BroadForward Enables MVNO to Upgrade to LTE with Old Generation HLR

BroadForward announced that Voiceworks [MVNO, Netherlands] has "extended the use of the BFX Interface Gateway to support integration with KPN’s 4G network. Like for Voiceworks and hundreds of other operators and MVNO’s worldwide, it used to be impossible to connect to 4G/LTE networks with existing, older generation HLR’s (pre 3GPP release 8). This limitation is now removed with the latest release of BFX, facilitating connectivity with LTE networks for various generations of HLR’s.

Working in close cooperation with Voiceworks, BroadForward has developed a unique solution to address this limitation, provided as an on-board function of the BFX product. Now service providers with older generation HLR’s can establish LTE connectivity with a cost-effective and independent solution. This offers providers the opportunity to avoid the usual route of upgrading their HLR, often involving high cost, risky projects and vendor lock-in".

See "Voiceworks launches 4G service with unique interworking solution from BroadForward" - here.

[Israel] Pelephone Limits Download Speeds of its MVNO Subscribers

  
Earlier this month I reported on the new age of mobile competition in Israel - the launch of the first MVNO service, by the retail food chain Ramy Levi, served by Pelephone's network (see "Competition Leads Partner [Israel] to Offer Reduced Speed Mobile Internet Instead of Overage Fees" - here).

Amitai Ziv (picture) reports to The Marker that Ramy Levi's customers are complaining that the download speed of the new service is limited to 2Mbps vs. the promised 7.2Mbps.

"When switching from a Ramy Levi's to a Pelephone SIM card, speed goes back to 7.2Mbps .. tested in numerous places .. Both companies did not deny the facts .. Pelephone hinted that limiting speed to 2Mbps is part of the contract with Ramy Levi"

Article - here, Hebrew.

Competition Leads Partner [Israel] to Offer Reduced Speed Mobile Internet Instead of Overage Fees

 
Until recently, there was almost no competition in the Israeli cellular services market. 3 operators (Partner, Cellcom and Pelephone) of similar size + a smaller one (MIRS) offered similar, high prices to the consumer market.

Recent government regulation changed the market, leading to increased competition that shifts gear this week with the first MVNO operator, Rami Levy (a chain of discount supermarkets, publically traded in the Tel Avis Stock Exchange - RMLI).

Although Rami Levy operates as an MNVO (reselling Pelephone services) it announced a very low pricing strategy (compared to the existing plans) based on actual consumption rather than a commitment to packages of minutes, SMS and data.

The incumbents response is due this week, and Amitai Ziv and Ruty Levi (pictured), The Marker reveal Partner (branded as Orange, although not part of the Orange Group) plans.

In addition for estimated 40% reduction compared to existing plans, Partner will offer customers that exceed their data quota a reduced speed service for the rest on the month, rather than paying overage fees (which were very expansive).

Story here, Hebrew.

DPI Deployments (40): R [Spain] Uses Procera to Manage MVNO Traffic

    

Procera Networks announced that "R, the cable company in Galicia, Spain, has once again chosen Procera's PacketLogic Solution. R's most recent deployment of Procera's PL7720 for its mobile network is based on the successful deployment of PacketLogic on its fixed cable network."

See "Spanish Cable Company R Deploys PacketLogic for Fixed and Mobile Networks" - here.

"PacketLogic delivers exceptional results for our fixed network, providing visibility into what traffic is passing through our network and the ability to constantly improve our services," said Ignacio Penedo Nieto, Director of Engineering in R. "As a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in a highly competitive market, it is even more important that we leverage intelligence to be cutting edge, build a sustainable business case, and retain customer loyalty."

“R is a great example of the success we are currently having in EMEA with cable and mobile operators,” said Paul Gracie, Procera’s Vice President of EMEA. “Besides this win in Spain, we also have new deployments with service providers in Germany and the UK that confirms our strong position and leading technology.”