Quortus selected in joint Lime, Ubuntu wireless network

EE, the UK’s largest mobile operator and part of BT, has pledged to use technology developed using this platform to provide coverage to a remote community in the Scottish Highlands and Islands (below).

The new platform includes Quortus’ software-based implementation of a complete mobile core network (Enhanced Packet Core, or EPC) as part of Lime’s ‘network in a box’ solution. Developers can configure the network platform via software available through the Snappy Ubuntu Core stores, allowing the creation of new mobile network applications and services. This new approach to mobile network innovation will allow operators to foster a diverse ecosystem of developers that can tailor network services to their needs - and those of their customers.

“Quortus is the clear leader in software defined core networks, and so was the natural choice for our mobile innovation platform,” said Ebrahim Bushehri, CEO of Lime Micro. “Operators are today looking for routes to innovate in their networks and this system shows the way. By providing the hardware and standards compliant software, alongside an easy to use and accessible configuration platform, we create an environment that anyone can programme - and this unleashes the creativity that mobile networks need.”

Andy Odgers, Quortus CEO, commented: “We’re delighted to be involved at the inception of this radical new development in mobile networking. The simplicity and ease of use of the platform is truly impressive - EE, Lime and Ubuntu have combined to produce a product that really will enable mobile operators to tap into ‘the power of the crowd’ - and will allow application developers to drive value and innovation into the mobile networks of tomorrow.”

Speaking about the launch of the new platform, Mansoor Hanif, Director of Radio Networks at EE, said: “Apps and smartphones revolutionised the mobile experience and this could have the same impact on the network - we’re allowing anyone to build an app that can introduce a new service or a new capability to a mobile network. That could be to connect a rural area of the UK for the first time, or to be part of designing how 5G works. This type of innovation is vital to evolving wireless networks, and we’re making sure that the UK is at the forefront of that.”

The Lime Micro programmable ‘network in a box’, LimeSDR, is available initially through a crowd funding campaign that allows developers to pre-order LimeSDR boards at a low cost. The solution is a low cost, app enabled software defined radio (SDR) base station that can be programmed to support any type of wireless standard - putting power at the disposal of anyone who wants to innovate in the world of wireless.