Page 93 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2020

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Thuraya Users to Benefit from Network Modernization

UAE-based mobile satellite services operator Thuraya has signed in the future. Thuraya’s upgrade to a virtualized core, will
an agreement with Ericsson for a core network modernization certainly provide a higher-quality experience for end users while
and upgrade to a 4G and 5G ready infrastructure. Ericsson will streamlining their network operations.” The upgrade will include
modernize and optimize Thuraya's network to a virtualized core deployment of virtual Evolved Packet Core Network, using network
that supports existing and new features and services in the functions virtualization, including Ericsson Cloud Packet Core,
future. The deal will ensure that Thuraya can continue to offer its Cloud Unified Data Management and Ericsson NFVI. The Virtual
users the best possible user experience in the most efficient way. Evolved Packet Core will provide the capacity and flexibility to cope
Ericsson will also migrate the existing Thuraya users to the new with network evolution challenges. For the network management
platform and oversee its integration with existing systems. The aspects, Ericsson Network Manager is deployed to manage the
operator's mobile-data users, especially those in remote locations virtual network functions which will secure the automation and
or areas where traffic is dense, will benefit from higher availability provide operational efficiency when managing the network.
and reliability. As a result, Thuraya can provide consumers more
flexible and easy-to-use communication services integrated with
various terminals, which will work seamlessly when they move
between different access points. Adnan Al Muhairi, Deputy Chief
Technical Officer of Thuraya stated: "By modernizing Thuraya’s
core network, we are looking to build its resilience and enhance
overall performance. This would also improve other key aspects
like guaranteeing more flexible, reliable and effective services.
Our strategy is to make optimum use of existing assets and
invest in infrastructure upgrades so that the network is ready
to accommodate Thuraya’s Next Generation System. We have
a longstanding partnership with Ericsson and acknowledge
them as a leader in deploying new technologies to enable high-
quality mobile broadband solutions.” By selecting Ericsson for
the modernization of its existing mobile-core, Thuraya extends its
existing partnership, in which Ericsson has been the sole vendor
for its circuit-switched core network. Wojciech Bajda, Head of
Ericsson Gulf Council Countries says: “Ericsson and Thuraya
have enjoyed many years of successful cooperation, and we
are committed to support in further strengthening our partner's
position and support them to introduce 4G and 5G ready core,
allowing its users to enjoy the benefits of 4G and 5G technology

Amazon’s Kuiper Satellite Plan Wins Backing of FCC

Amazon.com’s plan for a fleet of 3,236 specifying them. Pai’s request is likely to term project that envisions serving tens of
communications satellites won the backing result in approval in closed-door voting at millions of people who lack basic access
of the U.S. Federal Communications the agency, where he leads a Republican to broadband internet.” “There are still too
Commission chairman, who said he had majority. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos wants many communities where internet access
asked fellow commissioners to approve to launch the small satellites in low orbits is unreliable or prohibitively expensive”
the venture. “Satellite constellations like to provide internet coverage. Separately, and Project Kuiper will help close that gap,
this aim to provide high-speed broadband Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Dave Limp, Amazon senior vice president
service to consumers in the U.S. and or SpaceX, has launched more than 480 for devices and services, said in an emailed
around the world,” Ajit Pai said in a tweet of a planned 12,000 satellites; in October message. “We appreciate that Chairman
on Friday. Pai added that he had called 2019, the company founded by Elon Pai shares our commitment to the issue.”
for conditions on the proposed service by Musk sought permission for 30,000 more.
Amazon subsidiary Kuiper Systems without Amazon last year called Kuiper “a long-

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