Communication Service Providers Research Articles

Emergency communication service solution based on UAV swarm

It has a broad application prospect to provide communication services with UAVs. In this paper, the authors propose an emergency communication service scheme based on UAV swarm, which can provide users with stable network connection to communication services when they are far from the base station. In our design, multiple UAVs will be placed in the middle of the base station and the target area to form a multi-antenna array. Beamforming technology is applied to increase the signal strength through the UAV and transmit the signal from the base station to the target area. Above the target area, we will deploy multiple UAVs using OFDM technology to provide signal relay services for users below. Through simulation and calculation on MATLAB and python, we verify the feasibility and applicability of this scheme.

Fair Communications in UAV Networks for Rescue Applications

We study the deployment of a UAV network to provide urgent communications to people trapped in a disaster zone, where each UAV is an aerial base station in the air. Unlike most existing studies that assumed that each user communicates with a UAV directly, we introduce D2D communications, in which a user within the communication range of a UAV can serve as a hotspot (e.g., WiFi hotspot), and provide communication services to his nearby users who are out of the communication range of any UAV. More users thus can have the communication service provided by the UAV network. To ensure that the users within and out of the communication ranges of deployed UAVs have fair communication quality, we study a novel UAV deployment and resource allocation problem under the D2D communication model, which is to deploy K given UAVs in the top of a disaster zone, allocate the bandwidth of each UAV to its served users, allocate the bandwidth of each hotspot to his served users, determine the data rate of each user, and find the routing paths for data transmissions, such that the accumulative utility of all users is maximized. We also propose a novel ( 1-1/e-)-approximation algorithm algMaxUtility for the problem, where e is the base of the natural logarithm, and is a given constant with 0 < < 1-1/e. We finally evaluate the performance of the algorithm. Experimental results show that accumulative utility by the algorithm is up to 18% larger than those by existing algorithms. In addition, more than 16% users are served in the deployed UAV network by the proposed algorithm.

Performance Improvement in UAV Communication Systems With Uncertain Solar Energy Supply

In this paper, we study a problem of improving the communication performance in a solar-assisted UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) communication system (SA-UCS) where UAVs equipped with solar panels are deployed to provide communication services to ground users in a target area. Previous works have ignored the inherent uncertainty in solar energy supply caused by naturally unpredictable weather conditions and UAV vibrations, consequently degrading communication performance in SA-UCSs. To bridge the gap, we propose to explore the extreme value theory to tackle uncertain solar energy supply. Specifically, we formulate a throughput maximization problem that is subject to transmission power, link capacity, UAV position, and minimum residual energy. To handle the uncertainty in solar energy supply, we propose to find the GEV (generalized extreme value) distribution of the minimum amount of harvested solar energy, in order to bound the solar energy supply in extreme cases. To solve the formulated problem, which is in general non-convex, we develop an iterative optimization method that first decomposes the originally formulated problem into two sub-problems being solved alternately at each iteration through employing the successive convex approximation (SCA) technique. We perform extensive simulations using real-world data from the National Solar Radiation Database NSRD18. The simulation results corroborate the throughput enhancement with guaranteed energy supply available for UAV communications. Additionally, the results also show the fast convergence achieved by the developed iterative method.

Exclusion Clauses in Mobile Communications Industry

Exclusion clauses are contractual provisions commonly employed by mobile communications service providers to limit their liability and protect their interests. However, the extensive use of such clauses raises concerns regarding consumer rights and legal enforceability. This article presents an analysis of exclusion clauses in the mobile communications industry, aiming to shed light on their implications and consequences for consumers. By examining legal frameworks, industry practices, and relevant case studies, this study explores the enforceability of exclusion clauses, their impact on consumer protection, and potential legal challenges they may face. The paper highlights the need for a balanced approach that safeguards both the interests of service providers and the rights of consumers. By providing insights into this critical yet understudied aspect of mobile communications contracts, this article contributes to the broader discourse on fair contractual practices and encourages informed decision-making among policymakers, legal professionals, and consumers alike.

On Joint Optimization of UAV-Assisted Covert Communication Systems with NOMA for Hydropower Internet of Things

The intelligent terminals deployed in hydropower IoT can quickly sense the status of hydropower equipment, thus improving the efficiency of system control and operation. However, communication security between the base station and intelligent terminals challenges the IoT hydropower plant. In this paper, we propose a UAV-assisted covert communication system (CCS), where a UAV acts as the base station to provide communication service to ground terminals monitored by malicious users. To improve access effectiveness, we adopt non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) for intelligent terminals to access the hydropower IoT. Since two devices can synchronously access the communication system with the NOMA scheme, we select one terminal to receive covert messages and the other to interfere with the malicious users to detect confidential communications. To maximize the covert rate, we formulate the optimization problem that jointly optimizes the transmit power, the altitude of the UAV, and trajectory under the constraints of covertness and the finite length of the transmission message block. Additionally, we transform the optimization problem into a geometric planning one, which is solved by a developed sequential geometric planning (SGP) approximation algorithm. Simulation results show the proposed algorithm can improve the covert rate compared to the traditional methods.

Cybersecurity regulatory challenges for connected and automated vehicles – State-of-the-art and future directions

The technological advancements of Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) are outpacing the current regulatory regime, potentially resulting in a disconnect between legislators, technology, and CAV stakeholders. Although many studies explore the regulatory requirements of operations of CAVs, studies on regulatory challenges specific to the cybersecurity of CAVs are also emerging and receiving lots of attention among researchers and practitioners. However, studies providing an up-to-date synthesis and analysis on CAVs regulatory requirements specific to cyber-risk reduction or mitigation are almost non-existent in the literature. This study aims to overcome this limitation by presenting a comprehensive overview of the role of key Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) stakeholders in CAV's cybersecurity. These stakeholders include road operators, service providers, automakers, consumers, repairers, and the general public.The outcome of this review is an in-depth synthesis of CAV-based ITS stakeholders by visualising their scope in developing a Cybersecurity Regulatory Framework (CRF). The study demonstrated the compliance requirements for ITS communication service providers, regulatory standards for CAVs automakers, policy readiness for CAVs customers and the general public who interact with CAVs, and the role of the CAVs Network Operator Centre in regulating CAVs data flow. Moreover, the study illuminates several critical pathways necessary in future for synthesizing and forecasting the legal landscape of CAV-based transportation systems to integrate the regulatory framework for CAV stakeholders. The paper's findings and conclusions would assist policymakers in developing a comprehensive CRF.

Market Concentration and Competitiveness in Indian Telecom Industry

The importance of telecommunication services is increasingly growing as an integral part of the infrastructural base for socio-economic development of an economy. In order to efficiently provide communication services with improved quality at the lowest price, it demanded a shift of market structure from a government monopoly to a more competitive structure. We are analyzing the changes in the market structure and competition of telecom service industry in India. The major data source of this study is Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) Prowess firm level data, from which the telecommunication service data of firms are taken. The major methodology which followed to measure competition in a market, the concentration ratios is computed, due to their ability to capture structural features of the market. It is found that almost all the concentration indices exhibit the same trend in the concentration level of the market. Concentration level is decreasing year by year and thus, competition is increasing. Even though there are many players in the market, the Indian telecom industry is controlled by a few. Through accuracy measures of index, it is found that the GRS index is the ideal index which indicates a moderate level of competition compared to other indices. As far as telecom industry is concerned, moderate level of competition exists with the oligopoly market structure

Obligations of the providers of electronic communications services in terms of the general and indiscriminate retention of traffic and location data – a commentary on the Judgment of the Court (Grand Chamber) of 5 April 2022 in the Case C-140/20 G.D. v The Commissioner of the Garda Síochána and Others.

Over the years, the issue of indiscriminate and general retention of traffic and location data has been considered many times by the Court of Justice. The Court has concluded that this is a tool that violates the rights included in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and that its further use should be limited only to the most serious purposes. In the commented judgment, the right of Member States to impose obligation of indiscriminate and general retention of data of users of this network onto the providers of electronic communications services was limited to precisely defined situations and in certain situations, methods of data retention that are less infringing on fundamental rights were explicitly named and allowed by the Court.

Secure Efficiency Map-Enabled UAV Trajectory Planning

This letter investigates the dynamic changes of security and efficiency in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-to-ground network with a mobile UAV transmitter, a mobile ground receiver, and a fixed eavesdropper, respectively. To provide communication services with high security, spectrum efficiency, and energy efficiency, a concept of secure efficiency map (SEM) is devised and proposed to plan the UAV trajectory. Specifically, the security-efficiency index of each subarea in a certain area for a certain time slot is firstly calculated. Then, given that the security-efficiency index is time-varying, and CNN-LSTM network can effectively extract data features and accurately reflect time correlation, we take multiple SEMs drawn from the observed security-efficiency indices as the input of the CNN-LSTM network, and output future SEMs. Thirdly, based on predicted future SEMs, an SEM-enabled UAV trajectory planning scheme is further presented to jointly improve security and efficiency of the considered communication network. Finally, simulation results confirm the proposed SEM-enabled UAV trajectory planning scheme achieves a superior joint optimization of security, spectrum efficiency, and energy efficiency to other UAV trajectory planning schemes.

Enhancing lightweight authenticated key agreement with privacy protection using dynamic identities for Internet of Drones

Authenticated key agreement for Internet of Drones (IoD) enables mobile users to remotely access a group of drones for secure and efficient services, including the transportation of supplies, the transmission of surveillance data and images, the provision of communication services, etc. Recently, several lightweight authenticated key agreement protocols were developed for IoD to address security problems of previous studies, and showed that the security of their protocols were formally proved and their protocols can resist possible attacks. However, this investigation demonstrates the security weaknesses of a previous protocol, which may lead to their scheme lacking user privacy protection, violating session key security, and unable to withstand impersonation attacks, and develops an enhanced protocol by adopting dynamic identities and ensuring message freshness. The enhanced protocol is proved the security using formal proofs and secure against possible attacks. Compared with related protocols, the enhanced protocol solves the previous weaknesses, provides more security requirements, and increased the overall performance by about 28.4%.

Blockchain-based trust management collaborative system for transport multi-stakeholder scenarios

A trend in future networks (i.e., beyond 5G and 6G) is the increasing virtualization and disaggregation of networks (i.e., Open Radio Access Network, network function virtulization/software-defined networking, or disaggregated optical networks, among others). This trend leads to a multi-vendor situation appearing in the telco arena (i.e., hardware suppliers, software function providers, vendors, operators) that communications service providers will need to deal with. This multi-stakeholder scenario complicates provisioning and the established relationships among actors based on operation agreements that define the requirements, penalties, and prices that generate a certain level of trust among them. This new disaggregated scenario implies an increment of possibilities and relationships, requiring agreements to be created in a run-time way. As the agreement is generated ad hoc, selecting a provider is a crucial decision, and so, trust and transparency are keys to help with this decision. As trust is a human/subjective concept, it is necessary to find a way to convert it into an objective parameter that can be used in an analytical field such as network control and management. This paper aims to present a model to compute the reputation of a provider based on a set of specific and measurable parameters and the use of Blockchain to make all of the process transparent and reliable to all players involved. Furthermore, this paper shows the design for a Blockchain-based Trust Manager that can compute and distribute the reputation and trust parameters to define how trustworthy are the multi-stakeholders. Finally, an experimental validation is presented on top of an optical transport network.

TaskPOI Priority-Based Energy Balanced Multi-UAVs Cooperative Trajectory Planning Algorithm in 6G Networks

In the emergency rescue scenario where the communication infrastructure is damaged, Unmanned Air Vehicle(UAV) networking communication, as a part of the 6G air-space-ground integrated network system, plays a huge role in the establishment of the emergency communication network. In this paper, we fully consider the distribution of rescue areas, the type of tasks and the characteristics of UAVs, and design the TaskPOI-based multi-UAVs collaborative trajectory planning algorithm(TMCTP) based on regional tasks, aiming to improve the completed efficiency of rescue tasks and the utilization rate of energy consumption in the UAV backbone network. Firstly, we filter the population-intensive points of interest(PiPOI) region based on the location heat map of population density distribution and use the K-means clustering algorithm to generate task points of interest(TaskPOI) and use the neural collaborative filtering algorithm to determine the task priority and different priorities correspond to different task types. Then, we design a single UAV flight model and a multi-UAVs cooperative flight model. At the same time, considering the flight energy consumption, communication energy consumption and data acquisition energy consumption of UAV, the energy consumption equilibrium distribution model is designed to ensure that multi-UAVs have low energy consumption and balance the residual energy distribution while completing various levels of tasks. Finally, based on UAV flight model, energy consumption equilibrium distribution model, and combined with task priority of TaskPOI, TMCTP algorithm for the trajectory planning of the UAV group is designed by using multi-agent reinforcement learning algorithm. The experimental results show that in the TMCTP algorithm, the success rate of the UAV arriving at the goal and the completed rate of the action are converged to 1, the times of collisions is converged to 0, and the average reward, the loss of algorithm are all converged to a good degree, and the PiPOI coverage rate in the area exceeds 60%. In terms of energy consumption, the difference between the energy consumption of each UAV is small, and compared with the average residual energy using GP3, the difference is not large, indicating that the algorithm can improve the PiPOI coverage of the entire rescue area without generating a large energy consumption. In this way, the UAV group after arriving at the goal will provide communication services for the rescue area and improve the connectivity and life cycle of the 6G air network.

Conclusion and execution of contracts for the provision of communication services

This article discusses the importance of concluding and executing contracts for the provision of communication services. It highlights the key elements that should be included in such contracts, such as pricing, service level agreements, and dispute resolution procedures. The article also emphasizes the need for positive working relationships and long-term partnerships between service providers and clients. Best practices for successful partnerships are outlined, and the importance of enforcement is stressed. The conclusion of the article emphasizes the significance of executing contracts properly to ensure the smooth provision of communication services. Overall, this article provides valuable insights into the process of concluding and executing contracts for communication services and serves as a useful guide for service providers and clients alike.

Contextual Factors and Programme Theories Associated with Implementing Blue Prescription Programmes: A Systematic Realist Review

Nature-based social prescribing such as “blue prescription” promotes public health and health improvement of individuals with long-term health conditions. However, there is limited evidence explaining the relationship of contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes of implementing blue prescription programmes (BPPs) in health and social care settings that could inform policy and practice. We conducted a systematic realist review by searching PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Scopus, MEDLINE, and CINAHL for articles published in English between January 2000 and June 2022 about health and social care professionals providing referral to or prescription of blue space activities (e.g., swimming, fishing, surfing, etc.) with health-related outcomes. Components and descriptions of BPP implementation were extracted and used to develop themes of contextual factors used to develop programme theories and a logic model demonstrating the mechanisms of BPP implementation. Sixteen studies with adequate to strong quality were included from 8,619 records. After participating in BPPs referred to or prescribed by health and social care professionals, service users had improvements in their physical, cognitive (mental), social health, and proenvironmental knowledge. Service user-related contextual factors were referral information, free equipment, transportation, social support, blue space environments, and skills of service providers. Programme-related contextual factors were communication, multistakeholder collaboration, financing, and adequate service providers. Programme theories on service user enrolment, engagement, adherence, communication protocols, and programme sustainability explain the mechanisms of BPP implementation. BPPs could promote health and wellbeing if contextual factors and programme theories associated with service users’ characteristics and programme delivery are considered in the design, delivery, and evaluation of BPPs. Our study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020170660).

Modelling cybersecurity regulations for automated vehicles

Technological advancements in Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs), particularly the integration of diverse stakeholder groups (communication service providers, road operators, automakers, repairers, CAV consumers, and the general public) and the pursuit of new economic opportunities, have resulted in the emergence of new technical, legal, and social challenges. The most pressing challenge is deterring criminal behaviour in both the physical and cyber realms through the adoption of CAV cybersecurity protocols and regulations. However, the literature lacks a systematic decision tool to analyze the impact of the potential cybersecurity regulations for dynamically interacting stakeholders, and to identify the leverage points to minimise the cyber-risks. To address this knowledge gap, this study uses systems theory to develop a dynamic modelling tool to analyze the indirect consequences of potential CAVs cybersecurity regulations in the medium to long term.It is hypothesized that CAVs Cybersecurity Regulatory Framework (CRF) is the property of the entire ITS stakeholders. The CRF is modelled using the System Dynamic based Stock-and-Flow-Model (SFM) technique. The SFM is founded on five critical pillars: the Cybersecurity Policy Stack, the Hacker's Capability, Logfiles, CAV Adopters, and intelligence-assisted traffic police. It is found that decision-makers should focus on three major leverage points: establishing a CRF grounded on automakers' innovation; sharing risks in eliminating negative externalities associated with underinvestment and knowledge asymmetries in cybersecurity; and capitalising on massive CAV-generated data in CAV operations. The formal integration of intelligence analysts and computer crime investigators to strengthen traffic police capabilities is pivotal. Recommendations for automakers include data-profiteering in CAV design, production, sales, marketing, safety enhancements and enabling consumer data transparency.Furthermore, CAVs-CRF necessitate a balanced approach to the trade-off between: i) data accessibility constraints on CAV automakers and ITS service providers; ii) regulator command and control thresholds; iii) automakers' business investment protection; and iv) consumers' data privacy guard.

정보통신서비스 제공자가 보관하는 전자정보에 대한 수사기관의 압수·수색의 적법 요건 검토

Until now, theories and precedents have reviewed the legal requirements under the premise that the investigative agency's acquisition of electronic information generated and stored by a suspect from an information and communication provider's server such as Kakao Talk constitutes seizure and search. However, the act of an investigative agency acquiring electronic information related to a suspect from an information and communication service provider's server, such as Kakao Talk, limits the confidentiality and freedom of the suspect's communication. In this respect, it can be said that the actions of investigative agencies are similar to the concept of wiretapping under the Communications Secret Protection Act in terms of limiting basic rights. Since the act of acquiring electronic information by an investigative agency is a state action and should not infringe on the basic rights of the people, it should be reviewed whether it violates the principle of proportionality. If the investigative agency acquires electronic information from the server of the information and communication service provider even though it can achieve the purpose of the investigation by acquiring electronic information from the suspect's terminal, it is contrary to the minimum of damage and the balance of legal interests. Therefore, in order for an investigative agency to obtain electronic information from an information and communication service provider's server, 'the circumstances in which the purpose of the investigation cannot be achieved in any other way' must be clarified. It is reasonable to operate the warrant practice in this way, and it will be necessary to stipulate it in the Criminal Procedure Act in the future.

정보통신망법상 권리침해·불법정보의 범위 확대와 자율규제 가능성

In the current 21st National Assembly, a number of amendments to the Act to expand ‘illegal information’ of the Information and Communication Network Act have been submitted. In addition, many amendments to the law to strengthen the responsibility of information and communication service providers have been submitted. Illegal information has been expanded, and there are many amendments to the law that apply “temporary measures” that were applied to information on infringement of rights to illegal information. It is important to protect the freedom and rights of users in the information and communications network. However, it should not be a bill that reduces the self-regulation of business operators. The amendments to the Information and Communication Network Act submitted to the National Assembly are overlapping. The amendments to the law are criticized for failing to take into account the actual enforcement costs or enforceability. There are only a few bills that have proposed the ‘right to raise objections’ for temporary measures. Legislation was needed to indemnify business operators. However, there are no amendments to the law. Another problem is that the legal amendments are likely to violate the principle of clarity and the principle of prohibition of excess. Careful legislative activities are required to protect freedom of expression through information and communication networks and the rights of users.

SPATIAL PLANNING SYSTEM IN POLAND AS AN EXAMPLE OF EFFECTIVE DEVELOPMENT OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES IN UKRAINE

The purpose of the work is to research trends in the development of the digital economy; analysis of features and conditions of digitalization of economic processes in Ukraine and the world. Digitization of economic processes is an integral trend in the development of world economies over the last decade, which determines the relevance of its research in the context of the post-war development of Ukraine. The work uses such research methods as monographic, statistical, comparison and systematization methods. The paper examines the concept of the digital economy and its components, which include information and telecommunication technologies (ICT); human capital; favorable business climate, effective management. The digital economy is a supplement to the traditional economy, which involves the production and sale of traditional goods and services using computer equipment and digital systems, including the Internet. This implies certain advantages, namely: providing access to individual markets for ordinary users, reducing transaction costs, increasing efficiency and competitiveness of products. It has been established that the digital economy is expanding its influence on more and more spheres of activity, creating space for the development and improvement of economic processes, which is the basis for the modern global economy. However, depending on the definition used, the size of the digital economy is estimated to be between 4.5% and 15.5% of global GDP. Almost 40% of the added value created in the global information and communication technology (ICT) sector is accounted for by the United States and China. The level of digitization of the Ukrainian economy varies significantly, depending on the specific industry. In such areas as financial services, the provision of communication services, and logistics, Ukrainian companies use the achievements of information technologies as widely as foreign competitors. Also, the task of the state is both to ensure favorable conditions that contribute to digitalization, and to create opportunities for their implementation. The implementation of the requirements of digitalization, as a modern trend in the development of the economy and society, is to some extent facilitated by the presence of prerequisites for digitalization at the state and industry levels, as well as at the levels of individual households and citizens. The obtained results of the study can be useful in the development of strategies for the development of economic sectors after the end of hostilities for the further reconstruction of the economy of Ukraine.

Inequality of bargaining power in cellular telecommunication services agreements

This research examined the inequality of bargaining power between the contracting parties in mobile phone service contracts in the West Bank, Palestine. It identified several legislative gaps in regulating the requirements of this balance. Also, the relevant government departments and civil society organizations do not provide adequate consumer support in these contracts. The field research showed the respondents' dissatisfaction with communication service providers' compliance with the balanced contractual relationship requirements. What are the features and reasons for this imbalance? To what extent do neighboring countries introduce regulatory solutions to ensure the balance of the contractual relationship during this phase? What solutions would be proposed to ensure the balance of the contractual relationship during this phase? This research proposed legislative amendments to provide a balanced representation of consumer interests compared to providers.

End-to-End Network Slicing Security Across Standards Organizations

This article makes a holistic analysis of the security aspects specified for 5G network slicing across the main standards and industry organizations, namely 3GPP, ETSI, and GSMA. A network slice is a logical end-to-end network that provides specific network capabilities and characteristics to serve a defined business purpose of communications service providers' (CSPs') customers. That purpose can be motivated by CSP internal reasons including network operation optimization, services classification, resources optimization, cost savings, support of network automation, or other specific customer demands. Network slicing can be defined as a paradigm where network slices are created with appropriate isolation, set of resources, and optimized topology, becoming a key feature and business driver for 5G. The overall security architecture of the 5G network is being constantly enhanced with new security features available as well in network slices as logical networks created within the 5G network. In contrast, the threat surface is increased with network slicing as new factors such as business models, tenants, functions, interfaces, and signaling flows are introduced, especially when the isolation among network slices is not well designed and effectively enforced. By analyzing the underlying security threats on network slicing, the article derives the corresponding security requirements and studies the specified mechanisms to protect the network slices. The article concludes pointing out several gaps in current standards with respect to 5G network slicing security and depicts possible next steps for further investigation.