4G S p e c i a l e d i t i o n

a p u b l i c a t i o n o f s y n i v e r s e J u n e 2 0 1 1

lets talk evolution

Getting from Point A to Point 4G
p. 6

4 Top LTE Myths IPX: The Onramp to 4G 3 Keys to LTE Success

inside synergy
volume 5 / number 2

cover story Understanding the fundamentals of LTE

3 4 5 9

executive Corner
reGional uPdate Latest global highlights tHe onramP to 4G The vital role of IPX for futureproof interworking debunkinG tHe HyPe Learn the truth behind four popular LTE myths PlanninG for success Three top considerations for shaping a 4G future It never ceases to amaze me how quickly our mobile ecosystem is evolving, driven by the growing number of ways end users leverage mobile to connect with each other. Long gone are the days where it was a novelty to place a call or send a text message to anyone, anywhere. Now, consumers expect not only to have constant connectivity, but that the network also support the data-intensive applications and services that have become fully integrated into their lives, with mobile data consumption expected to increase 26 fold between 2010 and 2015, according to the Cisco Visual Networking Index. 4G is vital to satisfy nearly unquenchable mobile data thirsts, regardless of the type of mobile player or the unique customer segments it serves. The question isnt if 4G?its when 4G? Thats why we have dedicated this special edition of Synergy to 4G, and LTE in particular, with the goal of simplifying complex 4G concepts and considerations into easy-to-digest articles. Think about it as 4G in 4,000 words or less. The road to 4G has abundant twists and turns, and the first step is to understand the destination along with the potential obstacles that stand in the way. To help you achieve this, Syniverses Chief Operating Officer Jeff Gordon authored an article on page 6 that helps to explain key LTE fundamentals, such as what it is, what it delivers, what its challenges are and whats next. The brave, new world of 4G brings with it a myriad of both business and technical complexities. You can read about three key business considerations for the move to LTE on page 9, and you also can learn more about the technical backbone that serves as the onramp to 4G on page 4. At Syniverse, building linkages among networks, technologies and devices is in our DNA. Were keenly focused on bridging todays technologies to the future of 4G and everything in between. Our customers are our top priority, and were working together to make the 4G transition seamless. I hope you enjoy this special edition of Synergy!

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face-to-face enGaGement How ubiquitous video makes the world smaller

4G
1: 05 PM

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emPloyee sPotliGHt Meet three individuals who make LTE work

Tony Holcombe President & CEO

End Call

3 R egiona l U p dat e

we make mobile work EvEry whErE.

At Syniverse, we make mobile work every day, everywhere in the world. From California to Hong Kong, Buenos Aires to London, we maintain offices in every region of the globe to ensure we have expert staff located on the ground where our customers do business.
AsiA PAcific (AP)
Syniverse has been busy making LTE work for our customers in AP, conducting a successful LTE roaming workshop in New Zealand for operators across the region and world in addition to one-onone LTE workshops with operators in China and Korea. We announced our new Mobile Video Broadcast Service this year with Korea Telecom (KT) as our first customer, enabling any mobile user on any network around the globe the ability to receive a live video stream initiated by a KT subscriber. This first-ofits-kind mobile video communications solution is now a finalist for the Asia Communications Awards in the Innovation category and also is a finalist for a Global Telecoms Business Innovation Award. We also recently implemented our RoamMonitor solution with a Tier 1 AP operator, providing real-time alerting on data roaming usage and charging. visiting customers just 15 minutes from Jorge Newbery Airport. In addition to being home to our regional headquarters, this new office also hosts our tri-lingual Level 1 support team, which is dedicated to serving Syniverses more than 100 customers across CALA. The contact information for this office is included on the back cover of this issue of Synergy as well as on the Syniverse website. emphasis on EMEA, India and Asia. We are pleased to add to our growing EMEA customer roster through recent additions of roaming, messaging and network customers in the U.K., Germany, Czech Republic, France and more.

north AmericA (nA)

A major Tier 1 operator in NA recently deployed Syniverses RoamMonitor solution to provide its subscribers with realtime data usage alerts in both the home and roaming environments, ultimately improving the customer experience. We also recently achieved a significant certification with a Tier 1 handset manufacturer and application service provider (ASP) in NA, enabling us to offer brands around the globe direct IP connectivity to this company. As a result, participating brands will be able to dramatically increase the reach of their mobile applications for enhanced connectivity with consumers. In addition, Syniverse is providing messaging solutions to a growing number of NA cable MSOs, enabling unique SMS applications, such as on television set-top boxes.

euroPe, middLe eAst & AfricA (emeA)

After many years of dedicated service, Eugene Bergen Henegouwen, Executive Vice President, EMEA, has decided to retire from Syniverse. To ensure continuous superior support of our EMEA customers, Alfred de Crdenas, President of Sales, has expanded his responsibilities to lead the EMEA sales organization. In addition, we welcome to Syniverse Patrick George, Senior Vice President of Global Solutions, who brings more than 15 years experience, most recently at Belgacom International Carrier Services (BICS). Patrick is based in Luxembourg and is responsible for leading strategic programs designed to drive business optimization for customers with an

cAribbeAn & LAtin AmericA (cALA)

Our CALA headquarters in Buenos Aires recently made the move to a new building. This larger office is conveniently located for both our employees and

4 lt e c hal l enges

By John Wick Senior Vice President Network

IPX
IPX allows it to simply and easily get from Point A to Point 4G. Existing networks will need to be overhauled in order to meet 4Gs new specifications. As most communication occurring between operators uses SS7based infrastructure, operators must implement a new flat, IP-based architecture, as well as new network elements, interfaces and protocols that match the IP-centric world of LTE. An IPX solution simplifies many of the technical aspects of these required changes. Moreover, the formerly complex, hardware-intensive process of increasing bandwidth is simplified to a software function when operators use an IPX solution. IPX also delivers the interoperability that will be such a vital element of the transition to 4G. Because LTE coverage will initially be limited to hot spots on top of existing 2G and 3G networks, operators must ensure their LTE networks have the flexibility to revert back to legacy technologies or Wi-Fi, so subscribers have a seamless experience as they traverse coverage areas. An IPX solution can help interpret the disparate technological languages required to allow signaling and exchange of services to occur between these distinct provider islands. In addition to simplifying the roaming and interworking aspects of 4G, IPX delivers benefits like increased efficiency in an all-IP environment because operators are able to run multiple services

IPX: The Onramp to 4G Roaming & Interworking

he myriad of paths to 4G range from long and winding walking trails to high-speed bullet trains all with differing waypoints, milestones and travel times. In this diverse, everchanging environment, roaming is a universal requirement to deliver on the global experience to which mobile users have become accustomed. To meet this demand, how do disparate next-generation networks connect together to exchange services between their users? How will LTE networks interwork with existing 2G/3G deployments to ensure service continuity? How will customers take the 4G experience abroad or outside of the operators home network? The foundation of answering these questions lies in leveraging an IP Packet eXchange (IPX) solution, which provides the essential onramp to LTE roaming and interworking. Regardless of an operators sense of urgency for migrating,

4G Ahead

through one connection point. IPX also provides unprecedented access to network monitoring tools that allow operators to ensure a high quality of service for subscribers as they use the premium services that drive investment in LTE. The road to LTE roaming and interworking is both full of complexity and ripe with opportunity. Fortunately, IPX builds the intelligent highways to point every player in the mobile ecosystem in the right direction to reach the ultimate 4G destination.

5 FoU R to p lt e MYt hs

Making Practical Sense out of 4G Hype

D e bu n k InG FOu R T O P LT e M y T hs
By MarTin Guilfoyle Vice President Research and Development

The topic of 4G is dominating conversations in the mobile industry. With naysayers, evangelists and everyone in between making noise about the topic, its easy for half-truths or misinterpretations to be represented as fact. To set the record straight, lets address four myths about 4G:

Theres only one word to describe subscribers appetites for mobile data: insatiable. Just look at how traffic has grown in the past five years and is projected to skyrocket moving forward. For those who say this phenomenon exists only in highly developed markets, consider that a number of industry analysts predict the areas with the most rapid projected data growth in the next four years are Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Central and Eastern Europe. Its a known fact that todays networks are already feeling the stress of these increased data demands. While there are ways to temporarily alleviate the pressure, the only permanent solution is through the increased capacity and speed of 4G.

4G

myth 1: subscribers do not need 4G yet.

myth 3: 4G is flawless.
The benefits of 4G are obvious, yet its important to keep in mind the inherent 4G challenges that must be overcome. A key consideration should be the subscriber experience, which must be seamless in order for end users to be willing to invest in 4G devices and services. This means that roaming is a must, and operators should seriously consider options like Wi-Fi offload for subscribers outside of 4G coverage areas to alleviate network strain.

Theres no denying implementation of an entirely new network infrastructure requires significant capital investment. However, cost-conscious providers know that the increased efficiency delivered through IP-based technologies yields lower capital and operational expenditures in the long term. Plus, 4G architecture is low latency and provides an unprecedented capability to manage network performance, ensuring a high-quality, consistent subscriber experience and reducing churn. In addition the potential of 4G allows operators to offer premium applications like video that attract consumers, while providing new opportunities to generate revenue.

myth 2: frugal operators Will not invest in 4G.

While its true that all roads eventually lead to 4G, there are many different ways to arrive at this destination. Fortunately, solutions exist today that benefit operators no matter how they choose to make the transition. The most obvious and essential is an IP Packet eXchangeIPXwhich brings cost savings and operational efficiencies to existing 2G and 3G networks while serving as the bridge to the all-IP world of 4G in the future. Moreover, an IPX solution with backward and forward compatibility between 4G and legacy technologies is an absolute must to ensure a seamless, high-quality user experience. Read more about how an IPX solution provides an onramp for any type of journey to 4G on page 4.

ONE wAy

myth 4: theres only one Path to 4G.

As the mobile ecosystem inevitably moves to 4G, these myths will eventually diminish, and the facts will emerge to provide guidance on how to best proceed.

7 coveR stoRY

TE can be daunting for operators, enterprises and consumers, bringing with it at times unbridled promises or unfounded fear. In either event, the reaction likely is prompted by a lack of understanding around the impact of the anticipated Long-Term Evolution. I write that in quotation marks because its not so much a next-generation technology as it is a now-generation reality. Ready or not, the evolution to 4G is happening now, born of the necessity for greater bandwidth and faster speeds. As mobile communications inevitably evolve to 4G, LTE will become the most prominent and widely adopted network technology, promising a richer subscriber experience with faster speeds, enhanced quality and a more cost-efficient delivery. More speed simultaneously will boost data usage and average revenue per user (ARPU) especially as subscribers increasingly demand newer, faster, more robust applications, which in turn demand enhanced quality highspeed data services. With LTE at the forefront of the 4G frontier, lets take a step back and review key LTE fundamentals.

WhAt is Lte?
LTE has two components. The first is the air interface of wireless connection, which itself comes in two types: LTE timedivision duplex (TDD) and LTE frequencydivision duplex (FDD). The second component is the core networkthe physical hardware associated with this new network architecture, which operates using a private Internet Protocol (IP) core backboneIPXthat comes with different protocols from GSM or CDMA. Think of the transition to LTE as building a new country with new languages while simultaneously interacting with other existing countries with languages of their own. In this context, its easy to recognize that there are clear challenges in making communications seamlessly interoperate between LTE and legacy technologies.

By Jeff Gordon Chief Operating Officer

WhAt does Lte deLiVer?

LTE brings unparalleled levels of efficiency. This new technology maximizes use of the radio spectrum, which contributes to faster mobile data transmission speedslike going from dial-up Internet to broadband on your personal

computer. But the real potential of LTE is that it is a flatter network built on Internet protocols. After the initial hardware investment, both capital and operational expenditures will decrease over time, since there is less physical hardware to manage and maintain. Adding bandwidth becomes a software operation rather than a physical addition; therefore widening the pipe that carries LTE traffic is easier and less expensive than in todays 2G or 3G solutions.
(continued on p. 8)

e X P LaInInG T he FunDaMenTaLs OF LT e

8 cov e R s t o RY ( cont.)

the time to make the transition to lte is now. nearly 20 lte networks are live today around the worldwith operators planning, testing and implementing at a varying pace. an additional 170 operators have publicly announced plans to roll out lte networks in the near future.

WhAt Are PotentiAL obstAcLes?

There will be key challenges early on, as with every new technology, including: Roaming, spectrum fragmentation: Worldwide, there are more than 30 radio frequencies for LTE. A key initial consequence will be the inability to seamlessly roam across those frequencies. In the United States, an LTE handset may need to cover up to six LTE frequencies to stretch among multiple carriers as the subscriber roams off the network. A similar landscape will exist in other markets around the globe. Handsets: Theyre coming, yet there are not a lot available at the moment. Spectrum fragmentation is part of the reason, as device makers decide what frequencies to cover. Some devices on the market now also are limited by short battery lives as devices must support multiple radios during this transition period, requiring disproportionate computing power. Cost: Theres an initial capital outlay required for the infrastructure necessary to make LTE work now and into the future.

These numbers clearly indicate that the assessment stage has passed. Now is the time for operators to employ their LTE strategies through the quick, timely implementation of an IPX interconnect network, especially as demands for mobile data increase. Every day, the mobile device becomes less about talking and more about sharing. Subscribers punctuate their mobile lifestyles by sending texts, accessing the mobile Internet and engaging via video. That means everincreasing bandwidth demands on 2G and 3G networks that are already constrained by capacity limitations. To keep up with demandimmediately and long termoperators need to make the move to 4G. That means first understanding and embracing IPX, which is pivotal to 4G success. This IP network is the backbone that enables LTE roaming, signaling, data traffic and messaging among operators and other players in the mobile ecosystem, such as application service providers. And while voice over LTE is currently a challenge, it will eventually travel over IPX as well.

the PunchLine
Though were early in this evolution to 4G, today is a crucial juncture point. Subscribers demand services and plans that can deliver on their data demands. They expect to engage via their mobile devices in ever-changing ways to make their lives richer and more connected. The task of the operator is to make this a reality, and its time to charge ahead as an industry.

WhAts the neXt steP?

The LTE transition is happening now. Nearly 20 LTE networks are live today around the worldwith operators planning, testing and implementing at varying paces. An additional 170 operators have publicly announced plans to roll out LTE networks in the near future.

9 lt e sUc c ess

3 key business considerations for the move to LTE

Future Success
By Mary clark Senior Vice President Roaming

Advance PlANNiNg for

he move to 4G is not a question of if but when. Each mobile player will approach LTE in its own way with its own different technology options and migration timeline, and there are a few decisions that should be planned in advance to best serve the organizations business goals. No matter a companys ultimate LTE vision, there are several key considerations to think about now to ensure a successful transition when the time is right.

considerAtion 1 choose Best long-Term Plan now: Operators can take

many paths to 4G. Some will choose to enjoy the quick-tomarket benefits of a stand-alone IP network, while others will experience coverage challenges due to lack of interoperability with legacy technologies. Some will opt to invest the time and resources to launch a fully integrated heterogeneous network layered within their existing architectures. Regardless of the chosen approach, this key decision will guide many aspects of an operators strategy, so it must occur in the preliminary stages of LTE planning.

process is to select an IPX solution capable of bridging disparate 2G, 3G and 4G islands around the globe for forward and backward technical compatibility that is seamless to end users. (Read more about the important role IPX plays as the onramp to 4G on page 4). Operators also must be prepared to conduct a strategic evaluation of roaming partners, verifying that partners are fully compliant with the new standards for clearing and settlement across LTE-to-LTE, LTE-to-other-4G or LTE-to-legacy scenarios.

considerAtion 3 determine retail charging Strategies: Retail charging

strategies must be well planned and established in advance. LTE brings an endless array of potential premium data services, as well as visibility into individual sessions to see which types of services are being used. With this in mind, new options arise for charging models, such as charging for individual services, like video, email and web usage. Operators must determine if these types of approaches will be congruent with their business plans, or if they will stick with an existing model, such as tiered pricing, per-megabyte charges, or a flat fee for all data services. Of course, charging models in the world of LTE must also address voice and SMS. While these are just three of the myriad of decisions inherent to LTE, they are essential to ensure operators have a solid plan in place now to ensure the flawless end-user experience necessary for LTE success in the future.

considerAtion 2 Plan for interoperability: Interoperability is essential to

the long-term viability of an LTE network because it is the only way to give subscribers the seamless connectivity they have come to expect from todays networks. Many new complexities must be considered in the world of 4G to ensure maximum reach and seamless access. One of the most vital steps in this

10 Mobile video

4G
By charleS landry Senior Vice President Messaging

Makes the World

A Little Bit Smaller
with the potential of videothe next and natural evolution of voice interaction. Without question, video communications will be the driving force for mobile engagement going forward, and it takes the support of 4G to provide the quality experiences end users demand.

Ubiquitous mobile video ensures subscribers neveR Miss a MoMent

A constantly buffering video means the possibility of missed moments and a poor user experience. 4G solves this issue and opens the door to the advanced applications subscribers demand. The move to 4G means operators will have the network strength to support subscribers that are streaming experiences in real time to multiple recipients, replacing voice calls with video calls. With the proliferation of smart devices, users can leverage video to engage in new ways via their social networks, providing further opportunities to share experiences with their extended circle of family and friends. These new layers of mobile engagement will result in a number of benefits for operators. Not only will operators see revenue growth and reduced churn as a result of subscribers being more satisfied with their service, but they also can replace diminishing voice revenues

obile devices have made the world a smaller place and human connections a little bit closer, enabling us to easily connect no matter where we travel. But the world is about to get much smaller thanks to the engagement possibilities unlocked by 4G technologies like LTE. Imagine traveling for business, five time zones away from home and thinking how badly you would like to watch your son take his first steps, or to talk face to face with a loved one after a long day. Mobile video communications will soon take center stage and enable us to be a part of the experiences we value most whether we are working late in the office, or visiting another continent. In fact, almost 66 percent of the worlds mobile data traffic will be video by 2015, according to the Cisco Visual Net working Index. As exciting as face-to-face video engagement can be for end users, it requires operators to prepare their networks now to ensure subscribers video experiences work seamlessly from person to person, regardless of location, network, device type or any other potential limiting factor. Although mobile video can work on older 2G and 3G technologies, the quality of service for this bandwidth-heavy activity suffers without the optimal speed of 4G.

4G

1: 05 pm

End Call

11 eMployee Spotlight

making lte Work

Every day around the globe, Syniverse experts are navigating the 4G frontier, including the evolving LTE standards, the disparate technologies and the mobile ecosystem. From leading task forces, sharing their expertise at industry forums and contributing to industry standards bodies, these 4G specialists are on the front lines providing Syniverse customers with all the tools and expertise necessary to make a smooth transition to the next generation of mobility. Synergy recently sat down with three of these expertsKatrina Cashman, Pradeep Bhardwaj and Dayo Abiodunto discuss how they make 4G work today and into the future.

Katrina casHman Strategic Program Manager and LTE Task Force Lead
How i make 4G work: I coordinate Syniverses activities to solidify Syniverse as the mobile industry leader in LTE roaming, messaging and network solutions, so our customers transition seamlessly to this advanced technology. Katrina Cashman is focused on ensuring Syniverses solutions accommodate new 4G standards along with unparalleled features and functionality that allow its customers to provide an exceptional LTE experience to their subscribers. Katrina initiated the companys internal LTE Task Force, which oversees product assessments and enhancements, coordinates customer workshops, leads LTE roaming trials, and even provides LTE training for employees. Katrina recognizes the value in Syniverses products supporting the 4G standards to best serve Syniverses growing, diverse customer base.

pradeep BHardwaj Technology Program Director

How i make 4G work: I provide technical insights and innovative approaches on LTE to Syniverse customers and the industry. My focus is keeping us at the forefront of the 4G evolution and certifying our customers existing Syniverse solutions are future proofed. Monitoring ever-changing industry developments, open issues and emerging solutions, Pradeep Bhardwaj is a recognized LTE expert, positioning Syniverse as a leading player in the LTE revolution. Pradeep represents Syniverse in key industry forums and working groups tasked with adopting and evolving LTE standards, including the GSM Associations Interworking Roaming Experts Group (IREG), Interconnect Working Group (IWG) and Roaming in LTE (RiLTE). He also provides consultative support and insight, helping develop the curriculum for customer and employee LTE training. Senior System Engineer

dayo aBiodun Senior System Engineer Support

How i make 4G work: I simplify the addition of 4G to existing legacy technologies for global roaming solutions, so Syniverse can provide its customers with the most comprehensive forward and backward interoperability. While the endless acronyms and specifications of mobile telecommunications technology can easily overwhelm the most experienced, each set of letters is a piece to a global puzzle for Dayo Abiodun, who is part of Syniverses network line of business and also works with the data roaming team of the companys research and development group. Dayo simulates real-life global LTE roaming scenarios to identify and simplify any potential challenges. Dayos team prepares Syniverses solutions to seamlessly integrate into the 4G environment, assisting customers to meet the diverse requirements of providing end-user mobility across all technologies.

Synergy Mobile gallery

upcoming events
international telecoms week 2011 May 2325 Washington, D.C., USA Gsma na #54 June 1316 Montreal, Canada 2011 retail mobile executive summit June 2729 San Francisco, California, USA lte asia 2011 September 67 Suntec, Singapore Global mix conference fall 2011 September 2729 Monterey, California, USA

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1: Photo of sunset in downtown Tampa, Florida, USA, taken by Joe DiFonzo, using an Apple iPhone 3GS. 2: Photo of spring flowers taken by Edwin Siu in Hong Kong, using an Apple iPhone 3GS. 3: Photo of magician taken by Greg Ernest in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, using a BlackBerry Bold. 4: Photo of ArtScience Museum taken by Jonathan Corrigan in Singapore, using an Apple iPhone 4.

www.syniverse.com 2011 Syniverse Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Syniverse and the Syniverse logo are registered trademarks of Syniverse Technologies, Inc. To subscribe to this magazine, email synergy@syniverse.com.

We make mobile work