NEWS
Cisco SONFlex helps VodafoneZiggo ready for 5G
with RAN automation
C
isco has announced its plans to execute on a radio access
network (RAN) automation strategy using the Cisco SON (self-
organising network) platform for Netherlands-based VodafoneZiggo.
VodafoneZiggo is now deploying the new Cisco SONFlex Suite,
building on its existing deployment of Cisco SON applications across
its network to manage all RAN technologies including 2G, 3G, long-
term evolution (LTE, or 4G) and ultimately, 5G.
The move marks a new milestone in VodafoneZiggo’s automation
strategy as it shifts from traditional network-focused optimisation
solutions to an approach of customer-centric SON-based
automation solutions.
“VodafoneZiggo is the lead OpCo within the Vodafone Group for
the rollout of Cisco SON,” said Matthias Sauder, Director, Mobile
Networks, VodafoneZiggo. “With Cisco SONFlex, we are now in a
position to manage increasing network complexity with 5G on the
horizon, improve operational efficiency and gain greater autonomy
to develop a unique automation strategy.”
“VodafoneZiggo is pioneering RAN automation as the first
European service provider to simplify its network with Cisco
SONFlex,” said Alon Peleg, General Manager, Cisco SON.
“Importantly, it is shifting from an ‘off-the-shelf-product’ approach
and gaining full creativity and autonomy to develop its own
customised apps for faster time to market.”
Using SONFlex APIs and infrastructure, it can take advantage of
many more external data sources and take its RAN automation to
the next level to maximise network assets, decrease costs per bit and
improve the overall customer experience with superior voice quality.
Cisco SONFlex Suite is enabling VodafoneZiggo to develop and
deploy its own SON applications, independent from the core Cisco
SON platform to improve operational practices and launch new
services faster.
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European Commission approves T-Mobile NL’s
acquisition of Tele2 NL
T
he European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger
Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Tele2 NL by T-Mobile
NL. The Commission concluded that the merger would raise no
competition concerns in the European Economic Area or any
substantial part of it.
Commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy,
said: “Access to affordable and good-quality mobile telecom services
is essential in a modern society. After thoroughly analysing the
specific role of T-Mobile NL and the smaller Tele2 NL in the Dutch
retail mobile market, our investigation found that the proposed
acquisition would not significantly change the prices or quality of
mobile services for Dutch consumers.”
The decision follows an in-depth investigation of T-Mobile NL’s
proposed acquisition of Tele2 NL. The proposed transaction would
combine Deutsche Telekom’s subsidiary, T-Mobile NL, with Tele2’s
subsidiary, Tele2 NL, respectively the third and fourth largest
operators in the Dutch retail mobile telecommunications market. The
merged entity would remain the third largest player on the Dutch
market after KPN and VodafoneZiggo.
The Commission’s investigation indicates that the Dutch mobile
market is competitive with some of the lowest mobile prices in the
EU and high network quality. There are currently four mobile network
operators in the Netherlands – KPN, VodafoneZiggo, T-Mobile NL
and Tele2 NL.
The Commission undertook a wide range of investigative measures
and received feedback from market participants in the Dutch
telecommunications sector, as well as other stakeholders. The
investigation found that the proposed merger was unlikely to lead to
significant price increases, among many other findings.
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