Category 7 - Best Technology
7b. Best Infrastructure Technology
This category targets notable enhancements and developments in the critical elements of the mobile network, the Radio Access Network (RAN) and CN (Core Network). These are the twin turbines in the engine room of any mobile operator’s network and are paramount to the service offering. The RAN and Core constitutes the major part of investment in network development and expansion for operators and represent the critical components for efficient operations.
This category includes, but is not restricted to, all component parts in the RAN (BTS, BSC, Node-B, RNC), the Core - both Circuit Switch and Packet Core - (MSC, MGW, GGSN, SGSN, HSS). Transmission and backhaul is not included in this category and should be entered in Cat7a or 7c. This award will be focussed on the best in class RAN or Core deployments and will look at functionality, scalability, price points and innovation.
Examples of this are:
- New features and functionality in the underlying infrastructure
- Scalability across varying market needs including support for low ARPU segments
- Enhanced radio coverage for rural areas and in-building
- Superior data handling in the Packet Core
- Seamless integration with other vendors equipment
- Progressive support to SDO standards and demonstration of leading edge deployment of technology
- Simpler and easier operations and maintenance for operators
- Multi Services support
- Price point advantage
The judges will shortlist five entries in this category, with one winner announced at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on Tuesday 28th February 2012.
Eligibility:
Entry is open to all players in the Mobile sector and all participating organisations that are developing a wide range of advanced mobile infrastructure solutions.
Entry is open to:
- Mobile Network Infrastructure manufacturers and suppliers using the GSM family of technologies
- Software developers
- Innovators in the mobile industry
The service entered must have been launched and commercially available prior to the closing deadline of the awards Wednesday 07th December 2011 at 5pm (GMT). Please provide evidence in your entry to support this such as launch date of the service, including details of countries or regions where the service is available.
Judging criteria:
Entries for the Best Infrastructure Technology category will be judged on the following main criteria:
- How does your infrastructure solution impact on the mobile industry of your new technology?
- Is your new technology applicable to multiple markets on a global scale?
- What are the innovative or unique features of your technology?
- To what extent does your technology change the economics of the mobile industry?
- Speed and ease of deployment and operations
- Protecting and prolonging existing investments
