News 

The telco is the first company to announce domestic production of fibre products for use in the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) programme 

This week, Nokia has announced that it will partner with manufacturing firm Sanmina Corporation to produce fibre optic network equipment at the latter’s factory in Wisconsin for use in the BEAD program. 

The BEAD programme, launched in November 2021 as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, dedicates more than $42 billion to expand high-speed internet access to everyone in America, with the aim to “get everyone online”. The scheme will fund the planning and building of the infrastructure needed to increase the adoption of high-speed internet. 

The money was allocated in June on a state-by-state basis, with each state receiving a minimum of $100 million and offshore territories a $25 million minimum. Some states, such as Texas and California have secured much more, being allocated $3.3 billion and $1.86 billion, respectively. Nineteen US states are set to receive more than $1 billion. 

States must now each submit a five-year plan to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), outlining how they will use their funding to close the digital divide in their respective regions. 

Naturally, this is a huge opportunity for fibre network equipment makers, but there is a catch: the “Build America, Buy America” Act, which requires public funding to only be spent on American-made products. The NTIA is stringent in their imposition of this, in order to maximise the economic potential of the scheme for the country. 

Thus, for Nokia to capture even a fraction of this BEAD funding, it will require manufacturing capabilities in the US itself, hence the new partnership with Sanmina. 

Products to be manufactured at that the Sanmina plant include an Optical Line Termination (OLT) card for a modular Access Node, a small form factor OLT, OLT optical modules, and an outdoor-hardened Optical Network Terminal (ONT). 

“By continuing to invest in domestic manufacturing, Nokia and Sanmina will be able to help create a sustainable future for the industry, one that drives job growth and ensures the fibre products produced embody the quality and excellence associated with American manufacturing,” added Sanmina CEO Jure Sola. 

“By bringing the manufacturing of our fibre-optic broadband access products to the US, BEAD participants will be able to work with us to bridge the digital divide. We look forward to bringing more Americans online,” said Nokia in a statement. 

Manufacturing the equipment will begin next year, and Nokia claims the project will create 200 new jobs.  

How is the US broadband market evolving? Join the operators in discussion at next year’s Connected America conference live in Dallas, Texas 

Also in the news:
Comcast talks building a self-healing network at Connected America
1&1 foregoes Telefónica for Vodafone in 5G roaming deal
Is the UK losing the 5G rollout race? 

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Two FTTH expansion projects, one new IX, and some new regional optical manufacturing capacity: … [visit site to read more]

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Prodapt’s Rajesh Khanna Jalandhar

The projected growth and demand for Fiber-to-the-Home/Building (FTTH/B) in the global market is estimated at a value of $29.7B by 2026 at a CAGR of 13.1% (Research & Market), highlighting the crucial need for efficient and commercially viable fiber planning and design. … [visit site to read more]

Telecoms infrastructure provider Helios Towers revealed a hike in revenue and profit in its H1 results and announced raises to its outlook despite high debt.

The company saw H1 2023 revenue increase by 32% year-on-year (YoY) to US$350.2 million, driven by strong organic tenancy growth, acquisitions in Malawi and Oman and contractual escalators.

Adjusted EBITDA in the half year was up 28% YoY to US$173.8m. Operating profit surged 74% to US$69.3m, driven by growth from adjusted EBITDA. However, debt stood at US$1.7 billion in the half, a 58% YoY increase.  

The number of towers and cell sites increased by 3,176 year-on-year to 13,870 reflecting the organic site growth of 657 sites and the acquisition of 2,519 sites in Oman. Tenancies of sites increased by 5,334 year-on-year to 25,883 reflecting an addition of 2,317 organic tenancies and 3,017 acquired tenancies in Oman.

Helios updated its outlook, now expecting to increase tenancy to 19,00 – 2,100, under half (40%) will be new sites. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between US$355m – US$365m (prior: US$350m – US$365m). Finally, capex is forecast to be between US$180m – US$210m (prior: US$170m – US$210m).

In a statement, Helios Towers CEO Tom Greenwood said: “I am delighted with the Company’s performance in the first half of the year, which included delivering record organic tenancies and continuing improvements in customer delivery.

“The team also continues to make solid progress on our 2023 goals of acquisition integration, tenancy ratio expansion, accelerating Adjusted EBITDA growth and reducing net leverage. Accordingly, we have tightened our full-year 2023 guidance to the top end of our previously announced range and we remain committed to delivering sustainable value for all our stakeholders.”

News

The agreement is a huge knock for Telefonica Deutschland, which generates 40% of its free cash flow from its relationship with 1&1, according to analysts 

This week, Germany’s newest mobile operator 1&1 has signed an exclusive deal with Vodafone Germany, allowing it to provide 5G services to its customers using Vodafone’s network. 

The operator currently has a similar long-term deal with Telefonica Deutschland to provide 4G services, which will last until June 2025. 

1&1 was originally a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) using Telefónica Deutschland’s network to deliver services. In 2019, however, 1&1 purchased €1.07 billion-worth of spectrum at auction, aiming to build its own 5G network. 

Whilst its own network is being built, 1&1 will need to provide services via other operators. It will be able to use Vodafone’s mobile networks wherever it does not yet operate its own sites (starting from 1st October 2024). The agreement is long term, up to 18 years, and will also provide coverage to areas not covered by 1&1’s new network. 

Since the news, Telefonica Deutschland’s share prices have dropped by 16%, the most on record. Shares of parent company Telefónica also fell by 7%. On the contrary, shares in 1&1 rose by 15%, the biggest one-day gain since 2008. 

There have not been any disclosed financial details, although 1&1 will pay a set price based on the percentage of Vodafone’s network used by its customers. 

“Both sides will benefit from this mobile communications partnership in the long term. 1&1 also gets access to 5G. And the attractive conditions of this partnership help us as Vodafone to make even better use of our networks and to further improve them for our customers,” said Phillip Rogge, Vodafone Germany CEO. 

The deal marks a change in the tone of the relationship between the two firms. In February 2021, 1&1 filed a complaint to the German Federal Cartel Office, noting that it was facing ‘ongoing obstacles to the rollout of its 5G network resulting from actions by Vodafone’. 1&1 alleged that Vodafone’s tower unit, Vantage Towers, failed to provide access to its sites as per their contractual agreement. 

Want to keep up with all of the latest telecoms news from around the world? Sign up to receive Total Telecom’s daily newsletter 

Also in the news:
Telefónica and Sateliot make history with 5G roaming space connection
e& looks to Europe with €2.15bn stake in PPF Telecom Group
UK government unveils £40m funding for 5G innovation  

PBX is a well known and used system in the telephony business. This Private Branch Exchange is what many different companies use for internal communication, while more advanced PBX systems can be used to relay calls with users outside the company, common for telecoms.

While this invention had greatly improved company operations for many businesses, there were still a few kinks that came along with it.

One of the biggest issues was physical space as PBX systems required substantial room to be set up in, wasting precious potential office space.

The other major issue was that on-site PBX systems simply were not proving as flexible as businesses wanted them.

This led to an innovation in the industry, a cloud based PBX system, but what exactly makes this version better than the physical one?

What Is A Cloud PBX System?

Arguably the first question on everyone’s minds. A cloud PBX system is simply a PBX system that does not require on-site installation because it is hosted in the cloud, or rather, on the servers of a third-party which provides the service.

It existing in the cloud provides it the many advantages of not being tethered to a physical location within the company.

The Benefits Of A Cloud-based PBX System

Now, if you are a business owner and are looking to get a PBX system installed, you may be wondering if there is any merit to opting for the cloud-based option instead of the standard on-site installation aside from the extra space.

I am here to tell you that there is plenty as a cloud hosted PBX option allows for greater overall scalability and introduces modern options and more overall features.

1. Virtually No Setup Or Maintenance Required

With a cloud-hosted PBX solution, the burden of acquiring and setting up hardware to house a traditional on-site PBX system is completely eliminated. The process of integrating a cloud-based PBX into your business systems is remarkably straightforward, requiring practically zero setup effort. Your IT team can now breathe a sigh of relief as they no longer need to navigate the complexities of hardware installations.

All you need to ensure is that your business has a stable and reliable internet connection, which is a standard requirement for most modern businesses. Additionally, having access to IP phones is essential for making and receiving calls via the cloud-based PBX system. Once these simple prerequisites are in place, your business is ready to harness the full potential of the cloud-hosted PBX solution.

The beauty of opting for a cloud-hosted PBX system lies not only in the simplicity of integration but also in the subsequent hassle-free operation. Since there is no physical hardware installed on-site, your business will be free from the burden of additional maintenance costs. Say goodbye to worries about expensive hardware repairs or upgrades.

By relying on the service provider’s hosting infrastructure, you can rest assured that your cloud-based PBX system will operate seamlessly, with regular updates and maintenance managed by professionals.

2. Greatly Reduced Operation Costs

While we have already covered the significant cost savings related to hardware expenses in the previous section, it’s essential to acknowledge that hardware costs are just one component of the overall PBX-related expenditures. Another aspect to consider is the member-based fees, which may vary depending on the chosen PBX solution.

However, it is crucial to highlight that even with these additional fees, cloud-based PBX systems remain far more cost-effective than on-site alternatives. Not only do they present lower initial costs, but they also offer substantial ongoing savings. These cost differentials arise due to the nature of cloud-based solutions, which alleviate the need for expensive on-site infrastructure and maintenance.

3. Seamless Integration Into Existing Infrastructure

Due to the PBX system existing in the cloud rather than a fixed location, its options expand greatly. The integration capability of cloud-based PBX systems with a variety of telephony apps commonly used in business management leads to significant benefits. 

This seamless integration vastly improves workflow and communication while reducing employee stress, resulting in enhanced efficiency and productivity.

On top of that, cloud-based PBX systems extend beyond IP phones, embracing a diverse range of communication channels, including SMS, MMS, voice and video calls, conference calls, and more.

4. Better Security

Choosing a cloud-hosted PBX solution can significantly reduce the vulnerability to disruption and downtime for your business. The hosting server’s remote and secure location provides an added layer of protection against potential threats, ensuring the continuity of your communication services.

With the cloud-based PBX system, the risk of experiencing downtime is minimized, thanks to the robust infrastructure and redundancy measures implemented by reputable service providers. Barring highly unlikely scenarios, such as major regional outages, your communication services will remain operational without any significant interruptions.

The reliability of a cloud-hosted PBX system is a game-changer for businesses that rely heavily on uninterrupted communication. You can rest assured that your telephony services will be up and running, allowing your team to stay connected and productive, even during critical moments.

5. Easier Scalability

The simplicity and speed of adding a new user to a cloud-based PBX network are unparalleled compared to on-site based PBX networks. With cloud-based PBX, the process is as easy as creating a few new user accounts, and you’re all set. No need to deal with the complexities of additional hardware installations that can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

As a result, setting up new employees with their own PBX access becomes a breeze. In a fast-paced business environment, time is of the essence, and cloud-based PBX allows you to swiftly onboard new team members, ensuring they have immediate access to seamless communication tools.

The faster implementation of cloud-based PBX not only benefits new employees but also provides your existing users with a smoother experience. Upgrading or expanding your communication network becomes quick and efficient, minimizing any disruption to your business operations.

6. The Remote Option

In today’s modern business landscape, the ability to work from anywhere is no longer a luxury but a necessity for maintaining productivity and flexibility.

With a cloud-based PBX, your employees are no longer tied to their office IP phones. Instead, they can take calls, participate in conference meetings, and collaborate with colleagues seamlessly from their laptops or cell phones. 

Whether they are working from home, on the road, or traveling for business, the power of cloud PBX ensures that they remain fully connected to the company’s communication system.

Moreover, a cloud-based PBX system opens up new possibilities for your business. You can tap into a wider talent pool, hiring skilled professionals from different geographical areas. 

The Cloud Based PBX System You Need

If you’re seeking to establish seamless communication within your company and have future scalability in mind, a cloud PBX system is the way to go. Investing in this advanced VoIP solution can revolutionize the way your business communicates and collaborates, paving the way for enhanced productivity and growth.

While transitioning from an on-site to a cloud-based PBX may present a learning curve for older employees, the benefits far outweigh any initial challenges.

Although some cloud-based solutions may have limitations when it comes to custom security parameters, fear not! Bicom Systems has the perfect answer – PBXware. Our unified communications solution offers both cloud-based and on-site deployment options, tailored to meet your unique business requirements.

With PBXware, potential drawbacks are virtually nonexistent. Our expertise ensures a smooth transition, leaving you with a seamlessly integrated communication system that empowers your team to collaborate efficiently and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

If you would like to learn more about it, feel free to Contact Us anytime.

Your success in the telecommunications industry hinges on delivering reliable, innovative, and cost-effective solutions that exceed your clients’ expectations.

That’s why PBXware Multi-Tenant Edition from Bicom Systems is the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. Empower yourself to transform your business operations and deliver unparalleled value to your clients.

It’s the ultimate choice for UCaaS providers, and this is why:

The Power of Multi-Tenant Architecture

With PBXware‘s seamless multi-tenant architecture, you can revolutionize the way you serve your clients.

Say goodbye to the complexities of separate hardware and intricate configurations. Now, you can efficiently manage and maintain a diverse customer base from a single installation. 

Streamline your operations, reduce costs, and enhance your overall productivity. 

Flexibility that Drives Your Scalability

No matter if you cater to small businesses or large enterprises, PBXware adapts to your growing customer base, accommodating new users and additional services without disrupting your existing operations. 

Customize and tailor solutions to meet the unique needs of each client, from basic telephony to advanced unified communications. Stay ahead of the curve and deliver a complete communication ecosystem that sets you apart from the competition.

Each Tenant Can Make It Their Own

In the competitive telecommunications industry, you know that standing out from the crowd is key to success. That’s where PBXware’s multi-tenant branding options come into play, providing you with a powerful tool to take your business to the next level.

With PBXware’s multi-tenant branding solution, you have the freedom to create a fully customized and branded communication experience for your tenants or clients.

Imagine having your company’s logo, colors, and brand elements seamlessly integrated into the user interface. This white-labeling capability allows you to showcase your brand identity front and center, instilling confidence and trust among your customers.

Embrace a Comprehensive Feature Set

Empower your clients with a comprehensive suite of features that enhance communication and collaboration. 

With PBXware Multi-Tenant Edition, you can equip businesses with advanced tools like intelligent call routing, efficient call queuing, voicemail management, conference calling, presence management, and much more. 

Streamline their internal and external communications, increase their productivity, and delight them with seamless and efficient workflows.

Cost-Effectiveness Sells

As an UCaaS provider, delivering cost-effective solutions is key to satisfying your clients and boosting your profitability. PBXware Multi-Tenant Edition is here to help you achieve that goal. 

By eliminating the need for expensive hardware installations, you can leverage existing infrastructure and deploy virtualized instances, drastically reducing upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs. 

Offering affordable solutions to your clients not only makes you more attractive to them but also positions you as a trusted and valuable provider in the competitive market.

Uncompromised Reliability and Security

Assure your clients of robust security and uninterrupted performance with PBXware Multi-Tenant Edition. 

Benefit from advanced security features like encryption, secure SIP signaling, and secure media transmission to safeguard their communications from unauthorized access and potential threats. 

Take advantage of PBXWare’s redundancy and failover capabilities, ensuring continuous service availability and maximizing your clients’ satisfaction. 

Rest easy knowing that their communications are protected and their operations are always up and running.

Intuitive Management and Actionable Insights

Effortlessly manage and monitor your client accounts with PBXware’s intuitive web-based management interface. 

Gain valuable insights into your clients’ usage patterns, call statistics, and system performance through detailed reporting and analytics. With this information at your fingertips, you can proactively optimize your services, address issues promptly, and deliver an exceptional customer experience. 

Make data-driven decisions that drive your success and keep your clients coming back for more.

You’ll Love PBXware Multi-Tenant

PBXware Multi-Tenant Edition from Bicom Systems is your ultimate solution for unlocking success. Its multi-tenant architecture, scalability, comprehensive features, cost-effectiveness, security, and intuitive management tools are all designed with you in mind. 

Embrace the future of reselling, elevate your offerings, attract more clients, and take your business to new heights with PBXware Multi-Tenant Edition. Seize your opportunity to thrive in the UCaaS provider landscape.

Contact us today!

A new minority investment, an analytics upgrade, and some 400G: … [visit site to read more]

As a UCaaS provider, staying ahead of the competition is crucial. 

To truly elevate your business and delight your clients, you need a contact center solution that goes beyond the ordinary. 

Look no further than PBXware Contact Center Edition – a game-changing solution designed to revolutionize customer service and empower your business like never before.

Harness the Power of Customer Engagement

Exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of any successful business. With PBXware Contact Center Edition, your clients can effortlessly handle end-users and transform their experience. 

The solution’s advanced features, including automatic call distribution (ACD), ensure that incoming calls are efficiently routed to the most appropriate agents, minimizing wait times and leaving your clients’ customers satisfied.

Additionally, PBXware’s real-time monitoring capabilities enable your clients to track and analyze call statistics, agent performance, and customer feedback. This invaluable data empowers them to make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement, and optimize their contact center operations. 

By harnessing the power of customer engagement, your clients can build lasting relationships with their customers, leading to increased loyalty and enhanced brand reputation.

Elevate Efficiency with Expertly Designed UI

Efficiency is the key to success in the fast-paced world of customer service. 

PBXware Contact Center Edition’s user interface is thoughtfully designed by industry veterans to streamline operations and empower your agents to focus on what matters most – exceptional service. 

The clean and intuitive GUI enables your clients to easily manage agent queues, view real-time call status, and access vital customer information.

Moreover, the solution’s comprehensive reporting and analytics tools provide valuable insights into agent productivity, call volumes, and customer satisfaction levels. Armed with this data, your clients can optimize agent scheduling, identify peak call times, and improve first call resolution rates. 

The result? Enhanced efficiency and productivity that drive bottom-line growth.

Personalized Apps for Optimal Performance

Empowering agents and supervisors is essential for a thriving contact center. PBXware Contact Center Edition offers specialized apps, such as gloCOM Agent and Supervisor editions, tailor-made to optimize worker performance. 

These apps provide unique interfaces for each role, enabling agents to handle customer inquiries with speed and accuracy while supervisors have the tools to monitor and coach agents in real-time.

With features like call recording and agent whispering, supervisors can provide on-the-spot assistance to agents, leading to improved customer interactions and increased agent confidence.

By equipping your clients’ teams with personalized apps, you make it possible for them to create an environment that fosters excellence, driving customer satisfaction to new heights.

Cost-Effective Brilliance: Savings Without Sacrifice

As a UCaaS provider, attracting clients and ensuring their satisfaction is essential for sustainable growth. 

PBXware Contact Center Edition delivers on both fronts by offering cost-effective solutions without compromising service quality. Our online self-care systems empower end-users to personalize their settings, reducing support expenses and creating a more efficient support experience.

Furthermore, the solution’s scalability means that your clients can expand their contact center operations as their business grows, without incurring hefty additional costs. This flexibility allows them to align their expenses with actual business needs, ensuring maximum return on investment and a competitive edge in the market.

Seamlessly Integrated for Maximum Efficiency

Deploying new software can be a daunting process, but not with PBXware Contact Center Edition. Our solution offers seamless integration into your clients’ existing infrastructure, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum efficiency. 

Whether they use CRMs or have specific IP phone brand preferences, PBXware’s compatibility ensures a smooth transition without disruption to daily operations.

With the support of our experienced team, the deployment process becomes seamless and hassle-free. Your clients can confidently embrace PBXware Contact Center Edition, knowing they have a trusted partner committed to their success.

Empower Your Business with PBXware Contact Center Edition

As a UCaaS provider and reseller, your success is our priority. PBXware Contact Center Edition can be your ultimate weapon for taking your business to new heights. 

Revolutionize customer service, elevate efficiency, and drive growth with a solution that goes beyond the ordinary.

To get more details on all of its amazing features, visit PBXware Contact Center Edition, or get in touch with us directly!