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Maritime Connectivity: How Smart Ports can Recover the Sector Post-Covid-19

The maritime sector plays a critical part in the UK economy, with responsibility for the majority of our imports and exports. Maritime UK estimates that this sector alone enables 9 percent of all UK trade and supports over 1.1 million jobs.

But this makes the industry particularly vulnerable to macroeconomic shocks and poor performance in the rest of the UK economy. The wider effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have hit this industry hard: from the disruption to supply chains that have affected logistics firms, to the crippling effects on passenger transport businesses (like ferries and cruises) a lot needs to happen to get the industry back up to its pre-COVID-19 levels.

With this in mind, Maritime UK has worked with its trade association and members to create a comprehensive Sector Recovery Plan. The plan gives recommendations for both industry and government on the three stages of recovery; restart, recover, renew.

This can be further broken down into five top priorities:

  • Environment: to meet the UK’s net-zero commitments
  • Regional growth: to stimulate economic development in coastal communities
  • People: to enrich our workforce and encourage suitable working practices
  • Innovation: to respond to the significant challenges and opportunities ahead
  • Competitiveness: to maximise the attractiveness of UK business

Exploration of digital transformation towards ‘smart ports,’ (which had already started prior to the pandemic) may help address many of these goals. These ports employ digital technologies to continually improve safety, efficiency, yield and environmental impact – technologies that are more complex to implement throughout larger estates. Other ports then gain some of the benefits of this via their interactions with the smaller ports.

Digitalisation and increased connectivity can also lead to cost-effective route to recovery and renewal for the UK maritime sector. Neos Networks’ role in bringing high capacity, high availability, resilient connectivity to remote Maritime and Coastguard Agency locations is just one example of our experience and expertise in this area. In partnership with Telent, a leading technology and network services company, we are deploying a resilient Ethernet network directly into 165 coastguard remote radio sites to keep the agency connected 24/7, 365 days a year. Read the full announcement here.

How getting ‘smart’ can aid recovery

Our ports face some specific issues either created or exacerbated by the pandemic: trade slumps, closed borders and stranded travellers – and with partial lifting of lockdowns, being overwhelmed by renewed production, leaving some unable to process or store cargo. On top of this, the full impact of Brexit is starting to be felt with changes in the way ports can move cargo and people since 1 January 2021. This will will have a huge impact on the maritime sector, and could severely damage productivity for those who aren’t adequately prepared.

Transitioning to smart ports could help alleviate many of these issues, as digitalisation can help to streamline operations with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automated systems, plus increased data collection and processing. Investing in digitalisation can also strengthen the post-COVID business case, taking the strain off new regulatory pressures.

The cranes, conveyors, pumps and port vehicles that move goods on or off ships and transport them through the port for storage and further processing, can all be automated through Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology. Ships can also benefit from automation, either via complete autonomous control or remote command systems. Ports could also employ AI to automate smart storage, processing and security. Automation offers obvious cost-effectiveness, as well as bringing speed and efficiency improvements by reducing human error. Such reductions can also improve safety and environmental performance by minimising energy consumption and the associated emissions.

Pre-pandemic, maritime stakeholders were already exploring the best ways to improve how ports, carriers and related parties should share and standardise data. Most consider this vital for long-term growth and recognise the need for new technologies, new thinking and collaboration.

All these applications require robust, reliable connectivity, higher data capacity and better management of application routing to optimise bandwidth use and data traffic. That means working with experienced partners who can advise on best practice, large-scale implementation, and cybersecurity.

Connectivity is the key

Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Singapore have already launched smart ports, involving partnerships between local port authorities, government, academic institutions and shipping/logistics companies. The potential benefits of emulating these partnerships in the UK are clear: Rotterdam, for example, now moves between 25 and 50 percent more containers per hour than any other port in Northern Europe.

But these improvements require connectivity comparable to that available inland. In the UK, connectivity in ports and coastal areas (along with other non-urban areas) currently lags behind that of our major cities. Creating smart ports will depend on the rollout of industrial Wi-Fi or 5G, ideally backed up with hard-wired networks, for low latency, high-speed connectivity with high redundancy.

Antwerp and Rotterdam, for example, have not only made it possible to connect IIoT devices, but also offer high capacity connectivity for visiting seafarers – whereas most ports still use Very High Frequency (VHF) radio to connect ship crews with shore teams. This enables a seamless exchange of operational and transactional data.

Another innovation made possible by improved connectivity is real-time port-call optimisation platforms. This will allow shipping companies, agents, terminal operators, and service providers to share an operational view and exchange information on a dedicated platform, transforming the flow of ships in and out of ports. Combining publicly available data with that submitted by participants, all stakeholders can see both real-time and planned overviews of the port and vessels, while collaborative communication tools can reduce planning and administration time.

Connectivity, and the infrastructure it relies on, will be vital for the recovery of ports and the longer-term project to create smart ports to protect long-term growth in the maritime sector. With solid connectivity and best-in-class deployment teams for remote, difficult to access locations, there’s no sea change big enough to knock your port off course.

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Digital Infrastructure Investment: Why is it booming?

Project Edge

Words by Sarah Mills, Managing Director, Wholesale on 

The role of fibre broadband in digital transformation

On Tuesday 24th November, it was my pleasure to participate in a panel discussion with a number of like-minded colleagues from across the telecoms sector. The panel was set up to deliberate the role of fibre broadband in digital transformation. It rounded off the European Infrastructure Finance Summit and sought to explore opportunities for investment and trends in the digital space.

Digital infrastructure investment during COVID-19

Chairing the discussion, Brendan Malkin kicked off by drawing attention to the way in which demand for fast, reliable connectivity has accelerated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, so much so that it is now widely deemed an essential service.

This was a perspective corroborated by Rafael Canada, who commented that the telecoms industry was really one of the few to benefit from global lockdowns, with fibre and connectivity being catapulted into the Critical National Infrastructure category. He continued to explain that investors have had little choice but to re-evaluate their portfolios, adapt their strategies and subsequently offer up greater sums to those looking to develop digital infrastructure.

Matthew Hare was quick to raise that a proven ability to deliver would be imperative for companies looking to secure the investment they were seeking. Lenders do expect a heathy return after all, and so well-established telcos with a demonstrable credibility in providing infrastructure are most likely to flourish during this time.

Discussing trends in telecoms infrastructure

Neha Puri explored this suggestion further, stating that most investors would primarily be looking for value-add opportunities as the focus on the telecoms sector sharpens. She drew attention to the prospect of real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, primarily in the transport, logistics and manufacturing sectors, and how connectivity would play a crucial role in delivering this. As an emerging technology, this has whetted the appetite of investors, but Neha warned the successful development of this form of innovation is predicated on the widescale availability of 4G and 5G across the infrastructure.

Underpinning wireless technology is, of course, a labyrinth of fibre networks. The discussion quickly turned to consider how telcos are expanding their coverage for both consumers and industry. As alluded to by Conal Henry, incumbents are now being threatened by market challengers across the UK, with this fervent competition also driving investment in fibre.

The challenges of digital infrastructure expansion

But the notion of ‘if you build it, they will come’ is not viable, according to Matthew. He suggested that a certain level of demand must be identified when considering building out network in a given region, and even then the cost and future return must be carefully calculated before committing to a project. But gauging demand is also far from simple. Matthew demonstrated this by drawing attention to Zzoomm’s first full fibre roll-out project in upmarket Henley, where one might expect consumer up-take to be widespread. The reality is the service is considered more of a necessity by residents in some districts than in others.

It’s a conundrum not dissimilar to that faced in the B2B space, as I was able to testify. Neos Networks’ network expansion journey is pushing forward, full steam ahead. But identifying where there are high levels of business demand requires a substantial level of insight as well as proven expertise of the market. This is especially true in the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) space. Here, a significant overhaul to increase capacity and reduce latency is in progress, alongside the ongoing roll-out of 5G networks. MNOs require robust fibre connectivity and access to nationwide unbundled exchanges to support this high capacity requirement, and to aggregate connectivity to mast sites, contributing to their coverage obligations and helping to broaden services to B2B customers of their own.

Conversely, there are also communities looking to commission digital infrastructure enhancements designed to traverse the landscape of entire cities and beyond, such as the full fibre roll-out across Aberdeenshire. These networks are designed to provide leading edge connectivity to public sector facilities, but also to provide local businesses with the opportunity to lease high speed, high capacity fibre. These arrangements require significant collaboration, but can result in a multitude of operational and financial benefits for all parties once complete. In this instance, a portion of the route relied upon the use of Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA), which has been made available to the industry thanks to regulation.

As Conal stated however, a lack of governance in the past now presents providers of full fibre connectivity with greater difficulty when selling their services. He suggested that the fibre brand has been polluted by companies selling copper into a property, and labelling it as full fibre broadband. The consumer is now confused and most hold misconceptions about what full fibre actually means. It’s something that could have been nipped in the bud according to Matthew, who believes regulators should have mandated rules around fibre advertising from the outset.

The future of digital infrastructure investment: fibre vs 5G?

We ended the session considering fibre versus 5G as a connectivity solution, with so much attention and hype surrounding the latter. The truth is both are highly valuable assets in the information age. But as Matthew pointed out, pretty much all properties will ultimately end up with fixed connectivity, just as they do with water and energy. They may sit within a region covered by 5G, but ultimately, the cost of delivering fibre is a fraction of that to provide 5G connectivity. As Conal summed up in the final exchanges, 5G is nothing without fibre in the ground.

What is digital infrastructure?

Digital infrastructure is the collective term for digital technologies providing the basis for information technology and operations for an organisation, city or country. Examples of digital infrastructure include the following:

  • The internet backbone: data routes connecting countries and continents, including those underwater
  • Dedicated internet line: fixed networks between cities and regions, as well as last-mile connections to homes, businesses and other sites
  • Network infrastructure: business ethernet services, for instance
  • Communications satellites: for providing network or information services
  • Mobile telecommunications: cellular networks that provide both wireless broadband and communications services
  • Data centres: where data storage, computing and network services are managed
  • Cloud computing: platforms for instantly accessible computing, network services and data storage
  • Platforms: for creating, deploying and running software services – commonly accessed through the cloud
  • Systems: mainly automation software
  • Apps: software, including mobile apps
  • Internet of things: devices that require an internet connection to function, which can include robots, sensors, products, vehicles or infrastructure
  • User devices: including laptops, tablets and mobile phones

Why is investment in digital infrastructure important?

In the information age, modern societies and economies rely upon digital infrastructure. This has become ever more apparent as working from home has become the norm for a great many people. 

Just as nations that do not invest in digital infrastructure will fall behind, the same is true of organisations that fail to invest in it. Using out-of-date, slow or unreliable digital infrastructure will put your business at a competitive disadvantage. Bad connectivity could cause your organisations’ employees frustration through an inability to carry out tasks effectively.

If you want your organisation to be seen as forward-looking and you want to be ready for the future of business, digital infrastructure investment is non-negotiable.

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New fibre route from Blackpool to Preston a prime opportunity for hyperscalers

As one of the UK’s fastest-growing connectivity providers, we have been continuously focused on broadening our UK network over the past few years. Our latest project is a significant expansion between Preston and Blackpool, which will help us broaden our high capacity network across the north west – and make connections far beyond that.

With the potential for transatlantic subsea cabling routes connecting into the Lancashire coastline, digital behemoths such as the FAMGA organisations (Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Apple) may well have the ability to easily route their traffic into our network, giving access first to the UK, then on to any desired European locations. This makes it an ideal connectivity option for data-hungry content providers and hyperscalers.

The expansion comes hot on the heels of our recent £10.5m full fibre construction project in collaboration with Aberdeenshire County Council, in addition to the announcement that we’ll be more than doubling our UK network, unbundling a further 259 BT Exchanges by the end of 2021. Designed to enable delivery of public services and support local economic activity, both projects are good examples of futureproofing regions and the UK more generally to meet the connectivity demands of today and tomorrow.

A single supplier strategic partnership

The Neos Networks network is well-placed to support hyperscalers looking for scalable, robust, high capacity UK connectivity and network solutions to deliver services across their fast-paced, ever-expanding market.

Hyperscalers can also benefit from partnering with a single end-to-end connectivity supplier that can meet all their network infrastructure needs, reducing costly and inefficient multi-vendor relationships.

Our expansion in Lancashire enhances this network significantly, and we will continue to broaden our fibre core network reach across the UK, connecting into strategic landing stations that are critical for hyperscalers looking to extend into mainland Europe and across the Atlantic.

UK connectivity and beyond

The digital economy plays a huge role in business today, making it crucial for as many people as possible to have access to high speed, high capacity connectivity. We’re proud to say we’re still right on schedule to hit our target of unbundling 550 BT exchanges by the end of 2021 – maintaining progress despite the disruptions and challenges of COVID-19. Classed as a Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) project, the push to double our unbundled BT exchanges in just over a year is bringing high capacity fibre services to the doorsteps of approximately 80% of UK business premises.

On completion, we’ll be able to offer a high capacity Dark Fibre network spanning 30,000+km to facilitate the UK’s high capacity digital-first ambitions, including the speed, performance and reach required for 5G networks. We’ll be offering 10Gbps and 100Gbps Ethernet, Optical Wavelength services, Dedicated Internet Access services and more as standard from the newly unbundled exchanges to businesses across the nation. This will aid in the deployment of such pervasive connectivity technologies as seamless video streaming, immersive virtual and augmented reality, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

The new route from Blackpool to Preston is part of this ongoing commitment. The enterprise-grade connectivity services made possible by this expansion will not only be available to global enterprises and service providers, but also to local businesses, giving a boost to the entire region and futureproofing business connectivity.

Building for the future

Our focus has always been on providing class-leading connectivity and data centre services that deliver very high performance, cost efficiency and a competitive edge. Our private telecoms network currently extends over 20,000km and our 90 commercial data centres span the UK. Our extensive telecoms and data centre expertise offers commercial security with unrivalled in-house engineering resource.

We maintain these services to ensure that, wherever you are in the UK, you have access to the connectivity services your business needs. Our work to connect Blackpool to Preston and beyond is the latest example of that. We’ll continue to invest in expanding high capacity connectivity for the benefit of businesses, large and small, across the UK.

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Decarbonisation, digitalisation and the emergence of the integrated energy company

The coronavirus outbreak of 2020 meant it was a year unlike any other for everyone. But commercially, the decline in travel and deceleration of industrial productivity meant the (already turbulent) oil and gas sector was impacted particularly heavily.

Indeed, Total announced revenue losses of approximately $12bn in the same year, while BP posted a record deficit of almost $18bn. And with widely circulated reports of demand for oil slumping to its lowest levels for more than a quarter of a century, it’s hardly surprising that oil prices dropped below zero barely a month after the world went into lockdown.

But while life as we knew it came to an abrupt halt, targets for longer term goals have stayed intact. The mandate for the UK to become net zero by 2050 for example, is a formidable challenge which oil and gas companies will need to address and invest in heavily to remain compliant.

Digital transformation has been identified as one of the key ways in which the sector may overcome this challenge. The process has been in train for some time already, and the majority of oil and gas organisations have taken major steps in implementing AI and machine learning, advanced analytics and robotic process automation solutions. They are yet to fully appreciate the full potential that IIoT, blockchain and edge computing have to offer, however.

It’s believed that these new digital technologies will factor heavily in improving the movement and management of data, helping to increase safety, reliability and productivity, while eradicating the legacy technology said to be inhibiting the drive to become carbon neutral.

Meanwhile, the big players within the industry appear to be taking far more revolutionary steps to ensure they hit the 2050 net zero target. Their solution? Diversification into the renewable energy market.

Equinor are one of those leading the way in this regard. They are expected to spend around $10bn on specific renewable energy products by 2025, accounting for more than half of the overall sum predicted to be invested by oil companies.

And Total are also making headway into the renewables market, having secured a 51% stake in the Seagreen offshore windfarm project. It’s understood that this particular acquisition represents a significant chunk of the £2bn per annum that Total is looking to invest in low-carbon electricity.

Like their competitors, Total is all too aware that demand for oil and gas is on a downward trajectory, and so the projected 11% ROI on Seagreen will contribute not only to recovering the deficit caused by this trend, but in recouping losses caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

This evolution away from operating purely as oil and gas energy providers has resulted in the coining of a new classification of organisations such as Equinor and Total as ‘integrated energy companies’, or IECs. That’s according to Bernard Looney, anyway. The CEO of BP suggests that this is a response to the changing demands of the world from the point of view of energy provision, and admits that his business are also making the transition.

By 2030, BP will have reduced oil and gas production by 40% and aim to have increased their renewable energy generating capacity from 2.5GW to 50GW by upping investment in the technologies required to $5bn per annum.

It’s an altogether uncertain but undeniably exciting time for the oil and gas industry and, as providers of connectivity in the aforementioned Seagreen project, one in which I am delighted to be playing an active role at the leading edge.

Robust and reliable connectivity will be crucial to the success of this venture and all those akin that are sure to appear on the horizon. The offshore wind farm will be supplying power to more than a million homes in Scotland, and the latest in LTE and 5G technologies will be utilised to help keep the country up and running at all times.

With so much change taking place, both in terms of digital transformation and energy transition, it’s vital that oil and gas companies partner with organisations that truly understand the energy market and the demands with which they are faced.

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Tackling the connectivity challenges of DSO transformation

It’s no secret that the coming years will bring significant transformation for the energy industry. From smart grids to investment in renewables, Britain’s businesses are already gearing up for this shift, with 72% saying they have moderately or significantly factored self-generation of electricity into their strategic planning.

With that in mind, Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) must prepare to become Distribution System Operators (DSOs). Under a DSO model, energy can be generated, distributed and stored more efficiently. Yet while the DSO model is smarter, it’s also more complex. Change is never easy, and the shift to DSO creates an array of challenges – like the need to hire new staff, and the requirement for cross-industry collaboration.

However, as our recent research into the DSO model has revealed, there’s also a broader need that can’t be ignored: network connectivity.

The network challenges of the DSO model

Network connectivity might not be the first difficulty that springs to mind as DNOs consider their transition to DSO. But it is an important one, with the potential to seriously impact how DSOs perform. Our research shows that as businesses and prosumers travel further down the road of renewables, the need for high-performance telecoms infrastructure becomes clearer. In fact, over three quarters of those who have been generating their own renewable energy for more than six years agree that ‘effective communication infrastructure is critical to creating a more intelligent smart-grid approach to energy distribution and management’.

DNOs must be prepared to tackle these challenges. But before they can do that, they need to understand them – and there are several telecoms angles to consider. Firstly, the new world of energy provision requires a fast, reliable and secure connectivity infrastructure that can facilitate significant volumes of data exchange for accurate forecasting. Existing DNOs must therefore make sure their telecoms infrastructure is able to support growing and sometimes unpredictable requirements.

Another key consideration is feeding energy back into the network. As one energy leader commented in our research, a lack of ‘bi-directional data’ is a huge challenge. For the DNOs of old, the direction of travel for electricity systems was very much a one-way flow. But as businesses and prosumers take an active role in energy generation and sharing, the grid needs an underlying network that can facilitate this flow back and forth.

Many sites where renewable energy is generated in large quantities are in rural, remote or hard-to-reach locations. Even after organisations have understood what sort of connectivity infrastructure they require, implementation can still be logistically challenging.

So, it’s clear what the roadblocks are, but how should DNOs tackle them?

Finding the technology for the task

With such a varied array of connectivity challenges to tackle, the road to DSO transformation looks like a long and bumpy one. Fortunately, there are a number of networking solutions available that can give the smart grid the reliability, scalability, low-latency and security it requires to function effectively.

Dark Fibre

The DSO model requires connectivity that is highly scalable and secure, with route diversity to protect mission critical infrastructure. One way of achieving this is by using Dark Fibre, providing DSOs with scalable bandwidth, enhanced security and total control over the network.

While high construction costs for a full, private Dark Fibre network would make it prohibitively expensive or time-consuming, DNOs could instead deploy Dark Fibre at their core network, working with partners who already have Dark Fibre available for leasing. In doing so, DNOs will still enjoy the aforementioned benefits, in good time and without breaking the bank.

SD-WAN

Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) can then be used to connect this core network to regional and rural locations, including branch offices, headquarters, cloud platforms and data centres. This allows the central controller to prioritise traffic in peak times and to roll out new protocols, even over large distances, which will be crucial for a nationwide smart grid.

SD-WAN provides more visibility, flexibility and security over the network, positioning future DSOs to make more intelligent decisions and respond to business or user needs at pace. It can also create efficiencies and generally facilitate easier control of the network, in turn generating cost and time savings for network managers.

Making the most of the DSO future

Britain’s energy industry is changing fast. With almost a third of prosumers (32%) and six in ten (59%) businesses intending to increase the amount of renewable energy they generate, it won’t be long before we all take a more active role in energy – whether that’s producing it, trying to use it more efficiently or embracing smart grid applications.

But there’s plenty of work to do first, and the DNOs of today must shoulder this mantle. The benefits of the smart energy future can only be realised if DNOs can transition to DSOs successfully and, for that to happen, the smart network needs the right connectivity infrastructure to underpin it. That’s a hugely complex task that will require expert insight, collaboration and modern applications for network management. Fortunately, all of those things are already available in the wider market; DNOs simply need to reach out and find them.

From new regulatory frameworks to better incentives and the right partners, Britain’s energy leaders know the shift from DSO to DNO will be filled with complications.

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The Industrial Evolution: What should DNOs expect during the DSO transition?

As demand rises and climate change awareness reaches an all-time peak, both businesses and consumers are wising up to the way they use energy. People want to move away from traditional energy consumption, while simultaneously improving affordability and reliability – and some exciting industry changes are emerging to accommodate this, with smart meters rising in popularity.

Unfortunately, broader change isn’t as simple as installing meters. Energy providers more widely need to shift from their role as Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to become Distribution System Operators (DSOs), taking a more hands-on role in the way they manage local electricity supply and generation, while giving customers greater control and choice over their energy usage. So, how should operators go about facilitating this process successfully?

We surveyed over 300 businesses and prosumers who generate their own electricity from renewable sources in the UK to build a more detailed picture of what the next move should be for DNOs.

The new landscape

This transition will have a significant impact on the energy market. To gain the best results as a new landscape is carved out, DNOs need to adapt to accommodate these changes. Here are some tips to kickstart the process:

  • Collaboration is key. Working with other companies – and even competitors – can ease the strain of the transition. An area where you fall short may just be the same field in which they can provide support, and vice versa.
  • Invest in the right IT. As with any major change, planned fluctuations in production are to be expected. Implementing a solid procurement platform and developing relationships with qualified suppliers in advance could mitigate any unwanted ramifications, and prepare you for the need to embrace energy balancing.
  • Don’t neglect your prosumers – they might just hold the key to the next generation of smart energy production or monitoring. For example, did you know that over a third of prosumers cite the creation of additional income as a driver for investing in renewables? DNOs should work alongside them to shape strategy and create systems that support their needs and address concerns.

The new eco-system

The entire network eco-system is going to change and DNOs must maintain the ability to provide the same standard of service despite the disruption. The system must be flexible across the board, not just in the areas where issues commonly arise. DNOs also need to adopt a model of holistic thinking. This is not the time to compartmentalise, and businesses should focus on a strategy that encompasses distribution, generation and usage.

It’s important to remember that there won’t be a clear winner with smart energy. All parties involved will be fully engaged with squeezing the best from this transition, so be sure to focus on your unique strengths to succeed. Ultimately, cross-industry collaborations are the best bet to deliver the maximum value. Different companies can offer different benefits, filling in weaknesses and boosting strengths to complete the jigsaw puzzle.

The new legal framework

With such a rapidly changing landscape, there will be a need for new legal and regulatory frameworks. Existing frameworks don’t support enhanced deployment and utilisation of energy storage options, so something has to change if the transition is to be a success. And, while nobody knows exactly quite what to expect from this arena, DNOs should be mindful that the lack of clarity around rules regarding storage, unbundling and pricing could lead to fewer investments in DSO strategy.

In the meantime, it’s crucial that DNOs have their involvement in storage ownership and operation covered before beginning the transition, as legal, functional and accounting are likely to be unbundled. The upside: operational independence of the distribution side of the business. The downside: blocked involvement in storage ownership and operation.

The future of energy

As with all major industry changes, it’s hard to know exactly what to expect. What is clear is that DNOs will make it through the transition successfully by remaining adaptable, maintaining a positive attitude and recognising the rich opportunities for progress and development at the end of the tunnel. With a little help from outside sources, what DNOs do today will determine how successful the transition to DSO will be – and what the coming decades of energy usage and production will look like for the UK.

Making the transition to a DSO operating model is a complex prospect. Discover more about the energy sector’s sentiments towards this challenge in our DNO to DSO research report.

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Smarter together: the value of cross-industry collaboration in the DNO to DSO transition

From consumers to businesses and broader communities, the shift from Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to Distribution System Operator (DSO) offers much to anticipate – including faster grid connections, reduced energy bills, greener energy usage and greater flexibility. But as with all changes to major national systems, turning the future vision of energy into a reality poses many challenges. Some necessary steps have already faced delays, as energy businesses get to grips with the technical complexities of creating a smart network.

The government deadline for smart meter roll-out for example, has been extended from the end of 2020 to 2024 with an estimated bill of over £13bn, as energy firms warned that the technology simply wasn’t ready. This presents a serious barrier to change: robust data analytics play a key role in the success of a DSO model, and businesses and prosumers alike cite monitoring as one of the biggest contributors to accelerating smart networks. But these are understandably complicated to set up, especially on a large scale. It’s clear that the industry will require help to achieve this.

But where should that help come from? Energy companies could seek support from a number of sources, but with their expertise in data and network management, connectivity providers are a natural starting point. For DNOs grappling with the prospect of DSO transition, effective collaboration with the connectivity industry will provide value on several fronts.

Many hands make light work

Whether in terms of financial cost or the expertise and hours required, successfully moving to a DSO model is a huge investment. Rather than persevering in isolation, it makes sense for the energy and telecoms industries to work in partnership, each using their unique strengths, experience and existing assets to plug gaps together.

After all, those working in energy may not have significant experience in network infrastructure or data management and analytics, all of which needs to be carefully considered to make smart networks function effectively. But that’s not to say energy companies need to invest in lengthy recruiting processes to get these skillsets on side.

This is an area where connectivity providers have significant expertise, meaning they can both advise and support on any changes required. With this aspect of the DSO transition covered, energy companies can focus their resources on other crucial tasks – like working with prosumers and businesses to encourage smart meter uptake, or getting to grips with industry regulation.

Connectivity providers can also ensure that the DNOs are well informed about (and have access to) the most advanced and future-facing network technologies, along with the underlying network infrastructure required. Given that many relevant network technologies have only emerged in recent years – with some very much developing on an ongoing basis – a partner with their finger on the pulse is invaluable. For example, modern advances in networking like SD-WAN and 5G are key cogs in the mechanism of the move to DSO, and DNOs who can embrace these developments in the appropriate way will surely find themselves at an advantage.

Tackling challenges together

Smarter, greener energy usage is a goal we can all get behind, and by transitioning from a DNO to DSO model, energy businesses will play a leading role in making this happen. But while they’ll certainly be pivotal to the process, DNOs should remember that they needn’t tackle every aspect of this significant change alone. With the right cross-industry collaboration, the future of energy can be achieved at a much faster pace – and though more challenges will undoubtedly crop up along the way, none will be insurmountable.

From prosumers and businesses to energy industry leaders, interested parties understandably have many thoughts about the DNO to DSO shift – learn more in our research report, including key insight into how the shift can take place successfully. Or, check out some key findings in our infographic, The changing energy ecosystem: Tariffs, incentives and collaboration.

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The emergence of Esports: The next global enterprise opportunity

Video-gaming

Video games are big business. With a predicted industry value of approximately £241bn by 2025, it’s a lucrative market – and a competitive one too. With Esports alone set to be worth £1.4bn within just three years,  it’s no wonder that many of the world’s largest companies are splashing the cash on investments and sponsoring virtual players and events. From Nike to PepsiCo, business giants are all clamouring for a piece of the Esports pie.

It’s safe to say that this once niche industry is now solidly mainstream. And the COVID-19 lockdown leading to a boom in competitive gaming, viewing and participation, including high profile instances of traditional sports giving way to their virtual equivalents to keep fans sated while cars were off the tracks and players away from the field.

The question is, what’s next for Esports and what does our industry need to do to support their growth?

Ready player one?

From Formula One to the NBA and FIFA’s Stay and Play Cup, professional sportspeople are using Esports to engage with fans after ‘real’ matches grounded to a halt. Meanwhile, viewership on popular game streaming website Twitch rose by 23 percent in March alone – with 1.2 billion hours of gameplay watched on the platform over the month.

But all this high bandwidth activity puts a major strain on the networks that support it, making it difficult for the media and digital entertainment industries to run Esporting events smoothly on a large scale. Leveraging existing infrastructure capabilities can only take businesses so far. As capacity pressures soar, something as conceptually simple as live gaming can become challenging to manage, or prohibitively expensive.

It undeniably takes a lot to make Esports happen – and it’s likely to become even trickier as its popularity continues to rocket.

Level up low latency

More than any other form of entertainment before it, the growing Esports empire is reliant on superior connectivity and ultra-low latency. Just one minor delay could hinder an Esports players’ performance or cause disruptions to the game. Inadequate connectivity puts hundreds of millions of pounds of prize money and sponsorship deals at risk, so a few second’s lag is no longer merely a mild vexation.

With this in mind, it’s down to media organisations and retailers to power their virtual Esports events and venues with the right connectivity technology. In practice, this means having an appropriate level of network capacity necessary to support Esports and ensuring they can scale to meet demand.

This isn’t always easy. Many network providers still aren’t used to the requirements of Esports compared to traditional events like concerts. So dedicated venues and hosts may need to go as far as installing their own networks to develop a dependable infrastructure to meet the needs of the event.

As you can imagine, being an Esports host requires upfront investment that some businesses may be hesitant about – particularly if they hadn’t planned to dedicate much budget to it. There’s also software and IT support to consider, as well as security measures that will ensure that hackers can be prevented from interfering with the event. But with Esports clearly in the ascendency, this should be seen as more than just cost. Investing now means benefits in the future as Esports grows, as well as being one of the first businesses to move, rather than playing catch up in five years’ time.

Take it online

From Overwatch League to Play! Pokemon, Esporting events that fans in their thousands would have attended venues to watch have moved online in the wake of COVID-19, inadvertently helping to accelerate adoption of mobile and cloud-based gaming platforms. But these platforms, while perfectly useable now, have a lot of exciting improvements to look forward to in the 5G and edge computing powered future ahead – which is why we provide connectivity services to key players in the gaming sector. These next generation alternatives will be able to provide lower latency and speeds up to 10 times faster than 4G networks, minimising lag while providing viewers and players with a better-quality experience than ever before.

The new developments don’t end there. New capacity brings new capabilities, with 5G adoption expected to boost the use of innovative virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology in Esporting events. In the future, these will be deployed to enhance the viewing experience, from giving fans an immersive virtual ‘front row seat’ at matches to putting them in the centre of the action for a first person look at gameplay. Live commentary, streaming multiple feeds, on-demand statistics and AR content for visitors could also become a possibility, making tuning in even more exhilarating than playing the game yourself.

The future looks bright

While it could be tempting to jump on the bandwagon, businesses contemplating capitalising on the rise of Esports need to consider the high capacities required to successfully deliver this service.

Despite the challenges, the future is undoubtedly bright for this burgeoning industry. And with 5G set to become ubiquitous, we could see in-depth Esporting events and exciting new mobile gaming platforms following suit. Look out, traditional sports! There’s a new game in town.

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Why high capacity Ethernet should be considered a worthy competitor of Optical

Ethernet vs Optical

When it comes to high capacity connectivity, there are a number of options that tend to lead the way. The most popular being Dark Fibre and Optical Wavelength networks.

Dark Fibre supports large businesses with higher security, higher bandwidth requirements, due to its nature it is expensive but offers near limitless capacity. Optical is often seen as the go-to solution for companies looking for a reliable high capacity service without the price tag.

Yet, more recently we’ve seen interest in a more cost-effective alternative, high capacity Ethernet. Currently delivered in capacities ranging from 10Mbps to 1Gbps, Ethernet is already known for its robust, flexible and affordable service. It therefore makes sense that introducing a higher capacity version of this well-loved solution would make for a good alternative to the more traditional high capacity choices.

It was this thinking led us to the recent introduction of our 10Gbps Ethernet connectivity.

But with a new choice, comes the understandable concerns around service, delivery and performance. Here’s the five most common questions that have been raised by our partners:

1) Will this new high capacity Ethernet be available in my area?

Our high capacity Ethernet services span the UK. To date we have 10Gbps Ethernet connectivity available in 159 of our on-net exchanges, with plans in the coming months to add 10Gbps capability to 18 more. If our high capacity network doesn’t reach your site, we work with a number of third-party providers to help get you to your end destination. In addition to this, we’ve been working on expanding our network even further over the next 12 months and are hoping to announce the unbundling of a number of new exchanges shortly. Watch this space.

2) Will the network suffer from congestion?

Our Ethernet platform is built on a multiple 100Gbps core, meaning congestion isn’t a concern. We’ve ensured that we have a large backhaul capability so that we can deliver high capacity data usage.

Should we get to a stage where our network is starting to fill up, we have the ability to quickly deploy an additional 100Gbps. And another, and another.

3) Is the bandwidth and throughput guaranteed?

We can say with certainty that yes both the bandwidth and throughput are guaranteed.

As already touched on, we can deliver the agreed bandwidth thanks to our 100Gbps core network and ability to scale. When our network nears capacity, we’ll extend the network capability so that your bandwidth doesn’t suffer.

When it comes to throughput, we promise that the capacity you order is the capacity that will be delivered. Whereas some providers may supply you with reduced capacity owing to network overheads, we make sure that any overheads don’t impact your contracted allowance.

4) What happens if there is an obstruction on the line?

We have built our network out in loops, with each string housing, on average, four to five exchanges. By creating our network topology in this way, we ensure maximum security on the connection.

Should there be an issue, the service will automatically re-route in the opposite direction. This east and west routing was key when we looked at designing our network. The diagram gives a prime example of how the service would re-route should an obstruction appear on the line.

5) Will the service delivery be slower than Optical?

We’ve taken every step to ensure that our 10Gbps Ethernet service is sold, provisioned and delivered in the same way as a 1Gbps Ethernet solution would be. By offering the solution ‘as standard’ not only can you place the order directly through our online pricing and ordering tool, LIVEQUOTE, once the order is in motion the majority will meet our standard delivery timescales of 20 working days (for an on-net solution).

With Optical, delivery is dependent on survey completion and the purchasing of additional ports and equipment meaning that standard on-net delivery timescales can range from 20 working days to anywhere upwards of 60. While this works for many businesses, where you have a more immediate requirement it makes sense that high capacity Ethernet is a good fit.

Your high capacity options have just opened up

It’s fair to say that there is still very much a place for Optical and Dark Fibre providers. But equally, there is now also place for high capacity Ethernet. Which service is right, very much depends on your business requirements and, of course, your budget.

If you have a high capacity requirement and are unsure which route to take, get in contact with us today and we’ll be happy to help guide you through what we believe is right for your business.

Want to learn more about our 10Gbp capable Ethernet network? Find out about Edge 3, the initiative that enabled our high-capacity services, here.

"With an important new contract to deliver connectivity to the Yacht Havens Group, we knew that Neos Networks would enable us to deliver uncontended bandwidth via Ethernet across all nine sites. Not only was their solution the most cost-competitive of all the service providers we considered, we also had peace of mind knowing that the company has such an excellent record in service delivery. With multiple challenging sites to connect, we needed a trusted network partner to help us manage the project; we’ve been delighted with the quality of the account team and the support we’ve received throughout."

– Matthew Skipsey, Chief Technical Officer, M12 Solutions

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Preparing for the digital future of energy

With an overwhelming emphasis towards smarter and more eco-friendly methods of power generation and distribution, the future of the energy sector appears rife with opportunity.

The transition is not without its challenges, however.

While all sectors are having to adapt, few are evolving to the same extent as energy. With the demands of customers, environmental obligations and political pressure all driving industry-level transformation, IT leaders are sure to be bearing the brunt.

The conversation is dominated by three major developments within the industry:

1. The move to RIIO-2

With new pricing controls due from 2021, the consumer can soon look forward to a more competitively priced market, while decision-makers within the sector will need to demonstrate how their directives are working to improve safety, adopt a low-carbon economy and lower costs.

2. The transition from DNO to DSO

As the generation, transmission and trade of energy becomes a more open market with the proliferation of the prosumer, energy companies are having to navigate the tricky path of migrating from Distributed Network Operators (DNOs) to Distributed System Operators (DSOs). To achieve this successfully, the DSO model must be highly digitised with the capacity to move and manage grid data in real time.

3. Smart grid adoption

Looking ahead, it won’t just be energy companies that require instant access to network data and performance statistics. The increase in smart devices installed in UK cities, homes and places of work over the next five years is predicted to be exponential, and energy usage information will be required for all striving to be environmentally efficient.

With each of these challenges the digital agenda of energy companies can play a pivotal role. IT networks should be front of mind for leadership teams. Equally, forming the right technology partnerships will be critical.

Priorities in digitalisation

The way the landscape is changing will make for a more flexible network, designed to facilitate modification of energy production or consumption, based upon the demands of consumers and businesses.

But this will only work to its full potential if scalable infrastructure is in place that can respond to demand variability in real time, with a comprehensive understanding of capacity needs and the level of supply. But achieving this level of insight will require energy firms to install sensors across the grid to an unprecedented degree.

Failing to implement clear visibility of network performance means IT leaders will run the risk of limiting efficiency or failing to spot faults, in turn compromising the smart, customer-focused nature of the grid.

Getting the right technology partnerships in place now, will mean energy companies are best prepared to take advantage of the opportunities arising from this evolutionary change.

How telecoms can help?

To date, legacy infrastructure has proven to be the thorn in the side of many businesses, not just within the energy sector. And the story is much the same here; for the proliferation of connected devices and need for real-time grid performance data, technology will need upgrading.

Partnering with organisations that appreciate the challenges affecting network infrastructure, particularly within the energy market, is the first step in the modernisation journey to help keep the nation connected.

Visibility is also vitally important. Next-generation technologies such as SD-WAN can provide IT leaders with the holistic view of their organisation’s network performance, providing real-time data to facilitate informed and reliable decision-making. And unlike many other solutions, SD-WAN is simple to install and can provide an outlook over the entire IT estate, from HQ to regional energy storage sites or substations.

While the future of the energy market may seem unclear at present, smart grid investment is undoubtedly rising and opportunity is there to be grasped. Now is the time for industry leaders to take action.

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Creating a connected campus

Higher education was previously confined to lecture theatres and seminar rooms. The adoption and normalising of e-learning tools has driven much of the learning experience towards virtual studying, with a greater reliance on technology to help tutors and students connect.

Today, digital demand in universities is greater than ever, and many of the top challenges facing higher education decision-makers are IT-based. At the root of this sits a number of underlying factors, from the proliferation of a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) culture to more remote working and capacity pressures on existing infrastructure from unprecedented levels of demand.

With these trends set to expand over the coming years, there will be pressure on higher education IT leaders to create the conditions to help their institutions thrive as digital seats of learning. This is particularly important at a time when universities need to work that much harder to deliver an outstanding student experience that helps them stand out from the crowd.

So, here are five ways you can connect your campus and remain top of the leader board through technical innovation:

University challenge #1: Whether they’re publicly or privately funded, higher education organisations have financial challenges from being tasked with more innovation, to having to admit and accommodate more students.

Our solution:
Check the market. Update your competitive quotes from different connectivity providers. The telecoms world has moved on significantly in recent years, and you might be paying more for technology or managed services than you need to.

University challenge #2: As the BYOD generation joins universities and higher education facilities, the demands they place on the network will grow, primarily through greater use of 5G, IoT, e-learning, streaming and data sharing across campuses. Collectively, this could well become overwhelming for legacy architecture.

Our solution:
Everything boils down to selecting network solutions that have the capacity to handle data hungry students and staff. Seek out connectivity providers that offer futureproofed latency, speed, reliability and performance.

University challenge #3: Higher education organisations with dispersed campuses need to stay connected, but the practicalities of working across many locations can be difficult. This is especially true for IT projects that must account for building new infrastructure from scratch when factoring in distances between sites.

Our solution:
The difference between a successful and an unsuccessful complex network build project is all in finding the right partner to work with you, while providing guidance on navigating multi-party restrictions. The best provider will take your challenge and make it happen.

University challenge #4: Find strength in numbers. If you’ve never attempted to team up with other organisations on a connectivity plan before, it can be difficult to know where to start or who to approach. This is particularly the case if you need support from local authorities to gain the access you require.

Our solution:
Consider reducing infrastructure project costs by sharing the workload. Plan by partnering with neighbouring organisations (many local authorities are pursuing multiple supporting projects) and engaging with service providers who are well-versed in projects like yours.

University challenge #5: Recognise the time, knowledge and effort it takes to navigate a road opening or wayleave process from start to finish or handle building access restrictions for a connectivity project.

Our solution:
Use a trusted partner with the latest accreditations who can prove its credentials with higher education facilities and can access alternative infrastructure if needed. Check they can still deliver when the going gets tough.

Understanding roadblocks, comparing quotes, pooling efforts and engaging with the right partner will create major benefits for higher education organisations approaching IT projects, for both their faculty and their students. This will lay the foundations for positive digital learning and research experiences as the tech landscape of higher education changes.

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Seven SD-WAN themes to keep in mind for 2020

Last year, I had the pleasure of attending multiple industry events about SD-WAN, joining our fellow connectivity and technology players across the UK and Europe. Together, we’ve had numerous opportunities to compare notes and learn about what the future holds for this game-changing technology – particularly important as the last year saw a huge advancement in the adoption of SD-WAN across UK businesses.

According to ResearchandMarkets, some of the key factors driving this market adoption include cost savings from efficient usage of private and public networks, the ability to optimise hybrid cloud or multi-cloud connectivity, and application-aware routing. But despite the positive trend, there’s still a way to go before we see truly widespread adoption.

With that in mind, it’s during these early stages that our industry must take responsibility for educating the market and delivering excellence. Across all the events I attended, seven emerging themes effecting customers became clear. So let’s look at them in more detail, and discuss how any arising issues can be resolved.

1. The rise of hybrid environments

RightScale’s ‘state of the cloud’ survey saw a marked rise in hybrid cloud adoption, from 58 per cent to 71 per cent year on year (2016). This is where organisations can use an on-premise private cloud to host critical data, and use a public cloud to host and process less critical information at the same time. Computing needs to change to allow workloads to move between private and public clouds in this way.

Hybrid cloud increases flexibility and gives businesses more data deployment possibilities. It also means that SD-WAN is needed more than ever before to maintain visibility across the network – especially for those in sectors with a deluge of data, such as financial services, media and retail.

2. Some will prefer managed WAN

The benefit being that it’s a cost-effective network service, which enables organisations to connect to the Internet or multiple locations via a secure, private, resilient and high-performance network. All with a nimble real-time monitoring system and a competitive price. 

3. Sales opportunities are split into two categories – DIY/Co-managed or fully managed/outsourced

From the research we have seen, the choice in what a business progresses with varies depending on location in the UK and Europe, as well as market segment or customer size. However, according to Silver Peak data, the majority of customers, sometimes as many as 80%, are asking for pre-sales, design work and deployment services from their partner – deciding to go about day-to-day management themselves.

4. You can’t sell SD-WAN without considering security

UK businesses are making it clear that security is paramount when they’re thinking about an SD-WAN solution. And even if a customer has a security solution in place, it may not be sufficient. Vendors increasingly need to consider all vulnerabilities when updating that customer’s unique network landscape, and how they might offer solutions that make it more robust.

5. Increased use of virtualisation

In order to reduce overheads, operational fees and minimise the need for so many software licences, companies are making software-based or virtual versions of servers, applications and networks. However, from an IT architecture perspective, this step change means companies need better visibility over their entire network.

6. Adoption isn’t currently that widespread, but it will be

According to a global Gartner report, by 2023 more than 90 per cent of WAN edge infrastructure refresh initiatives will be based on virtual customer premises equipment (vCPE) or SD-WAN appliances versus traditional routers (up from less than 40 per cent today).

7. Migration from traditional WAN to SD-WAN

While the last decade has seen the US lead the charge with SD-WAN implementation, it is gaining traction in Europe. However, there’s still a way to go. There has been an initial evolution, and most of these businesses are coming from a traditional WAN environment.

Embracing the fact that SD-WAN requires explanation to showcase its benefits to customers is vital. There are still many myths surrounding this technology at the beginning of its adoption curve. However, the business benefits stand to be epic! To learn more about the uses of SD-WAN take a look at our myth-busting content.

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New ways to light up the network

Go back a few years and our industry was alive with talk about the exciting future of Dark Fibre Access (DFA). It was going to break the UK connectivity stronghold, encouraging competition and potentially bringing about a level playing field for all operators.

Unfortunately, things have not quite panned out the way many of us had thought they might. Uncertainty about how we as a nation will meet our connectivity challenges is rife. And no one solution seems apt to providing the access businesses and consumers need. All at a time when the need for network expansion has rarely been greater.

With this in mind, we at Neos Networks are reaffirming our commitment to creating an innovative, successful solution to the connectivity issues Britain is facing. But instead of doing so in isolation, we’re doing it collaboratively, working with partners and drawing on our vast expertise to light up the network and deliver better connectivity to the UK.

Where our innovation is focused

Network expansion is a complex challenge. So it comes as no surprise that no one solution will adequately tackle all of the connectivity challenges we’re facing in the UK today. Similarly, it can’t be left to any one single provider to shoulder the full burden of futureproofing UK connectivity. Instead, to enhance fibre access and improve network reach, we need to work collaboratively, with intelligent, co-developed network build outs that are aligned to both market needs and commercial objectives.

We’ve already demonstrated this several times, with recent projects in London with Three and O2. As well as the unbundling of almost 200 BT exchanges to boost connectivity for British businesses.

Key to the success of these projects (and others like them) is their strategic, targeted nature. We’re not working with ‘build it and they will come’ philosophy, which is too risky and could fail to adequately consider other UK connectivity objectives, like the planned roll out of 5G or the dawn of IoT in smart cities. Rather, we’re looking at specific connectivity challenges and partnering with like-minded experts to solve them.

We see last-mile access as being key here, and would welcome a fresh look at this market, with specific attention paid to how local network expansion could encourage competition and eliminate industrial and commercial black holes. Put simply, we need to improve networks where it will matter, not just where it can be monetised.

New network expansion ideas

We still very much feel that network expansion can bring about huge beneficial change to the UK. As such, we have invested heavily in a ‘dark fibre-like’ network on a vast scale. The purpose of this is firstly to serve specific customer needs, including an enhanced 4G experience; and secondly to support Three UK’s network transformation, preparing the ground for the launch of 5G.

Beyond that, we are turning our attention to the place infrastructure can play in network improvement.

For example, we’re looking to change the way operators think about infrastructure access and sharing. Because as times change it clearly makes sense to think more collaboratively about these things, with an open-minded approach to sharing space that balances commercialism with the actual objectives we’re trying to bring about.

And we’re looking at innovative ways to draw on our existing infrastructure. Such as using waste water systems and other available utilities spaces to lay new fibre networks. An idea that will not only deliver the fibre capability we need, but also reduce distribution costs and speed up deployment by up to 10 times (in comparison to today’s often intrusive, disruptive and costly digs).

New ideas to solve existing problems

The way Britain will solve its connectivity challenges is changing from what was once envisioned. But that doesn’t mean we can’t deliver on the exciting objectives set for solutions like DFA by Ofcom and partners. Right now, our innovative thinking and new solutions are creating new ways to light up UK networks, offering better connectivity and value. And solutions are really what matters when it comes to connectivity.

Find out about how we’re thinking collaboratively about network expansion in the UK with our Infinera partnership.

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Full steam ahead: How the telecoms industry can help digitalise the UK’s rail network

With rising fares and timetable disasters sparking protests, the UK rail network has a big job on its hands to placate customers and improve services. Digitalising the network is an obvious step towards achieving this goal. Whether it’s commuters working on the go, or leisure travellers streaming video content, access to robust internet is now an expected feature of rail travel, not simply a perk. The UK Government already has plans in place to provide this: in recent years, we’ve seen a series of initiatives laid out, including providing uninterrupted Wi-Fi and 5G ‘on-board all UK mainline train routes by 2025’.

However, the digitalisation of our railways won’t just improve the on-board experience for customers. It covers a vast swathe of upgrades, including providing the platform to allow the improvement of outdated signalling systems (providing drivers and conductors with better visibility of network issues) and the development of our railway stations.

But the rail network and the Government can’t achieve this in isolation, meaning there are great future opportunities here for the telecoms industry to advise and support.

Plotting the journey to better connectivity

As it stands, the majority of the UK’s rail network communicates via GSM-R, an outdated mobile system with traffic management controlled via a fixed axel system which requires trains to remain a certain number of stops apart. This restricts the number of services available on the network at any one time, meaning the UK has one of the most congested networks in Europe. At the same time, on-board network connectivity is slow and has limited capacity.

Network Rail has set a target to upgrade 63% of the UK rail network’s signalling system over the next 15 years. By upgrading its signalling system and improving driver/conductor visibility through in-cab radio systems, the UK rail network will be able to keep more trains on the network and more trains on the move. The opportunity here for the telecoms industry is to facilitate widespread 4G – and eventually 5G – access and onboard Wi-Fi services.

Running alongside this, improved connectivity infrastructure would mean commuters can work efficiently, making the most of their journey time – while general customer service can be improved. Rail operators can even boost their own income, perhaps by pushing deals through to consumers during journeys. Of course, on-board isn’t the end of the story. By providing both the infrastructure and its expertise, the telecoms industry can also help rail operators significantly improve connectivity at stations and reap a number of benefits as a result.

A platform for success

There are over 2,500 railway stations across the UK, most of which have accompanying car parks, ticket machines and shopping facilities. Providers like Neos Networks can play a crucial role in improving network effectiveness in these locations. For a start, better networks can offer passengers more reliable real-time information boards and smarter ticketing services. Mobile-based ticketing can free up staff to focus on better customer experiences, diminish the environmental impact of paper tickets, and even provide companies with a direct channel through which to offer discounts and packages.

Meanwhile, as adoption of IoT technologies continues to grow, connected smart systems can help improve the efficiency of travel. At Heathrow Terminal 2, for example, a ‘smart parking’ system analyses cars via their number plate, and alerts the driver to open car park spaces, before charging them directly. Used in train stations, this could save valuable time for passengers and improve the customer experience – particularly for busy commuters driving to the station in the morning. The IoT also paves the way for smart advertising, like this example used in Zurich, and offers Network Rail an additional revenue generation opportunity.

There are also less obvious benefits, like enhanced security. By implementing more efficient network solutions, stations can run their security and CCTV systems wirelessly (say, with 5G or wireless technologies), removing the amount of cabling required in stations and giving both staff and passengers peace of mind that their station is more secure.

The connected future of rail travel

Given the rising anger about the state of the national rail service, digitalisation and the subsequent improvement of rail travel should be a key strategy for both the Government and connectivity providers. Because whether it’s making journeys smoother and more efficient, increasing the amount of services, or providing more reliable information along the way, there are countless benefits to be reaped from improving network connectivity. And all of this could contribute to wider economic benefits as a result of increased productivity, during and after journeys.

Whether its developing new networks or utilising already existing infrastructure, there’s great opportunity here for the telecoms industry to support and grow. Aside from the aforementioned benefits to the experience of travelling via a train, rail networks also provide intriguing potential for alternative network cabling. Whilst not benefiting from the deep underground security that comes from installing fibre in the sewers, rail networks are inherently less susceptible to interference and damage than street level cabling. They also follow direct routes between cities, reducing latency.

Neos Networks is already working on large alternative network projects to modernise and improve the UK’s connectivity ambitions – and we’re ready and able to assist as the UK’s rail network initiates its digital transformation journey. If you’d like to know more about our network and connectivity solutions, get in touch today.

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How SD-WAN can drive efficiency and support digital transformation

For multi-site businesses, driving digital transformation successfully is no mean feat. If enterprises are going to embrace new technologies, they need to be underpinned by secure, agile and efficient networks. Unfortunately, IT decision makers are often wrangling with outdated legacy infrastructure, meaning their networks aren’t always in the best shape to support their business’ ambitions.

Complicating matters further, many enterprises have concerns about the investment that is often required to modernise their networks – not to mention how difficult it can be getting sign-off from the board for new projects. This scenario is all too common and often prevents IT teams from being able to take advantage of new solutions such as Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN). Although SD-WAN offers a host of significant business benefits, Neos Networks’ research revealed that 43% of those considering implementing this solution are still worried about cost, while a third are concerned they would not get the savings and efficiencies promised.

Whilst those concerns should absolutely be taken seriously, the reality for those who have already deployed an SD-WAN solution is very different. For the vast majority of businesses, SD-WAN is actually helping to drive efficiency.

In fact, our research showed that fewer than one in five early-adopters of SD-WAN believe they are not yet getting the efficiencies promised. However, although these businesses have not yet experienced the savings they expected, with the visibility and control SD-WAN can offer, those benefits will come with time.

How does SD-WAN drive efficiency?

SD-WAN enables businesses to use multiple types of connectivity within their WAN – whether it’s Ethernet, optical network solutions or broadband – and route traffic dynamically based on application needs and quality. With the simple addition of a transport and vendor agnostic box installed at branch site, network managers can have full oversight of their network estate. This visibility gives them more control, flexibility and agility, helping to drive efficiency by ensuring the network is optimised effectively, can be deployed quickly to new sites, and integrated with new technologies.

Enterprises can also achieve greater insight into how exactly their networks are being used with real-time intelligence of the IT estate. For example, if an Ethernet circuit isn’t being used in the way, or as much as, it is provisioned for, organisations have the potential to make cost savings by reducing the capacity or by changing the connectivity type being used. SD-WAN gives network administrators the ability to make better, more informed decisions so businesses can begin to truly optimise their networks, and do so in a more timely fashion.

SD-WAN and productivity

SD-WAN also contributes to higher productivity, which can further provide efficiencies. In modern workplaces, employees depend on reliable, continuous access to digital applications. A slow network – which might be caused by a branch using too much bandwidth or an inappropriate type of connectivity – can lead to decreased productivity for the whole business, as well as interrupting important communications. Improved employee productivity as a result of better performing networks may be a less tangible metric to measure, but we can all empathise with the frustration felt when we don’t have access to IT systems or infrastructure which are essential for our job.

With SD-WAN, an organisation can choose which route traffic should take, for example ensuring only important or sensitive traffic is sent over Ethernet for guaranteed speed and security, while sending lower priority content such as email or Skype over Business Broadband. Ultimately, SD-WAN can ensure the right traffic is sent over the right connectivity, as well as making it clear to network administrators where they might need to review capacity.

SD-WAN can also improve productivity simply by freeing up time for IT personnel to focus on other digital transformation tasks. Businesses with multiple locations, such as retail organisations with multiple branches, have historically faced challenges when it comes to maintaining access to critical applications and data for employees across all their sites. Traditional legacy network hardware meant that skilled people had to manage it at each location – and time to market was also slow for new sites. With SD-WAN, once the initial box hardware is installed, networks can be deployed, managed and optimised remotely meaning quicker time to market and, fundamentally, quicker time to revenue.

SD-WAN can contribute significantly to successful digital transformation, ensuring that businesses aren’t held back by the constraints of their legacy infrastructure and are geared up for the future.

Supporting digital transformation

To thrive in the age of continual digital change, businesses need networks that can easily adapt while enhancing productivity – which is exactly what SD-WAN offers. With the improved visibility, agility and control offered by this solution, enterprises can move forward with the business of transformation, whether that’s introducing new connectivity solutions, onboarding new applications, or integrating with public and private clouds.

Only once businesses are armed with a thorough understanding of their networks and the ability to optimise their estates will IT decision makers be able to do all of this in a way that also drives cost savings and efficiencies. Although the exact impact of SD-WAN will vary from business to business, this should reassure IT decision makers that the initial investment into this network overlay is one which will soon result in a number of business benefits.

Take a look at our eGuide series to find out more about SD-WAN and the benefits it can bring to enterprises.

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