Displaying items by tag: Singtel

Singapore’s largest telecom company Singtel announced the launch of its new network solution – Singtel Managed Software-Defined Branch (Singtel SD Branch) to support enterprises’ evolving networking needs across the globe.

Highly scalable and cost-efficient through a “white box” or generic hardware, Singtel SD Branch empowers enterprises in managing multiple and virtualized network functions at their existing sites or when they expand into new branch offices.  

With Singtel SD Branch, enterprises are assured of enhanced security and optimal performance of their networks and applications. They can better monitor network usage and issues in real-time. Enterprises can also add new functions, such as unified threat management, to the same hardware without incurring additional installation charges. These will in turn reduce their capital and operating expenditures.

“Many enterprises today deal with challenges of complex hybrid WAN architecture encompassing private and public Internet networks,” said Mr Goh Boon Huat, Vice President, Global Products at Singtel Group Enterprise.

“Singtel SD Branch provides a way to spin up and take down services seamlessly, offers full service visibility and manageability up to the application layer. This simplifies their WAN infrastructure, enabling agile managed network solutions to keep pace with growing business needs in different geographical regions.”

Singtel SD Branch is available globally and integrated seamlessly with Singtel’s underlay assets of submarine cables, IP VPN network of 428 Points of Presence, and its Global Internet service in more than 200 countries.

Developed based on the network functions virtualization (NFV) concept, Singtel SD Branch is the latest addition to Singtel’s suite of next generation SD network solutions following the launch of its SD-WAN in 2015 and cloud-based NFV service last year. Embedded with Singtel’s Security by Design, enterprises’ network services are protected against security breaches.

Singtel’s SD network solutions will help enterprises meet their WAN requirements, and employ a consistent and comprehensive unified portal for end-to-end monitoring, analytics, and visibility into all of their networks and application services. Enterprises are also able to provision new services and scale their network bandwidths on demand.

Singtel and Ericsson will jointly establish a Center of Excellence (CoE) to facilitate 5G development and deployment in Singapore. 5G, the next-generation mobile network technology, is expected to roll out globally from 2020 and will deliver massive connectivity, ultra-low latency, gigabit speeds, and enable advanced applications such as smart cities, Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality, and autonomous vehicles.

Co-funded by Singtel and Ericsson with an initial investment of 2 million Singapore Dollars over the next three years, CoE aims to spearhead the development of Singapore’s 5G mobile network infrastructure to support future Smart Nation initiatives. It will also be open to Optus, and Singtel’s regional associates across Asia and Africa to encourage knowledge sharing within the Singtel Group.

An integral part of CoE’s strategic goal is also to help industries and enterprises understand the value of 5G in transforming their business and the importance of shaping their long-term planning. This first-of-its-kind collaboration in Singapore will feature four pillars: up-skilling, demos, live field trials and collaborations with tertiary institutions.  

“This is a critical next step in our journey to 5G,” said Mark Chong, Group Chief Technology Officer, Singtel. “We’re pleased to partner Ericsson to enhance our 5G core competencies and create a robust 5G ecosystem that will allow Singtel and our enterprise customers to benefit from the anticipated growth opportunities 5G will bring.”

Activities will kick off in the later part of 2017, starting with Ericsson providing 5G expertise and conducting workshops, followed by field testing and hands-on experience to equip more than 100 Singtel engineers with critical competencies in designing and operating a 5G network.

5G demos will be set up in Singtel’s Comcentre headquarters to showcase future 5G application possibilities such as, immersive experience on Augmented Reality, enablement of haptic feedback in surgical operations, and remote medical education. 

Starting next year, a mobile 5G test bed will be deployed to carry out live 5G field trials with key enterprise customers.

Singtel will also engage research and tertiary institutions on potential collaboration opportunities to test 5G radios and possible applications that can benefit from the high speeds and low latency provided by 5G.

Martin Wiktorin, President and Country Manager for Singapore, Brunei & Philippines, Ericsson, says: “The establishment of the 5G CoE is timely and goes hand in hand with the Government’s move to encourage industry trials in 5G. Together with Singtel, we plan to set up a 5G test bed in 2018 for trials with key enterprise customers, with the objective of enabling a strong foundation to help design Singapore’s 5G future."

5G is seen as an important enabler for enterprises, having the potential to transform industries such as manufacturing, public safety, energy and utilities, transport, automotive and health care. It will also accelerate operational efficiencies to enable process transformation and new business models. 

For example, port operators can use 5G to provide remote control of Autonomous Guided Vehicles within port operations and improve platooning reliability, which will help boost port operations efficiency. The use of sensors and technologies such as drones and augmented reality enabled by 5G can be used for predictive maintenance and enhance safety of port workers.

According to the Ericsson Report on 5G Business Potential released earlier this year, 5G industry digitalization will provide a number of opportunities and boost annual revenue of mobile operators by USD582 billion from the year 2026. 5G-enabled industries, such as energy/utilities and public transport will enable operators to increase revenues by 34 percent by 2026.

Singapore-based telecom provider Singtel announced that it will accelerate fibre-based service adoption for its business and residential customers. Currently, fibre-based networks deliver speeds of up to 100Gbps and provide the connectivity needed for Smart Nation envisioned by Singapore.

“We are pleased to make this technology adoption push in support of today’s digital economy and tomorrow’s connected Smart Nation,” said Mr. Wong Soon Nam, Vice President, Consumer Products, Consumer Singapore, Singtel.

Smart Nation, launched in 2014 by Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, is a government initiative introduced to harness ICT, networks and big data to create tech-enabled solutions. The initiative aims to develop people-centric solutions to address global urban challenges.

“Fibre-based networks today are capable of offering far greater speeds and supporting a much wider range of services than the prevailing copper-based networks,” Mr. Wong said. “Fibre also provides customers with a robust connectivity that supports unified business communication applications and smart home services.”

In line with this push, Singtel will cease copper deployment to commercial buildings that obtain Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) status from April 2018 and will serve customers in these buildings using fibre-based networks. Commercial buildings that obtain TOP status before April 2018 will not be affected. Singtel ceased copper deployment to new residential buildings since 2013.

Singtel will also progressively close copper-based ADSL that support broadband, TV, Digital Voice and private network services. This closure is scheduled to be completed by early 2018.

“Singtel will work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure our customers will enjoy a smooth and fuss-free transition to the fibre network. We will also reach out to customers through various channels to make sure they are informed of the impending change and make available a range of affordable plans to cater to their varied communication needs,” added Mr Wong.

Go Ignite, an alliance of the world’s leading telcos including Orange, Deutsche Telekom, Singtel and Telefonica, announced the winners on Sept. 11 of the second global search for startups that offer the most innovative solutions for three key technologies including Consumer Experience Artificial Intelligence, Connected Homes, and Internet of Things (IoT) Cyber Security.

Consumer Experience AI refers to the use of new technology to provide personalized or new forms of customer support. Connected Homes are solutions that use software and/or hardware to automate and remotely control home appliances with ease, while IoT Security leverages new technologies to keep smart vehicles, homes and cities safe.  

The winners include Sparkcognition and NanoLock Security for IoT Cyber Security; Cujo and Vayyar Imaging for Connected Homes, and SafeToNet for Consumer Experience AI. The startups will have the opportunity to form business partnerships with the four telcos and tap into the alliance partners’ collective mobile subscriber base of over 1.2 billion mobile phone subscribers across five continents.

Axel Menneking, managing director of Deutsche Telekom’s hub:raum, said the telco alliance received “numerous applications from strong teams.” The five winners, he said, were able to “convince us with their ideas on artificial intelligence and security issues. The topics range from helping to protect children from bullying, protect critical infrastructure, and secure management platforms. I'm sure these teams will be doing good pilots with us and the other three telecom companies.”

The winners are attending a two-day workshop in Madrid to help them refine their solutions and sharpen their business strategies. In addition, each start-up will receive support including access to mentoring and expertise, co-working space and invitations to community events and networking opportunities.

“For us and our partners we have a firm belief that working collectively and in an open manner with the start-up community is critical to accelerate our innovation in these three key areas,” said Bertrand Rojat, Deputy Director of Orange’s Technocentre. “These are exciting times and we are delighted to be working with these ‘scale-ups’ to jointly deliver something truly remarkable to our customers.”

Go Ignite is an alliance aimed at connecting the start-up ecosystems across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. The Go Ignite global call for start-ups encourages teams world-wide to enter their projects into any one of the categories identified by the alliance to be of strategic interest.  

“This marks the continuation of our strong support in working with startups and other telcos to find and grow the next disruptive idea,” said Mrs. Ana Segurado, Global General Director, Telefónica Open Future. “It´s open innovation initiatives built with partners such as Go Ignite that truly creates the right framework to develop the business of the startups.”

Singtel announced plans to deploy Massive MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technology commercially on its LTE-Advanced mobile network, to enhance mobile data speed experience by up to 200% at special events for its customers.  A precursor to 5G technology, Massive MIMO is an advanced solution used to boost network capacity in highly dense environments. 

Singtel will team up with Ericsson, Huawei and ZTE to deploy Massive MIMO technology at the Marina Bay area. For a start, Singtel will roll out the network boost at the upcoming National Day celebrations, with other deployments planned for the Singapore F1 Night Race and the New Year countdown event. 

Over 150,000 people are expected at the Marina Bay area to celebrate National Day. Singtel

mobile customers gathered there will be able to enjoy a better data experience as they share their photos and videos of the exciting performances and fireworks on social media. 

Mr Mark Chong, Group Chief Technology Officer, Singtel, said: “On the joyous occasion of our National Day celebrations, Singtel is pleased to be pairing our newly-acquired 2.5GHz spectrum with Massive MIMO technology to expand our network capacity and offer our customers an enhanced mobile experience at this and other special events. We look forward to rolling out new technologies and innovative solutions to support the anticipated growth in mobile data.”  

Globally, large crowds gathered at events, such as concerts and festivals, use high volumes of data to share their experiences via real-time videos on social media.  This extraordinary behavior generates a dramatic spike in network traffic, presenting a challenge for operators to provide fast and consistent data speeds. 

Singtel has identified Massive MIMO as one of the solutions to the problem.  Singtel will use Massive MIMO base stations featuring a large array of 64 antennas that improve spectral efficiency and cell capacity using innovations in radio technologies.  

The innovative antenna system channels signals to users’ specific locations instead of broadcasting across a geographical area. This multiplies the number of data paths from the cellular base stations, thus increasing network capacity and improving user experience.  

Singtel provides Singapore’s fastest nationwide mobile data speeds at 450Mbps and recently launched 800Mbps speeds in the high-traffic Orchard Road area. In addition to having the island’s widest outdoor 4G coverage as rated by IMDA for 10 consecutive quarters, Singtel is also ranked the fastest telco in Singapore by global metrics leader, Ookla. 

Singapore’s Singtel is launching in phases, near-gigabit speeds on its LTE-Advanced network at selected high-traffic outdoor locations across the island. At 800Mbps, it is Southeast Asia’s fastest Gigabit-class LTE mobile data peak speed, delivering up to 60 percent faster download speeds than prevailing LTE services.

Mr. Mark Chong, Group Chief Technology Officer at Singtel, said, “As a leader in network innovation, we are committed to pushing the limits in network speeds, coverage and capacity, so we can continue delivering Singapore’s best mobile experience to our customers. We look forward to rolling out more network technology enhancements this year.”

The near-gigabit transmission speeds are achieved by scaling pre-5G technology solutions, 4x4 Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (4x4 MIMO) and 256 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), coupled with triple carrier aggregation of spectrum exclusive to Singtel.  

Mr. Martin Wiktorin, President of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei and Philippines said, “We are pleased to again partner with Singtel on this important step in the journey towards 5G. In delivering Singtel’s Gigabit-class LTE network, we are enabling an enhanced consumer experience as well as supporting Singapore’s Smart Nation vision, which will see the increase in bandwidth intensive applications.”

Singtel customers with Sony Xperia XZ Premium smartphones can enjoy the 800Mbps peak speeds at the outdoor areas of Shaw Centre, ION Orchard and Tang Plaza on Orchard Road. Full deployment at Orchard Road, Raffles Place and Clarke Quay is slated for the end of August. More Cat 16 smartphones supporting 1Gbps speeds are scheduled to be launched later this year.

The 800Mbps service augments Singtel’s nationwide 450Mbps mobile data speeds. In addition to having Singapore’s widest outdoor 4G coverage as rated by IMDA for 10 consecutive quarters, Singtel was also recently named the fastest telco in Singapore by global metrics leader, Ookla.

Singapore-based telecom operator Singtel and SingPost announced the launch of a nationwide recycling program in conjunction with World Environment Day. ReCYCLE, Singapore’s largest electronic waste (e-waste) recycling program by reach, encourages people to dispose their redundant mobile or internet-related devices at ReCYCLE bins or by mailing them through any post box.

“E-waste is one of the fastest growing categories of waste as consumers dispose electronic equipment even faster these days. According to the National Environment Agency, Singapore generates more than 60,000 tons of e-waste every year,” said Mr. Andrew Buay, Singtel’s Vice President for Group Sustainability.

“Most e-waste is still finding its way into landfills which pollutes the environment. With our partnership with SingPost, we’ve gone a step further to bring greater convenience to everyone by doubling our reach and touchpoints. We hope this will encourage more people to recycle and think twice before disposing their electronic devices down the rubbish chutes.”

Ms. Selena Chong, SingPost’s Vice President for Corporate Sustainability, said: “This is a program that addresses an environmental issue which affects our community. Working with Singtel creates greater impact across Singapore for ReCYCLE. We hope to provide our postal network capability to help people recycle more e-waste. Every recycled item means one less piece of waste that ends up in the landfill.”

Under the ReCYCLE program, members of the public can dispose their e-waste at selected Singtel shops, Singtel exclusive retailers and Post Offices with a ReCYCLE bin. Alternatively, anyone can collect special ReCYCLE envelopes from any of the eight Singtel shops, 58 Singtel exclusive retailers and 57 Post Offices located across the island, then “mail” their recyclables through any of the 743 post boxes in Singapore. 

AARNet, Google, Indosat Ooredoo, Singtel, SubPartners, and Telstra announced they have entered into an agreement with Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) to build a new international subsea cable system that will connect Singapore, Indonesia and Australia.

Once completed, the INDIGO cable system (previously known as APX West & Central) will strengthen links between Australia and the fast-growing Southeast Asian markets, providing lower latency and enhanced reliability. Using today’s coherent optical technology, each of the two-fibre pairs will have a minimum capacity of 18 terabits per second, with the option to increase this capacity in the future.

The system will use a two-fibre pair ‘open cable’ design with spectrum sharing technology. Consortium members will have spectrum ownership providing the ability to independently take advantage of technology advancements and future upgrades as required.

The INDIGO cable system will span approximately 9,000km and connect Singapore and Perth, and onwards to Sydney. Within the system, there will be two additional fibre pairs connecting Singapore and Jakarta via a branching unit. The new cable will land in existing facilities in Singapore, Australia, and Indonesia.

“With internet data consumption growing by 70 percent in Asia last year alone, these sorts of investments in international networks are critical for meeting the needs of connected consumers and businesses,” said Telstra’s Group Managing Director of Global Services and International David Burns.

“This will be an important piece of technology infrastructure connecting Southeast Asia and Australia, and follows a number of recent network enhancements Telstra has undertaken to meet growing demand for data and better connectivity from our customers across the Asia Pacific region,” he said.

“This strategic alliance is a great leap forward for Australian Research and Education,” said Chris Hancock, AARNet’s CEO. “It will provide critical infrastructure for meeting the future growth in collaborative research and transnational education between Australia and our Asian partners.”

Alexander Rusli, President Director and CEO Indosat Ooredoo, said: "We are committed to provide robust digital and telecommunications access to Indonesians. INDIGO’s consortium is a strategic and crucial partnership for Indosat Ooredoo that will help provide the digital services needed by Indonesian society.”

“Together, we will enable world-class data connectivity and internet access in line with our vision as Indonesia's leading digital telco,” he added. “High-speed network infrastructure availability, both into and out of Indonesia, is important for business and personal consumers in Indonesia to be able to connect to global content. We are confident this strong partnership with the consortium will deliver a reliable alternative for ever-growing data traffic.”

Ooi Seng Keat, Vice President, Carrier Services, Group Enterprise at Singtel said: “The construction of INDIGO is timely to meet the rising demand for high-speed broadband between Asia and Australia. This cable system complements our global connectivity that links Asia, the US, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. INDIGO will be a new data superhighway that facilitates Singtel and our subsidiary Optus to catalyze the development of digital economies across the regions.”

ASN will construct the cable, which is expected to be completed by mid-2019.

<p>Singapore telecom operators Singtel and StarHub have acquired  the majority of spectrum that was auctioned in Singapore of three frequency  bands, which generated SDG1.15 billion ($822 million). The auction was held by  the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) which auctioned off 175MHz of  spectrum in the 700MHz, 900MHz and 2.5GHz bands. Winners will be able to use  their new spectrum on July 1. <br><br>

  The auctioned spectrum included spectrum to be re-used from  2G services which were canceled on April 1 to make way for more modern usage. Singtel  battled its rival StarHub for the spectrum on sale, spending a whopping  SGD563.7 million for 75MHz of spectrum in all three bands, while StarHub  managed to acquire 60MHz in three bands for SDG349.6 million. <br><br>

  Other operators to get their hands on the auctioned spectrum  included M1 which acquired 30MHz in the 700MHz and 900MHz bands for SDG208  million, and also Australia-based newcomer TPG Telecom which purchased 10MHz in  the 2.5GHz band for SDG23.8 million. TPG was in the spotlight in December when  it beat rival MyRepublic to win Singapore&rsquo;s fourth mobile license.<br><br>

  &ldquo;The strong interest in the radio spectrum is a testament to  the mobile network operators&rsquo; confidence in the mobile market moving forward,&rdquo;  said Tan Kiat How, CEO of IMDA. &ldquo;Similar to past spectrum auction proceeds,  IMDA plans to invest the monies received to help our infocomm media companies  and workforce develop their capabilities, strengthen digital infrastructure,  and ready themselves for the digital economy.&rdquo; </p>

Singapore’s Singtel announced a partnership with Australia’s Optus and the Philippine’s Globe Telecom to collaborate on its social innovation program, Singtel Future Makers. The joint initiative seeks to help enterprising individuals and organizations in Singapore, Australia and the Philippines, which are addressing community needs through the bold, innovative use of technology, to grow and scale their businesses.

Singtel Future Makers 2017 follows the success of the inaugural launch in Singapore and Australia last year, where 18 local social start-ups were selected in both Singapore and Australia from more than 150 applicants. They received mentoring and financial backing to scale up their ideas. The new program will provide successful applicants with more than S$500,000 in cash grants and four months of business workshops, mentoring and coaching support from industry experts.

Through this program, successful applicants will gain a unique opportunity to grow their organizational capabilities, refine their business models and make a bigger social impact. The top participants from Singapore, Australia and the Philippines with the potential to scale their solutions regionally will have the chance to participate in a regional tier of funding and a workshop for regional capability building.

Mr Andrew Buay, Singtel’s Vice President of Group Sustainability said: “We believe in the power of technology and innovation to tackle the challenges faced by the vulnerable in our communities. The fact that many social issues transcend geographical boundaries, makes it all the more important that we expand the Singtel Future Makers program beyond Singapore, to give change makers with the most promising solutions the opportunity to scale regionally.”

“Through Singtel Future Makers, our goal is to nurture a vibrant social innovation ecosystem by collaborating with our associates, partners and social enterprises to deliver greater positive social impact where it matters,” he added.

Ms Yoly Crisanto, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications and Chief Sustainability Officer said: “We recognize the impact of technology in addressing many social issues that the country is facing at the moment. By participating in the Singtel Future Makers program, through Globe Future Makers, we help bring out the ecosystem of social innovators that are critical in turning the tide against various social issues like extreme poverty, malnutrition and lack of healthcare, limited access to education and social discrimination.”

“We are looking forward to many participants from the Philippines joining this program and supporting us in doing a Globe of Good,” he added.