband for Africa. funding for the ongoing expansion a merger with, or offer for, the group by confirms that it was contacted by The value of the deal has not been of its FTTH network in a growing a third party, or a sale of its businesses. Avanti’s advisers following the disclosed. By investing in the venture, number of Johannesburg and Cape “The Board therefore intends announcement by that company of a InfraMed says it is pursuing its strategy Town suburbs. to pursue all of these possible strategic review and formal sale process to focus on opportunities in regions The Vantage mezzanine facility was alternatives to ensure the best on 11 July 2016, and responded to characterised by dynamic demographics structured in two equal tranches of outcome for its shareholders,” said an that contact. Inmarsat confirms it has and infrastructure insufficiency. ZAR125m (USD8.3m). Vumatel was Avanti press statement. withdrawn from Avanti’s announced Set up by Eutelsat in 2015, able to draw upon these following the Any discussions in relation to a process and it is not considering an Broadband for Africa’s mission is achievement of certain operational merger with a third party or a sale offer for the shares of Avanti.” to provide affordable, high-quality and financial milestones. Vantage says will take place within the framework broadband connectivity in Africa. that since concluding the transaction of a “formal sale process” in Eutelsat’s African broadband venture The operator will lease Ka-band in April this year, Vumatel has accordance with the UK’s City Code backed by Inframed capacity on Spacecom’s AMOS-6 rapidly expanded its network and has on Takeovers and Mergers. This InfraMed has become a shareholder which is due to be launched later exceeded the milestones required to means Avanti’s board will be able in Broadband for Africa, the venture this year. During the second phase, draw down both tranches.

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Established in 2014, Vumatel’s aim highly competitive and differentiating partners who each receive payment The fund is open to new companies is to supply affordable high-speed in its specialised markets.” based on the average daily balance from and operating in Africa, as well as fibre optic network connectivity to Brussels-based Effortel provides stored in their mobile wallets. selected countries in Asia. It will provide homes in South Africa. Since first turnkey telecom solutions for non- Ruan Swanepoel, Tigo’s head of financing, mobile-focused mentoring, deploying open access FTTH in telcos and brands that want to launch mobile financial services, said this and technical assistance to selected start- Parkhurst area of Johannesburg, the their own mobile services. It is said year’s second quarterly profit share ups, and establish partnerships between company says it has expanded its to be the only MVNE worldwide recorded a growth of eight per cent. them and operators to increase the reach network to cover 22 suburbs, reaching that has deployed and is running a He attributed the surge to favourable of innovative mobile services. more than 33,000 homes. centralised real-time IN system. interest rates on the trust funds placed The fund will run several rounds The firm is currently integrated with various commercial banks. between 2016 and 2020, with each Saffelberg Investments acquires with mobile operators in seven Swanepoel also cited the company’s having specific areas of focus. The first strategic stake in Effortel countries. In Africa, they include increased profitability (see Millicom’s round will disburse around GBP2m. As Saffelberg Investments, one of the Equity Bank in Kenya which became results in table on opposite page), well as being supported by the GSMA largest and most active Belgian private the continent’s first bank to become improved market condition, and steady and its members, the initiative is backed equity funds, has become a strategic an MVNO after launching services growth in the number of Tigo Pesa by the UK Department for International investor in global mobile virtual on Airtel’s network in July 2015. users as major drivers to the significant Development (DFID). network enabler Effortel. increase in profit share, especially from Saffelberg Investments CEO Jos Tigo distributes millions in latest the merchant segment. With more than IN BRIEF... Sluys says: “Effortel’s success in quarterly proﬁ t share 50,000 merchants, it’s claimed Tigo launching, developing and running In mid-August, Tigo announced Pesa currently has the largest retailer South African operator Cell efficient mobile virtual operators a quarterly payment of TZZ5.6bn network in Tanzania. C says its partnership with around the globe, as well proven (USD2,570,120), the ninth time in various MVNOs, such as FNB and technology and ability to operate a row that it is distributing profits to GSMA launches innovation fund Virgin for example, has now brought in high-growth developing markets, users of its mobile financial service. The GSM Association has launched in more than one million customers. attracted our attention.” The operator said it has now its Ecosystem Accelerator Innovation The company says it is currently The value of the deal has not been paid Tigo Pesa customers a total of Fund to help identify innovations the country’s only mobile operator disclosed, but Sluys says Saffelberg will TZS46.2bn (USD21,203,490) in with the greatest potential for to offer a dedicated mobile virtual provide Effortel with an opportunity quarterly payments since launching growth, and provide best practices for network operator and enablement to grow and expand even faster: “The the platform in July 2014. The profit stakeholders on the ways in which platform, and believes MVNOs bring pipeline of opportunities looks good, share is payable to individual customers, they can use mobile to drive socio- much needed competition and value and Effortel’s technology proves both retail agents, and other Tigo business economic impact. to the telecoms industry.

INVESTMENTS, MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Date Buyer Seller Item Price Notes

Standard Bank of Funding facility will partly ﬁ nance both the acquisition of Bharti Airtel’s tower 13/7/16 Helios Towers DRC Loan USD105m South Africa & DEG portfolio & HTD’s organic growth & operational programme across the DRC.

SpeedCast says acquisition of Eutelsat’s 70 per cent stake in WINS gives it a “strong SpeedCast 8/8/16 Eutelsat WINS Limited EUR60m local presence in Germany, a major maritime market, as well as expertise in the International cruise industry in Europe”.

NEW APPOINTMENTS

Date Name New employer New position Previous employer Previous position

23/6/16 Christian Queffelec Astellia Chairman Astellia CEO

Business development director, 23/6/16 Nick Avill Simoco Group Bender UK UK industrial sales manager EMEA utilities

12/7/16 Gary Aitkenhead Sepura VP devices Motorola VP of global managed services

12/7/16 Michelle Lamprecht Sepura VP marketing The MathWorks Marketing manager Northern Europe

Chief marketing & business development 14/7/16 Eran Yoran – – Gilat Satcom ofﬁ cer – stepping down

Unnamed critical comms 1/8/16 Antony Sipho Sibanda COO Emcom Wireless Executive director business development specialist in Africa

Chief executive for Africa, 29/7/16 Vivek Badrinath Vodafone Group AccorHotels Deputy chief executive Middle East, Asia-Paciﬁ c

4/8/16 Kjell Morten Johnsen VimpelCom Head of major markets Telenor Head of Europe

The director of RAN product introduction 8/8/16 David Orloff Small Cell Forum Chair – at AT&T replaces outgoing chair Alan Law

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Paul Taylor has left Botswana The Independent operator was provisionally awarded a more than 70 per cent in mobile data Telecommunications Communications Authority 10-year license for 2 x 70MHz in the traffic in recent months. The South Corporation Limited (BTCL) as MD of South Africa plans to increase the 2.6GHz band at a cost of USD96m. African telco said the “exceptional” following the end of his contract on 19 allocated bandwidth of 567MHz IMT MTN said the spectrum will increase has led to congestion on July. In thanking him for his work over spectrum. On 15 July, the regulator guarantee “superior performance” for parts of its 2300MHz LTE network the last five years, the company’s board issued an invitation for applicants wireless networks, especially LTE. It in some of busier metro areas. of directors said Taylor’s contributions interested in providing mobile also plans to use FDD networks in However, it pointed out that this is the included revenue growth of nearly broadband wireless access services addition to its existing WiMAX over “exception: as currently over 80 per 50 per cent, and integration of three for urban and rural areas using the TDD networks as this, says MTN, cent of its BSTs are delivering speeds separate businesses – beMOBILE, complimentary 700MHz, 800MHz provides for greater consistency with of 10Mbps and higher. Telkom added BTCL Home and Office, and Botsnet and 2600MHz bands. existing 2G and 3G deployments. that all the affected areas have all been – into one converged organisation. identified and that it is working with CCO Anthony Masunga has taken MTN was the sole bidder in Telkom claims it has seen its provider, Huawei, to speed up the over as acting managing director until a Nigeria’s recent auction of rises of 18.4 per cent in implementation of additional capacity permanent successor is found. 2.6GHz spectrum. In late May, the mobile voice and subscriptions, and in its core, backhaul and radio networks.

LATEST COMPANY RESULTS

Sales EBITDA EPS Date Company Country Period Currency Notes (m) (m) (units)

Revenue decrease of around 27% from 2Q15 partly attributable to a temporary shift of resources towards acquisition of key 29/6/16 NuRAN Wireless Canada 1Q16 CAD 1.51 0.0037 NA technology. In late May, the rural connectivity specialist opened its ﬁ rst ofﬁ ce on the continent (Windhoek, Namibia) & appointed Bradley Shaw as regional manager for MEA.

Overall sales down by -11% YoY. In sub-Saharan Africa, sales declined due to lower investment levels, impacted by slump 19/6/16 Ericsson Sweden 2Q16 SEK 54.1 (bn) 4.22 (bn) 0.48 in oil prices & ramping down of a “sizable”mobile broadband project in South Africa.

In Africa, Q2 reported organic revenue growth of 9.2% to 21/7/16 Millicom Luxembourg 2Q16 USD 1,572 560 0.04 $222m with service revenue growing 9.8%. Gained 171,000 subscribers in Africa, mainly from Tanzania and Senegal.

Total African revenues of INR62,493m reported for ﬁ scal ﬁ rst quarter that ended in June. That compares to INR61,595m for 27/7/16 Bharti Airtel India 1Q16 INR 255,465 95,913 3.66 1Q15. Devaluation of Nigerian naira by 42.1% during the quarter resulted in forex losses of INR7,479m (net of minority interest).

GAAP revenue for quarter up compared to $244.8m in previous quarter & $207.3m 2Q15. But CEO Tom Fallon warned: 27/7/16 Inﬁ nera US 2Q16 USD 258.8 12,787 0.08 “Demand is softening in certain areas of our business & we face a difﬁ cult near-term revenue outlook.”

Compared to 2Q15, Network Services revenue decreased 16%, Media revenue is down 5%, & Government revenues 27/7/16 Intelsat US 2Q16 USD 542.0 403.6 0.98 declined 2%. CEO Spengler said results are “consistent” with expectation for 2016.

Revenues up 0.2% on like-for-like basis – 64% of this is from video applications which increased 2.3% to €943.6m. This reﬂ ected sustained growth in MENA & sub-Saharan Africa with 29/7/16 Eutelsat France FY16 EUR 1,529.0 1,164.6 1.10 the entry into service of new capacity on EUTELSAT 8 West B in October 2015 & EUTELSAT 36C in February 2016, as well as growth at 16°E (SSA & Central Europe) & 7°E (MENA).

Sales increased 5%, including $146m in sales associated with Motorola 1,430 the acquisition of Airwave in the UK. Continues to expect 4/8/16 US 2Q16 USD NA 0.61 Solutions (bn) revenue to increase 5 to 7% & non-GAAP EPS from continuing operations in the range of $4.45 to $4.65 per share.

Revenues increased 1.5% at constant currency but results signifi cantly impacted by the Nigerian regulatory fi ne which 5/8/16 MTN Group South Africa 1H16 ZAR 78,878 29,273 2.50 has now been settled. Group subscribers remained fl at at 232.6 million from 31 December 2015.

Earnings declined 1.1% compared to $158m for 2Q15. 4/8/16 Sierra Wireless Canada 2Q16 USD 156.2 12.1 0.20 Completed acquisition of ﬂ eet management & asset tracking specialist GenX on 3 Aug for total cash consideration of $7.8m.

Revenues increased 53% from $44.3m in 2Q15, & 29% Gilat Satellite 987 10/8/16 Israel 2Q16 USD 67.9 (0.16) compared to 1Q16. Loss on a GAAP basis decreased to $3.7m Networks (’000s) compared to a loss of $9.1m in 2Q15.

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Cambium platform promises ﬁ bre-like throughput The PMP 450m is the first product to to enable operators to offer what’s 8x8, and yields the ability to support feature Cambium Networks’ cnMedusa claimed to be 5G-like speeds surpass- up to seven simultaneous carrier technology. This has been developed ing DSL and cable while offering chains. Cambium adds that the Cambium also says the platform throughput comparable to fibre. integrated sector antenna cuts capex offers a three- to four-fold increase MANUFACTURER: According to the firm, cnMedusa as well as opex in installation and in network capacity, with more than Cambium Networks is the first commercially available recurring tower fees. 400Mbps in a 20MHz channel. Massive Multi-user (MU) MIMO It goes on to say that the The new PMP 450m works with PRODUCT: PMP 450m platform for fixed wireless cnMedusa-enabled PMP 450m offers existing PMP 450 subscriber modules broadband. It says the technology’s “unprecedented” spectral efficiency and only requires changing out the MORE INFORMATION: 14x14 integrated antenna array of more than 20bps/Hz, and more access point. Cambium adds that the www.cambiumnetworks.com exceeds both 802.11AC Wave 2 and than 40bps/Hz when deployed in entire system can be managed via a LTE-A planned implementation of frequency re-use configurations. single pane of glass in the cloud. MicroPoP offers fast wireless broadband to urban areas Mimosa reckons its Micro Point- speeds as fibre for a fraction of a neighbourhood to provide multiple clients on the same AP can of-Presence (MicroPoP) network the cost. The system combines wireless broadband connections be coordinated to simultaneously architecture enables service Mimosa’s new A5 access point and to subscribers within 500 metres. share spectrum, thus improving providers to deliver gigabit wireless the C5 client device. Both the A5 and the C5 feature scaling and spectral efficiency. broadband and achieve the same With its “unique” quad-sector GPS sync-enabled TDMA. This With protection from harsh antennas and massive MIMO ensures that each client device environmental conditions and MANUFACTURER: Mimosa technology, the compact A5 is precisely receives and transmits a wide-range of claimed to be the industry’s fastest under the AP’s timing control. mounting options, PRODUCT: MicroPoP multipoint solution purpose-built Mimosa says this also eliminates Mimosa adds for high-density deployments, the possibility of interference that the units MORE INFORMATION: and offers more than 1Gbps of from other A5s in the vicinity. are suitable for http://mimosa.co aggregate capacity. It can be The C5 endpoint is also MU- “any deployment deployed in a central point within MIMO capable which means that situation”. EtherHaul-500 “ideal” for Planning tool saves time congested 5GHz networks and money on rollouts

Siklu, which specialises in millimetre Ranplan has released a new The Smart CAD features include wave wireless solutions, has launched version of its all-in-one planning, automatic extraction of walls, doors, what it describes as an “affordable” optimisation and simulation tool for windows and floors from complex V-band radio for interference-free con- indoor and outdoor radio networks. CAD files to create more accurate nectivity on the street. Operating in the iBuildNet 3.1 adds a range of new building models. It’s claimed this 60GHz band, the new EtherHaul-500 features including carrier aggregation, new capability alone can reduce the is claimed to be “perfect” for upgrad- HSPA+, enhanced Wi-Fi planning time it takes to model the building ing congested 5GHz networks. capabilities, Smart CAD functions, environment by more than 50 per cent. The radio is designed to provide and support for LTE-A key standards iBuildNet’s material database 200Mbps of real time connectivity. It such as MU-MIMO and CoMP. has also been enhanced to enable utilises the ample 9GHz-wide V-Band The enhanced tool is said to the design of networks operating in spectrum with 11 non-overlapping allow users to perform cross-system spectrum up to 6GHz. And with the full-capacity channels, which are also by abundant license-free spectrum, design and simulation with accurate advanced Wireless Network Simulator, user-selectable.According to Siklu, minimal reflections, and narrow modelling of coverage, traffic engineers can now plan a user-centric the 60GHz band is characterised beamwidth. It says all this enables steering and handover between LTE model rather than a cell-centric one. dense link deployment. and Wi-Fi systems. MANUFACTURER: Siklu The spectrum also provides predict- According to Ranplan, this means MANUFACTURER: Ranplan able performance as it experiences no indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi and cellular PRODUCT: EtherHaul-500 beam interference. The firm says this networks can be planned in co- PRODUCT: iBuildNet 3.1 is an advantage for mission-critical ordination, reducing the time and MORE INFORMATION: environments, such as transmitting cost of deployment and ensuring MORE INFORMATION: www.siklu.com data from HD/4K video surveillance support for future heterogeneous www.ranplan.co.uk cameras and other safe city sensors. technologies and standards.

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DMR simulcast system needs ALSO LOOK OUT FOR just one pair of frequencies Qualcomm Hytera says its latest DMR solution (pictured), dispatch system, a central unveils 5G sub- offers a cost-effective option for network management system, service suppliers, local public transport terminals and bearer network. Hytera 6GHz prototype networks and municipalities to says one MSO supports up to 100 modernise their radio systems. base stations or 200 carriers, while a system The DS-6310 Simulcast system has single DMR simulcast base station Qualcomm Technologies has devel- been developed using the DMR Tier can support up to two carriers. oped a 5G ‘New Radio’ (NR) proto- II standard. It consists of a mobile The company says a simulcast type system and trial platform that switching office (MSO), base station technique means that only a single operates in the sub-6GHz bands. pair of frequencies is needed (one The platform’s IP-based architecture The company says the aim is to MANUFACTURER: Hytera for TX and one for RX) regardless is said to enable flexible networking. create a unifi ed and more capable of the number of base stations in the Multiple transmission links can be 5G air interface. It says designs PRODUCT: network. The DMR standard’s two- used between base stations and the implemented on its prototype DS-6310 Simulcast slot TDMA technique supports two MSO, such as IP, E1, microwave, system will be used to drive 3GPP simultaneous communications on a wireless bridge, etc. Standard SIP and standardisation for a new, OFDM- MORE INFORMATION: single 12.5kHz channel which makes RTP are used to interconnect with based 5G NR air interface. www.hytera.com it possible to hold two conversations other systems such as those used for The system will closely track at the same time on a single frequency. PSTN and DMR trunking. 3GPP progress to help achieve timely 5G NR trials with operators, infrastructure vendors and other industry players, as well as future 5G Proxim launches long-range PTP link NR commercial network launches. Proxim Wireless has developed a in excess of 35km to be deployed. The platform itself consists long-range version of its carrier class Proxim adds that compared to of both a base station and user Tsunami QuickBridge backhaul product. rival products with lower antenna equipment, serving as a testbed The new Tsunami QB-10150-LKL gain, shorter range connections will for verifying 5G NR capabilities. features a 28dBi high gain integrated also benefit from the QB-10150-LKL’s QoS needs to be bundled into one link. Qualcomm says it supports wide RF antenna that is claimed to allow links higher modulation rates and resulting In addition, the QB-10150-LKL bandwidths over 100MHz that are higher data throughput. supports IEEE 1588 pass through and capable of delivering multi-gigabit MANUFACTURER: The new version continues to support Jumbo Frames, which are common per second data rates. Proxim Wireless all the key features of the company’s QB carrier requirements. It also supports a new integrated 10100 series. This includes: high capacity Like all Tsunami radio products, the subframe design for what’s claimed PRODUCT: usable throughput of 650Mbps; the device also uses Proxim ClearConnect to be “signifi cantly” lower over-the- Tsunami QB-10150-LKL ability for customers to select a wide which helps it to withstand all but the air latency than what is possible in frequency range from 5.15GHz to most hostile RF environments. The QB- today’s LTE network. MORE INFORMATION: 5.85GHz in a single model; and 10150-LKL can operate in temperature 5G will make the best use of www.proxim.com WORP, Proxim’s software that allows ranges from -40ºC to +60ºC, and is a wide range of spectrum and, multiple traffic streams with varying contained in an IP67 rated enclosure. according to Qualcomm, utilising frequencies below 6GHz is a critical part of allowing for fl exible deployments with ubiquitous RFS introduces next-gen combiner range coverage and a many use cases. Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) “ideal” tools for any feeder or line system as appropriate, The fi rm says the prototype has enhanced its range of ShareLite antenna sharing solution thereby ensuring the right system continues the development combiners. The new models support and help wireless operators bypass for any installation. and testing of its 5G designs which additional wideband frequencies and adapt their infrastructure RFS adds that the latest are contributing to 5G NR 3GPP include features such as DC sensing- for 4G technologies. It says models in its ShareLite standardisation. The 3GPP 5G NR AISG bypass and compatibility with the combiners are compact portfolio have extremely study item has begun as part the 4.3-10 standard. and lightweight for easy low insertion loss and a high of Release 14 and will feed into RFS reckons its combiners are handling, and their rugged level of rejection between Release 15 work items. design allows for outdoor use bands for maximised The prototype adds to MANUFACTURER: and increases product longevity. performance. They Qualcomm’s existing 5G mmWave Radio Frequency Systems According to the firm, automatic also accommodate many new prototype system. This operates DC sensing and AISG bypass frequencies as well as combined ones. at 28GHz and is said to be capable PRODUCT: ShareLite bring increased flexibility to site The entire range is available with of “robust” mobile broadband installations. It says they allow the vendor’s 4.3-10-style connectors, communications in non-line-of-sight MORE INFORMATION: combiners to automatically adjust to allowing operators to achieve the environments, utilising advanced www.rfsworld.com site requirements and route DC and highest performance with the new beamforming and beam-steering control signals through the antenna interface standard. techniques.

July/August 2016 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 17 AFRICAN.

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CCS says each of its Metnet nodes has a wide ﬁ eld of view. This means that only one unit is required per lamppost which is far more acceptable to urban planners. Still at the top of the tower Despite the prospect of ﬁ bre, small cells and high throughput satellites as wireless backhaul technologies, RAHIEL NASIR discovers that microwave’s power is unlikely to diminish over the foreseeable future.

n a report published at the end of last year, by 2020. In a research note issued in June 2016, MarketsandMarkets estimated that the global IHS Technology said: “Outdoor small cell Imobile and wireless backhaul market will grow deployments were off to a slow start, but are now from USD17.85bn in 2015 to USD33.15bn by showing signs that they will grow significantly 2020, a CAGR of 13.18 per cent. According to the over the next several years, driven mostly by research firm, while microwave has dominated the mobile operators’ common need to enhance wireless backhaul market, it is slowly losing share saturated macro cellular networks and improve the because of the growing adoption of millimetre mobile broadband experience by adding capacity wave (MMW) equipment. through dense low power node deployments.” ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards IHS believes the real rise will begin in 2017, with Institute) defines MMW spectrum as frequencies steady growth through 2020 as deployments prolif- in the 30GHz to 300GHz range, with wavelengths erate. As a result, it said a cumulative USD6.4bn from 10mm to 1mm. Small cell equipment uses will be spent worldwide on outdoor small cell V-band (57GHz to 66GHz) or E-band (71GHz to backhaul equipment between 2016 and 2020. 76GHz, and 81GHz to 86GHz) frequencies for The analyst added: “Although most applications such as backhauling mobile networks. deployments to date have been in urban and But as ETSI points out, there are barriers metro areas, there is life in the rural segment too: to using MMW spectrum. It says regulations Vodafone and other operators are using small cells for millimetre wave radio differ greatly from for outdoor coverage in rural areas, where the country to country, ranging from no rules to full backhaul is not difficult and usually wireline.” regulation. The institute adds: “There is a lack of Will the rise of small cells therefore lead to the key components leading to high equipment costs. decline of microwave as a backhaul technology? There is huge variety in the types of equipment Far from it – perhaps even the reverse if vendors and applications using this spectrum and there such as Ericsson are to be believed. In its Microwave is still a lack of confidence in the technology.” Towards 2020 report published in 2014, it said that Nonetheless, the outdoor small cell backhaul even as the total number of connections grows, market is forecast to be worth more that USD2.2bn microwave’s share of the market will remain fairly

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constant. “By 2019, it will still account for around By 2020, Ericsson believes high-capacity base 50 per cent of all base stations (macro and outdoor stations will require backhaul in the 1Gbps range, small cells), and play a key role in last-mile access whereas low capacity will be within the 100Mbps and a complementary role the aggregation part of range. The company said microwave and fibre the network,” said the report. are the main types of transmission media that It added that microwave’s overall share of the will meet these capacity requirements, and that a backhaul market may decrease over the coming combination of the two is needed for networks on years, but the volume of macro and small cell the road to 5G. The company reckons that it has base stations will continue to increase, ensuring the right solution to achieve this combination in that the total number of microwave-connected the form of its Router 6000 series and MINI-LINK base stations will rise. radio units. The Router 6000 family is an IP access and Riding the millimetre wave aggregation portfolio that is SDN-enabled. The range includes small cell site routers to larger aggregation CBNL, a well-established player in the microwave devices, optimised for 10G and 100G capacities. backhaul market, has come up with a 39GHz variant Earlier this year, Orange Egypt (formerly of its VectaStar platform. The company said that as Mobinil) became the world’s first operator to deploy spectrum becomes an increasingly scarce resource, the MINI-LINK system. It is using the MINI-LINK Ericsson’s MINI-LINK 6352 is an outdoor unit for its new solution unlocks the huge potential of MMW 6352, an outdoor unit for E-band supporting E-band. It features an embedded L2 switch, enabling to offer a more efficient route to transform last-mile 5.5Gbps capacity over 750MHz channel. It features full aggregation and switching between all trafﬁ c throughput to multiple gigabits per second. an embedded L2 switch to enable full aggregation ports. The vendor claims this makes it ideal for According to CBNL, the 39GHz VectaStar and switching between all traffic ports. Ericsson multiple combinations of mobile backhaul solutions. is an “ideal” solution to support high-capacity said this makes it ideal for multiple combinations of applications such as backhaul. Offering up to mobile backhaul solutions. a 28dBi high gain integrated antenna that is 13.2Gbps per hub site in the US where it has initially By combining MINI-LINK outdoor units and claimed to allow links in excess of 35km to be been deployed, the company says the platform indoor units, the firm said all network scenarios deployed. The company added that compared to enables rapid deployment of guaranteed bandwidth are supported. The portfolio spans all transport rival products with lower antenna gain, shorter that can easily scale as demand grows. It claims that technologies (IP, MPLS, Ethernet and TDM) and range connections will also benefit from the VectaStar’s point-to-multipoint architecture can be all frequency bands (from 4GHz to 80 GHz), all QB-10150-LKL’s higher modulation rates and deployed faster than licensed point-to-point systems, under a common management system. It also resulting higher data throughput. and with up to 50 per cent cost savings. supports both line-of-sight as well as and non- The new version continues to support all the Earlier this year, Ericsson signed a line-of-sight (NLOS) configurations. key features of the company’s QB 10100 series. global reseller agreement with Cambridge This includes: high capacity usable throughput Communication Systems (CCS). It will use “Hop-in-a-box” of 650Mbps; the ability for customers to select a the UK-based company’s Metnet system as a wide frequency range from 5.15 to 5.85GHz in a complementary small cell backhaul system. Proxim Wireless has certainly had a busy year so single model; and WORP, Proxim’s software that CCS claims Metnet, which was unveiled in far with a number of new launches. They include allows multiple traffic streams with varying QoS February, is the world’s first self-organising small the ORINOCO Quickbridge 9100 which is billed as needs to be bundled into one link. In addition, the cell microwave backhaul platform. According to the first wireless solution that combines a 2.4GHz QB-10150-LKL supports IEEE 1588 pass through the vendor, the system has a “unique” multipoint- access point and 5GHz backhaul. and Jumbo Frames, which are common carrier to-multipoint architecture, with self-organising, The ruggedised enclosure features a WLAN requirements. self-healing links. It says Metnet operates in a single access point with a carrier class wireless point-to- The device uses Proxim ClearConnect frequency channel with no radio planning required, point backhaul radio for outdoor deployments. which is designed to help all Tsunami radio and that each unit has a wide 270º field of view and The company said combining the two functions products withstand all but the most hostile RF supports multiple connections, so there’s no need for into a single unit means a smaller hardware environments. The QB-10150-LKL can operate in manual alignment and only one is required per site. footprint, as well as reduced capital outlay and temperature ranges from -40ºC to +60ºC, and is Each node supports connections to up to 16 others, recurring site rental costs. contained in an IP67 rated enclosure. and is also capable of providing GPS-derived local Proxim has also developed a long range version Meanwhile, the firm described the Tsunami master synchronisation, with distributed timing of its carrier class Tsunami QuickBridge backhaul QB-826 series as an ultra compact, 1000Mbps, recovery in the event of GPS failures. radio. The Tsunami QB-10150-LKL features point-to-point backhaul link. Operating in the 5.900GHz to 6.425GHz band, the unit measures 2014 2019 126 x 219 x 65.5mm (to each end point) and 100% comes as a complete “hop-in-a-box” outdoor unit 80% delivering up to 100Mbps throughput. It offers what’s claimed to be“unprecedented 60% ease of installation”. Proxim added that a 2x2 40% MIMO high power radio capable of 25dBm transmit power eases deployment in challenging 20% areas, while NLOS capability is provided through 0% the use of advanced OFDM. North Latin Northern Western Mediterranean Middle Sub-Saharan India China & South East America America Europe & & Central East Africa North East Asia & DragonWave is promising the lowest cost per Central Asia Europe Asia Oceania bit over microwave with Harmony Enhanced MC, A 2014 study by Ericsson showed wide variation in the proportion of radio base stations connected by microwave a carrier-grade packet microwave solution that in different parts of the world – ranging from single-digit percentages in China and North America, to around operates in licensed or unlicensed spectrum from 90 per cent in India and the Middle East. SOURCE: ERICSSON 6GHz to 42GHz.

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Above left: Proxim Wireless’ ORINOCO Quickbridge 9100 combines a 2.4GHz access point and 5GHz backhaul, while its Tsunami QB-10150-LKL (centre) has high gain antenna that enables links in excess of 35km to be deployed. Above right: DragonWave says the Harmony Enhanced MC can deliver capacities of up to 4Gbps in a single radio.

Designed for applications such as mobile virtual security, advanced identity management, multiple sets of point-to-point radio links. But by backhaul, leased line replacement and last-mile as well as a secured product architecture. using HCMP, it reckons these missions can be fibre extension, it delivers a multi-carrier channel Like Ceragon, Cambium Networks also has deployed more quickly with fewer radios and system thereby doubling the capacity available security for mission-critical users uppermost in its less spectrum. “As an ultra-wideband radio, in a single outdoor unit. And because the radio mind. It has given its PTP 700 product line a high- every PTP 700 is ready for use virtually anywhere and modem are integrated into a single highly capacity multipoint (HCMP) software upgrade, in the world supporting every band from 4.4 compact ODU, DragonWave said Harmony enabling defence, industrial and public safety to 5.925GHz,” stated the firm. “And now with Enhanced MC offers a zero footprint solution professionals to deploy a secure, high-efficiency HCMP, every PTP 700 can deploy as a point- which cuts rack congestion and colocation space. multipoint system with up to eight locations. to-point, multi-point hub or subscriber radio, as The unit also features ultra high power which is The PTP 700 with HCMP technology is dictated by the next mission.” said to increase the overall system gain and allows designed to withstand rugged conditions and Other key features for Cambium’s NIST FIPS for deployment of smaller dishes, higher order harsh weather. It is described as ideal for quickly 140-2 validated platform include: 450Mbps modulations, or increased link availability. Using establishing temporary, nomadic networks for throughput; over-the-air re-keying for increased the company’s Bandwidth Accelerator+ technology, first responder emergency response and stationary security and reduced maintenance efforts by it’s claimed the device achieves the “highest degree” networks for defence agencies, as well as automatically refreshing encryption keys in a hitless of spectral efficiency (through 4096 QAM, 4x4 permanent deployments for border security, video fashion; the vendor’s Dynamic Spectrum Optimization MIMO and wider channels). DragonWave said surveillance and communications backhaul. capability that automatically samples and changes this enables it to deliver capacities up to 4Gbps in Cambium said that deploying multipoint channels to avoid interference without affecting a single radio and 8Gbps in a single channel with connectivity in a remote environment previously link service; and a portfolio of omni and sector MIMO or a single antenna with XPIC. required multiple channel allocations and antennas optimised for HCMP missions. ■ Ceragon is also making bold claims for its recently announced FibeAir IP-20 Assured Platform. It said the system has received FIPS 140-2 validation MICROWAVE PATH ALIGNMENT IN “MINUTES NOT HOURS” by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology, and provides a “premium” wireless Sunsight Instruments has developed a Microwave backhaul solution for enhanced security. Ceragon Path Alignment Kit to make microwave antenna said the platform helps public safety organisations, installations fast and accurate, thus saving utility companies and service providers increase valuable time and money for operators. their operational efficiency, and build highly According to the company, current methods reliable networks with high standards of encryption for microwave backhaul alignment take tower and security. Most importantly, according to crews hours and sometimes even days to find the company, it keeps first responders and other the main lobe. Sunsight claimed its kit cuts that mission-critical customers connected. time down to minutes. It’s claimed that the IP-20 features unique It explained that the system does not need to multicore technology that delivers multiple Gbps wait to find the signal from the opposite side, wireless backhaul for LMR, LTE and other and uses “very accurate” GPS positioning and secured access technology networks. At the same dual communicating units to sync both sides iOS, Windows, etc.), and powering down or removal time, the device is said to use just a fraction of the and relay the precise position. of radios is not necessary for pathing microwave spectrum otherwise required. Sunsight said its system takes into account, link. Kit units can also be used independently The platform is available across all wireless height and curvature of the Earth, and that for RF panel antenna alignment. backhaul frequencies from 6GHz to 86 GHz. azimuth, tilt/roll, height and geographic The firm added that no additional software, Ceragon said it offers highly redundant and secured coordinates can be captured and recorded. post processing, or cables are needed, and that wireless backhaul with over-the-air encryption, Site engineers can send reports with all antenna its all-inclusive kit is tested and proven to align enabling network operators to meet service measurements using any mobile device (Android, antennas up to 150 miles apart. availability demands by providing physical and

22 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS July/August 2016

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Project Isizwe has enabled the installation of free Wi-Fi on board buses operated by A Re Yeng in Tshwane, South Africa. From road and rail to sea and air, wireless communications travel across huge distances to keep man and machine connected.

eneva-based Cotecna specialises in satellite and internet for 53 Cotecna sites in 29 system it developed builds on the Orange Intelligent solutions that help governments combat countries across Africa, Asia and Europe. Apps Enabler platform and supplies best-of-breed fraud, protect customs revenue, maintain In addition to the hybrid network, OBS has hardware and software. M2M devices are attached Ginternal security, and facilitate lawful commercial also helped Cotecna extend its Cotrack system into to vehicles or containers passing through customs, exchanges at national borders. It also provides the Burkina Faso and Senegal with local machine- allowing quasi-real-time monitoring of goods to private sector with a wide range of testing, inspection to-machine connectivity. The system uses ensure boxes remain unopened and vehicles stay on and certification services, as well as assistance in what’s described as a “best-in-class” M2M track schedule. Orange is also responsible for integrating trade finance services and e-documentation. and trace solution that keeps goods secure and the solution into local GSM and internet networks. Over the last few years, the company says its monitored wherever they are. The M2M track and trace solution has resulted business has expanded significantly in the private Cotecna wanted to enhance its transit monitoring in a reduction in the number of false transits. That sector. To stay competitive, it developed a five-year services by using M2M technology to give its clients, means more goods become legally available for digital transformation plan to simplify and reduce such as customs authorities, greater reassurance and consumption, and it also increases competitiveness the administrative work of customs agents. increased security when monitoring their goods. for countries engaged in international trade by With its network at the core of this plan, According to OBS, legacy customs transit reducing non-tariff barriers. Cotecna needed a partner with a global footprint monitoring solutions were unable to prevent Under a long-term partnership, Cotecna and that could reach remote sites, particularly in modern fraud techniques. It says the industry OBS will roll out the tailored track and trace Africa. It contracted Orange Business Services lacked adapted technologies that could track and solution to organisations with transit monitoring (OBS) and now uses the company’s hybrid monitor vehicles or merchandise along specific needs in developing countries. They also plan to network solution that incorporates satellite routes. What Cotecna needed was a solution co-market the system across other territories. connectivity. It comprises a business VPN with that could monitor vehicles and cargo across borders, and could offer more than just basic fleet Arik Air takes off with Hytera DMR management capabilities to customs. To address this, the company partnered with Established in 2006, Arik Air now has a fleet of OBS to develop and implement a comprehensive 26 aircraft including two Airbus A340-500s and system that monitors all transit operations per offers flights to 28 different domestic, regional and specific customs requirements. international destinations. The firm operates from With more than 200 dedicated M2M experts two main points in Nigeria: Murtala Muhammad on hand offering expertise in consulting, design, International Airport in Lagos, and Nnamdi innovation, integration, project management Azikiwe International Airport in the state of Abuja. Orange M2M devices are attached to Cotecna’s and service management, OBS says it was able In order to guarantee flight safety and quality vehicles and allowing quasi-real-time monitoring to demonstrate to Cotecna that it had the skills of services, Arik Air needs to carry out bridging, to ensure boxes in transit remain unopened and required to design, build and operate an end-to- catering, chocking, comprehensive checks, vehicles stay on schedule. end solution. The purpose-built track and trace maintenance, etc., after its aircraft is parked.

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Arik Air operates a ﬂ eet of 26 aircraft including two Airbus A340-500s. Its airport operations in Nigeria rely on Hytera’s DMR RD98X repeaters (below) and PD70X portable radios (left).

The workflow is complex and needs coordination access, as well as health and safety. The need for And finally, because Dakar Port operates from different departments. It therefore needed a real-time video-surveillance across the site was 24/7/365, the solution would need to be of the reliable wireless communication system to provide identified as a priority. This included covering the highest reliability and availability. unified communication and improve efficiency. main access point; improvement here would not DPW approached specialist systems integrator With its wide experience of deploying comms only enhance the overall security of goods and INEXO and its local technology solutions partner systems to the aviation industry, Arik Air chose services entering the site, but also act as a safety in Senegal to come up with the networked wireless Hytera to provide the solution. The company mechanism for employees as this was also the video surveillance solution. They designed three provided a DMR conventional system that location where they were paid their wages. distinct point-to-multipoint (PMP) wireless include three of its RD98X repeaters and 140 Three factors were considered key to the zones, with a 340º coverage of the whole site, all PD70X portable radios. surveillance solution. Firstly, a central video and converging on a single mast at the security and The repeaters were installed at the two airports security control point, manned round the clock, surveillance centre at the core of the facility. in Nigeria and interconnected by IP link. With needed to be setup towards the centre of the site. For the wireless transport part of the solution, Hytera’s DMR conventional system, staff from Secondly, given the nature of the facility where INEXO chose InfiNet Wireless’ InfiMAN 2x2 different departments and different airports are able large bulk cargo and containers are regularly series devices. According to the vendor, this “cost to communicate with each other, share information moved and reorganised to cope with the differing effective” PMP solution offers advanced MIMO instantly, and take effective action as appropriate. volumes and types of port traffic, the solution had technology along with reliability and robustness With the combined application of narrowband to be wireless based. for deployments in harsh climatic conditions. codec and digital error-correction technologies, And thirdly, the solution had to offer blanket INEXO also specified the company’s R5000-S and Hytera says its DMR products provide large area coverage of the four terminals; this was not R5000-Sc to support the majority of the pre-installed coverage between the two airports, and claims that only important for theft prevention, but also for camera locations. It’s claimed the throughput and they ensure “superior” voice quality even in the health and safety and to ensure that employees distance support of these systems proved more noisy airport environments. Security is said to be operating machinery are aware of any obstacles than adequate for video transport, even when guaranteed with the advanced intrinsic encryption or others working throughout the site. line-of-sight paths were partially obstructed. of DMR’s digital technology, thus ensuring But in order to fulfil these objectives, DPW InfiNet’s R5000-O and R5000-Om were deployed confidentiality of every call for Arik Air. had to factor cost considerations into the system’s as base-station masters for the site. For the zone Hytera says that because DMR benefits from initial design, as well as overcome a number immediately adjacent to the security centre TDMA technology, it doubles the channels based of technical hurdles. For instance, because the where the link length was less than 30 metres, on the same spectrum resource. The system can central security control facility needed to be the R5000-Smc was used to overcome the short- therefore use Arik Air’s existing frequencies and located at the heart of the site, the distance to distance issues that are a common challenge with no other site is required, resulting in cost savings the nearest video surveillance cameras/wireless broadband wireless solutions. for the airline. points would be less than 30 metres – a challenge InfiNet says the low latency of its wireless The vendor also says that thanks to its compli- for wireless broadband systems. solution also proved a deciding factor for the ance with IP 67 and MIL-STD-810C/D/E/F/G, In addition, the layout of the port (which has four deployment. Surveillance was based on IP the PD70X ensures “outstanding performance” distinct zones which make up the different terminals) cameras with remote-controlled pan, tilt and even in harsh environments. It adds that the meant that a combination of point-to-point/ zoom. These require low-latency transmission so radio’s large colour display and programmable multipoint wireless solutions would be needed. that they can be quickly manoeuvred into their keys make operation more convenient, while a A third issue was the height and obstruction positions from the control centre. 2000mAh long-life battery means higher efficien- of the containers: 16 metres was the maximum Overall, the installation and commissioning cy without the need for frequent recharging and height for a camera location and this therefore of the networking part of the solution from start also saves on battery replacement costs. posed a potential problem for the provision of to finish took less than one working week – and line-of-sight radio links. within the allocated budget. Wireless overcomes network security challenges at Dakar Port

Dubai Port World (DPW) runs 49 terminals in 27 countries, and ranks amongst the world’s four largest container terminal operators. In June 2007, it was awarded the concession to operate and further develop the four existing container terminals at the Port of Dakar in Senegal, with the aim of more than doubling their capacity. As part of this, DPW decided to improve security coverage across the Dakar Port site in Installing a line-of-sight video surveillance system at the Port of Dakar’s four container terminals proved order to enhance the processes for control and challenging as 16 metres was the maximum height available for camera locations.

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No trafﬁ c jams with free Wi-Fi on buses

Project Isizwe was co-founded in South Africa by former Mxit and iBurst CEO Alan Knott Craig Jr. The project’s coordinators work with local, provincial and national government to provide free Wi-Fi in low-income communities for the purpose of education, economic development and social inclusion. They use low-cost and low- maintenance Wi-Fi equipment, under-utilised fibre that’s already in the ground, and semi- DriveProﬁ ler’s MHub device plugs directly into a vehicle’s diagnostics port and automatically sends driver- skilled technicians and labourers. behaviour data to an insurance company. The device uses Telit’s GE865 M2M module Project Isizwe is continuing to deploy its Free WiFi systems in South Africa’s Western Cape Usage-based insurance “ideal collection device. The firm believes that whilst it region, rolling out capacity for 40,000 users showcase” for M2M is tempting to be attracted by the ubiquity of such around schools in Atlantis and Robertson. But devices, there are many major drawbacks to using it was first introduced in the city of Tshwane in Telit specialises in helping organisations leverage them to collect driver-behaviour data. November 2013 where users can now access the the Internet of Things (IoT) with a portfolio For instance, drivers will need to ensure that for free via 752 public hotspots. In July 2016, of integrated products that includes platforms, they have their phones on every journey and not Project Isizwe said it planned to increase these by services, and a range of modules that address all just on the ones where they know they have to a further 700 sites across the city. cellular communication technologies, GNSS, and ‘behave’ for insurance purposes. Also, there is no In Tshwane, the project has enabled a number short-to-long range wireless applications. guarantee that the device being used belongs to of value-added services, including free Wi-Fi on In South Africa, the company’s modules have the driver rather than a passenger. And of course, board local buses operated by A Re Yeng. Here, been used in DriveProfiler’s MHub system to it has to be charged. RADWIN’s FiberinMotion systems were chosen show how M2M technology can help the motor Other questions DriveProfiler raises about to provide the wireless mobile connectivity. insurance industry. using smartphones for insurance telematics rather In phase I of the project, the system’s high- DriveProfiler is a telematics solution provider than a dedicated and installed device include: capacity base stations were deployed along the A and offers a range of hardware and software ❖ Are the sensors on the phone good enough to Re Yeng route from Pretoria Central to Hatfield. solutions as well as industry-specific consulting ensure accurate data collection? RADWIN’s Vehicular Mobile Units were installed and advisory services. The company is a division ❖ How can you ensure drivers are tracked only on board buses with two antennas mounted on of Scope Technologies which was established in when they are driving and not at other times? the roof and the FiberinMotion Tool is used to 1999 and has a presence in over 60 countries. ❖ Who owns the data collected by the smartphone? monitor network performance in real-time. Its MHub telematics device plugs into a vehicle’s ❖ How safe are the driver-behaviour data on the The company says its base stations provide on-board diagnostics port and incorporates smartphone – can they be accessed by any other continuous coverage and broadband connectivity Scope’s patents including the self-calibrating apps that could be unauthorised? to the buses in motion. The base stations are being accelerometer, driver behaviour pattern recognition, “In summary, the smartphone may at first used in Diversity mode to deliver up to 100Mbps and advanced accident telemetry data (such as appear to have some advantages to a motor but can go up to 250Mbps in MIMO mode. vehicle impact zone, impact angle and magnitude, insurer looking to deploy usage-based insurance,” RADWIN says FiberinMotion offers long range for example). DriveProfiler says MHub was states the firm. “However, only a dedicated coverage of up to 10km between base stations, developed for consumer connected car solutions, telematics device with embedded M2M can thus reducing infrastructure costs. It adds that fleet management and insurance telematics, really deliver the reliability, accuracy and privacy “seamless” handover is guaranteed ensuring and it reckons usage-based insurance (UBI) in controls insurers and their customers demand. service continuity even at speeds of up to 250kph. particular is the “ideal showcase” for M2M. “By leveraging over six years of UBI From December 2014 to June 2015, RADWIN According to the company, motor insurers experience with real insurers selling real UBI says the free Wi-Fi on board Tshwane’s buses have long suffered from very high claim ratios, insurance policies, DriveProfiler’s insurance attracted 208,402 unique users who were low profits, and an inability to separate high-risk customers can reduce fraud and accurately price responsible for more than 9.5 million online drivers from low-risk ones. It says an M2M- their customers’ driving behaviour. sessions and a total data usage of 30TB. ■ powered insurance telematics device such as the MHub automatically sends driver-behaviour data to an insurance company delivering immense value for the insurer and insured alike. Once installed, the unit collects vehicle activity trip data, driver behaviour, in-vehicle network data (such as fault codes, fuel consumption, due services, etc.), detects accidents and sends reconstruction data, odometer values, BLE sensor data (such as driver ID, input status, driver’s bio feedback, etc.), and manages user defined geofence activities. DriveProfiler says that one of the topics that typically comes up in discussion with insurance companies investigating insurance telematics is RADWIN’s base stations provide continuous coverage and broadband connectivity to the buses in motion. whether a smartphone can be an effective data- The stations deliver up to 100Mbps but can go up to 250Mbps in MIMO mode.

26 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS July/August 2016 Do you want more?

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VAST Networks believes one of the main challenges in the industry is debunking the myth that Wi-Fi is and should be free.

Shop (but don’t let the signal drop) GRANT MARAIS and KHETAN GAJJAR describe the challenges and drivers of building a reliable Wi-Fi network that is suitable for internet access, media streaming, and capable of delivering future-proof services.

AST Networks, South Africa’s first open- VAST deliberately uses the term “locations” be free. Many end-users are unaware that the access Wi-Fi network, was launched in rather than “access points” or “hotspots”. Other Wi-Fi they are using is being paid for – either June 2015. Earlier this year, the company operators use the term hotspots to count the by their employer, the location owner, or indeed Vannounced that it had successfully built the amount of equipment they deploy – but users themselves through their own broadband continent’s largest shopping centre Wi-Fi installation should be interested in a location that is covered subscription or mobile service. with a deployment at the 130,000m2 Mall of Africa and not how much equipment is utilised to Despite it being one of the cheapest forms of in Johannesburg (see News, Mar-Apr 2016). achieve that ubiquitous coverage. communication, prices for public Wi-Fi access Overall, the company currently covers a total are sometimes artificially hiked, either by the of 6.5 million square metres of indoor space with Wi-Fi for all landowners or the landlords who try to ‘tax’ Wi-Fi, has more than 2,000 operational Wi-Fi telecoms services being provided in their buildings. locations across the country, and continues to One of the main challenges within the industry This makes Wi-Fi artificially more expensive than grow the footprint daily. is debunking the myth that Wi-Fi is and should it really ought to be and in some cases unaffordable.

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When setting up a Wi-Fi network, location and Grant Marais, Khetan Gajjar, CEO, building design play a vital role in determining VAST Networks CTO, the type of installation and the equipment VAST Networks needed. In dense, high traffic areas such as shopping malls, more hardware is needed to provide the end user with a high-quality, reliable and seamless experience. South Africa remains one of the biggest mobile handset-using countries on the continent; VAST seeks to assist mobile-centric users by giving them Being connected also enables other services to that mobile network operators – who are not a means to go online and experience world class be delivered, such as OTT and VOD, for the benefit well-known for providing cost-effective services internet service on their devices. Internet access of South Africa’s social and economic development. – will not encroach on this spectrum with the can become the social fabric that binds and enables same mindset as Wi-Fi operators. So ultimately, communities as they move along their digital path LTE-U and Wi-Fi consumers will end up paying more, and the cost to social and economic development. It empowers of internet access will remain high. people to learn, connect, and understand the world The equipment VAST Networks has deployed Some Wi-Fi users have even expressed concern around them, making them global citizens. Wi-Fi includes 802.11-based Wi-Fi access points while about whether LTE-U will interfere with the speed is a cost-effective way of delivering internet access new sites are built using dual-band radios that and performance of Wi-Fi hotspots. Ultimately, to users, often being a fraction of the cost of other comply with the 802.11ac specification. The spectrum will be too congested once LTE-U means such as mobile data, for example. bulk of our network has been implemented with has been introduced and fully functional. Many As well as benefiting consumers, internet 802.11n-compatible access points in 2.4GHz. operators and chipset manufacturers are still access is essential when it comes to participating However, the company continually investigates searching for a way where LTE-U and Wi-Fi can in the modern economy. Businesses need a variety of technologies, including DAS, LTE-U, co-operate fairly. The proposed LTE-U set of to promote access to information, markets, LAA and LWA, and as appropriate may deploy standards offer the user no better experience than people and opportunities through a great Wi-Fi network technologies other than 802.11-based Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi as provided by VAST. experience that is affordable. Having said that, the company believes that The telecoms space is rapidly growing in South The largest commercial barriers that VAST faces the majority of usage for the next 5-7 years will Africa and Wi-Fi in particular is becoming more is the cost of backhaul, access to facilities, and still be dominated by 802.11-based Wi-Fi, as the accessible. In 2015, mobile phones accounted for rights of way. These are all factors to consider when standard has been ratified and included in most 61 per cent of web traffic in the country, while implementing the network and equipment. The devices by default for more than a decade. This desktop computers and laptops made up the rest. company operates well within the framework of what means that user terminals or devices are freely Today’s internet-driven economy means is required from a legal and regulatory perspective. available, and it’s almost impossible today to buy that more consumers require reliable internet Because VAST has multiple ISP-type tenants on a device that doesn’t have Wi-Fi built-in. Where on the go at an affordable rate. People want to its infrastructure, the commercial case for being it is not built-in, Wi-Fi dongles and adapters are stay connected wherever they are. An example in a specific location or geography is accelerated. now in the sub-USD10 range, and unaffordability of this could be in a retail environment where While traditional single-operator networks build for most consumers therefore doesn’t apply. shoppers want to search for the latest deals and a commercial case based on just the usage of their Technologies such as DAS, LTE-U and LWA offers, and share interesting things they see with own subscribers, our company has the advantage still pre-suppose that a carrier has access to licensed family and friends. Retailers are also looking at of multiple user bases and multiple user profiles spectrum, and the overhead of licensing costs, more innovative ways of promoting products and to more quickly close a commercial case. technology and signalling infrastructure will always services to customers and a Wi-Fi network at a be higher than a pure-play Wi-Fi network operator. mall is the perfect platform to do so. We reckon VAST Networks is currently South Africa’s most developed and seamless Wi-Fi The future ecosystem. With download and upload speeds of up to 500Mbps live in the network today, Without doubt, users will want seamless con- the company is able to deliver a consistent and nectivity. This means a continuous connectivity repeatable experience to its end-users on devices experience across a variety of network equipment that have been commonplace for at least five years. manufactures and technologies. The company’s ecosystem operates on a fully Wi-Fi as a bearer has not fundamentally shifted redundant fibre optic backbone. This is capable of in its approach; it is a technology built from the supporting secured connections to deliver a suite ground-up to compete with other emitting devices of services and applications that provide customers in its band, and its interference mitigation is still and end-users with a superior Wi-Fi experience vastly superior to other licensed band technologies. across multiple and complex environments. VAST Networks is open to working with operators, South African mobile operators who are testing either on a commercial basis as a provider to them, LTE-U technology in their laboratories are reporting or as co-inhabitants of the same spectrum band(s). speeds of up to 1GB per second. While not available The company is also currently exploring to consumers, its arrival is anticipated within the technologies like Hotspot 2.0 release 2, 802.11ac next three years. This is of particular concern to Wave 2 and carrier-band aggregation to deliver Wi-Fi providers, as LTE-U technology intrinsically an easy to use and cost-effective service. In muscles-in on the (unlicensed) spectrum that Wi-Fi addition, it is closely following the regulatory Carrier-grade switching and termination equipment operates in, leaving less capacity available for Wi-Fi. regime change around CBRS (3GHz) in the used to power VAST’s Wi-Fi network. The ﬁ rm says Wi-Fi operators have consistently (and since US; as regulatory and policy changes occur, it continually investigates a variety of technologies, inception) driven down internet connectivity the company will adapt and adjust its course of such as DAS, LTE-U, LAA and LWA. pricing using this spectrum. It is a fair assumption business to match market requirements. ■

30 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS July/August 2016

World’s ﬁ rst LoRA-based IoT network goes live in Netherlands Dutch telco KPN has unveiled LoRa antennas across the country. IoT sensors, applications, etc. Actility CEO Mike the world’s first IoT network Around mid-July it was announced Earlier this year in June, Actility Mulica said KPN based on LoRa (long range) WAN that KPN’s IoT network had gone live, also announced the launch of has “made good” technology. It will use the ThingPark initially in Rotterdam and The Hague. ThingPark in China. It has partnered on its ambition Wireless platform from French specialist Actility says its ThingPark Wireless with Foxconn Technology Group to to turn The Actility to connect a wide range of system provides long-range coverage offer end-to-end IoT services from Netherlands into objects in markets as diverse as agri- for low-power consumption sensors. sensors and gateways to network a smart nation. culture, smart building, transport infra- The platform offers a variety of management and SaaS. ThingPark structure and healthcare applications. features including storage for sensor China will begin business operations Mike Mulica. “It’s growing 30 per The two firms have been working data, embedded software and cloud in the third quarter of 2016. cent a year, and a third of the world’s closely together since November 2015 solutions to connect devices, and a “China is an opportunity like no 15 billion connected things in 2020 and have now installed several hundred dedicated online marketplace for other IoT market,” said Actility CEO will be in China.” Satellite use expands in French Polynesia SK rolls out to meet growing broadband demands nationwide The Office des Postes et on Intelsat 18, which orbits at 180ºE, to further extend its network, increase Telecommunications of so that it could provide coverage to its business and, more importantly, LPWAN French Polynesia (OPT) has signed all of French Polynesia, including provide reliable internet connectivity a new and expanded contract with the Cook Islands. to the citizens of French Polynesia, South Korea Telecom Intelsat for connectivity on Intelsat 18. Under a recently signed multi- reducing the digital divide between plans to invest more than State-owned OPT delivers fixed line year agreement, OPT will be able Tahiti and the remote islands.” KRW100bn (around USD84m) over and postal services to more than 80 to further expand its wireless OPT says Intelsat’s satellite the next two years to boost its IoT inhabited islands covering an area of infrastructure to meet the fast- solutions have enabled it to scale business. It will build a nationwide a five million square kilometres. It has growing mobile broadband and its network as the demands for low-power WAN within this year, three wholly owned subsidiaries: Vini internet needs of businesses and internet and mobile broadband develop IoT-dedicated modules, and for mobile, internet services, TV content communities on the more remote connectivity have continued to rise. upgrade its IoT platform, ThingPlug. and network solutions; ISS for software islands located in the South Pacific. Intelsat adds that given the terrain The operator says its plans are in and electronics services and accessories; OPT president and CEO Jean- of French Polynesia, satellite is the step with the Korean Government’s and Tahiti Nui Telecoms for data centre François Martin says: “The optimised only way to connect remote islands move towards promoting new and hosted infrastructure. performance of Intelsat 18 provides to the mainland, and help telecoms industries. For instance, the Ministry In 2008, OPT commissioned a complement to our terrestrial providers scale their networks to of Science, ICT and Future Planning Intelsat to design a Ku-band beam infrastructure which will enable OPT meet growing business demands. has now revised the maximum transmit power for the 900MHz frequency band from 10mW to 200mW to nurture the IoT industry. Longest rail tunnel safer with Tetrapol This will help the country’s operators The world’s longest railway and journey times for passenger trains overcome limitations caused by the tunnel, the 57km Gotthard between Zürich-Lugano-Milan have low transmit power and to secure the Base Tunnel (GBT) in Switzerland, is been cut by about an hour. basis for many new IoT services. using the Polycom radio system which As well as being the world’s longest Along with the nationwide is based on Tetrapol. rail tunnel, Gotthard is also the deepest LPWAN, SK Telecom will also estab- Covering Switzerland and – in some places it is separated from lish an IoT control centre to monitor Liechtenstein, Polycom is used by the Earth’s surface by around two the real-time status of the nationwide public rescue and safety organisations In addition to Tetrapol, Gotthard also has kilometres of rock. network and all connected devices as well as by operators of critical a vast data network connecting 152km In addition to Tetrapol, the GBT also to optimise operation. infrastructures. The system’s Tetrapol of passages, main and access tunnels. has a vast data network based on more Moreover, the operator says it will technology is supplied by Airbus than 450 Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch develop IoT-dedicated modules that Defence and Space (ADS). from two directions. According to ADS, 6855 switches. The network connects can be embedded into appropriate The company explains that the communication would therefore still be tunnel lights, racks, power systems, devices. The modules will have open system in each of Gotthard’s two possible on both sides even if parts of doors, drainage and ventilation systems. APIs, and to further support startups single-track tunnels consists of two the system became damaged by fire. Data gathered by sensors, monitors and SMEs SK Telecom says it will overlapping cells for both tubes. Each Following an initial construction and surveillance equipment in the provide them free of charge. cell works independently and is based phase which began 17 years ago, the GBT’s 152km of main and access The operator is a member of the on nine transceiver stations. Coverage GBT began operations at the start of tunnels, and cross passages are LoRa Alliance which promotes the in the tunnel is ensured by a radiating June 2016. It connects northern and transmitted to two control centres LoRa protocol (LoRaWAN) as a feeder cable that receives the radio signal southern Europe through the Alps, at the tunnel’s north and south ends. global and open standard for IoT.

32 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS July/August 2016 Register here for your free Digital Edition http://www.kadiumpublishing.com/forms/africa/sawc_reg.htm WORLD NEWS

Lenovo TETRA expanding globally debuts but Europe dominates ﬁ rst Tango- Europe is expected to largest global market for active TETRA as the installed base increases in remain the world’s largest radios with a 53 per cent share of the other regions including Middle East enabled market for TETRA and will continue installed base as at the end of 2015. and Africa, and the Americas. The to rise, according to IHS. Phil Kidner, CEO of the TETRA American installed base is forecast In its latest global report and and Critical Communications to be led by Latin America, although smartphone analysis, the critical communications Association, said: “2015 has been an North America is also forecast to Lenovo has unveiled the industry specialist says the global exceptional year for TETRA in Europe, grow substantially. world’s first smartphone market for the technology is “healthy” with the completion of the nationwide Mission-critical applications that uses Google’s Tango augmented with growth expected in all regions. networks in Germany and Norway. continue to make up a major part of reality (AR) technology. Eastern Europe in particular is We are also seeing re-investment in the TETRA market, with public safety The PHAB2 Pro features projected to see rapid expansion. Here, existing TETRA networks, with a huge and security representing more than 56 sensors and software that map its IHS forecasts new terminal shipments amount of activity in renewing both per cent of the installed base. However, surroundings to enable various AR in the industrial sector to increase by infrastructure and terminals.” over the next five years, IHS predicts experiences. For example, one of almost 50 per cent, and in transport Although Europe remains the that business-critical applications will the first Tango-enabled apps is from by nearly 27 per cent. And Western largest market, IHS believes it will see the most growth, including sectors home improvement company Lowe. Europe is expected to remain the be challenged by the end of 2020 such as utilities and industrial. Vision enables customers to measure spaces and visualise how appliances, décor, counter tops, tiles, etc., will all look and fit together in a room. Small cell system for data-hungry London There are three core technologies CCS (Cambridge Com- service provider and ISP Luminet. The CCS says its Metnet behind Tango: firstly, by using motion munication Systems) and latter already has more than 1,900 sites small cell system tracking the PHAB2 Pro’s ‘eye’ sees Luminet plan to rollout a small cell in London via its fixed wireless access has been designed its own location in 3D; secondly, network across London. The partners infrastructure. It also has two 112MHz for discreet street area learning tells the smartphone its say this will provide mobile operators frequency channels in perpetuity at installation on location; and thirdly, depth perception with readily-available wireless back- 28GHz which will be used by CCS’ lamp posts, walls, enables the device to analyse the haul for their small cell deployments, Metnet self-organising wireless backhaul rooftops, etc. shape of the world around it by and enable enterprises to receive up system. Luminet has integrated its 3D detecting surfaces and obstacles. to 1Gbps internet access. mapping and site database into the “Now for the first time ever, According to CCS, although small Metnet planning tool in an effort to allowing for reliable one-by-one or your smartphone can visualise and cells are recognised as the ideal simplify the design and planning stage mass predictions without the need understand its surrounding objects solution for operators to cope with the of each London small cell deployment. for physical site surveys. and environment via sensors that increase in mobile data, deployment The 3D map data provided by The partners say their wireless back- capture more than 250,000 meas- is often hindered by site acquisition Luminet will identify demand hotspots haul network is planned for 23 partitions urements a second,” says Lenovo. and associated planning approvals. in the capital for on-net delivery. It is and 250 polygons across 1,050 small All the data simultaneously The firm aims to address this claimed to be “highly accurate”, with cell sites, enabling a transit capacity received from multiple camera through its partnership with managed a resolution of less than one metre, of 0.012 GkM (Gbps/km2/MHz). sensors, the gyro and accelerometer are processed and time stamped by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 652. Lenovo reckons this results in a fast and SIMs helping to monitor fuel tanks smooth augmented reality experience, Sensile Technologies will addition, customers can access the where 3D AR overlays track more use 25,000 SIM cards from Oil Link web portal on smartphones naturally to the physical surroundings. Orange Business Services (OBS) to to monitor consumption. Other features include LTE con- monitor more than 60,000 oil and According to estimates by Berg nectivity, a 6.4-inch display with gas tanks across 60 countries. Insight, global M2M SIM shipments QHD (2,560 x 1,440) resolution, Previously, the Switzerland-based increased by 19.4 per cent in 2015 to six megapixel camera that supports IoT specialist used 2G compatible de- As well as using 2G (SMS) to transmit reach a new record of 96 million. East 4K video recording, and vices to power its telemetry solutions: data, the NETRIS 2 remote tank Asia, North America and Western Dolby playback and sur- GASLink and NETRIS 2. In a three- monitoring system can also use 3G Europe were the main markets in round sound year deal, OBS will support the two and 4G, as well as create a short- 2015, accounting for around 75 per recording. systems worldwide, extending their distance RF connection. cent of the total demand. coverage to include 3G/4G devices. The analyst believes the latest The PHAB2 Pro GASLink and NETRIS 2 are installed to trigger deliveries automatically. 3GPP standards for LTE will uses Google’s directly in an oil or propane tank and Thanks to the optimisation of contribute “substantially” to growth Tango system to regularly send level measurements deliveries based on live data, OBS in the next coming five years. It create various via GSM to Sensile’s Oil Link cloud. says they can lower their logistics predicts that M2M device shipments augmented reality Merchants and their hauliers receive costs by at least 25 per cent, without will increase at a CAGR of 21.7 per experiences. the data directly in their ERP systems the risk of customers running dry. In cent to reach 256 million by 2020.

July/August 2016 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS 33 Register here for your free Digital Edition WORLD NEWS http://www.kadiumpublishing.com/forms/africa/sawc_reg.htm

True deploys ZTE claims new record for 4T4R True Corporation has 800G long-haul network deployed what’s claimed to be the world’s largest 4T4R ZTE reckons it’s set a new ZTE said the achieved data rate as 1.6Tbps, will be introduced as (four transmission four receiver) transmission record for a interface ensured spectral efficiency Ethernet standard rates since it would commercial network. The Thai single-carrier 800G long-haul network. of 5.33b/s/Hz. It added that both be a logical upward path rate from the operator’s rollout is currently In a demonstration carried out earlier the transmitter-side, and the optical 400Gb Ethernet interface, which is ongoing, and as at June 2016 it had this year in China, the company said pre-emphasis and receiver-side MLSE based on high baud rate signals and implemented more than 6,300 sites. it successfully transmitted 120Gbaud (maximum likelihood sequence high order modulation formats.” It is using Huawei’s SingleRAN WDM 16QAM signals over 1,200km estimation) were utilised to mitigate Over the last few years, ZTE has 4T4R solution to usher in 4.5G. terrestrial fibre links. It’s claimed this is the narrow filtering effect caused by carried out extensive R&D on single The vendor says that compared the highest symbol rate reported so far bandwidth limitation of the opto- carrier transmissions. For example to traditional 2T2R networks, the for 16QAM signals based on ETDM electronic components. in 2013, it completed data signalling downlink throughput of 4T4R at the (electrical time division multiplexing). “Thanks to the high baud rate at speeds of 400Gbps over a distance cell edge with commercial devices In the demo, ZTE used 12 x 150GHz signals generation, transport interfaces of more than 5,000km. In 2015, the has increased by more than 38 per WDM channels. Each was loaded with with bit-rates of up to 1Tbps will be company collaborated with OFS cent, while uplink throughput has 960Gbps (800Gbps data signals and 20 achieved in the near future,” said Dr. America to realise a 400Gbps single- increased by 50 per cent. per cent FEC emulated overhead bits) Jianjun Yu, chief scientist at ZTE carrier PDM-QPSK signal transmission over a 1,200km link based on 100km US Optical Lab. “We can expect over 10,000km. This was said to be a Telenor sole spans of TeraWave optical fibre. that bit rates beyond 1Tbps, such world record for 400G transmission. 4G bidder eLTE broadband trunking at Algiers airport The Pakistan Telecommu- Algeria will see the first or multimedia dispatch. Furthermore, indoor and outdoor working areas for nication Authority (PTA) commercial deployment of ground handling services take place in the ground staff. only received a single bid in its recent an eLTE system at an airport in Africa. a complicated and noisy environment, To cope with noise in the airport, spectrum auction for next-generation Huawei will be responsible for making voice dispatch error-prone and Huawei says its system supports mobile services. The authority was the broadband trunking project at increasing security risks. throat vibration mic earpieces, noise- hoping to attract international as the Houari Boumediene Airport Huawei will deliver a system that cancelling headphones, and additional well as domestic operators. It said in Algiers. It will provide an eLTE is capable of interworking with the accessories to guarantee voice trunking that in accordance with the time- core network, base stations, trunking existing TETRA platform to improve performance. lines of the auction process, it held terminals, multimedia dispatching, as the accuracy and efficiency of ground The company adds that eLTE can an information session with possible well as other devices and systems. dispatch. The vendor says its real-time, offer complete video dispatch and bidders in May. Telenor was the only The airport currently uses large-bandwidth eLTE platform real-time monitoring services through firm to submit a bid by the deadline TETRA for routine scheduling and will enable the airport to carry out backhaul of onsite images to the which expired on 1 June. It will pay dispatch. But its narrowband system multimedia trunking dispatch, video command centre. It also provides an USD395m for a 10MHz block of is insufficient for broadband data surveillance, and other applications open eSDK for interconnection with 850MHz, and joins China Mobile’s transmission, mobile video surveillance, on a single network that covers both third-party airport applications. subsidiary Zong as the only licensed 4G network provider in Pakistan. Cloud-based platform helps connect cars Arqiva in- Car manufacturers can now what’s claimed to be the industry’s first CTO Mahbubul offer owners cloud-based commercially available cloud-based Alam says embedded software maintenance and platform to maintain connected cars. Movimento ﬂ ight Wi-Fi the latest capability upgrades over All vehicles have numerous software has created a Comms infrastructure their vehicle’s entire lifecycle, thanks to programs running on a network of centralised solution specialist Arqiva has been a partnership between the Movimento electronic control units (ECUs) that from car to cloud. selected by Panasonic Avionics Group and Sierra Wireless. need to be individually managed and Corporation to provide its hosting, US-based Movimento specialises in maintained. Sierra and Movimento secure network and selecting the connectivity and teleport uplink ser- technologies such as vehicle re-flash say their solution enables automotive appropriate update campaign. vices via Telesat’s new high through- services and innovations in over-the- OEMs to update software for all “Rather than worrying about put satellite, Telstar 12 VANTAGE. air (OTA) software to help realise ECUs simultaneously over-the-air. maintaining all the different software The multi-year deal will see Arqiva what it describes as the “Software- Movimento’s software update client and firmware versions, we created deliver a range of mobility services for Defined Car”. The firm’s customers in runs on the Legato Linux embedded a centralised solution from car to Panasonic, including inflight WiFi, the automotive industry include Ford, application framework available on cloud,” said Mahbubul Alam, CTO/ which will operate round the clock GM and Volvo, amongst others. Sierra’s 4G automotive modules. Using CMO, Movimento. “You don’t have to from its Chalfont Grove teleport site Under the new partnership, the vendor’s AirVantage cloud platform, provision every ECU with a dedicated near London. Signals are extended to Movimento will integrate its OTA it’s claimed carmakers can “seamlessly” software agent, which reduces CPU the Panasonic Network over Arqiva’s technology with Sierra Wireless’ upgrade all vehicle software by simply and memory requirements, along 2.5Tbps core transmission network. device-to-cloud solution to provide logging into the dashboard over a with overall costs.”

34 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS July/August 2016