Breaking down network decommissioning challenges

The evolution of telecommunications networks is placing a significant strain on operators looking to update to more efficient and cost effective networks, but still burdened by the millions of customers still using legacy systems.
In the wireless space this can be seen as carriers are beginning to decommission legacy 2G and sometimes 3G networks to free up spectrum resources and financial capital to support more efficient LTE networks.
However, the process is fraught with pitfalls as a squandered migration could lead to degradation in service quality and customer churn. (RCR Wireless News recently completed a report on this subject and conducted a webinar with leading industry experts.)
A number of firms have been following this decommission process and are working with telecommunications operators on the steps needed to ensure that network decommissioning efforts are handled as smoothly as possible. RCR Wireless News spoke with Paul Bultema, managing director of Communications Networks Strategy at Accenture, on how increased competition from over-the-top players and technology evolution of telecom networks is requiring operators to look more closely at decommissioning legacy operations in order to focus spending and drive cost savings made possible from the move to an all-IP structure. This move also includes the adoption of software-based solutions, including software-defined networks and network function virtualization.

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