Stephane Teral

Principal Analyst, Service Provider VoIP, IMS, FMC, Mobile Infrastructure
Infonetics Research

What can attendees expect from Infonetics at Informa’s 3G, HSPA+ and LTE Optimisation event?

We’ll be sharing some market numbers showing size and projections for 2G/3G optimization and SON as well as the chief reason why there is no slowdown in sight for this mobile network optimization market worldwide .

What are the key challenges faced by operators in regards to network optimisation?

I see two major ones: 1/ the ever increasing number of KPIs, with many that don’t really make a big difference and 2/ the unabated onslaught of powerful devices such as smartphones and tablets that are continuously changing the game. For instance, last year, it was found that Android phones were generating more uplink traffic than any other phones. Now, we are discovering that the iPhone 4S was generating even more burdensome levels of data consumption by its users. All of this has a significant toll on mobile networks, making optimization a never ending story punctuated with new events down the road.

How will the market change over the next 12-24 months? What does the landscape look like?

I see two major trends: 1/ the rise of SON (Self-Organizing Networks) fueled by the commercial launch of 100 LTE networks in 2012 (according to the GSA as of 12/31/2011); SON will continue to be baked in LTE but will also spread into 2G/3G networks, particularly those being modernized and 2/ a vendor shake up is looming as the MNO network is crowded with specialist and niche vendors that present nice competences for tier 1 OEMs and private equity firms. I would not be surprised to see a private fund to jump in, buy a few companies, and create a large MNO vendor.

Why should people attend Informa’s 3G, HSPA+ and LTE Optimisation event?

To learn other’s firsthand experience. It’s amazing how knowledgeable both the speakers and the audience are. There is an outstanding mix of mobile operators willing to share their daily issues and show how they solved them and niche vendors presenting case studies.

Kim Larsen

Head of Technology Economics & Services, Technology
T-Mobile, Deutsche Telekom

What are the key challenges faced by operators in regards to network optimisation?

One of the key challenges we face in the wireless industry is that the spectral capacity (or deployed effective spectral efficiency) cannot make up for the growth in spectral demand as a result of the mobile broadband data explosive growth.

Further, with the proliferation of smartphones and mobile applications the fundamentals of wireless data traffic has changed from being peak-throughput focused to force considerable network resources to concurrent events and signaling.

Why is 3G, HSPA+ and LTE Optimisation important for T-Mobile?

Simple! Ensure a Great Customer Experience, Network Quality and Efficient Economics across the various radio access technologies we have in our portfolio.

How will the market change over the next 12-24 months? What does the landscape look like?

In Europe we will see increasing focus on LTE deployment and traffic off-loading from our 3G networks (via WiFi & Femto deployments). Network Optimization will not only be limited to 3G, HSPA+ and LTE but extend beyond the traditional wireless boundaries into fixed options (pending penetration of high quality fixed broadband infrastructure).

Why should people attend Informa’s 3G, HSPA+ and LTE Optimisation event?

It’s a key industry event that allows the industry experts to network and share their experience and thoughts on the Optimization challenges, options & innovation the wireless industry will have consider the coming time.

Ed Candy

CTO
Three UK

What are the key challenges faced by operators in regards to network optimisation?

The key challenge for operators is how you manage the demand for capacity in the network. With the rise in number of smartphones, the integration of different technologies is fundamental to ensure LTE technologies can run simultaneously.

How will the market change over the next 12-24 months? What does the landscape look like?

Over the next 12 months, the continuing growth in access to internet services will dominate the market. Smartphones will continue to grow to the majority of handsets on the network and the majority of phones supplied will be smartphones or will have smart phone features. How you optimise the network to support this is crucial.

Why should people attend Informa’s 3G, HSPA+ and LTE Optimisation event?

This subject is one of the most significant issues that operators have to consider in the immediate future and will allow suppliers and commentators a view and understanding to the landscape over the next 12 months.