TORONTO and OSLO — Data On Tap Inc. has signed an agreement with Norway-based Working Group Two (WG2) to design and build a new-generation cloud core for its dotmobile wireless service in Canada this year, the company announced today (the same day it faced the CRTC during its wireless policy review hearing).
Dotmobile’s plan is to operate dotmobile as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) using the WG2-built core network to power the wireless talk, text and data services it will provide, the company says in its news release.
Data On Tap registered as a full proposed MVNO with the CRTC in September 2019. As the company notes in today’s news release, the core network integrates with the mobile network operators’ radio access network (RAN) and other wireless service-enabling systems. To operate as an MVNO, dotmobile will still need wholesale access agreements in place and a system to manage its customers.
Dotmobile is hopeful the CRTC will mandate MVNO access to wireless incumbent networks for companies like itself.
On its website, dotmobile says “we are working with wireless carriers and the government to better support tiny telecoms in Canada.” In addition, on a timeline of its roll-out plan, it says an alpha release of its app will be available in February 2020 to its members using iOS and Android smartphones. Then it says it will launch its wireless service in fall 2020, and will continue to sign up networks in Canada and around the world beyond that time.
“We are a Mobile Virtual Network Operator that sees the importance of investing in the network infrastructure. Having our own core network is paramount to offering differentiated service, having cost and speed to market advantages and unleashing real wireless service disruption. dotmobile is following a low-cost high-tech business model. Modern cloud infrastructure, simple connectivity options and reduced operational complexity will bring significant savings and improved wireless experience to its members at a lower cost,” says Algis Akstinas, CEO of dotmobile, in the news release.
“WG2 was created to enable the new generation of wireless service providers. Built on a cloud architecture as-a-service platform, it provides a continuously evolving environment for wireless service providers to efficiently build and deploy innovative services. It natively supports all the latest telecommunication services (LTE, voLTE, voLTE roaming, Wi-Fi Calling and Texting, Visual Voicemail) as well as advanced AI features, IFTTT (If This Then That) integration, developers’ access, etc. The WG2 cloud core platform will be compatible with 5G when it’s fully rolled out in the radio access network. We are excited about the dotmobile vision and working together to deliver true service innovation in Canada,” says WG2 co-founder and CEO Erlend Prestgard, in the release.
