Strategy Analytics predicts virtualization and Software Defined Networking (SDN) will shift mobile operator costs dramatically and accelerate service offerings in the coming decade. In its Mobile Broadband Opportunities (MBO) service report, “2013 Network Trends - BT, Deutsche Telekom, Singtel, Telstra, Verizon Pioneer SDN and Services at the Edge,” Strategy Analytics identifies operators and vendors who are pioneering network virtualization and SDN beyond the ‘hype’ into practical implementation.

The report describes how operators are virtualizing lower layer network resources, especially for next generation 4G IMS networks that already separate the data and control planes like SDN. For example, in June 2012, BT announced that network virtualization had the potential to reduce the total cost of ownership by a third to a half, and reduce power consumption by more than 50 percent. In October DT’s CTO endorsed ‘one network’– a services SDN for fixed and wireless networks. And Verizon’s DMS CTO followed saying SDNs will fundamentally “change the cost structure of network services, servers and network deployment.”

Sue Rudd, Director Service Provider Analysis noted, ”Operators are beginning to see the huge potential for SDN beyond the Data Center - SDNs will extend across technologies, frequencies and protocols to deliver network services everywhere from anywhere. The immediate opportunity is IP routing for virtualized caching and storage followed by shared processing for the Radio Access Network (RAN) and load sharing for mobile backhaul, leading eventually to a virtualized network core.”

“Once service resources are virtualized with SDN, operators can simultaneously differentiate business offerings, increase revenues and accelerate delivery of new services,” commented Susan Welsh de Grimaldo, Director Mobile Broadband Opportunities (MBO). “With IP routers to support access for ‘Services at the Edge’, operators can deliver multi-screen video, digital advertising, and mobility everywhere seamlessly at low cost.”

A complimentary Executive Summary of the report is available at: http://www.strategyanalytics.com/default.aspx?mod=reportabstractviewer&a0=8139

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