A Very Mobile Magazine Christmas - November 2024
Lightyear, a software company that digitises telecom infrastructure management, secured US$31m in Series B funding led by Altos Ventures, with participation from Ridge Ventures, Amplo, Zigg Capital and Susa Ventures.
The New York-based company, founded in 2019 by Dennis Thankachan and Ryan Schrack, has developed a Telecom Operating System - software that manages procurement, inventory and billing for enterprise telecommunications services.
The platform currently handles quote requests, installations and contract renewals for internet connectivity, Wide Area Networks (WANs) which connect enterprise locations and voice systems.
Lightyear consolidates multiple carrier invoices into a single monthly bill, aimed at reducing payment processing complexity and service disruption risks. The system maintains records of account identifications and contract terms to streamline renewal processes.
"Our software addresses longstanding problems in telecom management by introducing transparency, standardised workflows and automation," explains Dennis Thankachan, CEO of Lightyear.
Lightyear currently serves more than 300 enterprise clients, including retailers Alo Yoga, Five Guys and Pandora Jewellery, as well as telehealth provider Teladoc. Its platform is used by more than 5,000 enterprise users globally who utilise the system for procurement and ongoing management of their telecom services.
Viasat and 5GAA: How Satellites can Enable Connected 5G Cars
The transition to connected and autonomous vehicles has created new demands for reliable, ubiquitous communications networks.
Current 5G cellular networks, while offering high-speed connectivity in urban areas, face coverage limitations in rural and remote locations where autonomous vehicles will need to operate.
To help tackle this lack in 5G coverage, satellite communications infrastructure provider Viasat has joined the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) to expand satellite-enabled vehicle communications technology for autonomous transport systems.
The move represents an expansion of satellite technology into the automotive sector, as manufacturers seek to ensure constant connectivity for safety-critical vehicle systems. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, which enable cars to interact with infrastructure and other road users, require uninterrupted network coverage to function effectively.
The company, which completed its acquisition of satellite operator Inmarsat in May 2023, becomes the first satellite communications provider to join the cross-industry organisation, which includes technology firms and automotive manufacturers.
Kevin Cohen, VP of Direct to Device Partnerships at Viasat, says: “With a longstanding history in providing critical safety services in the air and at sea, and our continued innovation on direct-to-device connectivity, joining the 5GAA is a natural fit for Viasat.
“By utilising already licensed L-band spectrum for mobile satellite services, vehicles could roam between space and ground network connectivity.”
See also in November
Actalent: Why Utilities Need Purpose-Built Telecom Systems
Viasat: A Lack of Reliable Connectivity Holds Business Back
Top 10: Tips for Scaling 5G Networks
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