T-Mobile, Dell Bring Computing to the Edge

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T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) and Dell Technologies (NYSE: Dell) are developing private 5G network solutions for enterprise and government customers. T-Mobile’s 5G Private Mobile Network will pair a private 5G network with Dell edge computing technologies, including Dell VxRail hyper converged infrastructure, so data can be processed, stored and acted upon locally at locations like large business campuses, factories, or universities. It will be available on-premises and be fully managed by T-Mobile.

With its stand-alone network, T-Mobile is in a better position to offer 5G network slicing for private mobile networks than Verizon and AT&T, which still operate non-standalone 5G, according to Joe Madden, Principal Analyst, Mobile Experts.  

“There’s no lack of interest in private networks or edge compute solutions, but enterprises are really hungry for simple solutions that tie back to business outcomes,” said Dimitris Mavrakis, Senior Research Director, ABI Research. “That’s why it’s so exciting to see how T-Mobile has approached this space with 5G Advanced Network Solutions — with a focus on simple solutions, flexibility and performance.”

Edge computing offers three different buckets of revenue for carriers, including the connectivity revenue, the compute revenue, and then the real estate and hosting of the edge compute data center, according to Madden. 

“Right now, the operators are in a good position to provide conductivity and to host the compute resources, but they let a company like Amazon or Microsoft Edge compute handle the computing on their network,” Madden said. “This relationship with Dell helps T-Mobile with all three areas, plus they can compete with the hyperscalers.”

Along with Dell, T-Mobile is launching 5G Advanced Network Solutions with Ericsson and Nokia to supply private networks to enterprises. Customers like global racing league SailGP are already using 5G ANS to reduce latency by up to 50 percent compared to WiFi and CBRS spectrum to provide real-time analytics from foiling boats traveling at 60 mph.

“The competitive advantages and business opportunities from being able to analyze and act quickly on data coming from the edge of your own private 5G network are immense,” said Dennis Hoffman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dell Technologies Telecom Systems Business. “Our collaboration with T-Mobile will help enterprise and government customers harness the power of 5G private networks so they can start thinking about how to best use data to develop innovative, revenue-generating applications and services that can improve their businesses.”

By J. Sharpe Smith, Inside Towers Technology Editor

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