Bell to test new data tracking service

It’s described as the first product that makes it possible for carriers to engineer wireless data flow with the level of granularity needed to understand each flow’s impact on every layer and choke point in the wireless network, specifically the radio access network. With this capacity carriers are now able to efficiently and optimally accommodate demanding data applications through traffic optimization and/or strategic network expansion. “There is no shortage of tools on the market that provide traffic analysis for wireless operators,” noted Peter Jarich, Research Director with Current Analysis. “Much less common, however, are tools that go beyond simply identifying traffic types or usage and provide visibility into the impact of that traffic on network performance. Most people believe that going forward – as 3G ramps up and 4G gets launched – nobody can predict which applications will drive mobile broadband uptake. If so, tools such as Alcatel-Lucent’s 9900 WNG will be critical for ensuring that operators can not only head off network threats but also incent applications that make the most efficient use of network resources.”

So if they’re able to use their network more efficiently, would that mean lower costs for the consumer? Well, only if Bell wishes to pass the buck.

“We are at a tipping point in wireless data networking. As applications and network usage patterns change, operators’ networks need to evolve to address this traffic growth and mitigate the impact of these changes so our wireless customers can provide their customers with unparalleled data services,” said Mary Chan, President of wireless networks activities for Alcatel-Lucent. “This new solution fits perfectly into Alcatel-Lucent’s broad portfolio of solutions for wireless networks and represents a critical first step in wireless IP transformation – one that every carrier who offers or plans to offer wireless broadband services has to address in order to confidently manage their increasingly open wireless networks.”

We’ll be on the lookout for any drops in Bell’s data prices…though given the current Canadian data landscape, something tells me I won’t have to look hard. [Mediacaster]]]>