Functional separation of Telmex

Plum carried out a major programme of work in Mexico to help América Móvil develop its plan for the functional separation of Telmex, its fixed access network business, in response to a request from the Mexican telecoms regulator. This engagement was with the full support of the Mexican regulator, the IFT. Plum set up a[…]

Status of 5G field trials for connected and autonomous vehicles in Europe and North America

Plum produced a report for the Telecom Technology Center on the status of field trials involving connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) in Europe and North America. The report provided a selection of case studies involving the use of cellular technology (4G/5G) in developing: vehicle-to-everything technologies enabling interaction with infrastructure, other vehicles, networks and pedestrians; and[…]

5G spectrum valuation and auction support in Taiwan

Plum, working with the Telecom Technology Center, supported the National Communications Commission on the 5G auction in Taiwan which concluded in February 2020. The work included a review of the auction design and rules, and the valuation of the 1800 MHz, 3.5 GHz and 28 GHz bands to inform on the appropriate reserve prices. The[…]

An assessment of HFC and FTTP options for gigabit connectivity in the UK market

With recent recognition of the need for some consideration of technologies other than full fibre, Government has shifted to consider “gigabit-capable” solutions, defined as those offering “a broadband connection of at least 1 Gbps/1,000 Mbps”. With the new Johnson Government, the schedule for nationwide access to gigabit-capable connections has also been revised from 2033 to[…]

Road to 5G: calibrating the right environment for Digital India

With the 5G era just around the corner, policymakers around the world have outlined ambitious national objectives for the digital economy. Specific targets are often set for the underpinning infrastructure and India is no exception. The India mobile industry has experienced a series of challenges in recent times – from a protracted price war, market[…]

Digital government in Africa: promoting inclusivity and sustainability

The benefits of digital government in developing countries are experienced more at an individual level rather than at an aggregate level. This paper provides African examples of the benefits delivered through improved performance and of enhanced transparency. Developing countries can better reap the benefits of digital governments by implementing more inclusive and sustainable projects. This[…]

It is all down to timing – spectrum transitioning

One of the more challenging aspects of spectrum management is ensuring the timely and orderly transition of frequencies where they are awarded to a new licensee. Where the frequencies are being used by incumbents to provide services, and there are no alternative providers or technologies available for end-users, it is particularly important to develop a[…]

Cross border considerations

It is a well-known scientific fact, but one that is sometimes ignored, that radio waves do not respect borders between countries and geographic regions. This means that radio networks deployed in one country or region can cause interference to networks deployed across the border. The impact of the interference can vary considerably and in the[…]

UK wireless regulation and strategy support

Plum was engaged by a leading fibre network telco operator in the UK, to review the threats and opportunities brought with developing wireless technologies such as fixed wireless access, mesh networks, and cellular systems including 5G. Our work included a review of both technology and commercial developments in the UK wireless market, and a corresponding[…]