Telecom Ramblings

We started the week with the question of consolidation targets in the US, and now it’s time for the other side of the coin.  What network operators are most likely to be consolidators in 2024?  We’ll take it as a given that ‘infrastructure funds’ would top the more general list of likely buyers, of course, but let’s focus on the existing network operators looking to expand inorganically in the US.  Last year the perennial favorite Zayo topped the list with Crown Castle and Lightpath in 2nd and third. [Read more →]

Two bits of inorganic activity, and a new subsea cable alongside some other M&A talk over in Europe: [Read more →]

Happy New Year to all!  Last year’s fiber/network M&A activity wasn’t that, well, active in the USA.  And based on the responses to last year’s poll that didn’t surprise too many people, as there was little consensus as to who might be a target.  The Cox/UPN/Segra and Shentel/Horizon deals did land, and on the FTTH front there were some small deals, but the big action was over in Europe in 2023.  Will 2024 be any busier on this side of the Atlantic?  Who you think are the likeliest candidates to be sold (in part or in whole) in 2024.  (Not including already pending transactions). [Read more →]

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, cybersecurity threats continue to evolve at an alarming rate. One such threat that keeps security professionals awake at night is the rise of AI-powered DDoS attacks. These attacks combine the destructive power of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks with the sophistication and agility of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Understanding the implications of AI-powered DDoS attacks is crucial for organizations of all sizes and industries to protect their networks and data.
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Some interesting consolidation hit the wires this week while most folks are off doing holiday things. Connectbase has announced the acquisition of MasterStream ERP, gaining a significant boost to its overall ecosystem. [Read more →]

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Richard Brandon, VP of Strategy at RtBrick 

The telecoms industry is undergoing a seismic shift driven by the rapid rise of disaggregation, or the decoupling of hardware from software. This approach already has a strong presence in the mobile RAN (Radio Access Network), but in 2024 and beyond, it will take a firmer hold in the core, at the edge, and, eventually, in every corner of IP networks. Let’s unpack the key trends shaping this industry revolution, including the challenges and opportunities it presents for a transformed future of telecoms. [Read more →]

I hope the holidays are treating everyone well!  In the meantime, here’s a bit of news I’m still catching up on from late last week.  One data center expansion project, one regional healthcare win, a nextgen optical trial, and an inorganic move of note: [Read more →]

Four bits of network and interconnection infrastructure news from around the world before we head home for the holidays here in the US.  Ok ok, some of you have surely left already, but hey. [Read more →]

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Steve Douglas, Head of Market Strategy, Spirent Communications

How can you tell the difference between emerging trends that really are about to shake up the telecom industry, versus those destined to fizzle out? You can’t rely on counting headlines; too many past hype cycles have produced plenty of those, only to fail to deliver. I’d suggest a different rule of thumb: follow the money. [Read more →]

Three interesting bits of vendor activity from three very different corners of the globe to keep up with: [Read more →]

When we talk about the energy side of the data center business, it is often from the facility level down to hot and cold aisles and such.  But with the demands of next generation chips aimed at AI and ever-higher density computing, the need for a revolution in cooling at the component level is growing.  One company looking to take on that challenge is Iceotope, which specializes in Precision Liquid Cooling.  With us today to talk about just what that is and where it fits in the ecosystem of today and the future is Nathan Blom, Chief Commercial Officer at Iceotope. [Read more →]

Here are four interesting infrastructure items I missed from last week that are worth catching up on.  A data center purchase, a couple expansion announcements, and a balance sheet move in the fiber space: [Read more →]

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Donny Chong, Product & Marketing Director, Nexusguard 

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks pose a significant threat to the digital landscape, causing major disruptions across various sectors. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) play a crucial role in maintaining a stable and secure internet ecosystem but often bear the brunt of DDoS attacks, resulting in significant downtime for their customers. This article explores the reasons why DDoS attacks on ISPs cause major downtime and discusses the important role ISPs should play in combating these attacks. Furthermore, it presents arguments for and against ISP responsibility in mitigating DDoS attacks. [Read more →]

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Gary Marks, President, Opengear

It’s no secret that a massive portion of the US’s aging population will retire soon. Among these retirees is a significant number of network professionals. According to new research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of a leading provider of secure Out of Band management solutions, 86% of US-based CIOs surveyed predict that a minimum of 25% of their network engineers will retire in the next five years. This study asked separate but [Read more →]

Some 800GE, two automotive manufacturing wins, and a significant security victory: [Read more →]

Boldyn Networks has won a municipal contract to build wireless infrastructure across the city of Rome, Italy. They have signed a concession agreement with Roma Capitale to build out 5G and WiFi network infrastructure. [Read more →]

DC BLOX says it will be building a new hyperscale data center campus and supporting fiber infrastructure in Georgia. They have acquired 72 acres of land in Conyers, a half-hour’s drive east of Atlanta, and secured incentives from Rockdale County. [Read more →]

Several interesting items to catch up with: [Read more →]

A new subsea route added, and two significant data center expansion projects: [Read more →]

Four bits of expansion project news, two international and two domestic: [Read more →]

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Daria Batrakova, Director Business Line Telecom Solutions at FNT Software

Network inventory is a pivotal tool in driving operational efficiency for telecom operators. With the ability to manage and optimize a variety of network assets, such solutions present operators with a platform to better navigate the complexities of current and future [Read more →]

While the main purpose of fiberoptic cables is to carry information via packets of light from one place to another, there are other very useful applications. Out in California, researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Rice University have been using Zayo’s fiber to uncover new sustainable energy sources. [Read more →]

Three vendor announcements and a data center collaboration: [Read more →]