ALYNMENT - Private Networks Technology to Business Alignment for Enterprises

From fostering equitable access to enhancing the classroom experience, private cellular networks are transforming K-12 education. With the rise of digital learning tools, the need for continuous, reliable wireless connectivity has never been more important. In this changing educational landscape, can private 5G networks serve as the infrastructure backbone to support various on-campus and remote educational activities? Do school districts understand how best to leverage the transformative potential of private 5G? and more importantly, can it help close the stubborn digital divide in the most cost-effective way? Let’s find out. Our guest for today's podcast is Jason Eyre, the Technology Department Coordinator for the Murray City School District. Jason is a pioneer in rolling out CBRS private LTE networks at K-12 schools and is often called the godfather of Utah’s education broadband plan. He was instrumental in the very early adoption of private networks by the Murray School District. In our discussion today, we will uncover: -The learnings from the last two years of private LTE deployment -How a long-time user of K-12 private networks has evolved with the times -What advice a network pro would give to a school thinking of deploying a private network So, let us welcome Jason Eyre. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

Private mobile networks are becoming a critical utility for businesses to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve safety and security. The deployments are growing steadily; however, a patchwork of available wireless solutions makes it challenging for many enterprises to have a standardized approach to address the connectivity needs of diverse use cases. There are stiff technical and commercial challenges to their widespread adoption, demanding both service providers and vendors to rise to the occasion. So, what can vendors do to simplify their customers' options? What are the primary decision factors for enterprises to deploy a private mobile network? And what will it take to scale private mobile network adoption? Let's find out. Our guests for the podcast are Tom Wheeler, the former Chairman of the FCC and a board member of Alef, and Mike Mulica, the CEO of Alef. Tom has led several efforts that resulted in the adoption of Net Neutrality, privacy protections for consumers, and increased cybersecurity, among other policies. As an entrepreneur, he started or helped start multiple companies offering innovative cable, wireless, and video communications services. He is the only person to be selected to both the Cable Television Hall of Fame and the Wireless Hall of Fame, a fact President Obama joked made him "the Bo Jackson of telecom." Presently, he is a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institute, a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, and a board member of Alef and many other companies. Mike Mulica has played a foundational role in pioneering the mobile internet and overseeing the release of game-changing products and technologies to global markets. His leadership at both public and private companies spans the likes of Motorola, Synchronoss, Openwave, Phone.com, Unwired Planet, FusionOne, RealNetworks, and Actility. In our session today, we will discuss a few topics, such as: - Inhibitors and drivers for private networks. - Strategies to standardize planning and deployment of private networks. - And many more. So, let us welcome Tom Wheeler and Mike Mulica. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

With advancements in connectivity, the widespread adoption of the Internet of Things, and the exponential growth of mobile devices, traditional network infrastructure has found it challenging to meet the surging demand for secure and efficient communication solutions. Some enterprises are now turning to private cellular networks as a compelling connectivity platform to materialize their digital vision. While these networks promise to provide a dedicated, reliable, and secure wireless infrastructure that can be customized to meet the unique needs of organizations; it still takes a village to justify its business case. What are some of the make-or-break factors for an enterprise to decide whether to deploy one? What gives senior business leaders and the IT organizations the confidence to make the change? Our guest for the podcast is Rajeev Shah, the Founder and CEO of Celona. Rajeev had successful positions with companies such as Federated Wireless, Aruba, and Aspergo Networks before starting Celona. In our discussion, we will uncover a few things, such as: - What are the factors that make deploying a private network worthwhile? - The differences in private cellular networks in the US vs. other countries - How do LTE and 5G private networks match up? So, let us welcome Rajeev Shah. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

The lack of access to broadband internet can significantly hinder economic growth, education, and healthcare, making it difficult for communities to compete in the modern world. Bringing reliable, high-speed connectivity to remote and underserved areas in the US is a complex challenge that requires a unique set of solutions. Can private LTE and fixed-wireless access networks help close the digital divide and empower rural and tribal communities through technology? And even if it can, are local communities prepared to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities associated with deploying and scaling the networks? Let's find out. Our guest for this podcast episode is Derrick Frost, SVP of Operations & General Manager of Private Wireless Networks at Kajeet. Kajeet is a leading wireless managed service provider with more than 3,000 customers in the education, healthcare, telecom & cable, and transportation sector. Since launching the private wireless business in 2022, under Derrick’s leadership, Kajeet has deployed more than 40 private wireless networks to help close the digital divide for educational institutions and tribal communities. In our discussion today, we will uncover a few things, such as: - The challenges native tribes face when obtaining high-speed broadband - The role different spectrum bands play on tribal lands - Funding that's available to help indigenous communities get internet access - Challenges seen by vendors trying to deploy private networks So, let me welcome Derrick Frost. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

4G and 5G cellular networks are becoming increasingly popular amongst enterprises as more organizations look for ways to accelerate their digital strategy. However, many challenges come with private cellular networks, such as finding the right solution that meets business application needs, its cost-effectiveness, security, reliability, and scalability. How do those challenges differ across verticals and use cases and what are the critical success factors for the day-1 and, more importantly, day-2 operations of the private cellular network? Let’s find out. Our guest for this podcast is Jason Inskeep, Assistant Vice President at AT&T for the 5G Center of Excellence, focusing on private cellular and the Edge. In our discussion today, we will uncover a few things, such as: - The challenges business face in adopting private wireless technologies. - How public and private cellular can co-exist and complement each other. - Where the momentum is now in private cellular networks. - Where the gaps are between enterprise needs and the telecom sector. - How CIOs should rethink wireless network strategy to meet their emerging digital automation needs. So, let us welcome Jason Inskeep. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

Wireless communications are constantly growing in complexity with new protocols, new devices, and new spectrum options. Ensuring all possible combinations work dependably at their peak performance has always been critical for guaranteeing network readiness. But the era of Private 5G and industrial applications adds new dynamics to ensuring the safety and readiness of wireless networks. How can enterprise IT teams ensure that working next to a mobile robot in a factory is safe? How can we be sure that a drone carrying medical supplies will deliver them to the right place? Let’s find out. Our guest for the podcast is Rex Chen, Director of Business Development and Product Management for LitePoint, a major wireless testing company. Prior to LitePoint, Rex earned a Ph.D. in Computer Science, worked with Qualcomm and Intel, and was a partner with several venture funds. In our discussion, we will uncover a few things, such as: - The challenges of testing wireless networks in multiple environments - Some of the key differences between public and private wireless networks - How will new technologies like V2X and vehicle communications, ensure data reliability? - The proliferation of new wireless connectivity options and which ones should manufacturers of connected devices prioritize; and - How can enterprise CIOs ensure the safety and efficiency of private cellular networks So, let us welcome Rex Chen. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

The Internet of Things promises to bring us amazing efficiencies. It’s projected to have billions of connected devices helping us monitor environmental conditions, enhance public safety, automate industrial processes, and fulfill the vision of self-driving cars. But have the outcomes justified the hype? Do enterprises have clarity on the most viable connectivity option for their IoT applications? Should they use Wi-Fi, BLE, Zigbee, LoRA, cellular LPWAN solutions, or the new kid in the block – 5G? There are many things to consider, so how can enterprises converge their network infrastructure to support diverse digital application needs? Let’s find out. Our guest for this podcast is Daniel Quant, Vice President of Strategic Development at Multi-Tech Systems. Daniel is a wireless industry veteran. Prior to this, he worked at Setcom and Telit and Chaired committees at the ENTELEC Association and the LoRA Alliance. In our discussion, we will uncover a few things, such as: - How different technologies compare to enable IoT connectivity - The evolving role of cellular IoT and LoRaWAN in enterprises - How practical are 5G massive IoT claims - Do private cellular networks add new dynamics for enterprise IoT; and - Is convergence a reality for different types of radios? So, let us welcome Daniel Quant. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

Telecommunication networks never stop evolving, moving in less than 15 years from 3G to LTE to 5G, and having our data move from on-site to the cloud and to the edge. But what does this mean for the security of our data? With the rising adoption of connected devices & applications, enterprises are at a greater risk of data breaches, ransomware, and new types of attacks. How should CIOs rethink security, and what choices do they have? Let’s find out. Our guest for today’s podcast is Nancy Wang, General Manager for Amazon’s Data Protection and Governance, where she oversees P&L, product, engineering, and design. Before AWS, Nancy worked at Rubrik as the Head of Cloud SaaS products, as well as at Google and Deloitte. Nancy is also the founder of Advancing Women in Tech, an organization that trains and coaches women to be leaders in tech. The organization has grown to over 16,000 members in only five years. Briefly, she has extensive experience in the data security field and brings unique perspectives to new technology adoptions. In our discussion today, we will uncover a few things, such as: - The changing landscape of cloud & edge and how it impacts data security - Will 5G add a new dynamic to the cloud and edge security? - How has data security changed over the years? - How should CIOs of wireless-first enterprises think about security? and last but not the least - The growing role of women in technical leadership roles. So, let us welcome Nancy Wang. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

The networking needs of a digital enterprise are shifting to ensure anytime, anywhere connectivity to reliably and securely interconnect their people, places, and things. The notion of a universal wireless network for enterprise blurs the lines between historical local area and wide area network boundaries. But can the highly vouched 5G cellular network – public or private - truly replace LAN and WAN solutions used by enterprises for decades? Even if it is, are CIOs prepared to make a shift? Let’s find out. Our guest for today’s podcast is Todd Krautkremer, Chief Marketing Officer at Cradlepoint. He also recently took the reins to lead the Enterprise Wireless Solutions group at Ericsson. Todd has more than 30 years of experience within startup, early-stage, and growth-stage companies focused on wired and wireless networking, security, and cloud technologies. Prior to Cradlepoint, he was CMO at Pertino, a software-defined cloud networking company that was acquired by Cradlepoint in 2015. My goal for our discussion today is to uncover a few things, such as: How do private cellular networks intersect with enterprise-wide area networks? So, without further ado, let us welcome Todd Krautkremer. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

The widespread use of digital devices and applications raises the need for pervasive cellular coverage. However, the existing private cellular networks are not sufficiently scalable and economical to extend in dynamically changing indoor and outdoor enterprise environments. New network architectures are needed to deal with unique enterprise use cases and increase coverage and capacity without dependency on the underlying infrastructure. Are cellular mesh networks the answer to this challenge? Let's find out! Our guest for the podcast is Matt Musial, Solutions Director at GenXComm. He has over 25+ years of experience providing complex IoT, security, and wireless solutions to customers in industrial, DoD, SLED, and service provider markets. In today's discussion, we will explore some important topics such as: -Do broadband wireless networks have adequate capacity for the needs of advanced applications like massive machine-type communications? -Can CBRS private networks provide adequate capacity and resilience for high volumes of data? -What are the implications of mesh networks for costs, capacity, resilience, and security? -What are the early use cases of mesh networks? Contact PrivateLTEand5G

Private networks have blazed a whole new trail for enterprise innovation with the ability to customize their design and control operations. The pace of adoption, however, has slowed due to the complexity and the high costs of customization of networks. With the emergence of 5G, the choice of vendors expands, the operation complexity increases with disaggregated open networks, and the cost increases with greater recourse to system integrators and other experts. Enterprises need a simpler way to design and operate private wireless networks. Could Artificial Intelligence come to the rescue and learn ways to configure and customize networks for targeted use cases? Are AI algorithms accurate enough or the data is adequate to train algorithms to accomplish these goals? Let’s find out! Our guest for today's podcast is David Ronen. He is the VP & GM Private Network at Cellwize. Programmability of private networks with artificial intelligence is the byword at Cellwize. In today's discussion, we will explore some important topics such as: - What do enterprises really want from their commercial Private 5G implementation? - What are the gaps in assuring business outcomes with Private 5G networks? - What are some of the roadblocks in operationalizing Private Wireless Network? - How can enterprises, system integrators, and neutral host providers customize operations for different use cases? - Are technologies like AI and network programmability mature enough to automate deployments of private networks? - What are the learnings from the early trials with programmable private networks? Contact PrivateLTEand5G

GSMA rightfully said that 5G denotes a new era in which connectivity will be tailored precisely to the needs of the business applications. The proliferation of 5G is expected to dramatically grow the market for private wireless networks, but what do IT leaders need to know before jumping on the private 5G bandwagon? Which enterprise applications are already taking advantage of this revolutionary technology, and what are the barriers to its mass-market adoption? Let’s find out. Our guest for the podcast is Roy Timor-Rousso, Chief Revenue Officer at Pente Networks. Roy has led marketing and business development efforts at many tech companies, including NEC, Nuance, Ribbon, Fring, and Mavenir. He specializes in enterprise solutions, and in this podcast, we are going to discuss some of the practical challenges enterprise IT teams face in adopting private wireless networks. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

In a short span of five years, private 4G and 5G networks have stirred much excitement. But do the outcomes justify the hype? Enterprises wrestle with choices between Do-It-Yourself, managed services, and public operator network slices. How do neutral hosts and system integrators help? What are the most viable technologies for private wireless? Private network deployments are generally customized for the client, and it is hard to compare the costs and benefits. So do CIOs know how to evaluate their choices, and do they have the real-world data to compare? Are there pitfalls in implementation that they should consider while planning private network deployment? Let’s find out. Our guest for today is Michael Zeto, Chief Commercial Officer at Boingo Wireless. Michael is a wireless industry veteran. Before Boingo, he worked at AT&T as Vice President for Internet of Things solutions and Founder & General Manager for AT&T’s Smart Cities solutions. He co-founded and served as CEO of Proximus Mobility. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Technology Association of Georgia. In short, he has extensive experience in the wireless industry and brings unique perspectives to new technology adoptions. In our discussion today, we will uncover a few things, such as: - Specific examples of innovation leveraging private networks? - Quantitative benefits of private networks? - Adoption hurdles that still exist today, and - How can enterprises navigate through the maze of choices? So, let us welcome Michael Zeto. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

AI Ops is a natural fit in the 5G era with software-defined networks that are increasingly programmable. Human supervision of 5G networks is a bit like trying to hop onto an electric train after it has left the station. AI-assisted automation is the holy grail for network managers rattled by a catastrophe precipitated by human errors. While early trials of AI Ops in private and public 5G networks are promising, data capture in network labyrinths is forbidding due to many silos, emergent data standards, and insufficient data to train AI models. How are telcos and enterprise CIOs balancing the risk and benefits of autonomous networks steered by AI? Let’s find out! Our guest for the podcast is Aaron Boasman-Patel, Vice President of AI & Customer Experience at TM Forum. He is responsible for defining and executing the strategic vision for all AI, manages the cross-ecosystem collaboration projects, and helps to set industry standards. In our discussion today, we will uncover a few things, such as: - What are the early lessons from experimenting with autonomous networks? - What are the challenges of setting data standards for AI Operations and automation? - How does AI Ops benefit private 5G deployments? and - How do CIOs prepare for autonomous networks and avoid errors without a way to learn from past mistakes? So, let us welcome Aaron Boasman-Patel. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

IoT is a lynchpin to digitizing smart manufacturing, smart cities, and many other industrial enterprises. However, its adoption is often plagued by security concerns. The 5G enhancements that support 1 million devices per square kilometer also increase the attack surface for cybercriminals. An entire business network can be compromised due to vulnerabilities in a connected surveillance camera or even smart bulbs. Though private LTE and 5G networks are theoretically designed for highly secure and controlled network access, are they ready to safely handle the massive influx of connections? Let’s find out! Our guest for todays’ podcast is Jimmy Jones, the Head of Security for ZARIOT. I have had the privilege of working with Jimmy at many companies, and he is undoubtedly one of the brightest technical minds I have come across with sales acumen. He has held many positions in the tech world, from engineer to sales to business development lead at several companies such as WorldCom, PCI, Positive Technologies, Ribbon Communications, and NexTone. In our discussion today, we will uncover a few things, such as: - What IoT security gaps enterprises should watch for? - How does the use of private networks help secure the IoT? - What were some of the security learnings from the initial stages of IoT deployment that will influence its prospects in the private 5G implementations? and - What are the biggest challenges companies face when using a private network with IoT connections? So, let us welcome Jimmy Jones. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

The edge has become the playground for some of the most innovative technology companies launching specialized private 5G applications. Advancements like Open RAN, programmable networks, intent-based network slicing, and AI-driven automation are promising new level of efficiencies in processing humongous data volumes with ultra-low latencies at the distributed network edge. However, the industry continues to struggle on a common understanding of the necessary steps required to make multi-access edge a reality for enterprise applications. So, what are the gaps and challenges and what do we need to do about it? Let’s find out! Our guest for the podcast is Michael Recchia, Global Telco Solutions Architect at Red Hat. With decades of experience working at AT&T and Verizon, he is an expert with hands-on experience in strategy, architecture, design, and testing of programmable network deployment with cloud-native edge solutions in the Open RAN environment. In our discussion today, we will uncover a few things: - The challenges in materializing the vision of distributed intelligent edge. - Different flavors of edge-cloud and which one should enterprises care about the most? - What’s the relationship and dependencies between edge-cloud and private 5G? - And most importantly, the steps enterprises, operators, and vendors need to take to make the distributed edge a reality So, without further ado, let us welcome Michael Recchia. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

The Internet of Things suffered several setbacks during its long hype cycle in coping with complex deployments. Having overcome the daunting challenges in the initial stages of IoT development, the industry is poised to take advantage of the massive deployment of IoT devices in the 5G era. Private cellular networks are envisioned to create a secure environment for remote monitoring, analytics, and control of automation, using data generated by pervasive sensors. But has the ecosystem evolved to avoid the pitfalls this time and how does private 5G change the IoT landscape for the short and long-term? Let’s find out! Our guest for this episode is Landon Garner, the Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of KORE Wireless. He is a veteran in the IoT space with broad experience working at many companies such as Integron, Ingenu, and Taoglas that solve different pieces of the IoT jigsaw puzzle. In our discussion today, we will uncover a few things, such as: - How will 5G impact the adoption of IoT and create opportunities to exploit new AI-enabled digital services? - What were some of the learnings from the initial stages of IoT deployment that will influence its prospects in the 5G era? and - How do CIOs conceptualize the trade-offs of IoT deployments and guard against the pitfalls of their deployment in the enterprise? So, let us welcome Landon Garner. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

Telecom Service Providers have long sought to graduate beyond commoditized connectivity to business models centered around premium digital services. Telco Cloud Platform, in collaboration with Hyperscalers, is a new tack for operators to earn premiums from services delivered at the edge. But do service providers understand the service models that will help them monetize new digital services from customization for micro-segments of customers and enable premium experiences? Let’s find out. Our guest for today's podcast is Francis Haysom. He is a telecommunications industry veteran with stints at Ericsson, Telcordia, and Cramer Systems where he led transformation initiatives. Currently, he is a Principal analyst at Appledore where he has worked for the last four years. A Ph.D. from the University of Bath, he has deep knowledge of the impact of software in the telecommunications industry and on the business strategies of service providers. In our discussion today, we will uncover a few things: - The importance of cloud platforms in service provider’s strategy to drive business in the new world of private enterprise networks, 5G, and digital services - How can service providers collaborate with Hyperscalers and IT ecologies to innovate and generate revenues from new services? - What resources, technologies, and skillsets they can draw on to make their partnerships with Hyperscalers mutually beneficial? So, without further ado, let us welcome Francis Haysom. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

The mid-band CBRS spectrum has been an extraordinary boon to private networks and digital innovation in the US. Enterprises across verticals are investing in automation, taking advantage of the security of private LTE networks and the control of the quality of service. Some verticals like manufacturing have entered the adoption stage, and others like utilities have overcome the initial barriers to adoption. As the usage of shared spectrum bands booms, will we soon see mass commercialization of CBRS-based networks, or is it still early days? Let's find out. Our guest for today's podcast is Oren Binder. Oren is Director, Marketing at OnGo Alliance, an industry alliance that supports the development, commercialization, and adoption of LTE solutions for the US 3.5 GHz CBRS spectrum. Oren has contributed to the development of CBRS since its early days. He is a veteran in the wireless telecom industry and has extensive experience as a senior professional in product marketing in service providers, Fortune 500, and start-up companies. In today's discussion, we will explore some important topics such as: - how can the scarce CBRS spectrum continue to meet its growing demand? - Discuss any exciting shifts in the market that will help drive the adoption of the CBRS spectrum? And - Finally, what are some of the early learnings from CBRS deployments, and how can enterprise CIOs plan the private networks better? So, without further ado, let us welcome Oren Binder. Contact PrivateLTEand5G

Open Radio Area Networks have democratized networks for small-and-medium scale companies. The CBRS spectrum freed the enterprise and other organizations of the chokehold of public communication service providers and helped them build private networks for their IT solutions. Companies, as big as Honeywell, however, have still been unserved. Will the new generation of vendors and MSPs that are using Open RAN overcome the limitation of size and bring inexpensive private networks to smaller organizations? Let’s find out. Our podcast guest for today is Vivek Parmar. Vivek is a prominent thought leader in the 5G industry acutely aware of the rich possibilities of product development with increasing integration of IT and communications. Assistant VP at Hughes Systique Corporation in the Washington DC area, he is especially passionate about extending private networks to small and medium scale companies. In our discussion today we will uncover - Are CIOs of the small and mid-scale enterprises aware of the immense possibilities with Open RAN and private networks? Do they know how can they collaborate with a new generation of providers to lead in digital business services and gain an edge on their counterparts in large enterprises? Contact PrivateLTEand5G