Telecom to Migrate to the Cloud

Telecom Business Review | Wednesday, November 02, 2022

Many businesses are deploying new applications using a "cloud-first" approach due to the cloud revolution.

FREMONT, CA:  Almost all enterprises deploy new apps using a "cloud-first" strategy as part of the cloud revolution. Gartner forecasts that by 2025, 85 percent of enterprises will be "cloud first." However, when it comes to telecom uptake, the pace is best defined as modest but consistent.

The reason for this pace is that moving a Telco and its apps to the cloud is a challenging task. Currently, numerous Telcos maintain, run, and integrate a wide portfolio of networked infrastructure with global communications networks. Amidst mountains of switches, routers, optical transceivers, multiplexers, and numerous legacy and modern technological infrastructures, few systems are interconnected in such a sophisticated manner. It resembles the world's nervous system and brain, with nerve ends seemingly reaching universal.

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 A national mobile network operator in the United States may have between 50,000 and 70,000 cell sites and hundreds of central offices. This infrastructure requires an army of workers to sustain and maintain it. Many telecommunications companies recognize the advantages of modernizing and ultimately streamlining their networks. But suppose a telco is a brain and nervous system of the planet. In that case, re-architecting these networks and placing most of their activities in the cloud is comparable to brain surgery: precision is essential.

Despite the improvements, work is still to be done, such as reorganizing functions, redeploying equipment, and migrating to cloud settings. Numerous operational processes, organizational structures, and workforces must be redefined, updated, and retrained. From the days of the initial telephone line to the mobile and Internet technologies of today, telcos have created a solid legacy serving customers around the globe. As the world evolves, telcos must innovate to enable new opportunities in the connected world, including growing cloud utilization.

The gradual migration to and strong cloud deployment are well worth the effort. However, there is no unique route. Here are three ways considered by telecom firms.

The big bang upgrade: The big bang upgrade entails a provider seeking a generational transformation, or leapfrogging, by adopting a cloud-native architecture as they deploy a new 5G network. A 5G rollout could be cloud-based instead of purchasing all bespoke equipment. A higher-risk, higher-reward strategy, such as deploying a cloud-based telecom network, can be particularly beneficial in greenfield projects, network upgrades to fiber, and full upgrades to a new generation.

The hybrid approach: As technology advances, telcos may plan to expand their networks with some new technology without immediately retiring all legacy equipment. Technicians must possess multiple procedures, training paths, and skill sets. The key advantage of this strategy is that the associated operational redundancy can increase reliability.

Selective replacement:  In this scenario, a service provider applies the cloud to a subset of its architecture. This means that telcos would choose to virtualize specific types of network services or parts, such as VPNs. Currently, some service providers virtualize wide-area networking for enterprise clients. This can be significantly easier to manage from a cost and planning standpoint. Testing the viability of new technology and operating strategy can also be accomplished.

Data processing and transmission are crucial for sustaining telecom network performance and delivering a premium user experience to subscribers. Multiple facets of these processes can be moved to the cloud to achieve remarkable scalability and security. Taking a phased approach to the cloud allows telecoms to simultaneously address current demands and prepare for the next generation of innovation.

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