Sonus announced it is launching a new mobility suite that enables MNOs and MVNOs to improve customer experience and lower costs for voice and text services by easily offloading them from 2G/3G networks to Wi-Fi and LTE. Sonus' Wi-Fi and LTE Calling solutions integrate with the native dialer on Android devices to maximize usage and provide a seamless calling experience for subscribers. Sonus' Wi-Fi and LTE Calling extends the reach of the mobile operators' network and improves in-building coverage by routing calls over Wi-Fi or LTE/HSPA. 

The business side of things

Verizon announced last month that it has completed its $1.8 billion purchase of XO Communications' fiberoptic network business as part of the company's continual plans to build and deliver next-generation networks, extending its suite of high-quality network services to its enterprise and wholesale customers. In addition, the deal will help Verizon with its plans to densify its cellular network and to deploy new 5G technologies.

That was not the only major business announcement made by Verizon last month. The company also announced it is launching a business and technology venture called Exponent, designed to help carriers around the world quickly deploy and launch next-generation solutions and implement digital transformation, as well as expand their Big Data and Artificial Intelligence initiatives, the Internet of Things (IoT), media services and Internet delivery platforms.

Nokia announced its intention to acquire Comptel and is launching a recommended cash tender offer for all the shares and option rights in Comptel. The planned acquisition is part of Nokia's strategy to build a standalone software business at scale by expanding and strengthening its software portfolio and go-to-market capabilities with additional sales capacity and a strategic partner network. Comptel would bolster Nokia's software portfolio by adding critical solutions for catalogue-driven service orchestration and fulfillment, intelligent data processing, customer engagement, and agile service monetization.

International Update

Internationally, concerted efforts were being made all over the globe to increase service quality and reach, with high-speed, reliable voice and data communications now reaching more areas of the world than ever before.

A new report released last month by BICS reveals that global data roaming has increased significantly and is now available in 143 countries, up from 75 just three years ago, enabling subscribers to take advantage of high quality data services as they travel, according to annual research by BICS, a global wholesale carrier for voice, mobile data and capacity services. LTE data roaming is now available in 75 percent of the world. The number of operators offering these services has also seen dramatic growth, increasing by over 150% in the same period.

Quantis Global has signed an agreement that will expand and improve its broadband service in Europe and Northern Africa using high-throughput Intelsat SA satellites and IntelsatOne Flex services to bring higher performing broadband services across the region. The network leverages Intelsat teleports and will serve NGOs, enterprise, embassies, the oil & gas sector, and maritime customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

ICFLIX, the leading Internet streaming service provider in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), is now doing direct subscriber billing through the Gulf's largest telecom, enabling Direct Operator Billing to customers across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via Saudi Telecom Company (STC), the largest telecom operator in the Gulf.

Technological advances

Ruckus Wireless, a part of Brocade, announced a collaboration with Amdocs, a provider of software and services to communications and media companies, to deliver a customizable, managed cloud Wi-Fi service to service providers. The joint offering will enable service providers to deliver Wi-Fi and LTE as managed services either as an enhancement to their current solutions or as new wireless managed services to their business customers.

Baicells Technology has launched the world's first real neutral host small cell solution providing a shared infrastructure for multiple mobile operators looking to increase capacity and coverage in dense areas where dedicated infrastructures may not be possible. Baicells' NeutralCell provides a shared infrastructure that can be leveraged by multiple operators and neutral host service providers, delivering what the company calls a true neutral host small cell to meet the wireless industry’s growing need for robust LTE technology.