News
An impressive array of exhibitors will be attending the inaugural Broadband Communities Summit West later this month in San Diego.
By: Steven S. Ross, Broadband Communities
Among the exhibitors joining us for the first time, Tampa-based SpartanShield shifts AI/machine learning (ML) computation for network security to the network edge. Its SpartanShield AI/ML Router Platform, with multi-protocol support, can provision a perfect AI/ML model to any endpoint. It can, for instance, incorporate streams from video sources like security and smart home cameras via a P2P tunnel with AI/ML model orchestration. Applications include event streaming, connected device analytics and firmware updates, an app store, and device protection.
Another first-timer is NetExperience, whose NetExperience Cloud platform – leading the transition to a truly disaggregated WI-FI network – allows service providers to integrate WLAN controller and management capabilities into their back office. The platform is compatible with the key components of the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) Wi-Fi architecture, like CloudSDK, a certified opensource access point software and compatible access point hardware – the first WLAN Cloud system compatible with the full TIP open Wi-Fi standard, and thus, in theory, an architecture compatible with all Wi-Fi use cases—an industry first breakthrough.
Thus, NetExperience should be especially appealing to those interested in complex applications, like exist in the mixed-use residential, industrial, distributor, and medical sectors. It is available as a ‘pay-as-you-go’ software as a service (SaaS), or as a software license, fitting the financial needs of many new, small, or expanding ISPs.
Lottec Utilities and Infrastructure is another new exhibitor that can help new or newly expanding ISPs handle the physical plant without lots of up-front cash. It specializes in utility infrastructure, particularly fiber/Wi-Fi networks. It has a large fleet of aerial equipment, and equipment for building and servicing underground infrastructure as well. Its services include thorough fiber optic testing and maintenance and monitoring local contractors.
New services, low costs to ISPs
Elephant Talk, based in Sheridan, Wyoming with nationwide, well-distributed data centers, offers Cloud Voice. Instead of building voice services from scratch, just plug Elephant Talk into your network to offer the voice services some of your customers will need, without having to build or manage it yourself. No term commitment or volume minimums required, along with no capex or up-front costs and a simple, flat-rate pricing structure, and near-real-time call diagnostic tools. ISPs can integrate the phone billing with existing systems.
For new business customers especially, GigTel evolved from a group of small exchanges to offer advanced telecommunications solutions. Its roots (its parent company is Endeavor Communications, a member-owned cooperative) reach back over a century. Its all-in-one communications platform includes a VoIP system equipped with a wide range of advanced business features. Its mobile app allows employees to make and answer work line calls from anywhere on the globe, and its virtual dashboard provides detailed call statistics for call centers.
Critical for business, it ensures your phones can transcribe voicemails directly to your email inbox, answer calls when you can’t, and automatically transfer or reroute your overflow calls to other extensions, numbers, or offices.
Along the same lines of low-investment, high-value services for small, new ISPs, the FreeCast platform – evolving since 2011 – offers ad-supported live local TV and streaming (about 500 channels) together, with zero monthly fees. It is an obvious solution to deployers, especially newer, smaller deployers – helping to offer low-cost internet in exchange for access to BEAD, USDA ReConnect, and other federal funds. An advantage (shared with firms like Tivo) is that ISPs do not have to cannibalize upload bandwidth for channel space.
Network management
Santa Clara-based netElastic offers software-based virtual routing solutions at a time when the FCC is challenged in court as it tries to regulate discriminatory pricing in middle-mile access, and while new customer sites such as venues, multiple-dwelling unit (MDU) structures, and active data centers are popping up. New or new-to-a territory broadband service providers can use virtual, on-demand, disaggregated networks. The firm developed one of the first virtual broadband network gateways (vBNGs) from scratch and has deployed the approach worldwide. Its software-based carrier-grade network address translation (CGNAT) approach helps providers conserve IPv4 addresses and smoothly transition to IPv6.
The newly formed Kontron America – an offshoot of a long-established European firm – offers standard and customized products to help manage the “internet of things” and advanced industrial and computing sites.
Design and construction firm Illuminati is a leading provider of distributed antenna systems (DAS) for sprawling industrial sites and MDUs, and also provides emergency responder radio communications systems (ERRCS). These systems – usually combined in Illuminati builds – are used for cellular signal enhancement, or technology that enables first responders to have a dedicated system on which they can communicate with their two-way radios during an emergency to help buildings pass code.
Future Infrastructure (a Primoris Services company) calls upon more than a thousand professionals. As a communications infrastructure specialty contractor, it offers program management, engineering, construction, and maintenance services across U.S. markets. It has solid experience in growing 5G network deployments and copper while supporting the transition to fiber optic systems.
Essentia launched its nationwide broadband consulting practice this past summer in Charlotte, North Carolina to assist states and network providers. It serves telecoms, cable MSOs, electric utilities, and forward-thinking enterprises on the move.
Customer service
Aside from a solid customer portal, does your ISP software offer inventory, labor, and deployed equipment tracking, a single source of truth for customer service reps, two-way customer communication, and more? As ISPs proliferate and acquire needs for customer-driven all-in-one billing solutions and automation, global firms like Gaiia have been establishing and enhancing their American presence.
How to learn more
Interested in seeing the full list of exhibitors at Broadband Communities Summit West? Visit this page to review which exhibitors are attending.
Click here to get a preview of Broadband Communities Summit West’s community development sessions, which promise to offer concrete advice on closing the digital divide, affordability issues, and deploying to remote communities.
About Broadband Communities Summit West
Broadband Communities Summit West is the newest addition to the Broadband Communities event portfolio, part of Total Telecom. The conference series offers leading events for community leaders, property owners, network infrastructure builders and telco service providers to meet and discuss strategies for delivering connectivity for communities all over the United States. Click here to get tickets and learn more about Broadband Communities Summit West.
How is the US connectivity landscape shifting in 2024? Join the operators and their communities in discussion at Broadband Communities Summit West live in San Diego.
