Telecom Industry News - November 2016

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. announced the launch of its innovative, complete VSAT-in-a-box for high-speed consumer broadband, called Scorpio. This latest addition to Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c family of VSATs lowers the cost barrier of delivering broadband services via satellite while increasing system reliability due to the complete integration of the indoor and outdoor units into a single weather-proof box. Scorpio connects to the home network with a single Ethernet cable, providing a simple demarcation point for improved network diagnostics and increased customer satisfaction. 

Wi-Fi and bluetooth software-on-a-chip provider Amp'ed RF Wireless Technology announced the availability of a new dynamic frequency selection (DFS)-enabled chipset that expands Wi-Fi bandwidth 3X for data intensive applications such as HD video, compression-free audio, and more. The new chipset opens new channels for data intensive applications including HD video, compression free audio, augmented reality, voice recognition and devices that require faster transmissions.

Bang Digital Media, a subsidiary of Bang Holdings Corp., unveiled what it claims is the world's first Artificial Intelligence computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users a chatbot (aka Chatter Robot) that is successfully selling products to humans through Facebook Messenger -- without the customer ever realizing they are speaking to a chatbot.

Speaking of ‘bots, Prodapt Solutions announced the launch this month of a new robotic process automation solution with Blue Prism. The new Telebots framework provides pre-built process automation for CSP and DSP back-office operations.

NEC Corporation and Netcracker Technology unveiled this month their Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) solution, the market's first full-service NaaS solution focused on helping service providers generate new revenue in both B2B and residential markets. NEC/Netcracker NaaS provides an end-to-end environment to rapidly create, deploy and monetize value-added services by bringing together virtualized network infrastructure and services, cloud applications, orchestration and commercialization tools through an open ecosystem of pre-integrated partners.

In a story big enough to stand in its own category,  AT&T Inc. and Time Warner Inc. announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which AT&T will acquire Time Warner in a stock-and-cash transaction valued at $107.50 per share. The agreement has been approved unanimously by the boards of directors of both companies. The deal combines Time Warner's vast library of content and ability to create new premium content that connects with audiences around the world, with AT&T's extensive customer relationships, world’s largest pay TV subscriber base and leading scale in TV, mobile and broadband distribution.