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De-regulation & Demand for Improved Reliability Provides Investment Opportunities in Indian Ocean, P

Howard Kidorf — 2003-04-15T04:00:00+00:00

De-regulation & Demand for Improved Reliability Provides Investment Opportunities in Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, & Red Sea.

Bandwidth Demand for Regional Systems Seen Driving Growth at nearly 50% per year

Asia Pacific Submarine Demand Still Strong But Market Dynamics Changing.

Howard Kidorf — 2004-12-15T05:00:00+00:00

Annual Demand Growth to Average over 40%. Incumbents Reasserting Dominance.

Software Defined Radio Threatens To Re-Balance Wireless Value Chain

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2005-01-25T05:00:00+00:00

Annual Demand Growth to Average over 60% with US Market Leading the Way

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Software-defined Radio Could Re-define Wireless Value Chain, Says Pioneer Consulting

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2005-02-09T20:09:00+00:00

Software-defined Radio Could Re-define Wireless Value Chain, Says Pioneer Consulting

Asia-Pacific Submarine Cable Market is on The Upswing

Howard Kidorf — 2005-03-02T20:46:00+00:00

Lightwave Magazine, March 2, 200
By Meghan Fuller

Asia-Pacific submarine cable market is on the upswing

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2005-03-02T20:46:00+00:00

Asia-Pacific submarine cable market is on the upswing
Lightwave Magazine

Alcatel Consolidates Position in Submarine System Supply But Competitors Promise a Fight

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2005-06-02T04:00:00+00:00

Bandwidth Demand Still Growing 40% per year. Capacity Deficits Forecast in Some Regions.

Point-to-Multipoint Technology Adoption Forecast to Grow Rapidly in Wireless Backhaul Market

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2005-06-21T04:00:00+00:00

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Capacity demand keeps submarine fiber afloat

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2005-08-15T19:57:00+00:00

Link: Lightwave Magazine , August 2005

Market Watch: Capacity demand keeps submarine fiber afloat

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2005-08-15T19:57:00+00:00

Market Watch: Capacity demand keeps submarine fiber afloat

JDSU Successfully Completes Qualification Tests on Industry-Leading 980 nm Pump Module

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2005-09-25T19:49:00+00:00

JDSU Web Site
JDSU Press Release, also Morningstar, Yahoo Finance

Undersea Pump Module Offers Power For Submarine Cable Systems

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2005-09-27T20:24:00+00:00

Fiber Optics Online, September 27, 2005

Consultancies Join Forces to Offer Submarine Fiber Optic Market Insight & Technical Advice

Howard Kidorf — 2005-10-20T04:00:00+00:00

Consultancies Join Forces to Offer Submarine Fiber Optic Market Insight & Technical Advice Under One Roof

Pioneer Consulting & Kidorf Innovative Methods see synergy and strength in collaboration

PON/FTTx Market Offers Glimmer of Hope to All-Optical Switch Manufacturers

Howard Kidorf — 2006-01-10T05:00:00+00:00

Market Acceptance as a Remote Test and Measurement Tool Could Create a New $40-75M per year Market Worldwide

ECI Offers One-Stop Optical Solutions to One of the World's Largest Mobile Operators

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2006-01-10T16:35:00+00:00

ECI Offers One-Stop Optical Solutions to One of the World's Largest Mobile Operators

Senior Analyst Aditya Kaul's Blog - Kaulout

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2006-03-14T05:00:00+00:00

Pioneer Consulting Senior Analyst Aditya Kaul writes about emerging wireless technologies on his personal blog Kaulout

WiMax May Be Waiting for Godot

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2006-03-31T01:01:00+00:00

WiMax May Be Waiting for Godot
Barron's Online

Pioneer Consulting completes West African traffic study

Howard Kidorf — 2006-09-13T04:00:00+00:00

Pioneer Consulting completes West African traffic study

Global Crossing Picks Xtera

Howard Kidorf — 2006-10-16T04:00:00+00:00

Lightwave Magazine, October 16, 2006

Lightwave Magazine

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2006-10-16T23:57:00+00:00

Lightwave Magazine
"Activity in the submarine market is on the rise, especially unrepeatered systems supporting regional networks. Xtera's ability to offer longer distances for new links and significant capacity upgrades for existing links provide operators with new cost"

lightwave_-_global_crossing_selects_xtera_gear 24.17 Kb

Submarine systems supply market rebounds

Howard Kidorf — 2006-11-02T00:59:00+00:00

Link: Lightwave Magazine, November 1, 2006

MuniWireless.com

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2006-12-29T00:51:00+00:00

MuniWireless.com
Mobile WiMAX goes far beyond WiFi. In my view, WiFi has opened the doors for the Wireless Internet, but Mobile WiMAX will take the experience further allowing for anytime, anywhere access.

muniwireless_-_commentary__is_2007_the_year_for_mobile_wimax_ 116.59 Kb

Growing Industry Acceptance of Fixed & Mobile 4G Networks

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2007-02-05T04:45:00+00:00

Global WiMAX Backhaul Equipment Market Value Forecast to Reach US$2B in 2010

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Consultancies Join Forces

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2007-02-05T04:49:00+00:00

North Adams, Massachusetts and Red Bank, NJ – September 20, 2005 Pioneer Consulting, LLC and Kidorf Innovative Methods have today forged a strategic alliance to offer an integrated package of commercial and technical products and services to their respective clients in the field of submarine fiber optics.

Tyco to Sell Undersea Cable Unit to an Indian Telecom Company

Howard Kidorf — 2007-02-11T19:59:00+00:00

New York Times, November 2, 2004

New York Times

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2007-02-11T19:59:00+00:00

"There is certainly demand, especially from the Indian Ocean looking west." But with so much new cable being laid, he said, "we'll see the same kind of prices collapse like they had in the trans-Atlantic market."

- New York Times

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WiMax.co.uk

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2007-02-11T20:01:00+00:00

"WiMAX has received a lot of negative publicity recently" says Julian Rawle, Managing Partner, "but when you look beyond the hype and anti-hype, there is a viable business case for the fixed standard and maybe also for the mobile standard."

- WiMax.co.uk

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Light Reading

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2007-02-11T20:02:00+00:00

"Everyone involved in this industry knows that there are good times and bad times. What Pioneer has done is to define what those cycles look like and how long they last," said Julian Rawle, senior market analyst, submarine fibre optic at Pioneer Consulting. "This should assist companies in their business planning and allocation of resources."

- Light Reading

Lightwave Magazine

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2007-02-11T20:53:00+00:00

"North America clearly leads the metro-optical-networking marketplace over the next five-year period because of its intense competitive environment, leadership in equipment production and supply, concentration of Internet traffic, and metro fiber-optic infrastructure opportunity. The European market will represent the second-largest market through the five-year period because of its intense competition, while other global markets remain well behind as they strive to build-out their core optical-network markets first," explains Douglas McEuen, senior market analyst, optical networks at Pioneer Consulting.

- Lightwave Magazine

Lightwave Magazine Quotes Pioneer Senior Analyst

Pioneer Consulting Site Admin — 2007-04-21T23:58:00+00:00

Pioneer Senior Analyst Aditya Kaul was quoted in Lightwave Magazine as saying “There is clearly going to be a demarcation of the TDM-based voice (2G) traffic and ATM- or IP-based data (3G) traffic in the backhaul, and so we might see a hybrid approach in the near and medium term trying to carry voice and data over different networks and thus the need for aggregation boxes that combine different traffic flows,”

Wireless Backhaul geared to embrace Ethernet/IP in Cellular Networks

Julian Rawle — 2007-05-08T13:47:43+00:00

Worldwide market value set to peak this year at US$3 billion

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Pioneer Consulting Appoints Keith Schofield to head up its Submarine Network Consulting Practice

Howard Kidorf — 2007-05-15T04:00:00+00:00

Pioneer Consulting Appoints Keith Schofield to head up its Submarine Network Consulting Practice

Web Item Formatting

Howard Kidorf — 2008-01-28T22:34:22+00:00

Reports

Report are not treated like most content on the web site. They are products that are maintained by the VirtueMart portion of the site.

Description:

Do not use formatting, where possible. If you paste something in to the editor, be sure to remove the formatting using the eraser button.
Each report should 4 tabs provided staring each section with "{tab=*****}" where ***** is replaced by: Details, Table of Contents, List of Exhibits, and Executive Summary (in this order).
The Executive Summary tab must have the following sections: {guest} ... {/guest} {member} ... {/member}.
Between the {guest} tags, must be the words: To download this summary, please REGISTER. Thank you.
Between the {member} tags, must be the link to the abridged executive summary.
Each report must have an abridged executive summary in pdf format. Use the "Insert File Link" on the editor to upload and select the correct file in the directory: /root/exec_pdfs
Following the ES link, enter the phrase: After you have downloaded the Executive Summary, please click here to take a short survey.

Pricing:

Under the report status tab, there is a box titled: Attribute List. In this box place a string like: Pricing,Single User PDF[=3500],Multi User PDF[=5500]. This will create the correct pricing options for a "Single User PDf" for $3500 and "Multi User PDF" for $5500. Modify to suit.Do not put commas in the prices.

Press Quotations

“Press Quotations” are places where Pioneer or its analysts are referenced in the press.

Do not use formatting, where possible. If you paste something in to the editor, be sure to remove the formatting using the eraser button.
Title: Enter a short descriptive text. This may be the headline being quoted.
Intro Text: Provide a link (i.e., URL) to the thing being quoted receeded by the word "Link:". The link should specify "Target: Open in new window" If the reference is not on the web, omit the link. On the same link include the date thhat the reference was created. On the next line, optionally, provide a description of the source(s) being quoted.
Main Text: Optionally, provide the text of the material (i.e., the thing referenced by the URL). The title should not be repeated here.

Press Releases

Pioneer Issues Positive Forecast for Caribbean but Warns of the Potential for Price Erosion

Christine Schinella — 2008-02-12T22:27:18+00:00

On the first day of “Capacity Caribbean 2008” hosted by Capacity Magazine, Julian Rawle, Managing Partner at Pioneer Consulting presented the company’s forecast of demand for capacity in the Caribbean for the next five years. He said that the market was on track to achieve at least 30% compound annual growth in the coming years as fixed and mobile broadband services continue to grow exponentially.

New Owners Promise Additional Capital to Provide New Products & Services to Clients

Howard Kidorf — 2008-02-22T16:54:59+00:00

New Owners Promise Additional Capital to Provide New Products & Services to Clients

Pioneer Consulting Predicts Global Wavelength Services Market to Reach Nearly $1.6 Billion by 2007

Howard Kidorf — 2008-02-22T17:16:49+00:00

Ericsson Acknowledges the Importance of 'Common' Base Station Platforms (Finally!)

Christine Schinella — 2008-02-25T15:38:09+00:00

Aditya Kaul’s (Pioneer Consulting's, Senior Analyst) response to the original article “Ericsson Launches Groundbreaking Multi-Standard Radio Base Stations”.

Mr. Rawle's Response to "Google Buys A Piece Of Transpacific Cable"

Christine Schinella — 2008-02-29T02:56:57+00:00

Google is buying a piece of a new transpacific fiber optic cable, according to research firm TeleGeography. This will be yet another piece of what can be loosely described as GoogleNet, a fiber network built and leased by the search engine and advertising giant to meet its ever-growing bandwidth requirements. Google is one of the six investors in the “Unity” undersea cable that will connect the U.S. and Japan. The new cable is going to be built by Tyco Telecommunications and NEC for about $300 million.

Mr. Kaul's Response to: "Ericsson Expects Mass LTE Deployment in 2012"

Christine Schinella — 2008-02-29T03:09:16+00:00

Just when the average consumer was learning to take advantage of the 3G network (while perhaps noticing the limits of the 2.5G Edge network on the iPhone), it’s time to prep for 4G. Verizon and Vodafone are already testing 4G equipment that relies on the Long-Term Evolution standard.

Pioneer Among the Eight New Members to Join SDR Forum

Christine Schinella — 2008-03-03T15:54:40+00:00

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The SDR Forum announced today that eight organizations and educational institutions that develop and promote new and innovative technologies have joined the Forum as new members.

Julian Rawle, Managing Partner

Howard Kidorf — 2008-03-05T22:40:35+00:00

MBA

Julian is well-known throughout the submarine fiber optic industry for his insightful market analysis and project management skills. He has worked in emerging and developed international markets for nearly 20 years with blue-chip companies such as Global Marine, NTT, Cable & Wireless, Chevron, and BP. Since joining Pioneer in 2001, Julian has led projects for clients from all segments of the submarine fiber optic industry and continues to publish his research on submarine fiber optic markets around the world. In addition to regular quotes in the Press and articles for industry publications, he regularly chairs industry conferences.

Howard Kidorf, Managing Partner

Howard Kidorf — 2008-03-05T22:41:07+00:00

MEng

Howard is a recognized expert in optical transmission and telecommunications networks and an experienced manager of research and development teams. Before becoming a partner in Pioneer Consulting, he was a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff for Forward-Looking Technology Assessment at Tyco Telecommunications and Director of Services Engineering at Tyco Submarine Systems Ltd. He holds numerous U.S. and foreign patents in the field of fiber-optic communications and has authored many technical papers. Howard also owns his own consulting practice which specialises in U.S. Government contracts. He is a highly effective communicator with industry-leading technical skills which he leverages to add value for our clients.

Keith Schofield, Director, Submarine Networks

Howard Kidorf — 2008-03-05T22:41:31+00:00

CEng MIMechE FCMI

Keith is a seasoned commercial development director and general manager of complex telecommunications infrastructure projects. He has more than 27 years’ experience of successfully implementing consultancy programs in the submarine fiber optics industry, having previously worked for Cable & Wireless and STC. Keith’s ability to find innovative solutions to complex problems, to manage relationships at all levels of the organization, and his sound business and commercial judgment help our clients to achieve strategic goals and long-term profitability.

Introducing Wireless Backhaul

Christine Schinella — 2008-03-11T17:14:20+00:00

Telecommunications providers, especially those that offer wireless services, are increasingly feeling the bandwidth pinch. Multimedia services and applications, including those that make use of voice and video, demand more and more bandwidth to work properly.

Pioneer Expects Market for Nanotechnology in Wireless Handsets to Reach $15 Billion by 2012

Christine Schinella — 2008-03-18T17:30:27+00:00

Batteries, Displays, Processor and Memory components will be key markets for nanotechnology.

Wireless Handset Makers Plug into Nanotech

Christine Schinella — 2008-04-01T20:07:08+00:00

Batteries, displays, processor and memory components will be key.

Doubts Raised Over Android Fragmentation

Christine Schinella — 2008-06-17T00:50:03+00:00

Senior Analyst Aditya Kaul quoted on ZDNet

$16.4 Billion Worth of Revenue at Risk by 2012 Due to End User Mobile Content Sharing, says Pioneer

Aditya Kaul — 2008-06-27T09:57:44+00:00

Market Analyst, Submarine Fibre Optics

Howard Kidorf — 2008-08-12T15:16:44+00:00

Job Title: Market Analyst, Submarine Fibre Optics

Employment Status: Permanent Employee or Independent Contractor

Location: Virtual

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to join a vibrant niche consulting firm with an established reputation in a fascinating multi-billion dollar capital intensive industry which is experiencing a period of rapid growth and increased investment.

Job Objectives

The Market Analyst, Submarine Fibre Optics makes a direct contribution to accessing, winning, and delivering consulting service contracts, as well as producing other marketable research, working within budget and time constraints and meeting the exacting standards of Pioneer’s clients.

Reporting

This position reports directly to the Managing Partners.

Educational Requirements

The successful candidate must have either experience in an analytical role or a Bachelor’s Degree. A Master’s Degree in Business Administration or its equivalent would command a premium in terms of remuneration.

Key Responsibilities of the Job

Primary and secondary research of commercial, financial, and technological aspects of the global submarine fibre optic market;
Analysis and interpretation of data pertaining to the submarine fiber optic market using quantitative and qualitative techniques to forecast market trends;
Writing reports which will be presented to clients as a billable deliverable;
Contributing to the Company’s strategic understanding of the market;
Participation in the Company’s marketing and sales efforts.

Desired Experience

Some knowledge of commercial submarine cable systems, optical networking, and an understanding of the industry’s value chain would be preferred but we will also consider training a candidate who is strong in strategic planning, business planning, or commercial analysis and has experience in responding to RFQs. International travel may be necessary for this position and the new hire will be expected to be “the face” of Pioneer Consulting when representing the company at conferences, events and with clients from around the world. Familiarity with modeling in Microsoft Excel is required.

Job Location

Pioneer Consulting is a virtual organization. The job holder will be expected to provide his/her own suitable work space, computer, high speed Internet access, a telephone with international calling ability, printer/fax and copier access along with a laptop or mobile PDA to be able to work and communicate (send/receive e-mail) while traveling on business. Reimbursement by Pioneer for usage of these facilities will be available but will be agreed on a case-by-case basis.

Opportunities for Development

Pioneer is looking to recruit someone who will absorb the vast experience and market knowledge that more senior members of the Pioneer team have to offer, as well as taking full advantage of the opportunities presented by Pioneer to participate in international events around the world and to interact with major international clients. As the successful candidate becomes more experienced and well-recognized within the industry, there will be opportunities for promotion to Senior Market Analyst and ultimately to Practice Leader.

Please no phone calls when applying to this position.

Senior Program & Engineering Consultant, Submarine Networks

Howard Kidorf — 2008-08-12T15:18:43+00:00

Job Title: Senior Program & Engineering Consultant, Submarine Networks

Company: Pioneer Consulting

Employment Status: Permanent Employee or Independent Contractor

Location: Virtual

Job Objectives

The Senior Program & Engineering Consultant, Submarine Networks is responsible for working closely with the Director, Submarine Networks to meet all the business objectives of the practice. These include delivering consulting services, managing external resources, writing reports, working within contracted budget and time constraints, and providing consulting services to the exacting standards of Pioneer’s clients.

Educational Requirements

Although a degree-qualified applicant in a technical subject will fulfill the basic requirements, we are not ruling out those who can demonstrate an alternative path of academic and training achievement.

Key Responsibilities of the Job

1. Fulfilling the program and engineering requirements of Pioneer’s Submarine Networks Clients;

2. On behalf of Pioneer’s clients, maintaining project and program plans, monitoring the performance of Contractors, anticipating and managing program and engineering issues;

3. Contributing to winning bids, bid management and fulfillment of bid promises;

4. Developing and managing a portfolio of consulting projects/sub projects on time, to specification, within agreed cost/price parameters and satisfying customers.

Desired Experience

Clients come to Pioneer Consulting for sound, effectively delivered services. The individual filling this role will therefore need to be or quickly become familiar with the submarine fiber optics industry, to deliver consulting services effectively. Some knowledge of existing and planned commercial submarine cable systems, the technical complexities of submarine cable networks, and an understanding of industry structure and the value chain would be preferred but we will also consider training a candidate who is strong in other areas of this job description. Experience in a front line submarine cable project management, submarine systems engineering role and experience in responding to RFQs would also be desirable. Experience from a carrier or a system supplier would be beneficial.

Contributing to the Pioneer Team

While being able to manage and control his or her own ‘back-office’ work, the successful candidate must have sufficient ‘presence’ to represent Pioneer Consulting as a credible authority in a face-to-face customer setting. Furthermore, the individual must have a strong sense for what it means to be customer responsive, resourceful and adaptable. The individual will also be organized, proactive, able to plan and prioritize work, and able to work with a significant degree of autonomy.

Program & Engineering Consultant, Submarine Networks

Howard Kidorf — 2008-08-12T15:45:58+00:00

Job Title: Program & Engineering Consultant, Submarine Networks

Employment Status: Permanent Employee or Independent Contractor

Location: Virtual

Job Objectives

The Program & Engineering Consultant, Submarine Networks is responsible for working closely with the Director, Submarine Networks and other Senior Consultants in Pioneer to deliver consulting work packages to clients. Work includes supervising external resources, program monitoring, control and reporting, working within contracted budget and time constraints, all completed to the exacting standards of Pioneer’s clients.

Educational Requirements

Key Responsibilities of the Job

1. Directly contributing to meeting program and engineering requirements of Pioneer’s Submarine Networks Clients;

2. On behalf of Pioneer’s clients, maintaining sub-project and program plans, monitoring Contractors, and managing program and engineering issues;

3. providing support to winning bids and fulfillment of bid promises;

4. Assisting colleagues to deliver a portfolio of consulting projects/sub projects on time, to specification, within agreed cost/price parameters and satisfying customers.

Desired Experience

Clients come to Pioneer Consulting for sound, effectively delivered services. The individual filling this role will therefore need to be or quickly become familiar with the submarine fiber optics industry, to deliver consulting services effectively. Some knowledge of existing and planned commercial submarine cable systems, the technical complexities of submarine cable networks, and an understanding of the industry and would be preferred but we will also consider training a candidate who is strong in other areas of this job description. Experience in a front line submarine cable project management, submarine systems engineering role and experience in responding to RFQs would also be desirable. Experience from a carrier or a system supplier would be beneficial.

Contributing to the Pioneer Team

Lead Systems Engineer, Submarine Fiber Optics

Howard Kidorf — 2008-08-12T15:56:51+00:00

Job Title: Lead Systems Engineer, Submarine Fiber Optics

Employment Status: Permanent Employee or Independent Contractor

Location: Virtual

Remuneration: Commensurate with experience

Job Objectives

The objective of this role is to provide Pioneer Consulting with the necessary engineering expertise coupled with commercial understanding to enable the company to access, win, and implement engineering projects.

Education

A university engineering degree is required for this position. Preferably, this degree would be in electrical engineering, telecommunications or a related field.

Key Responsibilities of the Job

Key responsibilities of this position are:

System development i.e. advising clients on all technical aspects of new submarine system projects.
Provision of technical expertise and support for other projects within the company besides system development.
Perform all activities required of the lead engineer for a greenfield submarine system deployment
Contribution to the Company’s strategic understanding of the market;
Participation in the Company’s marketing & sales efforts.

Desired Experience

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 2 years experience in engineering undersea telecommunications cables, preferably with a broad, systems-level view.

In addition, the candidate must have experience with two or more of the following and be familiar with the remainder:

DWDM terminals
Long haul transmission
SDH networking
High-reliability components
Optical amplification
Powering of undersea networks
Cable station design
Undersea cable design
Specialized Skills

Pioneer’s goal is to assist our clients in making business and technical decisions. To achieve this goal, the Lead System Engineer must be able to clearly present their ideas and to defend recommendations to the client. A good command of the written and spoken English language is a must.

Pioneer Consulting Forecasts New Submarine Fiber Optic Opportunities in Latin America

Christine Schinella — 2008-09-30T02:44:39+00:00

New report concludes that demand for international connectivity is growing at 30% per year

BOSTON (September 16^th, 2008) — Pioneer Consulting’s new report, “Latin America Submarine Fiber Optics 2008” concludes that while the major Latin American economies are only now recovering from the previous recession, underlying growth in demand for international connectivity via submarine fiber optic cables has continued throughout. Consequently, capacity upgrades are occurring on the major submarine fiber optic trunk routes, new branches are being added to existing systems, and new construction projects are being discussed.

“Owners of existing North America-Latin America cable systems are currently investing in network upgrades which involve increases in lit capacity, improvements to resilience, and extensions of the existing network to new markets” says Julian Rawle, a Managing Partner at Pioneer. “We also see a significant opportunity for regional festoons and point-to-point systems, along the coastlines of South America and Central America to provide a more cost-effective means of meeting demand for short-haul connectivity between neighbouring Latin American states.”

Using the information from country profiles together with statistics from the ITU and other credible sources, Pioneer then applies its proprietary methodology to assess and forecast the supply-demand balance for submarine cable capacity in each Latin American country until 2020. This analysis provides the reader not only with an understanding of the growth potential in the region and associated drivers but it also provides a forecast of when upgrades and construction of new submarine fiber optic systems are likely to be required.

For more information on Pioneer Consulting and its products and services visit the company’s website or e-mail info@pioneerconsulting.com.

Contact: Julian Rawle; Managing Partner; Ph: +1 781 281 1974; j.rawle@pioneerconsulting.com

Melissa Udbinac, Market Intelligence Analyst

Christine Schinella — 2008-10-10T21:01:26+00:00

After nearly 30 years using her extensive research, project management and writing skills in national and international marketing and communications for the Pentagon, Colorado State University, U.S. Trade and Development Agency, the Department of Health and Human Services and the American Forces Network–Europe, Melissa assumes responsibility for Pioneer’s market research capability, supporting client needs and Pioneer’s renowned market research publications. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland’s, University College with a BS in Communication and a minor in Management. She is also a graduate of the Department of Defense Information School with a background in public affairs, broadcast journalism and management.

All Quiet on The Sub Cable Front Despite Financial Crisis

Christine Schinella — 2008-11-12T03:51:02+00:00

By Tony Chan from COMMSDAY ASEAN CHINA EDITION, October 27, 2008

Despite the financial crisis permeating across the global market, the submarine cable sector has yet to show any signs of a slowdown.

While bandwidth prices continue to decline, the rate of decline is still consistent with historical trends, says Julian Rawle, managing partner at specialist submarine industry research and consulting firm, Pioneer Consulting.

“Bandwidth pricing general does decline over time. So anywhere you look in the world, you are going to see at least a 5% decline in pricing per year – so that is the baseline inherent price erosion in the market,” he said. “So far, we haven’t seen any major increase in the rate of decline.”

One reason for the lack of apparent impact is that most bandwidth contracts are locked in for a year. It won’t be until those contracts come up for renewal that the market will see the full extent of any impact from the current turmoil in the financial markets.

“It will probably take six to 12 months to actually filter through. Most people are taking leases with a minimum of one year, so they are locked into it for a year,” he said. “On an average basis, they will start to renew in six months time, so that’s when we might see some downward pressure on bandwidth pricing as carriers realise there’s less demand out there.”

While he does confirm that globally, there’s an abundant supply of unlit capacity, that, too, is consistent with the market. “It is certainly true to say, overall, there’s still a large capacity overhang. There’s somewhere close to, in the region of 16%-17% of the world’s submarine fibre optic capacity is actually lit, but that is the nature of the market,” he said. “And yes, we are still seeing a lot of new projects, but there are some regions that are getting submarine capacity for the first time. What is also driving it is the need for diversity, particularly in the Asia Pacific after the Taiwan earthquake – there’s a drive to try and avoid that situation again.”

At the same time, demand is still robust and growing at 30% per annum on a compounded basis, he added.

CREDIT SQUEEZE: The same is said for the investment landscape for the industry, he continued, adding that most projects that have been announced are already funded.

Also, most of the projects are consortium driven, so the risks are spread across multiple players.

“I think the whole financial crisis is about a credit squeeze and if capital dries up, that’s going to make it more difficult for people who’ve got projects being plan to get the funding for those projects. So we’ll probably see somewhat of a slowdown. It’s too early really to call it,” he said.

“Obviously, different groups have got different access to funding.

Some groups don’t need funding at all and are funding their projects internally. What we are seeing at the moment is some customers telling us they are going to be more cautious and taking a slower path towards realizing their new cable projects. I’m not aware of any cancellations yet.”

Pioneer projects that investment in cable systems per RFS date will be US$4.8 billion this year, and US$4.1 billion in 2009. The number however will drop to US$0.2 billion in 2010 and 2011, but this is due primarily to the cyclical nature of the market.

“The impact of the current credit squeeze on these numbers is hard to predict at this time. If the crisis is resolved quickly, the impact will probably be minimal,” Rawle said. “We are already forecasting a pretty severe downturn in the market around 2010 due to the natural industry cycle so the effect of an extended global recession will probably not have a major impact on these already pessimistic figures.”

SubOptic Heralds a New Dawn for Co-Operation and Competition

Christine Schinella — 2008-12-03T03:00:37+00:00

Pioneer Consulting Awarded MainOne Contract

Christine Schinella — 2009-01-16T15:28:36+00:00

BOSTON (January 16, 2009)—Pioneer Consulting has been selected by Main Street Technologies (MST) to oversee the project management and engineering of its MainOne submarine cable system. The U.S. based firm will be providing expert advice while tracking the design, engineering and implementation of Main Street Technologies’ investment. Hired as an integral part of the management team, Pioneer Consulting will supervise the implementation of the network while supplying comprehensive support.

When completed, the MainOne undersea cable system will span 14,000 kilometers and will provide direct international connectivity for West African countries to Europe and beyond.

“Our team of experts is delighted with the opportunity to work with the strong management team at Main Street Technologies,” stated Howard Kidorf, Managing Partner of Pioneer Consulting. “We are pleased that MST has recognized that Pioneer Consulting can deliver the comprehensive project management and engineering services that this project needs to be successful.”

Keith Schofield, Director of Submarine Networks at Pioneer Consulting and lead project manager, describes the progress. “MainOne is progressing ahead of schedule, with marine route survey activities underway and key licenses being confirmed. We have also undertaken a full contract review audit of the system supplier. Pioneer Consulting and MST are gearing up for the busy manufacturing schedule and construction of cable stations in both Ghana and Nigeria, to complement the Portuguese station already in place. Pioneer Consulting’s long experience in submarine networks makes us the natural choice for soundly implemented projects.”

Pioneer Consulting is an international telecommunications consulting, engineering, and market research firm. For over 10 years, Pioneer’s accurate, insightful, and thorough advisory services have provided clients with objective and independent guidance in support of their strategic goals. Pioneer’s capabilities range from market analysis and feasibility study, through system design, engineering and supply, to project implementation. For more information on Pioneer Consulting and its products and services please visit http://www.pioneerconsulting.com or send an e-mail to: info@pioneerconsulting.com.

About Main Street Technologies (MST): Incorporated in November 2006 as a 100% African-owned corporation, MST is the developer and primary sponsor of the MainOne cable system. When completed in 2010, this system will deliver wholesale international telecommunications services to West African countries. MainOne’s operational offices are located in Nigeria, Ghana and Portugal. For further information on MainOne Cable Company and MST visit: www.mainonecable.com.

Pioneer Consulting Moderates Key Panels at Capacity Caribbean 2009

Christine Schinella — 2009-02-24T15:59:12+00:00

Conference Calls for more unified approach to key issues with education seen as critical

BOSTON (February 24th, 2009) — In a panel session entitled “Achieving Optimum International and Regional Telecom Connectivity”, Julian Rawle, Managing Partner at Pioneer Consulting, led a discussion with representatives from key Caribbean island markets on overcoming key challenges to providing the necessary access to international bandwidth.

The panel concluded that “optimum connectivity” meant different things to different people. From an incumbent carrier’s perspective, it meant planning sufficient capacity for the next three years; from a CLEC’s point of view, it meant offering the lowest price; and a global service provider offered a vision of expanded network services.

The panel went on to consider options for improving access and concluded that education of the Caribbean populations is critical to ensure that there is an adequate skills base available within the region. The panel also identified cheap PCs, deficit financing, and the penetration of fixed and mobile broadband as critical drivers for improving access.

The discussion then turned to how these drivers might be better facilitated. The panel concluded that a more unified approach from Caribbean governments would serve all interested parties well and suggest that the conference organizers, Capacity Media, should invite representatives from suitable neutral bodies to debate this issue at the next event.

A second panel session, also moderated by Julian Rawle, looked at drivers of demand, capacity availability, services and applications and latest technologies in Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Dominican Republic, as well as globally.

This panel concluded that efforts to attract global enterprises to come to the Caribbean were hampered by a lack of skills and relatively high costs, especially for power and telecom connectivity. On the subject of international capacity, the panel felt that the island markets under consideration had sufficient connectivity for the foreseeable future but opportunities in other Caribbean islands remain.

In summarizing the outcome of the panel sessions, Julian Rawle thanked Capacity Media for organizing this important annual event which brings together all the movers and shakers of the Caribbean telecom market and advocated collaboration among the islands’ telecom communities to address impediments to growth. For more information on Pioneer Consulting and its products and services visit the company’s website at www.pioneerconsulting.com or e-mail info@pioneerconsulting.com.

Pioneer Consulting Supports the Main Route Survey Operation for the MainOne Cable System

Christine Schinella — 2009-04-02T15:18:24+00:00

BOSTON (April 2, 2009)—Pioneer Consulting, Project Managers of the MainOne Cable System Implementation working for Main Street Technologies, announce that the main route survey operations have commenced. Phase I of the 1.92 Tbit/s MainOne Cable System covers the route from Portugal to Nigeria with a spur to Ghana.

Following completion of the 27 kilometers inshore survey operation near Portugal last month, Pioneer’s shipboard representative joined the GEMS main route survey vessel “Kommander Jack” on March 26, 2009. In the coming two-month operation, while en route, a number of additional spurs will be evaluated as the vessel charts the undersea terrain from Europe to Nigeria.

Setting the trend for program achievement, Pioneer’s Project Director Keith Schofield confirmed that the inshore survey had commenced in January ahead of schedule, and that manufacturing of both cable and sophisticated electronics within the submerged repeaters were also proceeding ahead of plan. Schofield added “All the organizations are working as one team with one goal—a successful project.”

Pioneer’s Managing Partner and MainOne Lead Systems Engineer Howard Kidorf commented, “The MainOne Cable is benefiting from the latest proven technology from a world-class system supplier, including low-loss fiber and the option to add and drop traffic on a number of additional landings. This route survey will demonstrate the security and viability of the route for a 25 year design life.”

CEO of Main Street Technologies, Funke Opeke, advised that progress on the terrestrial infrastructure is matching the progress on the submarine system, with the terminal station in Portugal already in place and new construction in Nigeria and Ghana passing through local planning and construction preparations many months ahead of the required implementation date.

Asked why she had contracted Pioneer Consulting to oversee implementation of the project, Opeke stated, “The MainOne project is being implemented to the very highest global standards. This includes the selection of an experienced team, such as Pioneer Consulting to lead the implementation. Pioneer is allowing MainOne to focus on operational preparation. When it comes to inspiration, guidance and delivery, it’s worth going to an organization totally familiar with carrier’s needs.”

For more information on Pioneer Consulting please visit http://www.pioneerconsulting.com. For further information on MainOne Cable Company visit: www.mainonecable.com.

Into the Darkness from IET Knowledge Network

Christine Schinella — 2009-05-05T20:21:09+00:00

From the article "Into the darkness" By David Sandham of IET Knowledge Network; copyright March 18, 2009

In the first of two articles on the history and future of the fibre market, E&T looks back to the first fibre-optic network boom and bust and asks what lessons can be drawn.

In the heady days of the late 1990s, many believed that the Internet would revolutionise the world in ways that could scarcely be imagined. It would make communications easy and ubiquitous, and render old ways of communicating redundant.

The Internet revolution went well beyond engineering: people changed their business models and lifestyles. There was a sense of barriers breaking down. Nothing seemed impossible. For some, the Internet became almost a faith. Companies based on the Internet were much more highly valued than ‘old economy’ rivals, even if they had never turned a profit. Venture capital funds (VCs) threw money at Internet projects like it was going out of fashion. As one entrepreneur says of those days, “All you had to do was say the word ‘Internet’, and the VC wrote out the cheque.”

At the outermost stretch of this bubble, billions of dollars were spent installing fibre-optic networks that, it was imagined, would be needed to carry all that Internet traffic – and billions were lost.

“The investment in submarine fibre-optic networks peaked in 2001 at around $16bn,” says Julian Rawle, managing partner, Pioneer Consulting. This compares with an average annual investment in submarine fibre since 1986 of just $2.4bn. Investment in terrestrial fibre-optic networks was similarly out of control.

“In 2001 there was so much money sloshing around looking for a home, people were not behaving rationally,” says Rawle. “All that money was waved in front of their noses, and it made them go crazy.”

The collapse of KPNqwest

One of the biggest failures was KPNQwest, the Netherlands-based joint venture between Dutch national operator KPN and Denver, US-based telco Qwest. KPNQwest’s strategy was to combine state-of-the-art fibre-optic networks with the customer base of EUnet International, whose Internet pedigree dated back to the first European Unix networks, and which had been bought by Qwest in April 1998.

KPNQwest borrowed billions and built a state-of-the-art, high-capacity European fibre-optic network that ran for 25,000km through 18 countries. The company swelled to 2,500 employees. KPNQwest had about 100,000 corporate clients, including Microsoft, Cable & Wireless, and many Internet service providers. Some estimates say that the KPNQwest network carried between a third and more than half of all European Internet traffic by 2000. Two years later the company was bankrupt.

KPNQwest went bust because it overestimated demand, borrowed too much, built too much, and was unable to pay back its banks. It filed for bankruptcy in May 2002. Before thec oup de grâce, executives tried frantically to find the money needed to keep the network running. Rumours circulated that Russian oil giant Yukos was about to buy it. Other interested parties were said to include Dublin-based telco eTel, and US investment bank Lehman Brothers. All negotiations failed.

The network remained in operation for some weeks after the bankruptcy, but with no money to pay suppliers, in July 2002 it was officially shut down. For a while, interested viewers could log on to a webcam at the KPNQwest Network Operation Centre and gaze at the sad sight of an empty room with dozens of terminals, but no people.

The Dutch, German, and Belgian parts of the KPNQwest network were eventually purchased by Dutch parent company KPN. Other parts were bought by the UK-based Interoute, which now runs the largest fibre-optic network in Europe. The Austrian and Swiss parts of the KPNQwest network went to local operators in each country. Operators refocused on their local markets, leaving continental and trans-continental fibre links to long-established players such as AT&T and BT.

Qwest, unlike its joint venture KPNQwest, never filed for bankruptcy but was left with massive debt, as was Level 3, another large fibre owner. AT&T, Verizon and Sprint managed, through foresight or luck, to sidestep the fibre bubble. AT&T was never a big builder of fibre, but both AT&T and Verizon bought up fibre assets when the bubble burst, as did Reliance and Tata. Sprint does not own much long-haul fibre, even though it built one of the first US fibre-optic networks, preferring to lease capacity.

FLAG’s fortunes

Another victim of the bubble was FLAG. In 1996, a consortium began laying a 28,000km Fibre-optic Link Around the Globe. FLAG became the world’s longest cable network. It stretched from Cornwall in the UK to Spain, Italy, Egypt, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, Korea and Japan. The idea was to provide capacity for connections to the Far East. Side connections were built to the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and China.

On 2 April 2006, Flag Telecom Holdings filed for bankruptcy protection. It had been unable to cope with insufficient demand, over-capacity, and $2.6bn of debt. FLAG was later bought by a subsidiary of Reliance Infocomm, the Indian mobile network operator, for $207m. The largest shareholder in FLAG prior to the takeover was Verizon.

“Verizon (formerly Bell Atlantic) divested most of its interest in FLAG, but FLAG is still healthy and provides excellent trans-oceanic connectivity to numerous countries,” says Stu Elby, vice president of network architecture for Verizon’s technology group.

Other giants who came crashing down as the Internet bubble burst were WorldCom and Global Crossing. WorldCom’s bankruptcy in 2002 was the largest in US history –until the collapse of Lehman Brothers. WorldCom mis-stated $3.8bn of expenses as capital costs. It broke accountancy rules to keep profits looking healthy. Its former CEO, Bernard Ebbers, was sentenced to 25 years in jail. Like FLAG, WorldCom was eventually rescued by Verizon, which bought it for $7.6bn in July 2006.

From 1999 to 2000 Global Crossing grew from a small company of 250 staff to a giant of 14,000 employees with an international high-speed fibre-optic network. It filed for bankruptcy in January 2002. Its former vice president of finance, Roy Olofson, said the company had become involved in swap transactions including a $100m exchange of capacity with Qwest. The company denied any wrongdoing. Global Crossing was broken up after its bankruptcy. Part of it became Asia Netcom, today known as Pacnet. Another part became Pacific Crossing. Today Global Crossing is owned by Singapore Technologies Telemedia and employs about 5,000

Some suppliers also caught Internet fever. Tyco Submarine Systems was spun off from AT&T as a supplier of submarine cable systems, and decided to build its own fibre-optic submarine network, the Tyco Global Network (TGN), in competition with its customers.

“It seemed a crazy idea on the face of it,” says Rawle. “And it was.” Tyco nearly collapsed because of the TGN venture, which was later acquired by Tata, the Indian giant. Dennis Kozlowski, the former CEO of Tyco, was convicted of fraud and misappropriating more than $400m. He was sentenced to jail for at least eight years.

The downturn hit other suppliers. KDD Submarine Cable Systems, which built FLAG and many other systems, exited the market in 2001. Pirelli’s submarine cable arm was bought by Alcatel, which now dominates the market alongside Tyco.

Bandwidth trading

One symptom of the Internet bubble was an overemphasis on bandwidth trading. A paper by Chris Kenyon and Giorgos Cheliotis of IBM summed up the new philosophy: “As bandwidth becomes a commodity … the dynamics of network markets are set to be the basis for spot and forward prices.”

Fibre capacity was recast as a tradeable commodity. Telecoms executives hoped to marry their world to the apparently more glamorous world of broking and banking. Many who pursued bandwidth trading did so in the belief that if telecoms sales became more like the financial markets, they would become more efficient. They dreamed of swift, dealer-type trading replacing the lengthy contract negotiations typical of the telecoms world. But their plans should have been questioned.

A network connection from A to B is a very specific offering. Engineers know this, and know how to work around the issues. Financial markets, by contrast, depend on the interchangeability of the items traded: one barrel of Brent crude oil has to be the same as another in order for a futures market to work. But bandwidth doesn’t work this way.

Bubbles often attract people with little experience in the expanding sector. The largest player in the bandwidth trading market of the late 1990s was Enron, an energy company. In 2000, Texas-based Enron reported $101bn in revenues and employed 22,000 people. It had been named America’s Most Innovative Company by Fortune magazine for six years running. In 2001, it sought bankruptcy protection.

Bandwidth and fibre trading was not responsible for Enron’s collapse. Enron’s problems were due to the fact that much of the ‘profit’ it claimed to have made was generated by trading with itself. But bandwidth trades provided one way for fast-growing companies to inflate their earnings. Enron and Qwest were close trading partners and in 2001, the two companies transacted a $500m swap that included dark fibre between Salt Lake City and New Orleans, despite the fact that both companies had overcapacity on that route.

During the bubble, people thought that the Internet would achieve far more, far more quickly, than it did. They built too many fibre-optic networks, flooding the market with unwanted capacity. After the fall of Enron, prices of bandwidth, including over fibre, collapsed. Operators watched as prices for bandwidth tumbled to a fraction of what they had been when they built the networks. Fibre capacity was being sold and resold for much less than the cable had cost to build, sometimes because the seller desperately needed cash.

Some cities were connected by thousands of fibre pairs, most of which were left dark. The prices for dark fibre became so low that some customers, including banks and international corporations with large data transfer needs, began buying up dark fibre and lighting it themselves.

According to Stephan Beckert, a researcher at consultancy TeleGeography, prices fell up to 70 per cent a year on major routes between 2000 and 2003. Between 2003 and 2005, carriers hardly added any capacity to networks. Though price cuts slowed after that, TeleGeography saw prices for monthly leases on 10Gbit/s links between Miami and New York City fall from around $75,000 in 2005 to below $30,000 at the end of 2007. Prices for 10Gbit/s connections between New York and London fell by 80 per cent from 2002 to 2007, according to TeleGeography.

During the downturn, no-one dug up their fibre infrastructure – they just left it unused. And most of the world’s submarine fibre-optic network capacity remains unused. According to Rawle, only 18 per cent of world submarine fibre is lit, up from 13 per cent in 2001. This low use is mitigated by the need to include redundancy. A number of submarine cables have been damaged recently, demonstrating the need for back-ups.

Engineers often ask management for more capacity when they have filled about 50 per cent of current capacity. Today, telecoms companies are laying fibre in some regions, but prices remain low.

What lessons can be learned from the fibre boom and bust? Massive infrastructure projects can be highly risky. Getting them wrong can have long-term consequences. When large sums of money are at stake, driven company executives can be tempted to bend the rules to maintain the appearance of success. And that new technologies often take longer than expected to deliver their promise.

The Internet promised to change the world and is doing so, but not quite as fast as had been imagined.

Into the Light from IET Knowledge Network

Christine Schinella — 2009-05-05T20:55:25+00:00

From the article "Into the Light" By David Sandham of IET Knowledge Network; Copyright, April 7, 2009.

In the second of two features on the history and future of the fibre market, E&T asks whether we are on the brink of a new fibre-optic network revolution.

The telecommunications industry built too much fibre-optic network capacity during the 1990s. Companies such as KPNQwest, FLAG, Global Crossing and Tyco borrowed too much money and laid too much fibre, and suffered the consequences. Is that over-capacity still present? It’s not clear.

Most would agree with Jeff Ferry of optical network company Infinera when he says that “there is spare capacity in optical fibre between most major cities”.

But how much? Mike Stein, CEO of Darkstrand, a network provider, says that about 80 to 90 per cent of the world’s fibre is unlit, that is not being used to carry data. Julian Rawle, managing partner of Pioneer Consulting, says that only 18 per cent of world submarine fibre capacity is lit.

Prices for fibre-optic network capacity collapsed when the Internet bubble burst. Stein says they have remained relatively flat since, though there “has been a spike” since about a year ago.

Vinay Rathore, senior director of marketing for EMEA at optical networking equipment maker Ciena, disagrees that overcapacity is a pressing issue.

“I don’t know anyone who believes overcapacity is a looming problem,” he says. “The bigger concern is that we are not increasing capacity fast enough, while at the same time reducing cost per bit. There are places where dark fibre is plentiful, but also many where it is not available at all. Radically different prices reflect this reality.”

Part of the difficulty with knowing the true use of fibre-optic networks is that the price of the bandwidth they offer, which could be used as a proxy for use, is not freely available. Consultancy TeleGeography is one of the few sources of information on fibre pricing.

“No one really knows for sure what people are paying for their bandwidth because carriers are extremely careful about giving out that kind of information,” says Rawle.

Precious dark fibre

Stein suggests that telcos are sitting on masses of dark fibre, which they do not want to release. But Rawle disagrees with this view, in which the telcos are like oil barons, carefully managing the supply of a precious resource. Telcos want to make sales, but don’t want to lease dark fibre to companies that would sell the capacity on, because they would prefer to sell a high-value service than a commodity infrastructure.

Chicago-based Darkstrand gets around the telcos’ reluctance to sell dark-fibre capacity by sourcing it from a research network instead. National LambdaRail leases dark fibre and uses it for supercomputing applications that demand huge amounts of bandwidth. But National LambdaRail does not need all of its capacity at the moment and so has leased 80 lightpaths of 10Gbit/s each to DarkStrand.

Darkstrand has since talked with companies, including Caterpillar, State Farm, Disney and Sony, about selling them this capacity. According to Stein, who founded Darkstrand, he can offer capacity more cheaply than telcos: “Telcos are not crazy about our model, but we are not competing with them for residential customers. Major corporations are building their own dark-fibre networks. If they were being serviced properly, they would not be building these networks.”

Others disagree about the advantage to a business or government of owning dark fibre. Stu Elby, vice president of network architecture for Verizon’s technology group, says: “The cost of optical transmission is almost entirely in the electronics and operations, administration and maintenance of these electronics, not the fibre itself. The scale of a large carrier could always bring a lower total cost of ownership to a fibre route than a smaller government or business could. There are exceptions – special speeds or coding schemes that certain government agencies may require that cannot be purchased from a carrier.”

Rathore emphasises the importance of scale: “If a business or government needs large amounts of bandwidth and they have access to dark fibre at a reasonable cost, as well as the capability and desire to manage their network infrastructure, building their own networks on dark fibre will provide the ability to scale capacity at very low incremental cost.”

National LambdaRail does not own the dark-fibre capacity it sold to Darkstrand, but leased it from Level 3 in a 20-year deal that has some 15 years left to run. Some other research networks, such as Internet2, are not allowed to resell unused capacity, and Stein says there are rumours that AT&T is pressing research groups not to commercialise their dark fibre.

Internet growth

The Internet was born out of many academic and research networks, and Stein believes that a new superfast Internet is emerging in much the same way today. Video, file sharing, cloud computing and other high-bandwidth applications are driving demand for a second-generation Internet.

This is very different from a decade ago. As Rathore says: “In 1998, we were deploying 16 or 40 [channel], 2.5Gbit/s channel systems. Now channel rates are 40Gbit/s and going to 100Gbit/s.”

Rathore believes that long-term growth in bandwidth demand has been running at about 50 per cent a year. Others support that estimate. AT&T carries more than 15.8 petabytes of IP and data traffic on an average business day, and says that its traffic volume is growing more than 50 per cent a year.

For Stein, it is significant that President Obama has included Eric Schmidt, the CEO of Google, among his advisers. “The digital society that everyone predicted [in the late 1990s] is now here,” Stein says. “It just happened more slowly.”

Is the current economic downturn affecting demand for bandwidth? Elby says not: “We have not noticed any bandwidth demand slow-down.”

Rathore agrees: “The fundamental drivers of our customers’ business remain strong.”

New technologies

Technological advances have increased the capabilities of existing fibre. “

Customers are demanding speed and flexibility in optics that were not commercially feasible ten years ago,” says Rathore of Ciena. In response, new technologies have evolved. One of the most important is the reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM), which enables automated, all-optical wavelength switching between different fibres. In wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) many optical carrier signals are carried (or multiplexed) on a single fibre by using a different wavelength of light for each.

AROADM can add or drop traffic to or from a fibre entirely in the optical domain, which is simpler than converting the optical signals back into electronic signals. For Rathore, ROADM is one of the most important technologies of recent years, as it “evolves the WDM layer from simple point-to-point capacity delivery to an automated and flexible network-switching layer”.

Rathore says that running the Ethernet networking protocol over optical networks is also likely to become important.

“Ethernet over optics seems to be the leading contender for the long term,” he says.

Ethernet over optics involves combining Ethernet framing with optical networking. Almost all corporate Intranet traffic uses Ethernet in the local area network (LAN). As the trend to share information beyond the LAN grows, it makes more sense to use Ethernet on the optical network, removing the boundary between the LAN and the wide area network.

“Cloud computing and storage virtualisation will be key drivers pushing data that typically ran on a LAN to the wide area network,” says Rathore.

Elby agrees about the importance of Ethernet over optics: “The industry is on the verge of converging Ethernet and packet capabilities into optical platforms. This convergence has significantly reduced operating and capital expenses for the carriers that take advantage of these advances.”

Ferry of Infinera believes that technological development is more significant than fibre build. “Fibre is not the major constraint to expanding network capacity economically,” he says.

“Each optical fibre can carry tens of terabits per second of capacity and there is spare capacity. The constraint in many places is due to insufficient capacity in the optical systems, or other networking systems.

“Our breakthrough in photonic integration [an ROADM] is important because it helps to make capacity additions to the optical network easier and more cost-effective.”

Enough is enough?

Åke Sundin, technical manager in the network department of AB Stokab, which manages Stockholm’s fibre-optic network, disagrees that the world has enough fibre.

“Fibre-to-the-home projects have just started,” he says. AB Stokab’s Stokholm network is made up of 5,600km of cable carrying 1,200,000km of fibre. Sundin believes that the key developments today are in the access network. “Building the access network will put more demands on the metro or city networks that currently exist either to increase fibre counts in cables or to implement cost-effective electronics,” he says. Stockab will be increasing fibre counts.

Elby of Verizon agrees about the importance of the access network. “Fibre to the premises is driving new fibre construction in the local networks.” He says that Verizon has very little spare long-haul fibre, with most of it being lit using 10Gbit/s technology on fewer than 80 wavelengths per fibre. “We are upgrading these to 40Gbit/s on 128-wavelength systems, so there is plenty of growth capacity. Also, we anticipate upgrading to 100Gbit/s beginning in 2010.”

Submarine revival

Submarine fibre-optic cables are being laid again, especially in the Asia Pacific, South Asia, India, Middle East and African markets. For example, the Trans-Pacific Express (TPE), a $500m fibre-optic submarine cable system, was launched in September 2008.

TPE connects the United States, China, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong over a total of 18,000km. The new link will increase the capacity between the US and China sixty-fold. It is designed to carry up to 5.12Tbit/s, though it will be configured to handle 1.2Tbit/s at first. Customers can buy 10Gbit/s links. TPE is the first fibre-optic submarine cable to land on the west coast of the US in six years, since the Tyco Global Network (TGN) was commissioned in 2002.

Other new links include Asia American Gateway, a 1.92Tbit/s fibre-optic system due to enter service soon, connecting the US, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Europe India Gateway is a 3.84Tbit/s submarine fibre-optic cable project, due to be completed by the second quarter of 2010, which will land in the UK, Portugal, Gibraltar, Morocco, Monaco, France, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Oman, United Arab Emirates and India.

Google has combined with other companies to build a trans-Pacific fibre-optic cable called Unity. According to Rawle, Google had the idea because it is building a server farm in Malaysia which it needs to connect to the US. “They went into the market but could not get the price they wanted so came up with the idea of a mini-consortium,” he says. Unity will be built by Tyco and NEC for $300m and will provide 4.8Tbit/s.

More than 25 submarine cable systems are due to be built over the next three years. According to consultants T Soja, over the next few years 85,000km of cable will be installed annually, approaching the 100,000km that was installed in 2001.

This revival, if it survives the economic downturn, may benefit from learning the lessons of the first Internet boom and bust. There are signs that it has. In the late 1990s, for example, suppliers rushed to fill demand as quickly as possible. Nowadays, says Rawle, “in the face of rising demand, Alcatel and Tyco [the two leading submarine cable suppliers] are pushing out delivery dates to 18 months or even two years, which is unheard of”.

This dampening effect could be beneficial: “This is the only thing that will save the submarine [fibre] industry from another big bust at the end of the cycle.”

The opportunities for fibre are greatest in the Asia Pacific region where strong demand is mismatched with low penetration. The oil-rich Persian Gulf area is also underserved, especially Iraq. But in Africa there is “lots of talk, but few results”, according to Rawle.

Meanwhile, supply on transatlantic routes is tightening because no new submarine fibre has been laid on the route since 2002, when Apollo (the system owned by Cable & Wireless and Alcatel) was commissioned.

All this investment will depend on global economic circumstances. Rawle is forecasting a fall in submarine fibre investment in 2010-12, though he believes it will pick up again after that. Though prices per bit will continue to fall, demand for Internet bandwidth is strong. The Internet has not yet finished changing the world.

Pioneer Consulting Offers New Maintenance Planning and Operational Support Service

Christine Schinella — 2009-06-01T12:27:57+00:00

Company Adds New Capabilities

BOSTON (May 28, 2009)—The expansion of Pioneer Consulting’s integrated consulting services to the submarine telecommunications industry continues with the launch of a new and unique cable maintenance service.

Pioneer’s new Cable Maintenance Planning and Operational Support Service addresses the critical yet mundane fact that inattention to the establishment of written maintenance procedures and close liaison with maintenance authorities and other suppliers can cost the cable operator dearly in terms of downtime, lost revenue, and lost reputation.

Howard Kidorf, Managing Partner at Pioneer observed, “As a truly independent company with no allegiance to any supplier and with only our customer’s advantage to motivate us, Pioneer Consulting customizes maintenance solutions to fit the needs of the client and the cable system.”

Under the new service, Pioneer Consulting will monitor contract compliance, prepare reports, review invoices, evaluate specialized marine providers, and evaluate repair costs. A team will handle cable records, observe marine activities, evaluate third party crossing notices and manage cable storage areas and stations. In addition, the customer will have access to 24/7 technical advice and support. A key selling point of the new service is that Pioneer is committed to providing staff with decades of specialized experience in undersea system maintenance replacing the need for similar resources within the client’s organization.

Keith Schofield, Director, Submarine Networks commented, “Pioneer’s investment in securing experienced international maintenance services expertise has been richly rewarded, resulting in our offering extending beyond implementation, to provide new submarine cable operators with detailed maintenance planning and ongoing support. This reduces the burden of in-house recruitment, training, and management—a new industry solution.”

Julian Rawle, Managing Partner at Pioneer, is pleased by the strong commitment to maintenance within Pioneer. Rawle notes that Ramon Fernandez and Alberto Delgado have recently joined Pioneer’s team. Rawle notes that “these two, experienced senior members of the industry bring more than 50 years of experience to the service of our clients.”

For more information on Pioneer Consulting and its products and services please visit http://www.pioneerconsulting.com or send an e-mail to: info@pioneerconsulting.com.

Surinder Sian, Lead Systems Engineer

Christine Schinella — 2009-08-12T02:54:34+00:00

As Pioneer Consulting's Lead Systems Engineer, Surinder Sian has over 20 years experience in Submarine Systems and telecoms. Prior to this, he has held key engineering positions with Xtera Communications (formerly Azea networks), Altamar Networks and ilotron. He has been a Senior Technical Manager at Corning Cables and BICC Communications Ltd. Surinder was also a Senior Manager with Alcatel Submarine Networks and STC where he worked in the R&D division of Submarine products. In addition, he was also part of the Systems Design Authority on Unrepeatered Systems as well as published numerous papers and holds patents in optical systems. Surinder received a B.Sc. with Honors in Communication Engineering from Leeds Metropolitan University.

Pioneer Consulting Publishes "Cableships of the World"

Christine Schinella — 2009-10-13T17:12:15+00:00

BOSTON (October 13, 2009)—In the first of two research reports covering marine services for undersea telecom cables, Pioneer Consulting's new report entitled “Cableships of the World”, provides background and overview of the global, deep water cableship market.

These dedicated, specialized, ocean-going vessels are the backbone of the undersea telecommunications industry. This fleet of cableships provides installation, maintenance and repair services for the more than one million kilometers of cable placed under the oceans of the world. “Cableships of the World” provides a comprehensive review of the status of the cableship market complete with market segmentation and industry fundamentals as they apply to the cableship market. Among its objectives, Pioneer Consulting seeks to both define and quantify the current deep water cableship industry.

“This comprehensive report is an essential reference tool for any individual working in the submarine fiber optic cable industry. In particular, the report includes a deep water cableship database where specifications are presented for both active and inactive cableships.” stated Howard Kidorf, Managing Partner of Pioneer Consulting.

A second report provided a comprehensive description of the entire marine maintenance industry including: smaller, shallow water operations, cable depots, and marine surveys which are among many other topics that will be released by Pioneer before the end of 2009.

Pioneer Consulting is an international telecommunications consulting, engineering, and market research firm. For more than 10 years, Pioneer`s accurate, insightful, and thorough advisory services have provided clients with objective and independent guidance in support of their projects and their strategic goals. Pioneer’s capabilities range from market analysis and feasibility study, through system design, engineering and supply, to project implementation. For more information about Pioneer Consulting and its services please visit http://www.pioneerconsulting.com or send an e-mail to: info@pioneerconsulting.com.

Pioneer Consulting Publishes "Cableships of the World"

Christine Schinella — 2009-10-14T01:45:10+00:00

BOSTON (October 13, 2009)—In the first of two research reports covering marine services for undersea telecom cables, Pioneer Consulting's new report entitled “Cableships of the World”, provides background and overview of the global, deep water cableship market.

“Cableships of the World” provides a comprehensive review of the status of the cableship market complete with market segmentation and industry fundamentals as they apply to the cableship market. Among its objectives, Pioneer Consulting seeks to both define and quantify the current deep water cableship industry.

Pioneer Consulting to Host Submarine Cable Workshop at PTC '10

Christine Schinella — 2010-02-02T18:35:22+00:00

BOSTON (January 12, 2010)—Pioneer Consulting is pleased to announce the company will be hosting the Submarine Cable Workshop on Sunday, Jan. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at PTC '10 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa in Honolulu, Hawaii.

With the help of industry shapers and leaders, Pioneer Consulting has organized a dynamic workshop that will be of significant interest to experienced and new players alike. Each year, the Submarine Cable Workshop becomes more popular, and once again PTC '10 will have a strong emphasis on the submarine cable industry.

'Pioneer is delighted and grateful to the Pacific Telecommunications Council, particularly Sharon Nakama, CEO and John Hibbard, Chair, Board of Governors, for asking Pioneer to take part in this engaging event,' said Keith Schofield, Director, Submarine Networks and workshop host. 'Drawing on the expertise of respected contributors, we look forward to hearing and sharing knowledge on a range of matters interesting all in the submarine cable industry.'

The workshop will focus on market developments, current changes, news, insights, and technology advances from a diverse selection of key players. After the morning 'Networking Break,' which is being sponsored by Pioneer Consulting as well, there will be a keynote interview with Fiona Beck, CEO of Southern Cross Cable Network. In total, there will be three panel sessions entitled, Market, Business and Industry Developments; View from the Supply Side and Marine Maintenance & Restoration Trends.

To view the entire workshop agenda and to learn more about PTC '10, please visit www.ptc.org.

For more information on Pioneer Consulting and its products and services please visit www.pioneerconsulting.com or send an e-mail to: info@pioneerconsulting.com.

Who is Watching the Cableship Market?

Christine Schinella — 2010-02-02T22:11:21+00:00

Who is Watching the Cableship Market?

Article written by Melissa Udbinac, Market Intelligence Analyst, Pioneer Consulting

Reprinted with permission from SubCableNews, Edition 88, October 2009

Pioneer Consulting Adds New Subscription Service

Christine Schinella — 2010-02-02T22:25:51+00:00

Pioneer Consulting Adds New Subscription Service

Article written by Pioneer Consulting

Reprinted with permission by SubCableNews, Edition 89, November 2009

PTC '10 Submarine Cable Workshop: A Well-Attended Success

Kevin D Clarke — 2010-02-03T00:48:20+00:00

BOSTON (February 1, 2010)—During the morning of Sunday, January 17th, a diverse group of panelists debated and discussed market developments, current changes and technology advances from within the submarine cable industry at PTC ’10 in Honolulu, Hawaii, while upwards of 200 international delegates participated.

Organized by Pioneer Consulting, three panel sessions were included during the three hour workshop: “Market, Business and Industry Developments”, “View from the Supply Side” and “Marine Maintenance & Restoration Trends”. In addition, Keith Schofield (Director, Submarine Networks at Pioneer and host of the workshop) conducted the keynote interview with Fiona Beck, CEO of Southern Cross Cable Network. Panelists were drawn from cable owners like AT&T, Australia-Japan Cable, FT/Orange, GlobeNet/Oy, Hibernia Atlantic, and Main One; system suppliers such as Alcatel, Huawei Marine, NEC, Tyco Telecommunications, and Xtera; and marine contractors like Global Marine.

“Pioneer truly appreciated the invitation by the Pacific Telecommunications Council to organize and facilitate this popular annual event,” stated Keith Schofield. “Using our extensive contacts throughout the industry, Pioneer gathered a talented roundtable of industry leaders who expressed their views and opinions in a lively dialogue that held audience attention throughout.”

Key themes arising from the submarine cable workshop included the resilience of the market through the recent global financial crisis; the increasing industry trend toward cost-effectiveness of 40G line cards in submarine systems; and the pressure for change in maintenance arrangements for submarine fiber optic cable networks.

Pioneer Consulting is an international telecommunications consulting, engineering, and market research firm. For more than 10 years, Pioneer’s accurate, insightful, and thorough advisory services have provided clients with objective and independent guidance in support of their projects and their strategic goals. Pioneer’s capabilities range from market analysis and feasibility study, through system design, engineering and supply, to project implementation. For more information about Pioneer Consulting and its services please visit http://www.pioneerconsulting.com or send an e-mail to: info@pioneerconsulting.com.

To view Keith Schofield's interview from PTC ‘10, please watch the video below.

SubOptic Interim Activities Working Group: Light The Way to a Standardised Construction Contract

Christine Schinella — 2010-03-22T16:34:58+00:00

Light The Way to a Standardised Construction Contract

Article written by Keith Schofield, Director, Submarine Networks, Pioneer Consulting

Article originally appeared in Submarine Telecoms Forum; #49; Special Edition; February 2010; SubOptic 2010 Conference Preview. Reprinted with permission.

Pioneer Consulting's Director, Submarine Networks Becomes Partner

Christine Schinella — 2010-05-10T16:10:32+00:00

BOSTON (May 10, 2010)—Pioneer Consulting is pleased to announce that, following three years as Director of Submarine Networks, Keith Schofield has become a co-managing partner, along with existing managing partners Howard Kidorf and Julian Rawle. Keith will continue with his oversight of the submarine project implementation and engineering business.

Since joining Pioneer, Keith has provided consultancy support for organizations considering entering the market for marine services, carriers seeking to expand their international cable networks and has supplied project development expertise to several companies wanting to invest in submarine networks. Keith leads Pioneer's submarine network consulting activities in project development, feasibility and implementation.

"For over three years Keith has been an integral part of the company. He has been instrumental in the success of the Main One submarine cable system as its lead project manager," commented Howard Kidorf, fellow managing partner and lead systems engineer for the cable system. Before Keith joined Pioneer he worked at Cable & Wireless where he guided several submarine network consulting programs including system-managing Latvia Sweden, the world's first unrepeatered cable to exceed 300km, the Brazil Domestic Submarine Cable Integration Project, and Southern Cross Consultancy for Cable & Wireless Global Networks.

At the current SubOptic 2010 Conference Keith Schofield expressed his enthusiasm for Pioneer and servicing the needs of its clients: "It's my aim to ensure Pioneer retains and grows its internationally respected position as a company that is first for service, quality, and value-added when it comes to submarine network and implementation consulting. Pioneer will continue to grow as it attracts the best of the industry to work both in the company, and as associates."

"We are delighted that Keith has chosen to make this long-term commitment to Pioneer” stated Julian Rawle, Pioneer’s managing partner. “Retaining his skills as an experienced commercial development director and general manager of highly complex telecommunications infrastructure projects creates certainty for us and for our clients. Pioneer will continue to deliver major infrastructure projects on time, to specification, and within budget."

Keith is available at SubOptic 2010 from May 11-14 in Yokohama, Japan, for individual meetings and to present information regarding Pioneer Consulting and its products and services.

Pioneer Consulting Leads to Success of Phase 1 for Main One Cable System

Christine Schinella — 2010-07-02T14:30:22+00:00

BOSTON (July 2, 2010)—Pioneer Consulting, Project Manager of the Main One Cable System Implementation, is pleased to announce its contribution to the completion of Phase 1 for the submarine cable’s implementation. Appointed by Main One Cable Company in 2008, Pioneer Consulting led the project management and oversaw engineering for the system—over 6,900 kilometers of fiber optic cable providing connectivity along the West Coast of Africa from Portugal to Nigeria and a branch to Ghana.

“Through each stage, Pioneer’s team addressed the implementation risks and prioritized key actions to ensure that delivery of the system would be on schedule, to specification and within budget. Their project management experience was a great asset to Phase 1 and our company,” stated Funke Opeke, CEO of Main One Cable Company.

From inception, Pioneer reviewed the contract with the turnkey supplier, guided the route engineering, coordinated with the system supplier to deliver optimum protection for 25 years of service within strict design, operational and environmental requirements. Crucial roles included desktop study review, product assurance, project reviews and preparing for marine maintenance through Pioneer’s maintenance and operational support service. In addition, the firm provided expert owner’s shipboard representation aboard the survey, shore-end and main lay installation vessels, auditing the terminal stations during the installation and commission stages.

Keith Schofield, Director of Submarine Networks and Main One Project Manager stated, “We are excited about the success of Main One Phase 1. In addition to our core implementation skills, through our research and advisory services, we were able to validate traffic projections for the system which contributed to finance support and our implementation support allowed Main One’s internal capability to prepare its facilities and staff team for System Operation.”

Pioneer audited the system engineering for Main One during design, manufacturing and delivery. Pioneer’s Lead Systems Engineer, Howard Kidorf emphasized the importance of an approved program. “Through a working group of engineers, we reviewed the supplier’s plans for commissioning and acceptance in order to agree upon a plan that delivered confidence in the installed equipment.”

For more information on Pioneer Consulting send an e-mail to: info@pioneerconsulting.com or call +1 978 357 3605.