DSC Deployments [342]:Polkomtel [Poland] Uses BroadForward

Polkomtel announced it has launched the ".. BFX Interface Gateway from BroadForward [see "Diameter Router List Updated" - here], delivered and implemented by leading network solutions provider Infradata. 

With the implementation of BFX, Polkomtel becomes the first Polish operator to launch a Next Generation Diameter Signaling Controller, keeping up its tradition of being a pioneer in introducing the latest technological solutions to the Polish market. 

..it has implemented the BFX Interface Gateway to enable advanced Diameter based services starting with LTE roaming .. Certified reseller and signaling expert Infradata has delivered BFX to Polkomtel and configured several advanced signaling scenarios such as 

• intelligent topology hiding  
• activating LTE Roaming by enabling a virtual MME solution to overcome HSS limitations, thus allowing Polkomtel to achieve a much faster time to market to roll-out LTE roaming. 

See "Polkomtel first Polish operator to launch Next Generation Diameter signaling solution" - here.

How do Polish MNOs Fight OTT?

   
There are many ways for MNOs to reduce the threat from OTT services (mainly in VoIP and messaging) and/or try to monetize from delivering it. One popular way is to charge for its use, other is to block it.

The leading MNOs in Poland came up with a third way.

James Middleton reports to telecoms.com that "Polish carriers Orange, T-Mobile and Polkomtel have banded together with local developers and academic institutions to create an ecosystem designed to address the growing competition posed by Over The Top (OTT) providers. The operators have deployed an open service layer within their core networks to accelerate deployment of innovative and low cost communication services with a healthy balance between cooperation and competition .. Telecoms software firm OpenCloud delivered the open standards-based service layer to the carriers and claims the model has given those involved a sharper competitive edge to attract developers".

".. Using OpenCloud’s Rhino platform, mobile operator Polkomtel / Plus has been able to take advantage of an extended community of developers to create and implement more than 25 services. These include Office Zone, Home Zone, VPN, Freephone, Split Charge, Premium Rate, Who Called/Notify ME, Voicemail in Roaming optimization....from multiple developers including IMPAQ and ATTR"

Jeff Gordon, CEO of OpenCloud, said "To counter the threat from OTT players, and boost their revenues, operators need innovation within the network and not just in device apps. However, delivering innovation in the core network has, historically, been an expensive and slow process” (case study available here).

Source: OpenCloud

See "Polish operators open core to combat OTT threat" - here.