Behind the scenes: managing private telecommunication networks

The era of private enterprise telecommunications networks is here, and with it, lies unparalleled connectivity opportunities – 4G, 5G, or in fact, whatever solution you may require.  These private networks are designed exclusively and specifically to address your business needs and operations.

Among the many benefits of these private enterprise networks, comes the simplicity of contract negotiations void of large telecommunication operator requirements, a simple singular subscription model, and, more direct and immediate control of telecommunication network outages.

Sound like a dream come true?  Well, for many, it’s now fast becoming a reality.

As enticing as this sounds, the reality is still being worked through. Operating and maintaining these private enterprise networks is posing some challenges for enterprises who’ve chosen to boldly take the plunge.

While these dedicated private networks offer brilliantly tailored, flexible connectivity options, they also require a very nuanced approach to implementation – no ‘one-size-fits-all’.

Head of Operations at VirtuGrp Australia, Trent Spiers added his insights to the equation.

“These networks require tailored hardware and software. They require regular lifecycle management to ensure the latest upgrades and technology, and to ensure they remain in a reliable, well-maintained state” he said.

“While we acknowledge these networks are nowhere near as complex as larger carrier networks, enterprise networks are still much more intricate than traditional Wi-Fi setups, sometimes needing dedicated support 24/7, depending on how it’s being used”.

“Increasingly, what we’re hearing from clients, is that it’s often these operational demands that can very quickly jeopardise a business case for getting an enterprise network in the first place” he said.

While ongoing asset management and maintenance may be an established function within enterprises, many lack the internal skills to match and manage this dynamic and new emerging technology.  Further exacerbating the issue, is that most major operators and vendors are unlikely to provide dedicated support teams for each unique enterprise network due to their bespoke nature, and instead, choose to focus their time on future development of the technology, software and networks.

While owning this valuable piece of telecommunication network infrastructure is a great step in the right direction, ensuring it meets current and future business needs, keeps pace with the ever-changing telecommunications landscape, and aligns with unique business requirements becomes a critical, outstanding responsibility.

“Increasingly we’re finding that the burden of operating and maintaining these private networks is falling on the enterprises themselves to manage and maintain, and the reality is that many of these enterprises simply don’t have the capability to navigate the challenges of managing these new assets,” said Trent.

So how are the creators of this private enterprise telecommunications technology truly considering outcomes for customers? Beyond profit motives, anecdotally, it seems there is a lack of focus on ensuring that this revolutionary capability continues to serve the businesses that need it the most.

The team at VirtuGrp however, are continuing to do good things and bring good news. They’ve been contemplating these challenges closely for some time now.

“Since the inception of private enterprise technology, we’ve been collaborating with a range of global operators and enterprises to comprehensively deliver long-lasting solutions” said VirtuGrp CEO, Peter Lejon.

“We offer expertise and support, operations and maintenance services, or, workforce capability uplift programs to skill your own teams in how to properly manage and maintain these valuable assets” he said.

As pioneers in the field, VirtuGrp are well placed to understand the intricacies of balancing the freedom that these private telecommunications networks offer, with the necessity of consistent, high-quality service.

If you’re looking for a forward-thinking approach to ensure your enterprise network investment remains a strategic asset, delivering on its promises – give us a call, let’s connect.

TSO Consulting partners closely with VirtuGrp to deliver technology, strategy and operations to businesses globally.

Demystifying enterprise networks

In the ever-evolving and complex world of telecommunications, a surge in demand for enterprise networks is quickly capturing global attention and prominent interest across a range of industries.

At the heart of this bustling interest is the probing question around what an enterprise network actually is. In delving deeper, defining this proves as diverse as the technologies that underpin it —be it 4G, 5G, 5GMMwave, or non-3GPP variations. The labyrinth of options surrounding enterprise networks and how they are built, form an important part of their hybrid definition.

VirtuGrp’s CEO, Peter Lejon, explained that common consensus views enterprise networks as meticulously crafted telecommunication networks that are honed to address very unique business needs. These needs may be driven by location, latency, speed, or other specific requirements a business may have in order to achieve optimal operations.

“Positioned between the confines of wifi and the expansiveness of carrier networks, enterprise networks often find their niche in locations that are often overlooked by major carriers” said Peter.

“This is largely due to the fact that they can better cater to industry-specific requirements with precision” he said.

Regardless of the plethora of definitions —enterprise networks demand operational finesse, and this is where VirtuGrp continues to demonstrate its value in the market.

“While sophisticated enterprise network technology is now tried, tested and readily available, one of the biggest challenges is finding reliable post-deployment support”.

Operating on a scale of 2-10 radio units, these networks often fall into a managerial grey area—they’re not large enough for a dedicated operations team, yet critical enough to require expert attention. As an example, some of these networks even govern autonomous vehicles, necessitating vigilant 24×7 monitoring.

VirtuGrp, boasting demonstrated global experience in telecommunications operations, emerges as the answer, ensuring uninterrupted service through real-time monitoring, fault handling, and capacity optimisation.

“We’re able to offer peace of mind through ongoing operations, maintenance and monitoring of these networks anywhere in the world” said Peter.

As demand for these purpose-built connectivity solutions continues to rise, VirtuGrp stands ready to lend its expertise. Free from the high-end cost of major carriers, managed privately, these enterprise networks come at a fraction of the price.

So, with the enterprise network definition now explained, it seems the future connectivity of your business lies well and truly in your hands – it can be anything you need it to be.

Interested in exploring options? Partnering closely with VirtuGrp, connect with TSO Consulting today, delivering technology strategy and operations globally.

Asset grading technology ensures streetscape integrity during 5G small cell deployments

The rollout of 5G small cell technology has sparked widespread discussions among global asset owners about its impact on city streetscapes. These small cell devices are most effectively placed on vertical structures, including power poles, streetlights, bus stops, traffic signposts, and gantries.

To address these concerns and manage the deployment of small cell technology, asset owners are turning to innovative asset grading technology. This technology not only safeguards streetscapes but also generates revenue for asset owners by making assets available to telecommunication network operators.

The latest 5G technology offers lightning-fast data speeds, lower latency, and improved connectivity, driving its rapid deployment in urban areas. While the advantages of this technological leap are undeniable, challenges have emerged regarding site acquisition speed, asset availability, and the visual and structural impact of bulky antennas and equipment.

In response, asset owners are collaborating with tech innovators like VirtuGrp, to develop intelligent asset grading systems. These systems employ advanced algorithms to assess asset market value based on anticipated demand, offering insights for telecommunication network operators, site acquisition teams, design professionals, and network planners.

The asset grading system evaluates factors such as size, design, type, and location, assigning an asset value based on estimated demand from telecommunication network operators. This helps asset owners understand potential revenue and visualise the impact of deployment.

A key aspect of this asset grading technology is its adaptability. The system remains up-to-date to reflect changes in the environment, ensuring the long-term harmony between assets, 5G small cell devices, and community streetscapes.

Regulatory bodies worldwide are embracing these innovative solutions, aligning with their goals of preserving city character while embracing technological progress. With an efficient asset grading system, local authorities can streamline the permitting process, facilitating smoother and faster 5G deployments.

As 5G technology transforms the digital landscape, asset owners and city planners must balance modern infrastructure needs while maintaining the integrity of traditional streetscapes. Asset grading technology bridges this gap, fostering collaboration between asset owners, tech experts, and regulatory bodies for a harmonious coexistence of technological advancements and urban charm.

Despite challenges, this collaboration sets the stage for better business insights, improved automation, faster response times, and advanced artificial intelligence across industries. As asset grading technology evolves, it is becoming an essential tool in creating smart and visually appealing urban environments.

Interested in finding out what your vertical assets or worth or how you can better manage rapid deployment of 5G small cell technology? Let’s connect – we’d love to tell you more about VirtuGrp’s Facilities Access Platform.