Globtel Holding News Archive

Globtel AIR Gigaray product series, a DOCSIS based Point-to-Multipoint fixed wireless access solution is able to achieve 1 Gbps in the downlink and 500+ Mbps in the uplink per end user unit with very low latency and jitter.

The test was performed in an outdoor scenario around 5.8 kilometers utilizing spectrum at 71 GHz for the downlink and 81 GHz for the uplink.

The setup was powered by Harmonic`s CableOS solution on the headend side and Technicolor TC 4400 cable modem on the customers side.

With the cumulative throughput of 4.7 Gbps in the downlink and 2.7 Gbps on a 90 degree sector antenna the solution has the necessary capacity to support a large number of fixed clients at each wireless node which makes it more than suitable for urban, suburban and rural scenarios.

Globtel AIR Gigaray series was developed for larger deployments or specific scenarios where high throughput per end user are required. As such, it was tailored to most spectrum bands that are allocated for fixed broadband:

10-14 GHz 24-28 GHz 31 GHz 36-38 GHz 46-48 GHz 60 GHz 70-85 GHz

A sneak peak is available HERE.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several deployments were halted but since the connectivity requirements are now higher as ever, first of several new deployments is underway.

A single sector antenna in this case, due to its superior coverage range and planning, has more than 80.000 households in its coverage zone thus making the cost of home passed marginal.

As such, it will give the local operator the opportunity to very quickly start providing the necessary throughput to residential and enterprise clients on a larger scale.

For more information, please reach out at [email protected] or [email protected] – we will be happy to discuss! Earlier this year, in collaboration with Harmonic, we held a webinar on the solution. The recording can be found HERE.

A Spanish version, in cooperation with our key partner for the LATAM region BVS Technology solutions, is available HERE.

Globtel, with its market leading fixed wireless access system - AIR, has now perfected its mmWave solution to support frequency bands of up to 100 GHz with unprecedent data capacities, ranges and SLA.

mmWave frequency bands have started to get more and more popular as there is a lot of bandwidth available between 24 GHz and 100 GHz which is considered the mmWave portion of the frequency spectrum.

The reasoning for it is that there is enough spectrum bandwidth available so that modern, state of the art networks can be deployed matching services and broadband speeds offered on conventional, wired networks at a fraction of the cost.

As the demand for broadband grows, the need for multi-technology approach grows at the same rate in order to keep the cost in check. In many instances, bringing fiber to the home simply is not cost efficient and often related to extensive timeframes as permits need to be obtained, cables laid etc.

With a wireless approach, a lot of these factors are eliminated and by utilizing the Globtel AIR mmWave solution broadband speeds of up to 2 Gbps per home or approximately 1.000 users per sector antenna with speeds in the range of 100 Mbps can be achieved.

After supporting spectrum bands between 2 and 42 GHz, many as the industry first, we are now ready to support licensed and unlicensed band up to 100 GHz.

Key advantages of the Globtel AIR Solution are:

·         Up to 5 Gbps of throughput capacity per sector antenna depending on spectrum bandwidth

·         Up to 50 kilometers coverage range depending on selected frequency range

·         Number of users connected limited by throughput only

·         Support of triple play services with the addition of OTT, home security, smart home, ..

·         Multi dwelling/Multi office building served by a single AIR CPE unit

·         Quick roll out – takes less than a day to setup a base station

Case studies of existing deployments in mmWave and mid-band spectrum can be found at:

RevAIR_Rwanda

UnitedGroup_Slovenia

BH_Telecom_Bosnia

Hammer_Fiber_USA

With unprecedented capacities and ease of use, Globtel AIR is the perfect solution to fill gaps in wired networks or provide state of the art connectivity to remote, rural areas where laying last mile fiber networks simply is not feasible and cost efficient.

We are happy to discuss or answer additional inquiries. Simply reach out to us at [email protected] with questions or just for an informal chat.

Right now, there are still many legacy MMDS networks in full use. Even though the technology and the hardware is old, it is still providing revenue for the operators and connectivity to the users with very few options.

 There are severe limitations when it comes to current MMDS deployments including lack of capacity, some deployments are still one directional and require an alternative technology for the upstream band, end of life from the vendors prevents quality maintenance, ..

Several operators, including the United Group (previously Liberty Global) selected the Globtel AIR Solution as the ideal way to seamlessly replace their existing MMDS/LMDS network.

 As Globtel AIR is DOCSIS based, it follows the standard with its development and can support up to D3.1. For that reason, it provides enough capacity to serve a significant amount of subscribers at a very competitive pricing being significantly more cost effective than any wired solution and still maintaining fiber-like quality of service.

 Especially for Cable providers it is an ideal solution for expanding their wired cable networks as the integration into a cable ecosystem is due to the compatibility virtually seamless. All the existing infrastructure can be used including OSS/BSS, CMTSs as well as cable modems at customers premises.

 Key advantages of the Globtel AIR Solution are:

·         Up to 5 Gbps of throughput capacity per sector antenna depending on spectrum bandwidth

·         Up to 50 kilometres coverage range

·         Amount of users connected limited by throughput only

·         Support of triple play services with the addition of OTT, home security, smart home, ..

·         Multi dwelling/Multi office building served by a single AIR CPE unit

·         Quick roll out – takes less than a day to setup a base station

Right now is the perfect opportunity to disrupt the telecoms market in Africa with Fixed Wireless Access technologies. Fixed wireless is the right technology which could bring high speed broadband to Africa in a very timely manner. The copper infrastructure utilized by a large number of African operators cannot sustain the need for data of today. According to research the big majority of fixed broadband access is being delivered on copper networks.

 Due to the fact that copper is as costly to install and maintain as fiber but offers only a fraction of fiber capacity it is being considered as an obsolete technology worldwide. On the other hand,  the cost of deploying fiber is extremely high and more importantly laying fiber is very time consuming, including permits, trenching or pole installation, deals with utility companies where available and so on.

 Fixed Wireless Access provides the ideal alternative that eliminates both the high cost of fiber and the deficiencies of copper networks. It can deliver ultrafastbroadband including all  other services that are in a state of the art service provider’s portfolio including but not limited to TV (SD, HD, 4k,..), VoIP, OTT,… As such, it provides the opportunity to significantly increase revenue for providers in the broadband market but also add new revenue streams that are currently out of reach due to outdated infrastructure.

 At this point, the fixed broadband market in Africa is worth almost 6 billion USD annually across the continent and growing at about 10% per year. Deploying fixed wireless access technology eliminates the long time to market and very high cost of deploying fiber as a last mile solution.

 As opposed to the mobile market that is reaching very high levels of saturation in most African markets, fixed broadband is the next opportunity for revenue for operators of all kinds.

 No continent has the availability of spectrum like Africa both in higher, mmWave bands, as well as in other bands like 10 GHz and 12 GHz bands.. Governments are recognizing what the technology can mean for their country and we are experiencing very forthcoming statements when discussing spectrum licenses directly with the regulatory authorities.

 Globtel Holding has deployed its game changing AIR solution in Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Rwanda and Liberia with shipments of end to end solutions being prepared as we speak for five other African countries.

 We can deploy a base station literally within a day and installing end user equipment takes a very short time both with an insignificant investment in comparison to any other technology while still maintaining fiber like quality of service.

Key characteristics of the AIR solution are:

·         Up to 5.3 Gbps of throughput per 90 degree sector antenna

·         Supporting triple play and any OTT services currently in a providers portfolio

·         No limit in number of users connected to the base station apart from throughput

·         Large coverage range of up to 50 kilometres per sector antenna

We support various different business models that we would love to discuss together with what our technology can do for you.

For an informal conversation we can be reached at [email protected] or directly with the head of sales at [email protected]

Through the past decade, there have been many studies which have proved, that internet access drives economic development. It drives business, creates jobs and raises the general quality of life.

Many investors and service providers, let it be fixed, mobile or WISPs, have recognized this and are investing into building infrastructure on a large scale. Right now, the main infrastructure projects are building fiber rings, backbones to connect basically all the places, that are still underserved or not as well served as this day and age demands.

Along those backbone build outs, last mile was built as well, predominantly in the form of FTTx. A few years back, FTTx was presumed to be the ultimate last mile solution and basically everyone believed it would be the last mile of the future. Unfortunately, time has shown that FTTx takes extremely long to build and more importantly, the costs are huge.

At some point operators came to the realization that fixed wireless is the best answer to the question of how to reduce the time to market and how to lower the cost of last mile deployments in order to provide connectivity faster and in a more feasible way both to help the communities and to increase own revenue.

The main problem was, and still is, the capacities. The solutions that were available ranging from WiMAX, various WiFi systems to fixed LTE simply do not have the throughputs necessary to satisfy today’s needs. In most cases not even for residential, let alone enterprise users.

There Globtel AIR System is probably the only fixed wireless solution currently available on the market, that provides network operators with capacities needed to provide fiber like throughputs and fiber services to all of their clients. At a fraction of a fiber build out cost.

The solution is based either on DOCSIS or LTE standards and allows throughputs of up to 5.3 Gbps per sector antenna which results in an industry leading 20 Gbps of data throughput per base station. Additionally, it supports any service that would be available on a fiber or coaxial network including but not limited to ultrafast speed broadband, HD, SD and 4K TV and VoIP.

It is ideal for both rural and urban scenarios. The range of the base station is up to 50 kilometers which means it can cover vast areas and thus cost efficiently serve large rural areas. But at the same time, due to its capacities, usually only one or two sites are needed to serve major metropolitan areas with state of the art services.

As an example of urban service, these are coverage maps of Monrovia, Liberia and Kigali, Rwanda which show that the huge majority of both cities is covered from a single base station site. All sector antennas at the mentioned locations have the capacity of several Gbps of throughput and serve both residential and enterprise customers.

Another question that would pop up is how many users can actually be served with such a base station. The answer is simple – there is no limit. The limit is only in the throughput.

Several Tier 1 operators have recognized the advantages and trial being setup while mid and smaller size operators are already deploying the system commercially in three continents including the largest cable operator in Southern Europe.

Globtel is open to discuss the solution with anyone interested as we are extremely confident in our solution and the industry is proving us right.

For questions or an informal talk, you are invited to reach out at [email protected]. Or simply send me a message either on LinkedIn or at [email protected].

The 5G era is approaching fast, but it is not here just yet. The Globtel AIR System is ready for it as either an alternative or as a complementary solution, depending on the roadmap a service provider has planned.

The Globtel AIR Solution is a DOCSIS or LTE based fixed wireless access solution that delivers everything today which 5G will in the future. Triple play, OTT and gigabit broadband speeds to the end customer.

With these characteristics it is by far the best wireless last mile solution to deploy as either pre-5G or 5G alternative right now.

To go a little bit more into detail, there are several reasons why, but let us address a few key points:

 a)      TIME TO MARKET

Many analysts and experts predict that 5G will be mass deployed around 2022 at best. Meanwhile, the Globtel AIR System can serve as a pre-5G solution that provides equal services to later 5G deployments. Even when 5G will become widely available, it will still not be feasible for all markets. 5G can be deployed in certain segments of a market while the Globtel AIR System serves where 5G is not feasible. The end customers would never know the difference on which network they are as the services would be the same.

b)      BACKHAUL

One of the major advantages of the Globtel AIR System is the range of its base station. In comparison to 5G only a single fiber or p2p uplink is needed to serve vast areas as one base station can cover over 6300 square kilometers at a radius of up to 45 kilometers and an ideal topography. With 5G APs, the amount of backhaul links needed will be much, much larger, and as such, if Globtel AIR is deployed, it can serve both as a complementary last mile solution and backhaul for the 5G APs.

 c)       FIRST MOVER

By choosing Globtel AIR, a service provider would be the first mover in its market and thus have the advantage on everyone else. There are areas where service providers are not investing into the infrastructure because they are waiting for 5G to be ready. By doing that, they are taking the risk that someone else moves into the area with fiber or some other wireline technology. Later it would be extremely hard to persuade end users in switching over to a newly established wireless network, even if it is 5G. By deploying Globtel AIR right now, the market is guaranteed and even if there are some legacy networks in the market they will easy be outplayed by Globtel AIR.

d)      SAFE INVESTMENT

The Globtel AIR System was designed in a way that enables service providers to protect their investment when 5G enters the market on a larger scale. Due to the relatively short payback period, the system will have already paid for itself by the time 5G is ready, and even then, it has the capacities needed to serve as backhaul for the 5G APs.

 e)      DOCSIS roadmap

DOCSIS is an always evolving technology. What throughputs and services can be achieved today is a fact. But it is also a fact that in the future, DOCSIS will evolve further and make throughputs possible that will easily match those of 5G. It does today already but it will even more so in the future as 5G will surely evolve as well. The standard has evolved significantly in the past 10 years and what the capacities were 10 or even 5 years ago cannot be compared to what is possible today.

 Given the facts above, it is very obvious in how many ways the Globtel AIR System can benefit service providers generate revenue, increase the number of RGUs and extend the footprint. But the most important fact is, it can do all that in a cost effective way and it can do that today.

As a valuable partner, we would like to thank you for agreeing to answer a few short questions about the AIR Fixed Wireless solution.

 1.      What was the situation and what made you choose a fixed wireless solution?

There was an urgent need for capacity and high speed data (as competition was high) and would have been too lengthy and costly to put fiber optics. So this solution came as a god-send. With high speed internet and video capabilities.

2.      Why did you decide to choose specifically the Globtel AIR System?

For the reasons as above and its fast deployment and very user friendly supplier

3.      What were the effects of the deployment for Emtel?

Effect of a new innovation for the company on the market. Fast deployment of solution. So much market demand that sales could not follow!  

 4.      Very briefly, how would you describe your experience with the Globtel AIR System?

Very good effects. On the Brand as innovator. On market as a long needed fast solution for customers. Need however to have a very detailed implementation and expansion plan to avoid customer demand not being met. So a good coverage essential at start

 5.      How would you describe the customer feedback of the users that are connected via the Globtel AIR System?

 Overall excellent – problems mainly with quality cabling/installations at customer premises.

Globtel Holding announces that the project Smart AIR5G(smart wireless 5G, LTE infrastructure) got co-financing approval from, Slovenian public agency SPIRIT Slovenia - Public Agency for Entrepreneurship, Internationalization, Fore­ign Investments and Technology and European Union – European regional development fund.

http://www.eu-skladi.si

SMART AIR 5G - SAG5

Globtel Holding naznanja,da je bil izbran s projektom Smart AIR5G( napredna brezžična 5G, LTE infrastruktura)za sofinanciranje s strani SPIRIT Slovenija, javna agencija ter Ministrstvo za gospodarski razvoj in tehnologijo in Evropsko unijo (EU) – Evropski sklad za regionalni razvoj.

http://www.eu-skladi.si

Today, everything is about 5G and the future 5G deployments providers are planning. It is said that in the future, 5G will resolve connectivity problems for the unconnected or those that can only get data connections that were considered state of the art 10 years ago.

All those problems can be solved today because FWA solutions, which are equal to what current 5G pilots of providers like for example Verizon Wireless promise, already exist.

 Last week, Verizon announced that the “peak speeds” of their 5G fixed wireless product will be 1 Gbps but users “usually ought to get around 300 Mbps”. A truck roll will still be needed as well. With this solution, the mobile provider plans to challenge the wireline providers. And they will succeed in some cases for sure as the wireline networks are not always well maintained and so on so this is more than enough. But it is not the revolution that was promised. At least not yet. When it comes to greenfield operations though, it is a different story. The cost of deploying such a solution in comparison with laying fiber or cable is insignificant and gives the mobile operator a massive advantage.

To get back on the track though, the FWA solution that can compete with current 5G deployments is the proprietary Globtel AIR System. It is a good fit for small, medium and large providers as it supports state of the art services, is cost effective and fast to deploy.

There are several use cases in which the Globtel AIR System is the ideal last mile solution, some of them being:

1.       Mobile goes fixed

The Globtel AIR System enables mobile operators to enter fixed market and offer fiber like triple play services with low cost and easy integration into mobile network. It also allows mobile network traffic off load and can be used as a backhaul for mobile base stations.

2.       Mobile multi-play

Mobile operators can easily add TV offering to their fixed mobile service and take advantage of multi-play offering.

3.       Cable expands footprint

Cable operators can instantly extend existing network coverage and gain new customers with seamless integration and the use of existing network and CPE equipment.

4.       DSL providers

DSL providers can easy upgrade the services they are offering via DSL which does not have the capacities needed for higher demand clients and for corporate users

5.       Access to remote / underserved areas

 Existing operators or investors are now able to offer triple play service to underserved areas cost effectively and with high ROI.

 Often enough, the cost efficiency is one of the main factors when opting for a Fixed Wireless Solution. The cost of a deployment differs from case to case but in general principle the cost of deploying the Globtel AIR System is as following:

 1.       Home Passed – from USD 25 per house hold

Cost of home passed starts from just 20 EUR per household as one base station can cover territory in radius of up to 50 km. To connect the customer just install transceiver, antenna and CPE.

2.       Home Connected – from USD 110 per house hold

 The system design allows multiple users to be connected to one transceiver and still enjoy fast internet service. Cost per household connected starts from 100 EUR per household in combination with multidwelling units.

 3.       Home Activated – from USD 215 per house hold

 Total capex per active user starts from 200 EUR for MDU users and from 300 EUR for combination of MDU and SDU users. This allows operators to start their business even in areas with lower purchasing power or less populated areas. The cost represents only a fraction of the cost needed for a wireline connection.

 Low CAPEX and OPEX in combination with high throughput make AIR system a very good investment opportunity.

On average our customers reach a breakeven point in 12 months and a positive ROI in only 36 months.

Positive ROI can be achieved much sooner as well but it depends on different factors like for example if it is a completely greenfield operation or an existing provider, ARPU,.. but 36 months is where everyone has achieved positive ROI.

 Besides the business part, what the Globtel AIR Solution excels at are its capacities which include:

·         10 Gbps of bandwidth per sector antenna

·         Up to 2 Gbps per end user

·         Up to 50 km of coverage range

·         No limit apart from the throughput itself in regard of users connected

·         Providing any service one would expect from a provider like TV, broadband, VoIP, VOD, ..

 Last factor that I would like to point out in this article is the Globtel AIR Systems diversity.

It is proving its worth in three continents including both emerging markets of Africa and mature markets of Europe and North America. It is deployed in urban centers, suburban areas and sparsely populated rural regions.

For more information please contact us via [email protected] or message me through InMail on LinkedIn and we will be more than happy to answer any potential questions. The CEO of our European HQ Mr. Andrej Jarc, the US branch CEO Mr. Eric Diaz and myself will be attending the SCTE show in Atlanta end of October as well and are looking forward to have an informal discussion with anyone who would like to get some more details or discuss potential use cases.

Ideal wireless gigabit last mile solution for bridging the digital divide

The biggest obstacles in providing high speed broadband internet to all, was always access to technology and feasibility of network deployments.

In the United States of America, which is considered one of the most developed countries in the world in regard to broadband connectivity, 35 million people are without access to a state of the art connection. Australia, due to the specifics of being an “island” and other factors is even worse off than the United States. And even in Europe, with all its initiatives, there are still millions who have to live with speeds that that were considered subpar in 2008. The numbers of people living without proper access to the internet in the emerging markets of Africa, Asia and Latin America are even more critical.

Basically, the only countries that can claim to be without a real digital divide are the Baltic countries, Scandinavia, South Korea and Japan.

The main issue is, that the world is missing out on generations that could potentially make so much of difference in general quality of life. We will never know how many innovators like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk are out there. We, as humans, are the greatest potential this planet has. We should do all we can to encourage innovation and give these kids all the information they need so they can make the world a better place for the generations to come.

Wireline technologies are more or less as expensive as they ever were and still too costly to reach every human. Finally the regulators, providers and investors are turning their attention to fixed wireless as being the solution for the ever growing issue of the digital divide.

Deploying fixed wireless has its own problems though. One is that the unlicensed spectrum is getting more and more crowded and the noise in most areas is making the use of such services very limited or even unusable.

The second issue was technology. Every technology had major problems that made network deployments in underserved areas very hard and not feasible enough. Main issue always was the massive amount of transmission points that were needed due to limited numbers of connections possible, range covered and massive limitations in regard to throughput.

Deploying access points on a massive scale in order to be able to connect thousands of clients never was and still is not feasible even though the equipment is relatively cost efficient. What makes it problematic are other things like backhaul, actually leasing/acquiring towers or rooftops, service, licenses for support,… it just goes on and on.

It is no surprise then, that less than 3% of people with broadband access are getting their service via fixed wireless in the United States which is the leading country in that category.

So, are  people missing out again? They do not have to! Regulators finally saw that they need to give access to more spectrum for fixed wireless deployments and almost in all countries around the world it is now much easier to obtain licensed spectrum then it was just 5 years ago. With the recent upgrade from DOCSIS 3.0 to DOCSIS 3.1 a single AIR System sector antenna now has the throughput capacity of 10 Gbps and no limit apart from throughput in regard to the number of clients that can be connected.

Due to the high range of the base station, the last limiting factor is also eliminated from the equation. Range always depends on the frequency that is used and gets shorter the more the mmWave of the spectrum is approached.

As an example:

As a result, very few resources are needed to connect thousands of clients that are underserved or not connected at all, very fast and without having to get too many costly and time consuming permits etc.

Apart from the above factors, the other advantages of the system are its seamless integration into almost any environment, regardless if the technology an operator is currently using is cable, LTE, DSL,…, excellent support with a dedicated engineer, triple play and OTT support.

Arguably the AIR System is currently the best and easiest option for existing operators and greenfield investors who are looking to help in bridging the digital divide. With deployments in 3 continents including mature markets of Europe, underserved areas of North America and emerging markets in Africa, the system is proving its worth daily. We are proud that it is actively helping to bridge the massive digital divide and thus helping operators extend their footprint seamlessly, fast and economically viable but also helping the unconnected get connected and by that encourage the overall progress.

Expand your cable network with wireless

 What is the easiest way for existing Cable Operators to expand? Big, medium or small cable operators only have the option to lay more cables. It is the organic way to expand, it is something that cable operators are familiar with and do it with their eyes closed. It is the way cable operators have expanded for years if not almost decades by now.

In the past 2-3 years though, times have changed and cable operators are starting to feel it. The cord cutting movement enabled by OTT TV providers is one reason that worries cable operators but there is another, bigger one. It is the mobile operators who are deploying fixed  wireless services at a growing rate.

Their advantage is simple, they are using wireless technology in order to provide fixed services which is cheaper then laying cables and most importantly, much faster.

Even though mobile operators’ fixed services do not offer the same service quality and capacity as cable network does they are still having success because they are the ones who are entering the markets on the edge of a cable provider’s networks first. When that happens, the cable based ISP needs to fight an existing provider in the area where in fact it should be his territory.

How to compete with this when neither time or cost is on your side?

 The answer is simple.

Globtel Holding’s “Wireless cable system” – AIR, which is based on cable technology enables cable operators to expand their networks fast and seamlessly integrate the fixed wireless technology into their existing networks at a fraction of a wireline deployments cost.

The system is DOCSIS based and supports both DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1. Apart from the AIR System itself which just replaces physical cables, the data transmission is based on DOCSIS standard which means that any standard DOCSIS CMTS can be used at the transmitting end and any standard cable modem at the customer premises. For cable operators that means that they can use equipment they already have on stock and seamlessly integrate services based on AIR in their existing BSS/OSS. There is virtually no staff training necessary as the headend equipment remains as it would be for a standard cable wireline deployment while the installation at the customer premises differs only in a marginal way.

One question remains though. And it is by far not insignificant. What if a wireless carrier still enters the market after the cable provider deploys the AIR System?

 It is safe to say, that there is currently no fixed wireless technology that can compete with the AIR System when it comes to the distance a single base station can cover and even less when it comes to throughput capacities.

The capacities of the system come very close to the standard wireline cable system deployment.

·         Throughput of up to 10 Gbps per sector antenna with DOCSIS 3.1 (40Gbit per base station)

·         No limit in regard to number of clients connected apart from throughput

·         No limit in regard to number of “TV Only” clients

·         Triple play (Internet, TV, VoIP)

·         OTT support

·         DVB or IPTV support

In a medium sized European Union country, a cable operator did exactly that. They moved from deploying a wireline solution to deploying the AIR System. Predominantly in suburban and rural areas. The solution gained traction very fast as it was enabling the provider to serve its clients with unseen capacities for a fixed wireless solution, triple play and all other services that the clients in their home network got.

After the initial deployment of a base station in a smaller market of theirs, it was quickly obvious that the system is ideal for the cable provider, so they deployed additional 4 base stations including the capital city.

Company’s success and the success of the other cable operators who have implemented the AIR system in combination with their report of how seamless the integration into their network was, makes the potential for competition with mobile providers very clear.

Due to the fractional cost of the deployment and because the demand for true broadband connectivity is at an unprecedented scale, fixed wireless is a hot topic in virtually all markets right now. For a good reason!

This is how!

It often happens that incumbents focus their activities on large urban markets. Smaller markets like suburbs and rural areas get less attention and investments. Maintenance of the network is prioritized in their bigger markets while in their smaller markets it is not necessarily up to date and maintained well. Usually the customers in areas outside urban centres simply have no other choice then to stick with the incumbent. Especially in rural but more than often also in suburban areas.

Many smaller ISPs in such areas are recognizing this problem and the opportunity that it provides. Not just opportunity to expand their business, increase number of customers and the value of the company. But also, the opportunity to help these communities get the type of connection that everyone should have in the year 2018.

Yet what can they do to really be competitive without financially shooting themselves in the knee? The answer is at hand, start working on their own infrastructure.

A pure fiber provider saw this problem and saw the opportunity as well. After deliberating on expanding their fiber network or investing into some other wireline technology, it turned out that the best solution was fixed wireless. There are several reasons for it but the main two would be time and cost. It takes very long to build a wireline network and the cost gets very intense very fast. If they started expanding their fiber network, the incumbent would notice and upgrade their network as well. Especially if they went live segment by segment of the specific area. If it took them too long, the incumbent might still invest into the area even without noticing the competition coming. The risk was too big because the opportunity was too good. So, they needed something that could be deployed fast and without much noise. Only one thing checked all the boxes – fixed wireless.

Yet then, they saw a problem. The incumbents network was not the best, not even close. Clients were not happy. But, the incumbent was the only provider with high speed package deals. Offered triple play. That is something a standard fixed wireless system cannot compete against. At first, they could not find a solution, that could compete with the incumbent’s offer. They had three choices. Either deploy one of the standard fixed wireless solutions and do what the incumbent did – promise something they cannot deliver and hope for the best. Or, go with lower speeds and no triple play offer and hope for the best. Or, dig deep into the wireless market until they find a solution that could actually deliver triple play services along with high speed internet.

They opted for the third option and found the AIR System.

Because of the capacities the AIR System can support (10Gbit+ per sector antenna) it can easy compete with the incumbent’s package deals with TV service included. They even went for double capacity and point two sector antennas into the same direction with the massive combined capacity of 20Gbit throughput. At first, there were two base stations on the eastern side of the city, but they added a third one in the west side to meet the demand. They are covering an area of approximately 85.000 potential customers. And they are growing fast.

Because of their relative inexperience with wireless technologies, they needed not only a vendor but also a partner. A partner to be with them through the initial processes, someone like Globtel Holding who values its clients and does not pass them down the support chain after the deployment.

Right now, the management and the shareholders of the ISP are more than happy with their choice. We are happy with their choice because we won a great partner and have the privilege to work with some great people. But maybe what matters most is that people in those communities are happy.

As they can finally get 100 Mbps triple play service as everyone should be able to in the year 2018.

More than often, high capacity backbones pass through rural areas. They pass through or close to small cities, towns and villages but people living in those areas still get less of a connection that they could from those backbones due to missing appropriate last mile solution.

At some point, an MSO from an EU country discovered, that even though the country itself was in the top10 by broadband coverage, there were still underserved areas. The MSO had fiber rings built out but it just wasn’t feasible for any wireline deployment to be made in those areas as it would take too much time and the cost would be sky high as well. As a result, the return on investment would be very far in the future. Time was a big factor because they were competing against an incumbent operator who had the infrastructure but offered relatively poor service with quite high cost.

Due to these facts, the MSO chose a fixed wireless solution.

At this point, there are many fixed wireless solutions available like fixed LTE, WiMAX, carrier grade WiFi,.. All of them can be considered broadband and all of them serve their purpose. But is this really what people in 2018 would expect? Is there really nothing better? Something where you do not need 100 base stations to serve 1500 households? Something where you can offer more than just internet, like triple play for example?

Yes, there is. It is called AIR. A unique system proprietary to Globtel Holding from Slovenia, member of the European Union. The MSO mentioned above, chose the AIR System. They could have gone with one of the industry giants but they chose the system even though it was invented by a small company that is still relatively unknown in the market. They chose not to fall in line with everyone else but to take a chance. All they risked though, was the time invested. The person from the MSO who introduced the system to the board, decided to take that risk and invest the time. But it was a calculated risk. He did his due diligence, they looked at the company’s history, at the references and he saw the system work. Suddenly, it was not a risk anymore but instead the MSO recognized the system performs like no other and will assure them market dominance in the target area. A PoC was implemented into their network and they saw how it performs and what it can do. Globtel Holding delivered on their promise. At that time it was something no other fixed wireless solution could come even close. And there still is none.

The MSOs project was a huge success and they never looked back.

Globtel Holding with its AIR System is the market leader in regard to throughput and distances covered by a single base station. And it is one of the very few fixed wireless systems that can support triple play.  

There are quite some perks to the system but the highlights are:

·         Up to 10 Gbit/s of throughput per sector antenna (4x10 Gbit/s per BS)

·         Up to 50 kilometers reach (31 miles)

·         Number of clients limited only by throughput

·         Full triple play

·         Unlimited number of “TV Only” clients

 Even though the system is deployed in urban areas as well it truly excels in rural and suburban areas. It is deployed fast, it is easy to manage, it has unmatched capacities – it is the ultimate last mile solution when time and cost are of the essence.

Most importantly though, it is the ultimate solution when one has the quality of service and the people in mind!

Many of us have been preaching that the digital divide needs to be a matter of history. We are in 2018 and people in some areas are still using dial-up! Yes, dial-up. Or so called “broadband” of 4 Mbps. That is not broadband! Not in 2018.

 You are more than likely aware that the FCC has made a massive 2 billion USD fund available for the development of rural broadband in the USA.

  If not, you can find further information here: https://www.fcc.gov/connect-america-fund-phase-ii-auction

 So when, if not now, is the time to break the digital divide and bring the rural population true broadband that they need?

 ·         Broadband speeds above 50 Mbit/s,

·         Cheap VoIP calls,

·         200 channels of live TV in SD or HD,

·         Possibility to stream video content in HD and 4K.

 I hear you say: “We cannot afford fiber. It is too expensive.”

 You are right. Fiber usually is too expensive. But we are not talking about fiber here.

 We are talking about wireless !

 There is a solution that costs only a fraction of the fiber deployment and delivers fiber like broadband. We introduce you to the AIR system:

 ·         Up to 10Gbit/s of throughput per sector antenna (4x10 Gbit/s per BS)

·         Up to 2 Gbit/s download speed per end customer

·         Up to 50 kilometers reach (31 miles)

·         Full triple play support (TV, VoIP and Internet)

·         Number of clients limited only by throughput

·         Unlimited number of “TV Only” clients

·         Latency lower than 50ms

·         Cost per customer connected starts from USD 300

·         Low number of base station locations

·         Low CAPEX and OPEX

·         Especially suitable for suburban and rural areas

 Given the main criteria for the winning offer for FCC subsidies are speeds that can be offered to the end customer, rapid deployment, cost and latency, we are certain that AIR system solution is the best fit for your project.

 There currently is no other wireless system available that can come close to the throughput of the solution and no wireline deployment can come close to the cost. It goes without saying that the time factor is also key. Nothing can be deployed as fast as a fixed wireless system.

 Do not wait and miss out. The deadline for FCC Phase II application ends 30 March 2018.

You can check if your area is eligible for FCC funds here:

  https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/maps/caf2-auction-final-areas/

Source: https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/maps/caf2-auction-final-areas/

 If you want the state of the art solution that is future proof and would like to have the highest odds to be one of the auction winners, you should strongly consider choosing a project based on the AIR System.

 It will be our utmost pleasure to answer any questions or concerns and figure out the best way to go forward and support you with your application!

 Please feel free to contact the author of this article via LinkedIn or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Fixed wireless. This is one of the hottest topics right now as the need for high speed connections is rising at an unprecedented rate and the service providers just cannot keep up with the demand by deploying FTTx systems. Main reasons are the time it takes to deploy a conventional system and the stomach-turning CAPEX investments such deployments demand.

 Few years back, service providers were busy deploying new networks in urban areas. While time passes these urban centers are more or less built out and the competition is stiff. So heads are finally turning to rural and suburban areas where the need for speed is equally high from the perspective of the customer while the service is often a decade behind in comparison to the big cities. Service providers are starting to tap this market at a far more aggressive rate than just a couple of years ago. Vendors have somewhat pushed this trend as well by launching products that were not available before. Solutions based on fixed LTE, Wi-Fi, etc. are now widely available but do they really provide the end customers with what they want? Or almost demand? How future proof are such systems for service providers?

 Fixed Wireless sounds like a jackpot for both the service providers and the end customers. Low CAPEX investment, fast deployment, low OPEX... for the providers and everything a wireline promises for the end customer. One would say, what is the issue then? Why aren’t these systems being deployed by the thousands all over the world? It is because only very few solutions can deliver services close to a wireline deployment. There will always be limitations with every product for example:

·         Throughput capacity per base station

·         Limited reach

·         Spectrum cost in the lower bands

·         No triple play

·         Large number of base stations needed due to limitations of number of users per base station and throughput per base station

·         As a result of the above, large number of backhaul deployments needed

 Imagine a system with the following characteristics:

·         Up to 10 Gbit/s of throughput per sector antenna (4x10 Gbit/s per BS)

·         Up to 50 kilometers reach (31 miles)

·         Number of clients limited only by throughput

·         Full triple play

·         Unlimited number of “TV Only” clients

·         Which frequency? The one that suits you best.

 Do you like it?

 It is not just imagination.

 Globtel’s AIR System is a market leader in regard to throughput, user capacity and reach per base station. It can also provide the end customer with a triple play service that is almost identical to a conventional FTTx or cable deployment.

 Now just picture all the areas where you want to expand in regard to the logistics, long term cost and the effect on the potential clientele of a standard fixed wireless deployment in comparison to the AIR System.

 Over the next couple of weeks, we will present several use cases where the technology comes into play, apart from what was mentioned in this article. So, stay tuned for more!

 Instead of a standard summary please read the words of a satisfied client and partner. Those tell more than anything I could possibly write.

 “My own personal experience with wireless technologies dates back more than a decade and I have witnessed many variations of wireless solutions from a variety of companies over the years. While I am well aware that the theory surrounding the ability of wireless technology to perform in a similar fashion to wireline technologies such as cable and fiber optics, I have not experienced technology that delivers on the theory. That was until as recent as a few short years ago when we discovered Globtel “AIR” Technologies. This company not only delivered practically on the theory of wireless technology but proved to us that it works exactly as Globtel advertises its capabilities. Today we at Hammer Fiber have extremely happy customers in the USA that have publically stated that our triple play services over “AIR” is the fastest and best quality they have ever experienced from any service provider in the USA and this includes the likes of Comcast and Spectrum. I am extremely thrilled to have discovered Globtel and its AIR solution and our company will continue to prosper and grow across the entire USA deploying this technology to as many Americans as possible.  -  Michael P. Cothill – Executive Chairman Hammer Fiber Optics Holdings Corp.”

https://youtu.be/2QFV0dGGsIA

The AIR System is a wireless point to multipoint system based on DOCSIS or LTE technology. Because of the high throughput and very high distances a single base station can cover it is often used either in rural areas or as a pre-ftth deployment.

 The AIR System is often deployed in a manner where it serves rural communities with real high speed broadband. Such types of deployments are often in harsh conditions which means the equipment has to be as resilient as possible to weather and other conditions in order to ensure full connectivity.

 In Q1 of 2017 our R&D has finished its research and started the testing phase of the 4th generation quality control testing equipment called “Complete test”. We were testing and tweaking the system until it was implemented into the production line at the start of Q4 in 2017.  The aim was to ensure the transceivers at the end users premises would withstand any and all conditions which could influence the performance by simulating various situations that come into play with a live deployment.

 The Complete Test is a complex system of RF transmitters and receivers, RF modulators, a multitude of sensors, frequency-adjusted radiant chambers with reflective barrier and receiving transmitting radiant antennas and temperature-controlled attachment for the AIR Transceiver.

 Tests are being performed in 3 stages:

·         Mechanics

·         Electronics

·         Simulation of a deployed system in real conditions

In a test cycle more than 72 measurements are made in a temperature range between -35 and 70 degrees centigrade of which 18 are measured over a longer time slots while the rest have a single point of measurement.  Each transceiver is equipped with a unique QR code so it can be tracked through the production and testing phase and identified at any single point. The complete testing procedure is adjusted for every project because each project has its unique technical specifications and regulations.

 All AIR transceivers are being tested at the limit of their capabilities. On the downstream side, the MER setting is set at the minimum recommended value for a specific modulation profile (QAM2048, QAM1024, QAM256, QAM64,..) while on the upstream side the transmitting power is set just below the saturation level of the transceiver. This way, any deviation from the threshold values are detected before the product is shipped to a client and a faulty or not optimally working transceiver can be returned for reconfiguration. The testing process is fully automated and all products are traceable while results are permanently saved in our database.

Standards, which are supported by the Complete Test are:

 ·         DOCSIS / EuroDOCSIS (2.0, 3.0, 3.1)  Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification

·         DVB-T / T2          Digital video Broadcasting Terrestrial

·         DVB-C / C2         Digital video Broadcasting Cable

·         DVB-S / S2          Digital video Broadcasting Satellite

·         LTE / LTE-A         Long-Term Evolution 4G broadband cellular network technology.

·         WiMAX                               Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access

The purpose of the Complete Test is to test the transceivers to make sure outside influences are not in any way impairing the transceivers performance.

 Some of the tests which we are performing are:

 ·         Response to temperature change or long term extreme temperature,

·         Supply voltage stability,

·         Current load,

·         External frequency interference,

·         Impairment due to beam reflection,

·         Rx sensitivity,

·         Tx power,

·         Performance stability of the detector which executes a shutdown in case of faulty performance of a transceiver (oscillation,...),

·         Frequency stability of local oscillators,

·         Transient amplification of the receiver and transmitter,

·         Noise-figure analysis for receivers,

·         Modem connectivity,

·         Impact of digital modulation schemes,

·         Receiver and transmitter efficiency in regard to SNR, MER, BER,FEC,

·         Frequency path phase noise (PN),

·         ICMP analysis

 After the transceivers went through the quality control process the complete system (Outdoor and indoor BS equipment, DOCSIS/LTE equipment,..) are assembled in a laboratory environment and a test of the whole system is performed with sample transceivers in order to ensure the system works within parameters as a whole.