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Seamless Access and Carrier WiFi Management:

Openet Acquisition of Forkstream


The seamless integration of data and WiFi defines another frontier for Policy Control. Openets acquisition of Forkstream enables Service Providers to offer subscribers user-controlled roaming capabilities that take advantage of the many WiFi hotspots via bolt-on features

2013. All Rights Reserved.

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Openet Acquisition of Forkstream Seamless Access and Carrier Wifi Management, New Frontier for Policy Control
Original published @ www.policychargingcontrol.com

Openets recent acquisition of Forkstream, an access network discovery and selection function (ANDSF) provider, pushes the boundaries of Policy and Charging Control segment to enable seamless integration between mobile data networks and the WiFi and Wimax connections of the fixed network via the use of end-user smart clients. The evolution of these smart clients from static connection manager function to current capability to intelligently and dynamically switch from one connection to another through its ability to define policies for routing mobile data streams within and between different access networks will provide both seamless and secured connection for customers.

We are seeing a lot of sales activity and solution requests in relation to managed carrier wifi and offload from mature LTE operators in North America and Asia. Over the coming 12 -18 months we see this trend accelerating across other regions in line with LTE deployments globally as wifi becomes an important part of the network evolution strategy" says Oisin OConnor, Director of Product Marketing, Openet

Strong growth ahead


The market for this technology is expected to grow tremendously in the next 12-18 months in tandem with the increasing demand from customers for seamless access between the mobile data and WiFi networks. Based on Informas data on UK, WiFi traffic from smartphones exceeded data carried over mobile networks by a factor of 4:1. Globally, WiFi offload traffic accounted for 33% of all mobile data in 2012 and is expected to rise to 46% by 2017, according to a report by Cisco. With the growth in WiFi availability across cafes, shopping malls and other public places, more and more people will see the need for continuous and hassle-free roaming between multiple networks.

2013. All Rights Reserved.

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MNOs Push Factors


The new area is gaining momentum and the industry players are already seeing many Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Tenders (RFTs) with these requirements spelled out. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are expected to push for this solution as it will enable them to:

1. Leverage on their existing infrastructure mobile networks, WiFi and fixed networks for better traffic management, especially in alleviating network congestions during peak hours. 2. Provide end-customers options and flexibility in choosing best fitting connections ensuring highest quality experience at all times. 3. Enable MNOs to partner, implement and manage inter-network arrangements among themselves and with WiFi / WiMAX providers. 4. Provide more competitive bundling for mobile data and WiFi service packages via WiFi bolt-on, incorporated into single billing with attractive rates on the latter; and 5. Devise better revenue sharing models between providers of Mobile Data and WiFi/WiMAX with the support of technology enabled insights and analytics.

The MNOs have also started the ball rolling by developing use cases relating to seamless user experience and providing customers with enhanced quality of experience (QoE). The standardization and maturity of Radio Access Network (RAN) offload architecture further accelerates the development in this area, without which, the idea of seamless access would have remained as a technology strategy for future implementation. The Long Term Evolution (LTE), which comes with higher bandwidth, is another push factor for higher QoE use cases. With this, the MNOs would be

2013. All Rights Reserved.

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able to invent new products that can offer service guaranty to customers with pre-specified minimum quality of service.

Technology how it works?


Forkstreams client side technology, which works with the network core via Openets Interaction Gateway, enables dynamic offload mechanism based on various real time network conditions such as traffic congestion, type of application and even subscribers charging profile in determining the best network. MNOs can manage network access policies using the Policy Controls Rules Function (PCRF) and use standards that enable consumer devices to discover and communicate with non3GPP networks such as WiFi or WiMAX, which provides granular control of traffic offload policies and enables new business models that include service options specific to an access network.

Another milestone for Openet


Forkstream technology will enable Openet to enhance its policy control solutions allowing MNOs to fully optimize their existing infrastructure, both mobile, wireless and fixed network with greater control while granting flexibility and improved connection options for their end-customers. With this acquisition, Openets PCC solutions will also enable MNOs to better manage traffic within and between networks, leveraging on insights from network analytics, thus creating a superior PCC environment.

"We are seeing a lot of sales activity and solution requests in relation to managed carrier WiFi and offload from mature LTE operators in North America and Asia. Over the coming 12 -18 months we see this trend accelerating across other regions in line with LTE deployments globally as WiFi becomes an important part of the network evolution strategy" says Oisin O'Connor, Openet's Director of Product Marketing, Openets move to integrate the seamless access component into its current PCC architecture signifies increasing emphasis in the market on the quality of data networks for both mobile and WiFi. Acquisition of Forkstream not only creates a ready platform to enhance service quality and drive revenues in the mid and long term, it also spurs more such outfits to develop complementary technologies that enable vendors and MNOs to achieve better user experience and service quality targets across their existing networks.

2013. All Rights Reserved.

www.policychargingcontrol.com

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