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UK Connect becomes sole 5G provider to British construction

Today, UK Connect has been officially granted ‘5G for Enterprise Branch Specialisation’ by leading wireless networking equipment brand Cradlepoint, becoming the UK’s sole construction connectivity provider to achieve this status. This means UK Connect is the only company currently permitted to install Cradlepoint systems used for the establishment of 5G networks on UK residential and

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What Type of Internet Does My Business Need?

Modern businesses need access to reliable internet if they’re to function. If a substantial portion of the workforce are self-isolating thanks to COVID-19, then this need becomes especially pressing. But for decision-makers weighing the cost of investing in new broadband technology, the breadth of options can be a little bit

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Latest Issue

BDC 319 : Aug 2024

5g

Cellular IoT Market Value to Exceed $61 Billion Globally by 2026, Driven by 5G & Low-power Solutions

A new study from Juniper Research has found that the global value of the cellular IoT market will reach $61 billion by 2026; rising from $31 billion in 2022. It identified the growth of 5G and cellular LPWA (Low-power Wide Area) technologies as key to this 95% increase over the next four years. The new study, Cellular IoT: Strategies, Opportunities & Market Forecasts 2022-2026, predicted that, LPWA solutions, such as NB-IoT and LTE-M, will be the fastest-growing cellular IoT technologies over the next four years. It anticipated that the low cost of both connectivity and hardware will drive adoption for remote monitoring in key verticals, such as agriculture, smart cities and manufacturing. In turn, LPWA connections are expected to grow 1,200% over the next four years. For more insights, download our free whitepaper: Three Important Cellular IoT Strategies for 2022. 2G and 3G Network Shutdowns to Drive LPWA The report urged operators to migrate IoT connections on legacy networks to networks that support LPWA technologies. It anticipated that demand from enterprises for low-cost monitoring technologies, enabled by LPWA networks, will increase as these legacy networks are shut off over the next four years. Research co-author Charles Bowman commented: “Operators must educate users on the suitability of LPWA as a replacement technology for legacy networks. However, many IoT networks cannot solely rely on LPWA technologies. More comprehensive technologies, such as 5G, must underpin IoT network architectures and work in tandem with LPWA technologies to maximise the value of IoT services.” 5G to Generate $9 Billion for the IoT Market by 2026 Conversely, the report predicted that 5G IoT services will generate $9 billion of revenue by 2026; rising from $800 million in 2021. This represents a growth of 1,000% over the next five years as 5G coverage expands and operators benefit from the increased number of 5G IoT connections. To capitalise on this growth, it recommended operators offer value-added services, such as network slicing and edge computing, to IoT users to maximise the value of 5G adoption.

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Carrier Billing Spend to Reach $73.8 Billion Globally by 2024, as 5G Networks Increase Content Consumption

Growth of 36% between 2021 and 2024 A new Juniper Research study has predicted that end user spend via carrier billing will increase to $73.8 billion in 2024, from $54.4 billion in 2021, with growth driven by 5G-based mobile gaming and video subscriptions. To leverage this growth, the report advises operators to forge new partnerships with content providers to build frameworks enabling the distribution of new content paid for by carrier billing. The new report, Carrier Billing: Opportunities, Challenges & Market Forecasts 2022-2026, also expects carrier billing spend on content bundling to enable operators to further recoup investments into 5G by charging a premium to facilitate high-quality video and games streaming over 5G networks. To maximise this opportunity, it urges operators to offer payment services in markets underserved by existing digital payment methods to maximise carrier billing spend. For more insights, download the free whitepaper: Carrier Billing ~ Leveraging the 5G Opportunity Indian Subcontinent Identified as Key Opportunity Operators must expand the geographical reach of carrier billing; leveraging the trust fostered between them and their subscribers, and becoming increasingly valuable partners to content providers. It identified the Indian Subcontinent as a key target region for carrier billing stakeholders over the next two years, with smartphone penetration in the region expected to reach 50% by 2024. New Opportunities in the Transit Sector The research also found carrier billing spend on digital ticket purchases will grow by 250%, from $141 billion in 2021 to $275 billion in 2024. It predicts that the rise of new transportation modes, such as MaaS (Mobility-as-a-Service) will drive carrier billing spend for transit services by offering an improved user experience across a single app that leverages carrier billing to process the payment. Additionally, RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging will provide an interface between MaaS users and transit service providers; offering real-time travel updates. Research author Susannah Hampton says: “Operators should focus on demonstrating their relevance to transit; driving the further growth of carrier billing via an improved range of technology partnerships.”

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UK Connect becomes sole 5G provider to British construction

Today, UK Connect has been officially granted ‘5G for Enterprise Branch Specialisation’ by leading wireless networking equipment brand Cradlepoint, becoming the UK’s sole construction connectivity provider to achieve this status. This means UK Connect is the only company currently permitted to install Cradlepoint systems used for the establishment of 5G networks on UK residential and commercial construction sites. Adding to a number of similar official accreditations, it establishes the brand as Cradlepoint’s most-trusted UK installation and connectivity partner for construction projects. This recognition positions UK Connect as a key player in the rollout of 5G technology for the sector’s operations, which will enable clearer and faster on-site communication and higher quality work. Further, through UK Connect’s sole dedication to the UK construction industry, it will also be able to help foster a greater understanding of the technology’s potential amongst contractors and developers. Particularly, it will demonstrate how 5G can directly deliver greater digital adoption, leading to increased ROI from a safer, smarter and more efficient construction journey, benefiting all involved. The ‘5G for Enterprise Branch Specialisation’ is a Cradlepoint standard identifying and recognising partner organisations that possess the capability and proficiency to sell and install Cradlepoint’s 5G solutions. To achieve this prestigious and highly desired accreditation, UK Connect had to meet a host of stringent criteria, including an already established position as a Cradlepoint Premier Partner and a watertight reputation as an Active Wireless WAN Practice. UK Connect also needed to pass a number of tests to receive the specialisation certificate. This ranged from completing an in-depth programme of sales and technical courses to demonstrating proficiency in working with Cradlepoint’s 5G systems and the ability to sell them strategically, according to an outline business plan. Passing this tough, in-depth examination of capabilities affirms UK Connect’s unparalleled expertise in establishing 5G networks, nuanced to the specific needs of the construction industry. Outlining the decision to award the 5G specialisation to UK Connect, Darryl Brick, VP Partner Sales, EMEA from Cradlepoint said: “Cradlepoint’s 5G for Enterprise Branch Specialised partners have invested in the 5G transformation and offer our customers services tailored for the new 5G wireless WAN. “UK Connect is a highly skilled Cradlepoint partner and their expertise will guide our customers through the Pathway to 5G and help evolve their networks successfully. The team of dedicated sales and technical professionals at UK Connect, as well as their expertise in several key vertical markets, will help us guide customers on the journey beyond the wires.“ PJ Farr, UK Connect’s Managing Director added: “A big congratulation to the whole of the company in coming together to achieve this result. Receiving this specialisation certification is a game-changer. “It represents a major milestone in the company’s history, positioning us at the forefront of the UK’s 5G rollout and bringing its power and potential to the country’s vibrant community of housebuilders and developers. We look forward to working even closer with Cradlepoint, further demonstrating our unrivalled expertise in construction connectivity provision.”

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What Type of Internet Does My Business Need?

Modern businesses need access to reliable internet if they’re to function. If a substantial portion of the workforce are self-isolating thanks to COVID-19, then this need becomes especially pressing. But for decision-makers weighing the cost of investing in new broadband technology, the breadth of options can be a little bit on the confusing side. Just what are all of these types of internet connection, and what do they mean? Let’s take a look. Fibre Broadband The gold standard for broadband speed is fibre-optic. This relies on pulses of light being transmitted along optical fibres. There’s no resistance to worry about, and the signal does not degrade in the same way that an electrical one would. Traditionally, the signal from the telephone company will arrive at your local cabinet via a fibre-optic connection, and then be distributed locally over copper wire. This is known as a fibre-to-the-cabinet, or FTTC, connection. FTTP Fibre-to-the-Premises, or FTTP, is a much rarer technology. It eliminates all of the copper from the signal chain, resulting in blazing-fast speeds. By making the switch to ‘full-fibre’, where the entire signal chain takes place over a fibre-optic connection, you’re effectively bringing the telephone exchange closer to your place of work. Unfortunately, this is impracticable in many cases. One solution posited by Openreach is the introduction of a compromise called G.fast, which effectively speeds up existing fibre lines. ADSL Broadband Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line has been around for decades. It isn’t anywhere near as fast as fibre broadband, but it still accounts for more than half of the UK’s broadband connections at present. This proportion is likely to decrease as fibre-optic infrastructure is rolled out. Those in more remote and rural locations may find that they’re unable to get access to full-fibre, despite government pledges of £5 billion to get the infrastructure expanded. In most cases, ADSL represents the inferior option. With that said, this is often reflected in the pricing, and many businesses will not have a choice but to go with it. By investing in the right hardware and connectors from RS Components, you’ll be able to eliminate performance bottlenecks within the premises, and ensure that you’re squeezing maximum utility from the older tech. 5G One option that mobile workers might be interested in is 5G, which promises to allow for rapid-streaming video from just about anywhere where the signal allows. One of the biggest advantages of 5G is its ability to tolerate large gatherings without any dip in service – though given recent events, it’s unlikely that this virtue will be leveraged in the near future.

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