1 billion reasons why network management matters #TTNMS

US$1 billion, it's a huge amount of money, but that's the value of the contract +Alcatel-Lucent have just signed with Reliance Communications to outsource network management for both its wireless and fixed-line operations - Read the story on Total Telecom

As part of the deal, Alcatel-Lucent become the new employer for 4,000 people as Reliance seek to provide better service to 130 million subscribers by following the path of outsourced network management, also followed by local rivals Bharti Airtel.

With these kind of sums at stake, it's no surprise that recent Total Telecom research shows network management is a huge and growing issue for the telecom industry, although interestingly network outsourcing is specifically is viewed with mixed feelings by operators with an almost even split between those who already view it as a major issue, those who think it will be an issue in the future, as illustrated in the accompanying chart.

To find out more insight into Network Management, download our research summary.

Keep taking the #tablets

In the October issue of Total Telecom+, Nick Wood has taken a look at the world of tablet computing and how operators need to prove they are more than a bit part player in this arena.

It's an important battle because the electronics retailers are already making this market their own, not only offering the advantage of tablets without contracts, but also great variety. In the UK for example, Best Buy current offer a choice of 17 tablets whilst Vodafone's shop offers just the iPad and Samsung GALAXY.

However arguably the biggest challenge is the opportunity cost of not convincing the consumer. The operator is not seen as the default choice for tablets because the network contract is not essential. The FT recently reported that Apple currently generates almost 3/4 of tablet sales in the UK, but the majority of these use wi-fi and not 3G. That's already an issue, but a recent study by Intel predicts that by 2020 there will be 31 billion connected devices worldwide.

Just think of the boardroom tears if operators aren't getting their fair share of this...

The challenges facing the telecoms industry will be discussed on day-2 of Total Telecom World by speakers including Orange Business Services and Reliance Communications. Don't miss your chance to attend.