Alepo Technologies Inc

IntroductionOperators today provide connectivity to millions of people who are embracing a more digital lifestyle. They are also facilitating this shift for enterprises as they undergo digital transformation. To make their 5G investments profitable, CSPs need a monetization strategy that takes a multipronged approach. In addition to direct monetization, they must include partnerships, digital ecosystems, as well as unique and innovative business models. 5G monetization demands that communications service providers (CSPs) reshape and evolve their revenue management systems to ensure they can support complex B2B, B2C, and B2B2X services. So, what are the key enablers for this change?5G use cases ready to be monetized 5G means CSPs will be able to offer a host of new services that require advanced monetization platforms, new business models, and new ways of thinking from traditional voice and data subscriptions. These include services enabled by 5G capabilities such as:Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB): enables CSPs to handle ever-increasing data rates, user density, and traffic capacity.Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC): enables the IoT ecosystem, where a large number of devices are connected to the network with varying policies.Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC): caters to latency demands, especially for mission-critical and safety-critical applications.Network Slicing: enables operators to use shared physical infrastructure to create multiple autonomous networks, each one catering to different QoS requirements for bandwidth, storage, processing power, and more.The key enablers for 5G monetizationTo cater to the needs of their individual and enterprise customers, and to capitalize on the possibilities of 5G, CSPs need to focus on these four key enablers:Platform-based business modelAs the 5G ecosystem expands the services and applications that can be consumed through the network, CSPs need to evolve their business models to serve as platforms that connect consumers with producers. A platform-based business model enables operators to build a wide range of industry-specific business models based on consumption (APIs, insights, and so on), use of shared infrastructure, customer journeys, and more. Operators can also set up digital ecosystems using the platform business model. These ecosystems or digital marketplaces connect businesses with consumers.5G operators can leverage their existing infrastructure to forge diverse partnerships and offer a platform to producers, manufacturers, retailers of products and services. Network slicing enables CSPs to support and monetize these services. These partnerships can span across industry verticals such as connected cars, smart cities, industrial IoT, and more.CSPs today are associated with multiple diverse service chains and can leverage their customer data and analytics to create highly profitable platforms that are mutually beneficial for customers and the providers of the service. They can be used to introduce more advanced offerings. For instance, Telefónica UK provides an insurance offering called O2 Drive, leveraging customer data insights to create contextual offers at better rates. The app uses GPS tracking to monitor customer journeys, giving each customer a score to tell them how safely they drive and providing tips to improve.Robust partnership ecosystemOne of 5G’s core transformative abilities is in enabling service providers to forge diverse partnerships, thus enabling B2B2X ecosystems. 5G and IoT open business opportunities at multiple levels, with business models such as shared infrastructure, revenue-sharing, connecting multiple devices on a single network, and more. Operators can monetize partnerships based on SLAs and QoS, volumes, product/service type, inventories, infrastructure use, API and service consumption, and so on. Partners can, in turn, implement subscription- and transaction-based models, charging consumers based on their usage in terms of time, volume, output, and more.CSPs can facilitate and monetize diverse and advanced telco as well as non-telco applications, building a partner ecosystem that spans across industries. Use cases such as road safety with self-driving vehicles and smart traffic management hold immense ROI potential. Logistics companies can be provided platforms to maximize business efficiency through real-time fleet tracking, route and fuel optimization, and more. Smart grids and utility providers can use data from IoT and connected devices to manage distribution. Healthcare professionals can benefit from platforms that enable telemedicine and remote surgeries. Agriculture can employ connected devices such as drones, sensors, and cameras to monitor soil and crop quality. Manufacturing units and factories can connect all devices on the floor from larger machines right down to a screwdriver to optimize efficiency. For retail applications, operators can help enable smart home portals and apps, digital ecosystem platforms, and much more.Customer-focused innovationCustomer experience (CX) is a major driver for success today, compelling operators to shift their focus to customer service and service monetization in all aspects of their business, from designing products to the partnerships they build.Ensuring good CX includes innovative business offerings, digitized experience, high network performance, service availability, and reliability. It also means billing, charging, settlement, customer support processes need to be CX-driven. Operators must look at automating CX by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in their back-office processes such as order management as well as by implementing chatbots and automation in their payment and self-care apps.So, how do operators monetize CX? A major part of it is ensuring simple and easy-to-implement pricing structures. Offering asset-light business models is especially beneficial to enterprises, where CSPs can provide the underlying IT and charging infrastructure to businesses, granting them full control of the services they offer to their consumers without having to invest in their own infrastructure.Monetization models can be based on a host of different parameters depending on the applications, such as UE/MAC address for IoT and I-IoT applications, infrastructure use, inventories, geographical locations, time of day, demand, and more.SBA core driven networksSBA architecture with 5G core and cloud infrastructure are key enablers to the network, helping launch advanced services like URLLC, network slicing, and more. Network slicing is set to revolutionize how networks are used and monetized. And while sharing network resources means more efficient use of the infrastructure, it demands advanced charging systems to cater to the diverse use cases it supports. One slice may demand low-latency QoS, while another demands ultrafast speed, and a third demands high bandwidth. Monetizing these network slices demands dynamic near-real-time charging and policy control.In addition to QoS, 5G monetization platforms enable charging for network use, based on the number of connections, data frequency, real-time versus non-real-time operations, location precision, and more.Solutions that maximize 5G monetization capabilities In consumer as well as enterprise applications, 5G supports endless possibilities of business models and charging use cases. They will be required to support online as well as offline charging, scaling to handle the demands of IoT billing so they can charge small amounts at a massive scale. They will also need to support a range of revenue-sharing arrangements with n-level hierarchies. CSPs will need to ensure they are constantly innovating to support charging with evolving services like on-demand network slices.As CSPs make the transition to 5G, successful monetization relies largely on the flexibility of an operator’s billing, charging, and policy infrastructure systems to support multiple pricing models. They also need to implement a next-gen partner management solution to handle diverse partnerships. Implementing a future-proof digital BSS/OSS infrastructure helps begin their journey of digital transformation, enabling them to get the most out of their 5G monetization infrastructure.Source: Alepo Blog

Introduction Partnerships are the future of 5G, and they will shape the future of the CSP. Success will rely on the systems and infrastructure that enable CSPs to create new and innovative business opportunities, helping build a vast and diverse partner ecosystem. Increasing their 5G revenue will mean that telecom operators will need to look beyond offering network coverage and support more advanced uses and outcomes with the connectivity they provide. The use of technology is increasing in sectors such as agriculture, logistics, energy, manufacturing, automotive, and transportation, helping drive business decisions, improve processes, optimize resource use, and secure new revenue streams. Many have also begun using RFID tags, sensors, cameras, drones, and other real-time surveillance and data-gathering devices. As more and more industries begin to digitize their businesses and use cloud-based infrastructure, they need robust and reliable network connectivity to ensure they can efficiently monitor and operate their assets, support process automation, and handle large volumes of data unlike ever before. And that’s where 5G comes in. Through private or enterprise 5G, CSPs can enable businesses to run their own secure and reliable networks. Network slicing also reduces the need for businesses to invest in dedicated infrastructure. CSPs can optimize and monetize their network by dividing it into dedicated “slices” for different enterprise customers, allocating resources depending on the use case. Top 8 industries that benefit from 5G partnerships Partnerships provide infinite possibilities for CSPs, though some industries are more likely to be early adopters of the technology. Some of these industries and their use cases include: Transportation 5G will revolutionize transport: a recent World Bank report states that 5G holds the potential to accelerate several evolving technologies such as sharing economy and digital platforms, electric and autonomous vehicles, and advanced business models like Mobility as a Service (MaaS). The report also says that mobility-driven demand for connectivity will likely be an important revenue stream for expanded 5G coverage, and the revenue from connected vehicles in major road corridors could potentially yield ROI within just 3–4 years. Autonomous vehicles will improve road safety and be especially viable on closed campuses in the near future. Smart traffic control with real-time management through connected traffic lights will alleviate traffic congestion. Extending route-mapping technology to transport fleets will improve efficiency and provide real-time updates to commuters on transit times and/or delays. Connecting public places like stadiums with public transport systems will enable them to anticipate higher demand during events. V2X communications Vehicle-to-vehicle communication Airborne taxis Prognostic maintenance Digital twins Remote vehicle health monitoring In-vehicle infotainment Intelligent traffic Energy and utilities The energy industry currently faces the shift to renewable power, uncertainty over fuel prices, outdated infrastructure, declining revenues, and regulation and policy restrictions. Next-gen technology can help tackle these challenges, helping build a digitalized smart grid using AI, machine learning, and data analytics, and connected with 5G. Intelligence gathered from IoT devices and other technologies gives utility providers more control over distribution, battery energy storage, and renewable energy generation. This enables building smart factories, improved agility, improved CX, lower operating costs, decentralized business models, and high ROI. Smart street lighting Virtual power plants Smart energy management Drone monitoring Smart metering Predictive maintenance Healthcare Private 5G is set to revolutionize healthcare, helping ensure more efficient patient care, implement monitoring to enable preventative practices, and reduce escalating treatment costs. It will also mean improved healthcare practices, safer storage of patient data, and broadening access even to those in remote or distant areas. The high speeds, reliable connectivity, low latency, and real-time data streaming that private 5G networks provide enable limitless IoT applications, also known as the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). Teleconsultation is already being adopted by many hospitals and clinics — a trend escalated by the pandemic to enable patients to access quality medical care from the safety of their homes. As IoT-enabled automation and private 5G networks become more pervasive, healthcare professionals will be able to leverage these technologies to provide e-health applications and personalized treatment options. Remote surgeries AR/VR-enabled healthcare Telemedicine Robot-assisted minimally invasive surgeries Remote patient monitoring Wearables and ingestibles Connected ambulances Implantable device monitoring Financial services Today, the success of financial services such as banks, finance, and insurance (BFSI) companies is hinged, among others, on two important factors: security and customer experience. Private 5G helps fulfill these two requirements by providing ultra-high reliability, higher data capacity, and low latency. The adoption of private 5G and more widespread use of IoT systems and devices will help boost security and CX while driving ROI. It supports disruption from fintech firms, enables a host of advanced mobile transactions, and facilitates service providers to create custom financial solutions to meet an array of business requirements. Smart bank branches Remote tellers Internet of Moving Things Payment-enabled wearables Entertainment and media 5G technology will change the face of entertainment and media. According to this report, the global media industry is expected to gain $765bn in cumulative revenues from the new applications and services that 5G enables. Smartphones and consumer devices increasingly support the richer and more advanced audio, video, and multimedia experiences that are facilitated by 5G’s low latency and high bandwidth. The next step is new media experiences for residential and enterprise applications. This will mean collaborative and shared live entertainment, AR/VR, interactive and cloud gaming, immersive events such as sports, personalized content, immersive advertising, and much more. Temporary event networks Enhanced mobile advertising Smart stadiums Connected haptic suits Immersive media Enhanced mobile media In-car entertainment Ultra-high-definition video streaming Manufacturing Manufacturing units that run business-critical activities require infrastructure and applications that demand high reliability, low latency, and uninterrupted connectivity without a wired network. Enterprise or private 5G enables the application of robotics, AI, automation, Industrial IoT, and augmented reality to improve efficiency, lower costs, transform production processes, and facilitate new business models for manufacturing companies. It can help minimize downtime and delays in production, enable streamlined supply chain management, facilitate improved quality checks, boost staff safety, and empower more informed decision-making in real-time using BI analytics. Smart factories Predictive maintenance Drones Human-robot collaboration Education The pandemic has already accelerated a massive digital revolution in learning, moving teaching to virtual classrooms. And while e-learning is off to a good start, 5G will help bridge the divide caused by the limitations inherent to legacy networks such as lagging speeds and the lack of more immersive experiences. Improved connectivity, ultrafast speeds, and the integration of IoT and robotics will enable educators to create enriched educational experiences that not only match classroom experiences but also surpass them. Smart classrooms AR/VR Remote learning Holographic instructors Robots educators Personalized learning Agriculture 5G is expected to revolutionize the agricultural sector, enabling centralized and real-time control over agricultural practices. Many have been turning to newer technologies in recent years to monitor and improve farming practices. Drones, sensors, and cameras are already in use to monitor soil hydration, rainfall, soil nutrients, weeds, temperature, and so on. Connecting these devices to a 5G network and leveraging next-gen features will enable more precision and efficiency in the systems. Smart farming applications enable farmers to segment their fields and treat different sections based on their unique needs using machine-to-machine (M2M) communications and AI. Farmers can use geolocation services to track livestock in real-time, monitor food intake, keep a check on animal health, and more. Precision farming Autonomous plants Self-driving tractors Extended IoT and M2M Wireless sensors and drones Livestock tracking How Alepo can help Cross-industry partnerships will be the most lucrative path to success for 5G service providers, and to attract more partners, they will need to enable innovative 5G use cases. This means providing a robust platform that supports easy onboarding of partners and customers, omnichannel support, and in-built monetization systems. As early movers in enabling 5G, we’ve already begun facilitating operators to stay ahead of the global trend of small and medium businesses turning to operators for their private 5G networks. Our end-to-end solutions enable operators to forge cross-industry partnerships, meet regulatory needs, and develop fail-proof cybersecurity strategies. Learn more about our 5GC solutions. Originally posted on Alepo Blog.

IntroductionWith declining revenues from traditional services, the growing threat of OTT players, and customers swiftly embracing a more digital lifestyle, operators need to keep reinventing themselves by offering new and differentiated services to their customers. Digital transformation is key to this reinvention, which means the ability to offer advanced services through delivery channels preferred by customers. Plus, it enables operators to improve efficiency by streamlining their business processes, further improving revenue through reduced operational costs. Digital transformation is a massive undertaking for any telco, demanding considerable investment, in terms of resources, time, and of course, money. Often, it takes years for an operator to transform their infrastructure and processes. What decides the success of this undertaking is knowing where to begin and investing in key focal points that will bring visible changes to the network. In our experience of facilitating network modernization projects around the globe, we’ve found that telcos gain immediate benefits after a successful BSS transformation, even when they choose to roll out in phases and reinvest as they derive ROI.Top five benefits of digital transformationIn planning a digital transformation, make sure the solution you deploy will produce these benefits:Transforming the customer experienceDigital transformation means enabling a digital lifestyle through a host of next-generation services, including the advancement to 5G. From smart homes, smart buildings and cities, to autonomous vehicles and industrial IoT applications in manufacturing, telcos will be able to harness the full monetization potential of the next-gen network through unique and differentiated services. In addition to improving CX by supporting advanced service offerings, digital transformation is also meant to enhance customer relationship management through increased engagement, more cross-selling and up-selling opportunities, consistently evolving offerings to keep pace with changing customer needs, and ensuring swift and seamless issue resolution. A modern BSS transformation includes CX-focused features such as:digital CRM to serve as a unified 360-degree platform to manage all customer interactionsdigitized customer journeys, including digital onboarding, electronic KYC, and moreinteractive omnichannel self-care with integrated chatbots for social media platforms to ensure your customers can engage with you 24x7x365, making them self-reliant to solve problems quickly and efficiently, and granting more control over their accountspersonalized and innovative rewards programs to build customer loyalty and brand differentiation throughout the customer life cyclecontextual plans for different customer segments based on their location, usage needs, and moreAccurate data-driven insightsOne of the key benefits of digital transformation is gaining access to key data insights to continually measure the pulse of your customers and modify not only plans and offerings, but also your long-term business strategies and goals. Effectively using Business Intelligence (BI) insights improve ROI and revenue. A next-gen digital BSS platform provides granular and customizable reports for advanced customer segmentation. Using the data from these reports, you can create personalized and relevant offerings, improve plan pricing, and build loyalty. Further, these insights help in creating targeted advertising to not only promote your own offerings but also for third-party sponsorship opportunities.Innovations due to collaborations/partnershipsHow does digital transformation help keep pace with competition from OTT services such as social media and chat platforms? Customers have far more engagement with these platforms as compared to traditional service providers, and digital transformation helps up the customer relationship game by forging cross-industry partnerships for a host of OTT services that directly engage the customer. Network modernization solutions enable these services to be integrated with the telco’s offerings, meaning that the telco can ensure end-to-end management of the services by maintaining control over them and providing a holistic customer experience. Transforming your network means creating new revenue streams by integrating a modern partner management solution that facilitates these partnerships while managing a large number of connections (think IoT ecosystem), massive amounts of data consumption, use cases requiring ultralow latency, and more. (For more on these partnerships as we move forward in the 5G era, read our blog, How partnerships are the key to 5G success for telcos.)Agile and virtualized network environmentDigital transformation makes it possible to continually adapt to evolving market demands by responding swiftly with new and innovative services by creating an agile network environment. More agility means faster response time, helping telcos stay ahead of their competitors. An agile network environment is virtualized, replacing traditional hardware through the implementation of Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and employing a software-based approach to running various traditional network functions. Modern BSS transformation solutions are NFV-compliant and cloud-native, helping telcos reduce operational costs, improve agility, lower OPEX, reduce costs by avoiding constant and expensive hardware upgrades, and support various next-gen use cases even before they fully transition to 5G. Earlier generations of networks, including 4G, did not serve as many use case demands as 5G. 5G caters to use cases that require more speed, latency, reliability, efficiency, throughput, and other needs. Catering to these dynamically changing needs, and handling more traffic load than ever before, demands a virtualized network environment. Taking a cue from the enterprise success of agile virtualized environments, more and more telcos are moving towards a virtualized core network. With more standardization as well as network-agnostic software, modern deployments are more agile.Automated processes and faster sales conversionsAutomating workflows and processes helps reduce operator dependence on staff, lowers the risk of errors caused by manual intervention, and helps keep operational costs low. Digital transformation integrates automation at all levels and in all processes. This includes automating sales processes to reduce workload, save time, and lower OPEX on creating workflows, sending emails, setting up alerts and notifications to track the sales pipeline, and more. It helps streamline the entire sales life cycle, centralizing all day-to-day operations, capturing leads, organizing customer databases, ensuring quotations are sent on time, interactions are prompt, and managing the sales pipeline. Here, too, leveraging data through the use of advanced analytics helps improve the sales process, forecast sales, identify the most lucrative lead sources, and more. The result: improved sales conversions, both in terms of time and volumes.How Alepo can help in your digital transformation journeyAlepo been instrumental in digitalizing telecom businesses around the globe has emerged as an industry-leading solution provider to drive revenue through network modernization and digital transformation projects. Its next-gen products and solutions are the result of ongoing R&D efforts to employ the latest technologies and meet dynamically changing market demands.Alepo’s 5G-ready Digital BSS along with its 5G Core and other cloud-native solutions helps CSPs constantly innovate their service offerings, facilitate business automation, accelerate network performance, drive profitability, and reduce costs on fixed and mobile broadband networks. Its 365x24x7 global technical assistance center (GTAC) further ensures that operators can maintain highly available networks, competitive differential advantage in their target market with timely feature enhancements, and a high customer satisfaction index with proactive network monitoring and quick issue resolution.Looking to transform your service offerings, business processes, and customer experience? Drop us a message and we’ll get in touch.Originally published on Alepo Blog.