By Mae Kowalke

In recent years, wireless broadband data demand has grown exponentially, driven largely by the introduction of new, smart devices and applications. All this demand is putting a lot of stress on wireless networks – so much so that monitoring and analytics tools designed for legacy systems are not longer suitable.

Advanced tools are needed for intelligent traffic management in an end-to-end wireless IP environment where rogue traffic can be a big issue and where subscriber quality of experience (QoE) is vitally important. 

By Ed Silverstein

The Multiscreen Video Platform lets cable operators and telcos reach subscribers, as well as new devices and diverse locations via TV and video services, according to Alcatel-Lucent.

“It helps service providers create a more personal, seamless and social experience across every Internet-connected device,” according to a solution sheet from Alcatel-Lucent.

In addition, it provides a path to next-generation pay TV and more revenue, the company said, as well as offers new media business models. Alcatel-Lucent and thePlatform, have formed an alliance for cable and IPTV providers to offer a new generation of video services to subscribers’ TVs, PCs, tablets, and mobile phones, the companies said.

Optimism about mobile advertising abounds. For instance, the June 23 press release by ABIresearch states that its new market study found that, "In 2010, not quite $2 billion was spent on mobile advertising. In 2012 that figure will be more than $7 billion. And by 2016, the forecasts suggest that about as much money - $24 billion - will be spent on mobile advertising as much as is currently spent on all online advertising put together."

The idea of experiencing television at any time and on any device is not only appealing for a number of TV viewers in the consumer market, it is also an exciting innovation for Time Warner and Comcast. The two US-based cable TV operators are working together to make TV Everywhere (TVE) a reality. When this platform comes to fruition, existing TV subscribers will be able to watch their television content online and on-demand, with no fees added to their current bill.

A recent Alcatel-Lucent article, "TV Everywhere: Taking Television to the Internet", explores the potential of TVE, stressing that while this initiative is still in its early stages, it definitely has the potential to change television from what know it is today. Similar initiatives have already been launched in Europe to warm responses, indicating the impact could very easily be global.

Bandwidth demand is exploding throughout the marketplace, and at the same time, subscriber revenues are flattening. To react, mobile network operators are being forced to transform their networks, while also preparing for the arrival of 4G/LTE. To stay competitive, these providers must be able to transition quickly and efficiently, while still reducing costs. This overwhelming challenge can be overcome with the Alcatel-Lucent Mobile Backhaul Solution.

A recent Alcatel-Lucent white paper, Any G to LTE Alcatel-Lucent Mobile Backhaul Solution, explored the challenges facing Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) today, including more users, more traffic, more devices, more applications and more machine-to-machine communication.