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SmartViser to Exhibit at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona Discover Cutting-Edge Test Automation and Network Monitoring Innovations at Hall 5, Business France/French Tech Pavilion, Stand 5B61-36 SmartViser Returns to MWC26 with Live 24/7 Network Monitoring and Next-Generation Test Automation Innovations Barcelona, Spain – February 2026  – SmartViser, a leading provider of automated device testing and network performance solutions, today announced its return to Mobile World Congress 2026 , where the company will showcase its latest innovations in active and passive network monitoring, mission-critical performance assurance, and device test automation. SmartViser will be exhibiting in Hall 5, Business France Pavilion, Stand 5B61-36 , where visitors will be able to experience live demonstrations and real-time analytics throughout the event. Live 24-Hour Monitoring of Spain’s Mobile Networks At the heart of SmartViser’s MWC26 presence will be a continuous 24-hour live monitoring of the three commercial mobile networks in Spain , running throughout the event.Using SmartViser’s combined active and passive monitoring solutions, attendees will be able to observe real-world differences in network performance during peak hours, off-peak periods, and overnight conditions . The results will be displayed live on SmartViser’s dashboards at the stand , with a detailed post-event performance report  made available after MWC. Spotlight on SmartViser Network Monitoring viSer Tempo – Active Network Monitoring viSer Tempo  is SmartViser’s active monitoring solution, designed to continuously generate realistic user traffic across multiple devices. It automates voice calls, data sessions, browsing, app usage, and messaging to deliver repeatable, comparable, and actionable KPIs  across public, private, and mission-critical networks.viSer Tempo is ideal for detecting performance degradations, validating service quality, and benchmarking networks under real operational conditions. viSer Mateo – Passive Network Monitoring viSer Mateo  complements active testing with true passive observation of real user behaviour . Installed on end-user devices, it captures network context, device conditions, and performance indicators without generating synthetic traffic , providing a genuine view of long-term user experience and network behaviour.Together, Tempo and Mateo form a powerful, end-to-end network monitoring framework. Mission-Critical & Advanced Testing Capabilities on Display In addition to live network monitoring, SmartViser will demonstrate a broad portfolio of solutions, including: Mission-Critical (MCX) performance management , covering key KPIs for MCX services and operational assurance 5G testing and device validation , supporting reliable launches delivered on time and within budget through test automation viSer Neo+ , SmartViser’s advanced network troubleshooting solution for rapid root-cause analysis Best-in-class audio MOS assessment , supporting Android and iOS devices, cellular and OTT services, and emerging NTN use cases Battery performance and energy efficiency measurement , including compliance with the EU Energy Efficiency and Energy Labelling Regulation Meet SmartViser at MWC 2026 SmartViser invites operators, vendors, regulators, media, and ecosystem partners to visit Hall 5, Stand 5B61-36  to see live dashboards, explore real-world network insights, and discover how SmartViser helps organisations validate devices, monitor networks, and assure performance at scale . For meetings and demos during MWC 2026, please visit the SmartViser stand or contact the team in advance. Experience Joint Demos with Anritsu at Stand D41, Hall 5 SmartViser is proud to collaborate with Anritsu to showcase industry-leading innovations in service assurance and network performance testing. Visit Anritsu at Stand D41, Hall 5, for joint demonstrations. Join us at MWC 2026 – Hall 5, Stand 5B61-36. Let’s redefine network testing and automation together!   Meet SmartViser at MWC 2026! 📍 Visit us at Hall 5, Business France / French Tech Pavilion, Stand 5B61-36 📅 March 2-6, 2025 | Barcelona Book a meeting with our experts! About SmartViser SAS SmartViser is a leading telecommunications innovator, recognized for its expertise and commitment to customer-centric solutions. Its flagship test automation suite, viSer, enables OEMs, ODMs, Mobile Operators, MVNOs, Regulators, and telecom service providers to thoroughly test, benchmark, monitor, and measure Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) across devices and networks. The versatile viSer suite supports both active and passive monitoring on public, private, and mission-critical networks, offering comprehensive connectivity and device performance insights. viSer is device-agnostic, compatible with iOS and Android, and spans all telecom technologies from 2G to 5G, including VoLTE and VoWiFi. It covers numerous use cases, from POLQA voice quality assessments to speed tests, latency, throughput, calls, and network coverage analysis. SmartViser contributed significantly to the European Union’s Energy Labelling Regulations, ensuring viSer’s compliance with these standards. Beyond automation, SmartViser offers extensive field testing and is an accredited test house for the Altice Group, providing support in over 25 countries. Headquartered in Rennes, France, SmartViser collaborates globally to help customers adopt new technologies faster, reduce costs, and elevate product quality, enabling success in today’s rapidly advancing telecom landscape. You can find more information about SmartViser and its innovative software on the Web at  www.smartviser.com   Press Contact and General Information SmartViser                                      Susie Siouti Chief Commercial Officer  Susie.siouti@smartviser.com

SmartViser et l’ACMOSS renforcent leur collaboration pour une surveillance continue de la qualité des réseaux de communications critiques. Paris, France – 18/02/2026 SmartViser, acteur majeur de l'innovation en matière de solutions de test et de surveillance automatisées sur les réseaux mobiles publics, privés et critiques, annonce aujourd'hui l'extension de sa collaboration avec l’Agence des communications mobiles opérationnelles de sécurité et de secours (ACMOSS). Suite à la collaboration initiale annoncée en 2024, durant laquelle l’ACMOSS a adopté la solution d'automatisation des tests SmartViser pour évaluer les indicateurs clés de performance d’un réseau critique dans le cadre du déploiement du Réseau Radio du Futur (RRF) , le partenariat entre dans une nouvelle phase. Dans le cadre de ce partenariat renforcé, l’ACMOSS déploie les solutions de surveillance réseau de SmartViser en utilisant les mobiles identiques à ceux des abonnés du RRF. Ces solution permettent une visibilité continue et de bout en bout des performances du réseau en conditions opérationnelles réelles. Cette approche garantit une mesure précise de l'expérience utilisateur et des services critiques, quels que soient le lieu et l'environnement réseau. En s'appuyant sur ces équipements opérationnels pour assurer une surveillance continue, l’ACMOSS réaffirme son engagement à placer la qualité, la fiabilité et la résilience du réseau au premier plan. Cette solution fournit à l’ACMOSS les systèmes et outils nécessaires pour détecter proactivement les problèmes, valider les niveaux de service et garantir des performances constantes pour les communications critiques utilisées par les services d'urgence et de sécurité. « Cette nouvelle étape de notre collaboration témoigne d'un engagement commun envers l'excellence opérationnelle et l'assurance qualité continue des communications critiques », déclare Gilles Ricordel, PDG de SmartViser. « En combinant les tests automatisés et la surveillance du réseau sur des équipements réels, l’ACMOSS bénéficie d'une solution complète et évolutive pour soutenir le RRF et les services de communication de demain. » Ce partenariat renforcé souligne l'orientation stratégique de l’ACMOSS en tant qu’opérateur majeur de communications mobiles critiques en s’appuyant sur des capacités de surveillance continue, de la validation des performances en conditions réelles et de la capacité à répondre aux exigences changeantes des communications critiques en France. À propos de SmartViser SmartViser est un acteur majeur de l'innovation dans les télécommunications, reconnu pour son expertise et son engagement envers des solutions centrées sur le client. Sa palette de produits d'automatisation des tests, viSer, permet aux équipementiers, aux fabricants, aux opérateurs mobiles, aux MVNO, aux régulateurs et aux fournisseurs de services télécoms de tester, d'évaluer, de surveiller et de mesurer en profondeur la qualité de service (QoS) et la qualité d'expérience (QoE) sur l'ensemble des appareils et des réseaux. Les produits viSer, polyvalents, prennent en charge la surveillance active et passive des réseaux publics, privés et critiques, offrant une visibilité complète sur la connectivité et les performances des appareils. Compatible avec tous les appareils, iOS et Android, viSer couvre toutes les technologies télécoms, de la 2G à la 5G, y compris la VoLTE et la VoWiFi. Elle couvre de nombreux cas d'utilisation, des évaluations de la qualité vocale POLQA aux tests de latence, de débit, d'appels et d'analyse de la couverture réseau. SmartViser a contribué de manière significative à la réglementation européenne sur l'étiquetage énergétique, garantissant ainsi la conformité de viSer à ces normes. Outre l'automatisation, SmartViser propose des tests terrain et est un organisme de test accrédité du groupe Altice, intervenant dans plus de 25 pays. Basée à Rennes, en France, SmartViser collabore à l'échelle mondiale pour aider ses clients à adopter plus rapidement les nouvelles technologies, à réduire leurs coûts et à améliorer la qualité de leurs produits, leur permettant ainsi de réussir dans le secteur des télécommunications en constante évolution. Pour en savoir plus sur SmartViser et ses produits innovants, rendez-vous sur www.smartviser.com Susie Siouti Chief Commercial Officer info@smartviser.com

Dear Partners, Customers, and Friends, As we gather to celebrate the holiday season, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on what has truly been an extraordinary year for SmartViser. 2025 has been a year marked by growth, innovation, and strong collaboration. We have continued to place sustainability at the heart of our mission, supporting our customers and laboratories in their successful transition to the new EU Energy Labeling regulation that came into force last June. Innovation has remained a key driver for SmartViser. Our R&D teams have once again demonstrated their excellence with the launch of a new product line focused on network monitoring using smartphone devices. This year saw the introduction of Viser Tempo , our active probing solution for foreground network monitoring, and Viser Mateo , our passive probing solution enabling background network monitoring. These solutions have already been successfully deployed in private and mission-critical network environments, and we look forward to accelerating their growth further in 2026. We also continued to expand our ecosystem and global presence. The new year will begin with our participation at CES in Las Vegas, starting January 6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), West Hall, Booth #6267, proudly hosted by our partner Anritsu. During CES, we will showcase end-to-end connectivity testing demonstrations, including an integrated testing environment combining SmartViser signaling and protocol monitoring solutions. These demos will be used to assess communication quality for connected vehicles, verifying network KPIs and validating Vehicle-to-Network (V2N) connectivity. This collaboration highlights how SmartViser and Anritsu are shaping the future of connected mobility through advanced test automation and real-time network quality insights. Our event journey will continue in February at the Tour de Ports de France in Toulon, at L’Eautel Toulon Port, followed by Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in March. We look forward to sharing our latest innovations across mobile network testing, mission-critical and private networks, automotive connectivity, non-terrestrial networks, and more. As we close the year, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to these achievements—our talented teams, trusted partners, and loyal customers. Your commitment and collaboration are the foundation of our success. Let us carry this momentum forward into the coming year, where I am confident even greater opportunities await us. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Warm regards, Gilles Ricordel CEO, SmartViser

A deep dive into the status, advantages, and challenges of VoNR — and how 5G voice performs in real-world tests. 5G has largely been adopted as a “data network” — the early 5G deployment modes were Non-Standalone (NSA), which piggyback on 4G LTE infrastructure for control plane and fall back to LTE (or earlier) for voice calls. But as operators roll out 5G Standalone (SA) cores and more complete 5G networks, the next frontier is VoNR  — Voice over New Radio — i.e. native voice calls over 5G without relying on legacy networks. What is VoNR (Voice over New Radio)? VoNR (sometimes called “5G Calling,” “Voice over 5G Standalone,” or simply Vo5G) refers to the capability to carry voice (and SMS/other communication services) entirely over a 5G network (i.e. 5G RAN + 5G core + IMS) without having to fall back to 4G/3G for voice. In the 3GPP and GSMA frameworks, VoNR is a natural evolution from VoLTE: the voice is delivered over an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) but using 5G radio. In practice, for VoNR to work, several prerequisites must be in place:  5G Standalone (SA) deployment (i.e., decoupled from LTE)  Radio coverage and capacity across frequency bands, especially in lower bands for broad coverage.  Devices (smartphones, modules) with firmware and hardware support for VoNR  Operator network support on IMS, radio, signaling, fallback mechanisms, etc. Because many existing 5G deployments are still NSA or mix 4G/5G, full VoNR readiness is a multi-phase transition. Current Status & Deployment (Mid-2025) Here’s a snapshot of where VoNR stands today : Global progress According to GSA’s “Global Progress to Voice over New Radio” report (October 2021), of many operators globally:  Some are evaluating or trialing VoNR  A smaller number are planning deployment  Only a few have soft-launched or deployed VoNR in a limited capacity Many operators are still relying on intermediate fallback solutions such as EPS Fallback (EPS-FB)  or hybrid mode, until coverage and maturity of 5G SA is adequate. Some regions with more advanced 5G SA deployment (e.g. parts of China, USA, and Singapore) have begun rolling out VoNR or testing it in live networks. UK / Europe In the UK, operators such as EE have already made public moves toward enabling VoNR / “5G Calling.” EE, for example, has set up a “5G+” branded network and provides instructions for enabling VoNR (5G Calling) on compatible devices. EE reportedly enabled “VoNR or 5G Calling” as of 6 June 2025 for devices that meet certain criteria (SIM, handset, plan) in areas with 5G+ coverage. However, coverage is still limited and selective; not all geographic areas or devices are yet supported, but an initial list can be found here. In Europe more broadly, some operators in Germany, for instance, Vodafone, have activated VoNR in certain cities. United States In the United States, T-Mobile US  was the first carrier to launch commercial Voice over New Radio (VoNR) services back in June 2022, marking a significant milestone in 5G evolution. Since then, T-Mobile has expanded VoNR availability across multiple cities — including New York, Seattle, Cincinnati, and New Orleans — while continuing to strengthen its 5G Standalone (SA) core capabilities. DISH Wireless (Boost)  has positioned itself as a VoNR leader, claiming coverage of more than 200 million POPs with native 5G voice supported across its nationwide network. AT&T  followed by announcing nationwide 5G SA in October 2025, progressively migrating customers onto the new core “in select areas every day.” This rollout lays the groundwork for AT&T to enable VoNR on a broader scale, though its FirstNet public safety network has yet to transition to SA. Meanwhile, Verizon  continues building out its 5G SA infrastructure — already deploying public-safety network slicing nationwide — and has successfully demonstrated VoNR sessions in partnership with Ericsson and MediaTek, including RedCap device testing. Although Verizon has not yet detailed commercial VoNR availability, its infrastructure progress indicates readiness for eventual deployment. Canada In Canada, Bell  became one of the first to activate VoNR for iPhone users in select areas such as the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as of August 2025. TELUS  has also gone live with 5G Standalone in parts of Western Canada, with early users reporting VoNR availability in limited regions. Rogers , while heavily promoting 5G-Advanced features and continued SA expansion, has been less vocal about its VoNR deployment status. Together, these rollouts signal that North America is entering the next phase of 5G voice maturity, with the U.S. leading on commercial scale and Canada steadily following suit. So, while VoNR is no longer just a concept, it is still in an early/transition stage — with selective deployment, limited coverage, and device constraints. Advantages & Promised Benefits of VoNR VoNR brings several compelling advantages compared to legacy voice mechanisms (CS fallback, VoLTE, etc.). Some of them overlap with VoLTE’s improvements over 2G/3G, but VoNR can push further due to 5G’s capabilities. Improved user experience & voice quality Use of modern codecs (e.g. EVS, Adaptive Multi-Rate Wideband) allows high-definition (HD) or even “super HD” voice, with better clarity, lower distortion, and improved robustness under poor radio conditions. Faster call setup times (reduced latency in signaling) thanks to more direct paths in 5G network functions. The ability to stay entirely on 5G: a VoNR call does not force a fallback to 4G or older. This is especially beneficial when there’s background data or simultaneous usage of data services (maps, messaging, etc.) during calls. Network and architectural benefits Eventually, operators can phase out older technologies (2G/3G) more cleanly, reducing operational costs and complexity of maintaining aging networks. VoNR is an essential step in that migration. Learn more about the status of the network Sunsetting Simplification: When voice, data, messaging, and other services all run over a unified 5G/IMS infrastructure, there is less need for interworking between separate legacy systems, potentially reducing integration overhead. Better utilization of spectrum and radio resources: voice traffic in VoNR can benefit from 5G’s scheduling, beamforming, interference management, and dynamic allocation, making voice more efficient. Enhanced opportunities for value-added services: Because voice runs in the same domain as data, more tightly integrated features (video calling, conferencing, real-time collaboration, augmented reality voice + data combining) are easier to implement. For the operator, VoNR supports “future-proofing” and eventual decommissioning of legacy systems. Challenges, Risks & Limitations of VoNR The path to widespread VoNR deployment is not trivial. Below are key hurdles, some technical, some operational/business, and some strategic. Technical & engineering challenges Coverage & propagation constraints   To deliver voice everywhere, the 5G network must provide broad coverage (especially in rural / indoor / edge areas). Lower frequency bands (e.g. < 1 GHz) are required for deep coverage, but deployment and spectrum availability may lag.  In areas where 5G is weak or intermittent, fallback to 4G/VoLTE or earlier is still required. Ensuring seamless and reliable handover is non-trivial. Interworking and handover complexity   VoNR must interwork with VoLTE, 2G/3G (while they still exist), and WiFi/VoWiFi as needed. Seamless handovers between these domains (while maintaining call continuity) is difficult. Dual connectivity (5G + LTE) and fallback mechanisms need careful design to avoid drops or service loss. Device and chipset support   - Not all smartphones currently on the market support VoNR (or support it fully). Some require firmware updates or hardware that meets certain 5G SA and IMS requirements.  Power consumption: use of 5G for voice may increase battery use in certain bands or conditions (especially if radios frequently switch).   Ensuring backward compatibility with non-VoNR devices in the same network is a burden. IMS, signaling, and core network upgrades   Operators need to upgrade their IMS infrastructure, ensure compatibility with new 5G core network functions, support quality control, and handle new interfaces (e.g. “N5” / HTTP/2 interfaces as optional enhancements). Ensuring end-to-end QoS (quality of service) and stability for voice flows over 5G is more demanding (because voice is latency-sensitive).  More stringent real-time performance, monitoring and optimization are needed. Latency, jitter, and reliability under mobility / varying load   5G networks, especially early deployments, may have variable performance across cell edges, mobility, or under congestion. Maintaining high voice quality in such dynamics is challenging.  Packet loss, delay, and jitter can degrade voice unless well mitigated. How Smartviser Supports the 5G and VoNR Journey Implementing 5G Standalone (SA) and Voice over New Radio (VoNR) comes with many challenges — from testing coverage to ensuring voice quality. Smartviser helps operators, device makers, and chipset vendors address these challenges efficiently through its Viser test automation platform. With Smartviser, you can: Automate testing  across multiple technologies — 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi, and VoWiFi — to validate coverage and connectivity. Verify seamless handovers and interworking  between 5G and legacy networks (VoLTE, EPS fallback) to prevent call drops or service loss. Test devices and chipsets  to confirm full compatibility with VoNR standards — crucial for smartphone manufacturers and network operators. Measure and optimize power consumption , ensuring new 5G devices manage battery life effectively under VoNR operation. Assess voice quality and user experience  using reliable metrics like MOS and POLQA to guarantee crystal-clear voice calls. Monitor Quality of Experience (QoE) and Quality of Service (QoS)  end-to-end to maintain consistent network performance. Accelerate deployment  by automating repetitive testing tasks, reducing time to market, and ensuring higher reliability. See the Results in Action To demonstrate how VoNR performs in real-world conditions, Smartviser put the Xiaomi 15 5G through a series of controlled field tests using its Viser automation platform. These tests compared VoNR and VoLTE performance across live networks, measuring: MOS voice quality and clarity Call setup time Handover performance between 5G and LTE The results reveal how 5G Standalone and VoNR deliver measurable improvements in user experience — and where further optimization is still needed. Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user  quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led  teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding  an MBA from Henley Business School   brings  a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation. Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee ,   responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging  a customer-centric  culture. The main  mission is to help organizations to  create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.

Mobile Network operators shutting down 3G and in some cases, 2G has been a long time coming. Operators across the world have either already shut down their 2G and 3G or are planning to do so in the near future. Up until now, we had several new technologies co-existing with legacy technologies, but it is becoming more complex for Carriers to manage and manufacturers to support. According to GSAs latest report July 2025 278 operators in 83 countries and territories have completed, planned, or are in the process of switching off their 2G and 3G networks an increase from 77 countries in December 2024. 2G networks : A total of 131 operators in 65 countries  have completed or scheduled closures (up from 128 operators in 63 countries). Within this group: 51 operators in 29 countries  have fully shut down 2G. 66 operators in 40 countries  have closures planned. 14 operators in 8 countries  are actively phasing out 2G. 3G networks : 147 operators in 62 countries  are either finished, planning, or currently switching off services. This includes: 78 operators in 40 countries  with completed closures. 50 operators in 32 countries  with switch-offs planned. 19 operators in 15 countries  mid-process. Some shutdowns are government-driven, such as the UK’s mandate to retire 2G by 2033. Others are operator group-led; for example, Orange has set a 2030 deadline for shutting down 2G and 3G in Europe, though the timeline may differ across its markets. Europe seems to lead in the number of switch-offs, followed by Asia and North America, although its share has decreased since December 2023. As legacy technologies are sunset operators continue with their upgrades to both 4G and 5G technology. According to GSA 31.5% will be upgrading to LTE only; 4.6% will be moving to 5G, 5.3% to 3G and LTE; and 1.5% will be upgrading to 3G, 4G, and 5G. Source: 2025 Global Mobile Suppliers Association Global Picture for 2G Source 2025 Global Mobile Suppliers Association Global Picture for 3G Source 2025 Global Mobile Suppliers Association In Europe , 3G is expected to be switched off before 2G. Around 19 operators are planning to switch off their 3G Network by 2025 and around eight operators are planning to switch off their 2G network by 2025. June 2021 brought the shutdown of 3G in two operators in Germany Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom. Telefonica is also expected to shut down 3G by the end of 2021. In other countries, Telia will look to close 3G in all their countries between 2022 and 2025 and EE will be the first UK network to announce the shutdown of 3G. A detailed breakdown is available in the table below. For Asia , 2G in countries like Japan was phased out a long time ago. The trend will continue with other countries and operators. A detailed breakdown is available. The Americas, especially the US is shutting down 2G networks on an accelerated scale. 3G networks will be shut down by all main operators by 2022. Around 15 operators in 7 countries have announced the closure of 2G by the end of 2025. A detailed breakdown is available in the table below. For Oceania , 2G is almost phased out. In Australia, all 3 operators have shut down their 2G by the end of 2018 and 3G is on the way with Telstra the only one announcing a timeline for the end of 2024. A detailed breakdown is available in the table below. Africa i s the only region where no 2G or 3G shutdowns have been announced so far but it will be part of future planning once newer technologies penetrate more. A detailed breakdown is available. What 2G/ 3G shutdowns will mean for end-users ? This will force/encourage people to upgrade their phones to 4G. Many Operators seem to suggest that 2G in Europe will be around until 2030 and this is mainly due to implications of the M2M and IoT applications. In particular, the EU-mandated eCall, where long term agreements are in place, will need to be supported by the 2G technology before the work towards migration to IMS voice is fully completed. There are several drivers behind this change. Reuse of frequencies for new technology deployments like 4G and 5G. Most 2G use 850, 900, 1,800 or 1,900 MHz frequency bands. The sub-1 GHz bands, are very valuable due to their propagation characteristics, especially delivering greater coverage and in-building penetration. Reduce costs and effort in maintaining legacy radio networks Lower the energy consumption of the network. Vodafone New Zealand has announced back in 2019 that they are expecting around 10% savings in power consumption from migrating away from 2G and 3G technologies. Simplify the network operation This 2G and 3G network closure change are bringing several challenges to device manufacturers, Carriers/Mobile Network Operators and Mobile Virtual Network Operators. What will this mean for Smartphone Manufacturers? IMS (VoLTE & VoWiFi) will need to now be enabled by default on all devices. This will add additional testing requirements to ensure smooth interoperability on all networks to enable end-users to benefit from the latest technology and not rely on legacy technology. Testing on Roaming conditions should also be taken into account to ensure end-users Quality of Experience when using data or voice services. What will this mean for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)? The shutdown of 2G and 3G networks presents both strategic opportunities and operational challenges for MNOs. On one hand, retiring legacy technologies will enable operators to reduce operational and maintenance costs, streamline spectrum use, and reallocate valuable frequency bands to more efficient 4G and 5G networks. This transition supports improved data speeds, lower latency, and future-ready network architectures. However, these benefits come with important caveats. Operators must ensure robust 4G VoLTE coverage and sufficient network capacity before fully decommissioning 3G, as gaps in VoLTE availability could force users to fall back on 2G voice, leading to poor call quality and degraded customer experience. In areas where 2G is also being retired, this could result in service disruption, dropped calls, or loss of connectivity, ultimately damaging customer trust and brand loyalty. To mitigate these risks, MNOs should: Expand IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) capabilities to guarantee consistent VoLTE and VoWiFi performance. Conduct extensive testing across both domestic and roaming scenarios. Communicate proactively with customers about device compatibility and network changes. Maintain Quality of Service (QoS) during and after the transition through careful planning and monitoring. Ultimately, successful network sunsets depend on ensuring continuity of voice services, managing user migration, and investing in technologies that provide a seamless customer experience. What will this mean for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)? MVNOs face an even steeper challenge as 2G and 3G shutdowns accelerate globally. Without direct control over network infrastructure, MVNOs are highly dependent on host operators’ migration timelines and technical readiness. The example of Dish’s 2021 warning about disruptions from T-Mobile’s CDMA network shutdown illustrates the significant business risks posed by abrupt legacy network closures. To remain competitive, MVNOs must: Upgrade network agreements with host MNOs to ensure continued access to VoLTE and VoWiFi services. Deploy IMS-enabled SIMs and compatible devices, ensuring full interoperability across home and roaming networks. Educate customers on device upgrades and service transitions to minimize churn. Explore new service models (e.g., digital-first or 5G MVNOs) that leverage the improved capabilities of modern networks. Failure to adapt could lead to service degradation, lost customers, and reputational harm, especially in markets where legacy networks have supported key customer segments (e.g., IoT or low-cost prepaid users). In summary, while the 2G/3G shutdowns mark an important milestone in network modernization, both MNOs and MVNOs must strategically manage the migration to protect user experience, brand equity, and long-term competitiveness. Countries/Territories with VoLTE Service Status of European Network 2G/3G Shutdowns C ​Country Network Operator 2G 3G Albania Vodafone By end 2025 Closed 2022 Albania One Albania By end 2025 Austria A1 ​ By end 2025 Austria T-Mobile ​ Closed 2024 Austria Drei By end 2025 ​Belgium Orange By end 2030 By end 2025 Belgium Proximus Closed 2024 Belgium Telenet ​ Closed 2024 Bulgaria A1 ​By end 2025 By end 2025 ​Croatia Hrvaski Telecom ​ By end 2025 Croatia A1 By end 2025 Czech Republic T-Mobile By end 2025 Closed 2021 Czech Republic Vodafone By end 2025 Closed 2021 Czech Republic O2 By end 2028 Closed 2021 Denmark Telenor By end 2025 Closed 2023 Denmark Hi3G No Service By the end 2025 Denmark Norlys Closed 2023 Denmark TDC ​ Closed 2023 Estonia Telia By end 2029 Closed 2023 Estonia Elisa ​ Closed 2024 Finland Elisa ​By end 2029 Closed 2023 Finland Telia By end 2029 Closed 2023 Finland DNA By end 2029 Closed 2023 France Orange By end 2026 By end 2028 France SFR By end 2026 ​By end 2028 France Bouygues Telecom ​By end 2026 By end 2029 Country Network Operator 2G 3G Germany Vodafone By end 2030 Closed 2021 Germany Telefonica ​ Closed 2021 Germany Deutsche Telekom ​By end 2028 Closed Jun 2021 Greece Nova Closed 2023 Greece Cosmote ​By end 2025 Closed 2021 Greece Vodafone By end 2025 Closed 2023 Hungary Magyar Telecom Closed 2022 Hungary One By end 2025 Closed 2023 Ireland Vodafone By end 2025 Closed 2024 Ireland Three ​By end 2025 By end 2025 Italy TIM ​By end 2029 Closed 2022 Italy Vodafone By end 2025 Closed 2021 Italy Wind By end 2025 Latvia Latvijas Mobilais Telefons ​By end 2025 By end 2025 Latvia Tele2 By end 2025 By end 2025 Latvia Telia ​By end 2025 Closed 2022 Latvia Bite By end 2025 By end 2026 Lithuania Telia By end 2025 Closed 2022 Lithuania Bite By end 2028 By end 2025 Lithuania Tele2 By end 2025 Luxembourg Orange By end 2030 By end 2025 Luxembourg Post ​By end 2027 Closed 2022 Malta Go By end 2030 Malta EPIC By end 2025 ​Closed 2024 Country Network Operator 2G 3G ​Netherlands ​KPN By end 2027 Closed Mar 2022 Netherlands Vodafone By end 2025 Closed Feb 2020 Netherlands Odido By end 2025 By end 2026 Norway Telenor By end 2027 Closed 2021 Norway Telia By end 2025 Closed Dec 2021 Poland T-Mobile By end 2030 Closed 2023 Poland Orange By end 2023 By end 2025 ​Portugal Vodafone By end 2025 Closed 2024 Portugal NOS Closed 2024 ​Romania Vodafone By end 2025 ​Closed 2023 ​Russia Tele2 ​ By end 2025 ​Slovakia Telekom ​ Closed 2023 Slovakia Orange By end 2030 Closed 2023 Spain Orange By end 2030 By end 2025 ​Spain Telefonica ​By end 2025 By end 2025 ​Spain Vodafone By end 2025 ​By end 2025 ​​Sweden Tele2 By end 2025 By end 2025 ​Sweden Telia By end 2027 By end 2025 ​Sweden Telenor By end 2025 By end 2025 Switzerland Sunrise By end 2023 By end 2025 ​Switzerland Swisscom Closed 2021 By end 2025 Switzerland Salt Closed 2022 ​ Country Network Operator 2G 3G United Kingdom EE By 2033 Closed 2024 United Kingdom Vodafone By end 2030 Closed 2024 United Kingdom 3 - Closed 2024 United Kingdom O2 By end 2033 By end 2025 Status of North America Network 2G/3G Shutdowns Country Network Operator 2G 3G US AT&T Closed in 2017 Closed 2022 US Sprint Closed 2021 Closed 2022 US T-Mobile Closed 2025 Closed 2022 US Verizon Closed 2020 Closed 2022 Canada Rogers Closed 2021 ​By end 2025 Canada SaskTel Closed 2017 ​ Canada Telus Closed 2017 By end 2025 Canada Bell Closed 2019 By end 2025 Status of Oceania Network 2G/3G Shutdowns Country Network Operator 2G 3G Australia Telstra Closed 2017 Closed 2024 Australia Optus Closed 2017 Closed 2024 ​Australia Vodafone Closed 2018 ​Closed 2024 New Zealand Vodafone By end 2025 ​By end 2025 New Zealand Two Degrees Network ​Closed 2018 Closed 2018 New Zealand Spark Closed 2017 By end 2026 Please note that data has been collected during August 2025 from various sources and is subject to change based on each Mobile Network O perator's schedule and timelines. 3G Al How can SmartViser Help? The widespread shutdown of 2G and 3G networks, combined with the rapid deployment of 5G and emerging technologies, presents a major challenge for the entire telecommunications ecosystem  — including Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), device manufacturers, MVNOs, regulators, and technology partners . Ensuring service continuity, maintaining quality of experience, and validating device and network interoperability across evolving standards are critical yet complex tasks. SmartViser  can help organizations navigate these challenges through its test automation and managed test service offerings , enabling faster, more reliable validation of network performance, voice and data services, and user experience across multiple technologies and markets. OPTION 1 - Test Automation Empower your team with the Test Automation Solution viSer to ensure superior Quality of Service QoS and Quality of Experience QoE. Test all key functions like VoLTE, VoWiFi, Data throughput, Audio MOS , Battery performance etc in live network or roaming conditions: OPTION 2 - Test Services Testing as a Service. Send us your devices in one or multiple locations across Europe. You no longer need to arrange and schedule travel for your staff. We can propose Network Test interoperability and test VoLTE/VoWiFi across any network in Europe. Our team of expert Test Engineers will provide logs to help the speedy resolution of issues and the test automation viSer will ensure greater testing scope in shorter times. Join our SmartViser Mailing List. Stay up-to-date with all the latest SmartViser testing, Performance Results and Reports. Just Subscribe to get interesting content to your inbox. Do you want to know more? Contact us for a Free Trial of viSer Test Automation Please message us to arrange a chat on how test automation or our test services can help you Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding an MBA from Henley Business School brings a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation. Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee , responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging a customer-centric culture. The main mission is to help organizations to create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.

Android 15 vs Android 16: Real-World Benchmarks on the Pixel 8a with SmartViser’s Viser Neo At SmartViser , we prioritise rigorous testing with our Viser Neo automation platform whenever a new Android release arrives. Each upgrade introduces new features, refinements, and potential optimisations—but the real question is: do they make a measurable difference in end-user experience? Using our Viser Neo active test automation platform , we benchmarked Android 15 (“Vanilla Ice Cream”)  against Android 16 (“Baklava”)  on the Google Pixel 8a . Our tests focused on the areas most relevant to users: battery life, gaming, web performance, data throughput, and streaming efficiency . To ensure fairness, both devices were set up under strictly controlled conditions : automatic brightness was disabled, volume levels were aligned, and all battery power-saving features were switched off. This guarantees that results reflect the OS performance itself, not environmental inconsistencies. Feature Differences: Android 15 vs Android 16 Android 15 Highlights Privacy & Security:  Theft Detection Lock, Private Space, stronger authentication. Multitasking:  Partial screen sharing, app pair shortcuts for foldables/tablets. Notifications:  Notification Cooldown to limit repetitive alerts. Media & Developer Tools:  HDR image format support, predictive back gesture, improved app archiving. Android 16 Enhancements Material 3 Expressive UI:  Richer animations, dynamic colors, blur effects. Notifications:  Live Updates, adaptive progress-based alerts. Desktop Multitasking Mode:  Early implementation for tablets and large screens. Security & Privacy:  Advanced Protection, USB port blocking, offline lock, enhanced Health Connect API. Audio/Media:  Auracast audio sharing, APV codec for high-quality video, integrated photo picker with cloud services. Performance & Dev Tools:  Enforced adaptive apps, improved scheduling, and vertical text support.   Category Android 15 Android 16 UI & Design Material You refinements Material 3: Expressive animations, color, blur effects Notifications Notification cooldown Live Updates, progress notifications, bundling, cooldowns Multitasking App pairs, partial screen sharing Desktop mode (tablet), adaptive apps support Media & Pickers HDR support Embedded photo picker with cloud integration Security & Privacy Theft detection, private space Advanced Protection, USB/blocking, battery health tools Audio/Video APV codec, Auracast audio sharing Health Data Integration FHIR support in Health Connect Performance & Dev Tools App archiving, ART improvements Compatibility mode, efficient scheduling Test Environment Validation Before diving into performance benchmarks, it’s critical to ensure both Android 15 and Android 16 were tested under identical and controlled conditions . Using Viser Neo , we validated the test environment and recorded the following baseline parameters: Volume (Voice Call):  Both OS versions were set to an average level of 5 . Brightness:  Both maintained the same average brightness setting of 11 , with automatic brightness disabled. Volume (Music):  Both set to the same maximum level of 6 . These consistent settings confirm that differences observed in later benchmarks—whether in battery performance, gaming, web performance, data throughput, or streaming—can be attributed to the OS changes rather than test setup inconsistencies. Web Browsing Performance To evaluate real-world browsing speed, we tested multiple websites and measured Interactive loading time  using Viser Neo. Results showed: Average Loading Time:  Android 15 – 492 ms , Android 16 – 484 ms Minimum Loading Time:  Android 15 – 80 ms , Android 16 – 70 ms Maximum Loading Time:  Android 15 – 4106 ms , Android 16 – 4388 ms Overall, both OS versions delivered near-identical browsing performance , with Android 16 showing a slight advantage in average and minimum loading times . The higher maximum value on Android 16 suggests that occasional page load spikes still occur, likely influenced by network or rendering variations rather than core OS changes. These findings indicate that end users moving from Android 15 to Android 16 are unlikely to notice significant differences in day-to-day browsing speed. Data Performance Using Viser Neo, we benchmarked HTTP download  and upload throughput  to assess raw data performance under controlled conditions. The average results were: Average Download Throughput:  Android 15 – 46.93 Mbps , Android 16 – 42.89 Mbps Average Upload Throughput:  Android 15 – 22.37 Mbps , Android 16 – 21.57 Mbps In both upload and download, Android 15 slightly outperformed Android 16 , though the differences are small enough that most users may not notice in everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media uploads, or streaming. These results could be influenced by subtle differences in network stack behaviour or background OS processes in Android 16. Battery Performance To simulate a typical day of user activity , we ran continuous mixed-use scenarios including gaming, browsing, streaming, file transfers, and idle time. Both Android versions were tested under identical conditions with all power-saving features disabled. Battery Life: Android 15 – 17h 13m 08s Android 16 – 17h 13m 11s The results show no meaningful difference in endurance , with both versions performing almost identically. Current Consumption (per activity): Gaming (WebGL) remained the most demanding activity, averaging around -1350 mA  on both OS versions. Other tasks such as web browsing, video streaming, HTTP upload/download, and local playback showed similar consumption across Android 15 and 16 , confirming stable energy profiles. Battery Temperature: Average temperature on Android 15: 25.9°C Average temperature on Android 16: 26.2°C Both showed consistent thermal management patterns, with Android 16 running fractionally warmer but without significant deviation. Takeaway:  Battery endurance, consumption distribution, and thermal stability remain consistent between Android 15 and 16 . Users upgrading should not expect gains or losses in daily longevity, which highlights the maturity of Google’s power optimization across Android releases. Gaming Performance Gaming remains one of the most demanding use cases, so we tested WebGL-based graphics performance  to measure frames per second (FPS). Average FPS:  Android 15 – 52 FPS , Android 16 – 48 FPS Minimum FPS:  Android 15 – 42 FPS , Android 16 – 35 FPS Maximum FPS:  Android 15 – 62 FPS , Android 16 – 61 FPS While both OS versions delivered a smooth experience, Android 15 consistently achieved slightly higher frame rates  across all measurements. On Android 16, frame rates dipped more significantly at the lower end (minimum FPS), which could result in occasional drops in fluidity during demanding gaming sessions. This suggests that while Android 16 introduces new system-level features and UI improvements, its graphics pipeline may still require further optimisation for high-performance gaming. For most casual users, the difference will be marginal, but heavy gamers may notice Android 15 running a touch smoother under intensive loads. Streaming Performance For video streaming, we measured streaming efficiency , representing how consistently data was delivered and rendered without stalling or buffering. Average Efficiency:  Android 15 – 99.9% , Android 16 – 99.8% Minimum Efficiency:  Both Android 15 and 16 – 99.7% Maximum Efficiency:  Both Android 15 and 16 – 99.9% These near-perfect results show that both OS versions handle video streaming seamlessly , with no meaningful difference between Android 15 and Android 16. End users should expect smooth playback, stable buffering, and no visible degradation when upgrading. Conclusion & Recommendation Our benchmarking of Android 15 vs Android 16  on the Google Pixel 8a , using SmartViser’s Viser Neo test automation , shows that the two operating systems deliver a very similar end-user experience  under controlled lab conditions. Battery Life & Thermal Stability:  Both OS versions lasted over 17 hours , with almost identical current consumption across usage scenarios. Temperature remained stable, with Android 16 only marginally warmer on average. Web Browsing:  Both OS versions were highly comparable, with Android 16 showing a slight edge in average and minimum loading times , though occasional load spikes still occur. Data Performance:  Android 15 recorded slightly higher upload and download throughput , but the difference is small and unlikely to impact real-world user experience. Gaming:  Android 15 achieved higher average and minimum FPS , making it the better performer for intensive gaming. Android 16 is smooth for casual play but may require further optimisation for demanding titles. Streaming Efficiency:  Both versions delivered near-perfect performance (≈100%) , ensuring smooth and reliable video playback. SmartViser’s Take For end users, upgrading to Android 16 will not drastically change performance  in key areas like battery life, browsing, streaming, or daily app usage. The main improvements of Android 16 lie in new features, UI refinements, and enhanced security tools  rather than raw performance gains. If you are a heavy gamer , Android 15 may still feel marginally smoother, but most other users will not notice a difference. If you value security, privacy, and new functionality , Android 16 is the clear choice, offering features like Advanced Protection, improved multitasking, and Material 3 UI updates. Ultimately, the upgrade decision comes down to whether users prioritise stability and slightly better gaming on Android 15 , or new features and improved system-level protections on Android 16 . At SmartViser, our role is to ensure these insights are backed by real measurements under repeatable conditions , helping the industry and end-users alike make informed choices. About SmartViser’s Viser Neo All benchmarks in this study were conducted using SmartViser’s Viser Neo test automation solution . Viser Neo enables fully automated, repeatable, and reliable performance testing  across any device—regardless of operating system, chipset, model, or brand . This flexibility allows us to deliver unbiased insights and validate real-world end-user experience across a wide range of scenarios. With Viser Neo, manufacturers, operators, and enterprises can accelerate device benchmarking, compare OS upgrades, and ensure that every change delivers measurable value to end users. Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user  quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led  teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding  an MBA from Henley Business School   brings  a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation. Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee ,   responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging  a customer-centric  culture. The main  mission is to help organizations to  create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.

5G Smartphones and the Heat Challenge — 2025 Update A few years ago, we investigated what was an early trend of devices overheating when using 5G and wrote a report about this trend. Smartviser’s original 2022 study demonstrated that first‑generation 5G smartphones could exceed critical thermal thresholds in fewer than twenty minutes of continuous high‑throughput operation, even within a climate‑controlled environment. Since that initial investigation, both cellular networks and handset platforms have evolved substantially. In response to these developments, the Smartviser team undertook an expanded assessment campaign in 2025, employing the enhanced viSer Neo  automation and Studio Analytics suite to conduct controlled tests on current flagship and mid‑tier devices. The objectives of the campaign were: To quantify the extent to which sustained 5G utilisation continues to precipitate device overheating or performance throttling in commercially available smartphones. To evaluate the effectiveness of the thermal‑mitigation measures now incorporated into contemporary chipsets, mechanical designs, and operating‑system frameworks. Looking Back: What We Learnt in 2022 In our 2022 post “Smartphones – Can They Handle the Heat of 5G?”  we explored the first wave of 5G‑induced thermal issues. Overheating isn’t new, but 5G accelerates it. Even in an air‑conditioned 16 °C lab with excellent 5G coverage, several handsets overheated within 20 minutes of continuous 5G data transfer. Key Findings: Three smartphone Overheating Groups Identified Group 1: Remained stable No overheating occurred. Devices maintained data transfer with no performance degradation. Group 2: Triggered overheating warnings Reached 48°C in 20 minutes. Devices displayed overheating warnings and showed visible performance drops. viSer Studio Analytics provided visual KPI insights showing temperature spikes in parallel with data throughput. Group 3: Throttled performance or downgraded from 5G to 4G  to manage temperature Overheated after ~20 minutes. Devices automatically: Closed background apps. Switched from 5G to 4G to cool down. With rapid advances in both 5G infrastructure and device technology, we decided it was time to revisit the topic. 5G in 2025: A Maturity Story Across the globe, 5G networks have entered a mature phase . Consistent mid-band spectrum deployment, improvements in backhaul, and smarter network management have led to significantly faster and more stable connections—especially in cities and major transport corridors. 🌍 Average 5G Download Speeds (2025) Region Country Average 5G Download Speed Europe France 270 Mbps Germany 310 Mbps UK 320 Mbps Spain 290 Mbps Italy 250 Mbps Sweden 380 Mbps North America USA 410 Mbps (urban areas) Canada 360 Mbps Asia-Pacific South Korea 520 Mbps (nationwide) Japan 450 Mbps China 460 Mbps (Tier 1 cities) India 310 Mbps (major metros) These speeds are not only faster but more consistent, thanks to widespread mid-band deployments and mmWave trials in dense urban zones. But higher throughput can still mean higher thermal pressure—so how are modern smartphones coping? SmartViser Testing: 2025 Results In our latest 2025 study, we observed a notable shift in device behavior compared to our 2022 findings. While extreme overheating leading to shutdowns or fallback to 4G was common three years ago, that is no longer the norm. Most smartphones we tested this year demonstrated smarter, more nuanced heat mitigation techniques—likely the result of tighter integration between chipset, OS, and thermal management algorithms. That said, a few devices still triggered high-temperature warnings, effectively limiting user interaction until the temperature dropped. These were generally budget or mid-tier models lacking advanced cooling or thermal governance. However, the standout trend in our 2025 results was the implementation of intelligent frequency throttling. Here’s an example from our testing: A 5G smartphone was part of a drive test, performing continuous web browsing over a 1-hour session . 📱 Observations from drive test with web browsing: Network status:  The device remained on 5G for 98%  of the test and only briefly fell back to LTE (2%). Performance:  Web loading times were stable throughout  the test. Thermal response:  As device temperature rose, it began throttling certain frequency bands —specifically in the uplink and mid-band spectrum—reducing RF power load. Outcome:  This successfully prevented further temperature increases  without impacting the user experience. SmartViser Analytics Studio PS RAT Graph and Battery Temperature SmartViser Analytics Studio Web Browsing Loading Time and CPU Frequencies This kind of adaptive thermal response  demonstrates the growing sophistication in smartphone design, where thermal limits are respected without compromising performance . We see this as a major step forward, and an indication that 5G smartphones in 2025 are no longer limited by the heat risks that once threatened the user experience. Intensive Testing: Gaming Under Pressure Over the course of this year’s study, we conducted over 250 hours of testing using a wide range of smartphones and test scenarios—progressively increasing in complexity to explore the limits of thermal endurance and system stability. One of the most demanding scenarios was intensive online gaming over a 5G network, with each session lasting up to 3 hours. 🎮 Gaming Test Key Findings: All devices eventually switched from 5G to 4G at some point during the session. Temperatures ranged from 40°C to 48°C, depending on the device, chipset, and cooling system. We observed a range of thermal mitigation strategies: Multi-step throttling: Some smartphones gradually reduced CPU/GPU load across several stages as temperature rose. Network fallback: Rather than allowing the device to overheat, all models opted to switch to 4G at higher thermal thresholds. Background process management: Several devices aggressively limited non-essential background apps or services to preserve stability. SmartViser Analytics Studio PS RAT and temperature graph These results confirm that while heat remains a factor under prolonged, intensive use , manufacturers have clearly improved their approach. Instead of a single thermal trigger, most modern smartphones intelligently manage performance in layers , prioritising both device protection  and user experience . Extreme Stress Testing: 5G Downloads at Full Throttle To push the boundaries even further, we conducted a series of super-intensive tests focused on sustained high-volume downloads over 5G. These sessions were designed to simulate heavy real-world scenarios such as bulk file transfers, high-resolution media downloads, and software updates over 5G, non-stop. 📉 Observations from Extreme Download Tests: After just 26 minutes of continuous operation, some models displayed high-temperature warning messages. In the most severe cases, devices are ultimately powered off entirely due to reaching critical thermal thresholds exceeding 50°C. Across different models, we observed: Multi-step thermal throttling to reduce performance gradually Network fallback mechanisms switching from 5G to LTE Final shutdown as a last-resort safety measure SmartViser Analytics Studio CPU Frequency and Throughput DL Graph SmartViser Analytics Studio Battery Temperature and Throughput upload graph This scenario, while not typical for most users , is a vital edge case  for manufacturers to test. It highlights how certain designs may still fail under extreme pressure , risking service disruption and poor user experience  if not properly addressed during the development cycle. Conclusion: 2025 – A Smarter Approach to Heat Our extensive 2025 testing confirms what the industry has been aiming for: smartphones have come a long way since the early 5G overheating concerns of 2022 . While heat management remains a key challenge—especially during extreme use cases— most modern devices now integrate intelligent and layered thermal mitigation strategies . ✅ We observed: Proactive throttling  of frequencies and processing power Seamless fallback to 4G  when thresholds were crossed Stable user experience  during standard and moderately heavy use Clear thermal control strategies  even under intense load like gaming and downloads However, our extreme stress tests showed that some devices still failed under prolonged heavy load, with shutdowns occurring beyond 50°C. These edge cases highlight that comprehensive thermal testing remains essential, especially early in product development when design and software-level mitigations can still be refined. Manufacturers must balance performance, battery life, and user safety—and the best-performing devices in our testing did so with minimal compromise to usability. As 5G-Advanced and new use cases (like XR, AI processing, and cloud gaming) push devices even harder, heat will continue to be a defining factor in mobile innovation. At SmartViser, we remain committed to helping manufacturers and network providers test smarter, earlier, and deeper with our viSer test automation suite—ensuring better performance, improved safety, and superior user experiences. All test scenarios in this study were executed using viSer Neo , SmartViser’s advanced test automation solution. One of viSer Neo’s key advantages is its ability to run directly on commercial Android devices without requiring any custom firmware or rooting , ensuring that testing conditions reflect real-world user behavior as closely as possible . All tests were conducted in France using local 5G networks , and identical scenarios were applied across multiple Android smartphones to maintain consistency and comparability. viSer Neo captures over 100 KPIs  in every session, and when combined with Analytics Studio , results can be visualised through interactive dashboards offering a wide range of charts, graphs, maps, pie charts , and granular drill-down views —enabling detailed and flexible analysis tailored to specific insights. Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user  quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led  teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding  an MBA from Henley Business School   brings  a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation. Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee ,   responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging  a customer-centric  culture. The main  mission is to help organizations to  create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) have quietly become a multibillion‑dollar force in telecoms. Analysts put the global MVNO market at roughly US $ 98 billion in 2025, on track to top US $ 170 billion by 2032   Fortune Business Insights , while subscription counts are expanding faster than the wider mobile market, at 3.6 % CAGR through 2029   Omdia . In other words, more consumers, enterprises and connected “things” are choosing a brand that doesn’t even own a radio tower . Yet the commercial freedom MVNOs enjoy—lighter assets, faster launches, razor‑sharp niches—comes with a hidden catch: they must guarantee service quality over infrastructure they don’t control . That tension only intensifies as the industry splits into two distinct camps: B2C MVNOs  chasing price‑sensitive or lifestyle segments, where a single dropped call can trigger social‑media churn. B2B/enterprise MVNOs  delivering 5G network slices for factories, hospitals and fleets, where penalties kick in the moment an SLA is missed. In this article we will — Define what an MVNO is  and how it differs from its host MNO. Map the main MVNO flavours , from discount consumer brands to slice‑enabled industrial players. Unpack the operational challenges —margin squeeze, RAN dependency, tight enterprise SLAs—and the KPIs that matter. Show how SmartViser’s test‑automation and real‑device monitoring platform closes the assurance gap , giving MVNOs live QoS & QoE evidence they can take to the boardroom—or the customer’s service review. Whether you run a consumer sub‑brand or a mission‑critical IoT network, robust testing and continuous monitoring  aren’t optional extras; they are the foundations of subscriber trust and contract profitability. What exactly is an MVNO? A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO)  is a telecom brand that buys wholesale radio‑access capacity from a licensed mobile‑network operator (MNO) and resells it under its own brand . An MVNO typically owns the commercial layers—SIMs/eSIMs, branding, pricing, customer care, billing and sometimes its own core network elements—but does not own spectrum or base‑station (RAN) assets , which remain under the MNO’s control. In contrast, an MNO  finances and operates the radio spectrum, towers, back‑haul and national licences. Some MVNOs integrate more deeply (so‑called full MVNOs  with their own HLR/HSS, PGW, etc.), whereas “light” or “reseller” MVNOs focus mainly on sales and marketing Onomondo . How MVNOs differ from MNOs at a glance Area MNO MVNO Spectrum & RAN Owns/licensed Rents wholesale CapEx intensity Very high Low/asset‑light Network control Full QoS prioritisation Limited; subject to host MNO prioritisation Time‑to‑market Slower (infrastructure cycles) Faster, brand‑driven Typical differentiation Coverage, bundling (handsets, fixed lines) Pricing, niche segments, value‑added services Key challenges MVNOs face today Quality‑of‑service dependency  – Traffic is usually deprioritised during cell congestion, leading to higher latency, jitter or lower speeds compared with the host MNO. Next‑gen technology access (5G SA, network slicing, VoLTE/VoNR)  – MVNOs rely on their host to make features available and must then ensure handset compatibility and back‑office upgrades. Margin pressure from wholesale rates & price wars  – Wholesale terms are often volume‑based; intense SIM‑only competition erodes ARPU. High churn & Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)  – Budget‑conscious users are quick to switch; marketing spend can outstrip lifetime value if not managed carefully. Limited brand stickiness  – When the core offer is “same network, lower price”, differentiation must come from service experience, ecosystem perks or laser‑focused niches. Regulatory & data‑privacy compliance  – KYC/AML rules, eSIM remote provisioning, emergency‑services location accuracy, GDPR, etc. Operational visibility  – Without direct access to RAN counters, MVNOs must invest in active/drive‑testing or API‑based monitoring to see what customers really experience.   KPIs MVNOs should monitor continuously Technical / QoS KPIs  (Test Automation and smartphone devices as probes & SLA management) Access/Attach success rate  – SIM registration & authentication failures Voice  – Call‑setup time (CST), VoLTE fallback rate Data  – DL/UL throughput http/ftp/bi-directional, latency (RTT), jitter, packet‑loss % Messaging  – SMS/MMS delivery time & success rate 5G slice availability / hand‑over success    Consumer‑ vs business‑focused MVNOs Dimension B2C MVNOs B2B / Enterprise‑first MVNOs Typical positioning Low‑cost SIM‑only, lifestyle/brand extensions ( e.g. supermarket, youth, ethnic calling ) Managed mobility, IoT connectivity, private/campus networks, global eSIM hubs Buyer Individual subscribers‑at‑scale CIO/CTO, operations or OT teams Value lever Price simplicity, community perks, flexible bundles SLA‑backed connectivity, integration with IT/OT, analytics & security Wholesale deal Usually “best‑effort” bit‑pipe with retail margin Often bespoke: dedicated APNs, static IP, QoS class identifiers (QCIs) or a full 5G network slice Capabilities to own Digital CX, referral engine, churn analytics Service orchestration, SIM lifecycle, edge/cloud integration, multi‑IMSI steering Regulatory load Consumer protection, number portability In addition: ISO 27001, sector‑specific (health, utilities), data‑residency     B2C archetypes Discount/price‑fighter  – e.g. SMARTY, Visible. Brand‑extension  – e.g. Tesco Mobile, Superdrug Mobile. Community/lifestyle  – youth (giffgaff), international (Lycamobile). Digital nomad/eSIM‑only  – Airalo, Holafly. B2B archetypes Corporate mobility MVNO  – pooled data and voice with global roaming, device‑fleet portals. IoT/M2M specialists  – connectivity plus API/SaaS for logistics, automotive (KORE, Cubic Telecom). Private‑/campus‑5G enablers  – carve out a wholesale 5G network slice  or lease local spectrum to run an on‑prem 5G core for factories, ports or hospitals  MVNO‑as‑a‑Service aggregators  – white‑label platforms letting brands spin up their own offers. Why network slicing is a game‑changer for B2B MVNOs Network slicing (5G SA)  = a virtual end‑to‑end network instance with its own QoS, security and policy, delivered over the shared RAN, transport and core. What an enterprise MVNO can do with a slice Use case Slice attribute Example vertical Ultra‑reliable low‑latency comms (URLLC) ≤10 ms RTT, 99.999 % availability Robotics on an automotive line; remote surgery rooms Massive IoT (mMTC) Battery‑efficient signalling, high device density Smart‑meter fleets, agriculture sensors High‑throughput FWA Guaranteed 200 Mbps+ downlink Retail branch connectivity, pop‑up venues Mission‑critical voice/video Priority bearer, local breakout Public safety, energy utilities With GSMA Open Gateway and 3GPP NEF APIs, a full MVNO can programmatically request, expand or tear down slices  per customer or per site, bundling them with edge‑compute and security services  CSG Commercial models emerging Slice‑as‑a‑Service  – monthly fee per site/device group for a managed slice. Private‑network extension  – single SIM roaming seamlessly between a campus slice and the public macro network (Transatel P‑LTE/5G extension)  Transatel . Outcome‑based SLA  – e.g. “< 50 ms motion‑control latency, 99.95 % uptime”, with penalties baked into the wholesale agreement. Additional challenges specific to B2B MVNOs Challenge Mitigation Multi‑slice orchestration & OSS/BSS readiness Adopt cloud‑native core and policy control that can tag traffic per slice; upgrade billing to rate per SLA tier. Device & modem compatibility Work with OEMs for SA‑capable chipsets and enterprise firmware supporting slice selection and URSP rules ( Android Open Source Project ). Security & isolation Offer options for on‑prem UPF breakout, IPsec tunnels into enterprise WAN, zero‑trust SIM authentication. Complex contracting Enterprise‑grade support (24/7 NOC), liability cover, and procurement frameworks (ITIL, ISO, NDAA where needed). Why continuous, real‑device monitoring is critical for MVNO SLAs Enterprise contracts usually carry tight latency, throughput and availability guarantees that far exceed consumer “best‑effort” levels. Because an MVNO has no native RAN counters and may be running several dedicated 5G slices at once, the only reliable way to prove compliance—or to catch a breach before it hurts production—is to measure performance from the same device types and SIM profiles the customer actually uses . SmartViser’s viSer  platform shows how this is done: it turns ordinary Android or iOS handsets into 24 × 7 autonomous probes that execute user actions like voice, data, video and application workflows on the live slice, streaming granular QoS  metrics (throughput, latency, hand‑over success,) and   QoE  metrics (POLQA MOS, page‑load time, video buffering, battery drain) to a cloud dashboard. Because every data point comes from a real device under real radio conditions , the MVNO can present indisputable evidence during quarterly service reviews, trigger automated trouble tickets the moment a KPI drifts, and even feed predictive models that warn of SLA breaches before users notice. Conclusion Across today’s rapidly evolving MVNO landscape—from cost‑focused consumer brands to enterprise providers leveraging dedicated 5G network slices—successful operators have three critical imperatives: Clearly define and differentiate the value proposition.  Whether addressing budget‑sensitive retail segments or delivering high‑availability, low‑latency connectivity for industrial sites, each MVNO must translate wholesale capacity into a distinctive customer experience. Monitor the metrics that matter.  Technical key performance indicators such as call‑setup success, data throughput, latency, messaging delivery and slice availability form the foundation of service assurance. When correlated with commercial measures—churn, Net Promoter Score and contractual SLA compliance—these metrics provide a comprehensive view of network health and business performance. Provide continuous, evidence‑based assurance.  Measurements taken on real smartphones and IoT endpoints, under live network conditions, remain the most reliable proof of Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE), particularly where financial penalties are tied to enterprise SLAs. SmartViser: Comprehensive, Automated Assurance SmartViser’s integrated platform addresses these imperatives through a fully automated, device‑centric monitoring solution: SmartViser Capability Benefit to the MVNO viSer autonomous device probes Converts standard smartphones and industry‑specific devices into 24/7 test agents—eliminating the cost and complexity of traditional testing. Voice, data, messaging, and slice workflows Recreates real user journeys, capturing detailed QoS and QoE indicators. Multi‑layer interactive dashboard Consolidates network and SLA data into an intuitive interface, SmartViser thus equips MVNOs with a single, end‑to‑end assurance framework—transforming raw network data into actionable intelligence while reducing operational overhead. By adopting this platform, MVNOs can demonstrate service excellence, uphold stringent SLAs and maintain the customer confidence that underpins sustainable growth. Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user  quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led  teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding  an MBA from Henley Business School   brings  a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation. Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee ,   responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging  a customer-centric  culture. The main  mission is to help organizations to  create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.

[Rennes, 04/07/2025] – SmartViser, a leading provider of automated testing solutions, is proud to announce its partnership with the VDE Institute, a globally recognized leader in testing and certification services. Through the adoption of SmartViser’s Viser Test Automation, VDE Institute is expanding its portfolio to include Energy Labelling Testing for smartphones and tablets, aligning with the new European energy efficiency regulations set to become mandatory since June 2025. The new regulation will require smartphones and tablets sold in the European market to display energy labels, ensuring transparency for consumers and promoting energy efficiency. VDE Institute’s adoption of Viser Test Automation enables the delivery of precise, automated energy testing, empowering manufacturers to meet these requirements efficiently and on time. “Manufacturers must act now to ensure compliance with the regulations and secure their market access,” emphasizes Marcell Klinkert from the VDE Institute. To support companies with efficient and reliable energy consumption labeling tests and ensure that products meet the required energy efficiency standards, the VDE Institute has initiated a collaboration with SmartViser, a provider of automated testing solutions in the telecommunications sector. “With Viser Test Automation, we now offer an optimized, automated approach to testing the energy efficiency labeling of smartphones and tablets,” explains Marcell Klinkert from the VDE Institute. This enables the VDE Institute to perform precise, automated energy tests that allow manufacturers to meet the new requirements on schedule. Gilles Ricordel CEO at SmartViser, added: “We are excited to partner with VDE Institute to address the increasing demand for energy efficiency testing. Viser Test Automation simplifies the process for labs and manufacturers, enabling a robust and scalable solution to meet regulatory challenges and market needs.” Supporting Compliance With the June 2025 energy labelling regulations just passed, manufacturers must act now to ensure compliance and maintain market access. Market Surveillance authorities across Europe need to also be ready to conduct testing. By adopting SmartViser’s Viser Test Automation, the VDE Institute is uniquely positioned to support businesses with efficient, reliable energy labelling testing, ensuring products meet the required energy performance standards. About SmartViser SmartViser is a leading telecommunications innovator, recognized for its expertise and commitment to customer-centric solutions. Its flagship test automation suite, viSer, enables OEMs, ODMs, Mobile Operators, MVNOs, Regulators, and telecom service providers to thoroughly test, benchmark, monitor, and measure Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) across devices and networks. The versatile viSer suite supports both active and passive monitoring on public, private, and mission-critical networks, offering comprehensive connectivity and device performance insights. viSer is device-agnostic, compatible with iOS and Android, and spans all telecom technologies from 2G to 5G, including VoLTE and VoWiFi. It covers numerous use cases, from POLQA voice quality assessments to speed tests, latency, throughput, calls, and network coverage analysis. SmartViser contributed significantly to the European Union’s Energy Labelling Regulations, ensuring viSer’s compliance with these standards. Beyond automation, SmartViser offers extensive field testing and is an accredited test house for the Altice Group, providing support in over 25 countries. Headquartered in Rennes, France, SmartViser collaborates globally to help customers adopt new technologies faster, reduce costs, and elevate product quality, enabling success in today’s rapidly advancing telecom landscape. You can find more information about SmartViser and its innovative software on the Web at www.smartviser.com Press Contact Susie Siouti Chief Commercial Officer Susie.siouti@smartviser.com About the VDE Institute The VDE mark is synonymous with safety and quality in electrical devices, components and systems for more than 100 years. The VDE Institute - a subsidiary of the VDE Group - is a worldwide partner for industry customers, business, government authorities, the electrical trade and consumers. More than 100,000 devices per year are subjected to product, quality and safety tests by the VDE Institutes independent testing engineers before they receive the VDE mark. Around the globe, VDE experts monitor more than 7,000 production facilities. Cooperation agreements with more than 50 countries ensure that the tests performed by the VDE Institute are internationally recognized. 200,000 types of products with millions of model variants bear the VDE mark worldwide. The VDE Testing and Certification Institute GmbH, a non-profit organization, employs more than 500 people in Offenbach am Main. For more information, visit www.vde.com/institute About VDE VDE, one of the largest technology organizations in Europe, has been regarded as a synonym for innovation and technological progress for more than 130 years. VDE is the only organization in the world that combines science, standardization, testing, certification, and application consulting under one umbrella. The VDE mark has been synonymous with the highest safety standards and consumer protection for more than 100 years. Our passion is the advancement of technology, the next generation of engineers and technologists, and lifelong learning and career development “on the job”. Within the VDE network more than 2,000 employees at over 60 locations worldwide, more than 100,000 honorary experts, and around 1,500 companies are dedicated to ensuring a future worth living: networked, digital, electrical. Shaping the e-dialistic future. The VDE (VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. For more information, visit www.vde.com Press contact: Jennifer Bounoua, Phone +49 151 14600477, presse@vde.com

Highlights from Critical Communications World (CCW) 2025 in Brussels Brussels, Belgium – June 17–19, 2025 Critical Communications World (CCW) 2025 brought together global leaders, industry innovators, government authorities, and mission-critical communication experts to shape the future of public safety communications. Held at the heart of Europe, the event emphasized collaboration, technological innovation, and resilience  in an increasingly interconnected world. Global Collaboration for a Safer World The central theme of working together across industry, government, and verticals  was clear throughout the event. With government authorities from 25 nations , over 250 global exhibitors , and 200+ expert speakers , CCW 2025 created a vibrant forum for addressing challenges in spectrum allocation, regulations, and international standards. During the opening session, Bernard Quintin , Belgium’s Minister of Home Affairs, and Salvator Vella , Director General of ASTRID , welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of uniting public and private sectors. A strong call was made for harmonized regulation across Europe and globally, to avoid mission-critical services falling behind due to fragmented policies. Resilience & Disaster Preparedness A recurring theme was the need for resilient communications infrastructure , particularly in disaster scenarios. Sessions addressed best practices in disaster response and international cooperation, with case studies highlighting how robust communication systems save lives and ensure operational continuity in times of crisis. Transition to Broadband & Hybrid Networks A significant focus was the transition from legacy LMR systems (like TETRA and P25) to broadband . The evolution of MCX (Mission Critical Services) , powered by LTE and 5G, is accelerating. The discussions emphasized the importance of hybrid network models , integrating LMR with broadband to support a smooth migration and ensure backward compatibility. Cybersecurity & Regulatory Gaps CCW 2025 brought to light the regulatory lag  behind technological advancement. While 3GPP standards now reflect mission-critical requirements, speakers stressed the absence of unified regulation for MCX services in Europe. This raised key questions: Do we need a common European regulation  for mission-critical broadband? Is the EUCCS  framework the solution? Should global harmonization  be a priority? What role should the ITU  play in supporting Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) networks? Future Technologies: AI, 5G, and Satellite Integration The conference also explored how AI, satellite communication, IoT , and 6G developments  are reshaping public safety: Integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)  to support remote and resilient communications. The transformative role of 5G  in enabling low-latency , high-bandwidth  applications like real-time drone footage , augmented reality , and enhanced situational awareness  for first responders. GCF and TCCA Certification Update The Global Certification Forum (GCF)  now includes Mission Critical Services (MCS)  in its certification program (since June 2024). This milestone supports faster integration of multi-vendor solutions and ensures interoperability and end-to-end service quality . Sweden  was recognized as a leader in MCS certification, hosting: The world’s first GCF Mission Critical Communications Operator (MSB as MCCO) AstaZero  as the Recognized Test Organization (RTO) Ericsson  as the Assessment Capable Entity (ACE) National Highlights: France’s RRF Project & ACMOSS Wins A standout session showcased France’s RRF (Réseau Radio du Futur)  project, illustrating significant progress in building the country’s next-gen public safety network. Congratulations were extended to ACMOSS , the national agency for operational mobile communications, for its double win at the ICCAwards  – a testament to their leadership and innovation in mission-critical services. Renaud Mellies  was also elected to the TCCA Board of Directors , acknowledging his continued contributions to the CCW community. Congratulations to All ICCA 2025 Winners The International Critical Communications Awards (ICCA) 2025  once again celebrated outstanding achievements and innovation across the sector. Congratulations to all winners for their impressive contributions: Best Hybrid Device : L3Harris Technologies  – XL Extreme 400P , a multiband, NFPA-compliant, full-spectrum radio. Best MCX Product or Solution of the Year : Frequentis AG  – MissionX Android SDK , the first MCS client platform certified by GCF. Best TETRA Product or Solution of the Year : Sepura Limited  – Sepura SC28 Module . Best Use of Advanced Technology (AI, UAVs, Situational Awareness) : Qualcomm Technologies, Aramco, and Aramco Digital  – Industrial Generative AI-Powered IoT Solutions at the Edge . Best Use of Critical Communications in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mining, Oil & Gas : Vodafone Business  – CIMPOR 5G Standalone Mobile Private Network . Best Use of Critical Communications in Public Safety : ACMOSS  – RRF – Radio Reseau du Futur . Best Use of Critical Communications in Transport : Hytera Communications Corporation Limited  – HK MTR Light Rail 2.0 with 5G MCX Radio System . Best Use of Critical Communications in Utilities : Vertel  – Icon Water TMR Replacement . TCCA Young Engineer of the Year : Adam Howe  – Sepura Limited . Phil Kidner Award for Individual Outstanding Contribution : Jim Bugel  – FirstNet Built with AT&T . Outstanding Services to TCCA : Harald Ludwig , Chairman, Technical Forum, TCCA. SmartViser at CCW25: Demonstrating the Future of Test Automation SmartViser played a key role at CCW25 by showcasing their innovative test automation solutions  for mission-critical broadband networks. Key demonstrations included: Remote Testing for Private and Public Safety Networks : Highlighting how their viSer platform supports automated testing even in challenging or isolated environments , ensuring consistent quality and performance. Real-time Monitoring and QoS Validation : SmartViser demonstrated tools that verify service reliability and coverage , critical for both emergency services and hybrid LMR-broadband networks. MCX Testing Readiness : Showcased readiness for MCX device and network testing , aligning with the latest GCF certification standards . Satellite & NTN Testing Capabilities : Previewed testing capabilities for satellite-integrated networks , a growing area in critical communication ecosystems. These demonstrations reinforced SmartViser’s commitment to supporting network providers, regulators, and public safety organizations  with agile and scalable test automation to accelerate deployment and ensure service excellence. Looking Ahead: CCW 2026 in London As this year's event concludes, the baton has officially passed to the United Kingdom. Critical Communications World returns next year:📅 16–18 June 2026 | 📍 ExCeL London, UK We look forward to continuing the global mission-critical conversation and driving innovation forward in London next year! Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user  quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led  teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding  an MBA from Henley Business School   brings  a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation. Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee ,   responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging  a customer-centric  culture. The main  mission is to help organizations to  create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.

Rennes, France – June 13th , 2025 – SmartViser is excited to announce its participation as an exhibitor at the TCCA Critical Communications World (CCW) 2025, taking place at Brussels Expo, Hall 7, Stand F115, from June 17 to 19, 2025. In addition, SmartViser will also actively take part to the GCF/TCCA Workshop on June 20, 2025, underscoring its commitment to the advancement of Mission Critical communications standards and technologies.   This year at CCW, SmartViser will showcase a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to help customers maximize the performance and reliability of Business and Mission Critical (MCX) networks. With the rising demand for dependable Push-to-Talk ( MCX PTT ), MCX data, MCX Video, and MCX call services in critical environments, SmartViser is proud to present real-world use cases demonstrating how our technologies support effective MCX service testing, validation and monitoring.   Two Key Product Lines Featured: Active Testing Solutions  – Ideal for pre-launch troubleshooting and service validation, ensuring readiness and performance before going live.   Network Monitoring Solutions  – Delivering continuous monitoring to guarantee service stability, coverage, and real-time performance tracking once operational.   Following the successful debut of our lightweight monitoring products, Temp.o and Mate.o at MWC, SmartViser is thrilled to unveil its latest innovation: the Insight Studio Dashboard. This powerful new web dashboard tool, commercially available later in the year, consolidates active and passive monitoring KPIs, offering real-time alerts, stability measurements, and coverage visibility through a single, intuitive interface.   Built around a scalable, device-based monitoring approach, SmartViser’s solutions are easy to deploy and tailored to the needs of modern critical communication infrastructures.   Join Us in Brussels TCCA CCW25 We invite all CCW attendees to visit us at Stand F115 to explore how SmartViser’s innovative testing and monitoring solutions can enhance the performance and reliability of your critical communication services. About SmartViser SAS SmartViser is a leading telecommunications innovator, recognized for its expertise and commitment to customer-centric solutions. Its flagship test automation suite, viSer, enables OEMs, ODMs, Mobile Operators, MVNOs, Regulators, and telecom service providers to thoroughly test, benchmark, monitor, and measure Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) across devices and networks. The versatile viSer suite supports both active and passive monitoring on public, private, and mission-critical networks, offering comprehensive connectivity and device performance insights. viSer is device-agnostic, compatible with iOS and Android, and spans all telecom technologies from 2G to 5G, including VoLTE and VoWiFi. It covers numerous use cases, from POLQA voice quality assessments to speed tests, latency, throughput, calls, and network coverage analysis. SmartViser contributed significantly to the European Union’s Energy Labelling Regulations, ensuring viSer’s compliance with these standards. Beyond automation, SmartViser offers extensive field testing and is an accredited test house for the Altice Group, providing support in over 25 countries. Headquartered in Rennes, France, SmartViser collaborates globally to help customers adopt new technologies faster, reduce costs, and elevate product quality, enabling success in today’s rapidly advancing telecom landscape. In 2024 Anritsu Corporation Acquired 32.72% Stake in SmartViser SAS. You can find more information about SmartViser and its innovative software on the Web at  www.smartviser.com   Press Contact and General Information SmartViser                                      Susie Siouti Chief Commercial Officer  Susie.siouti@smartviser.com

Countdown to Compliance: New EU Energy Labelling Regulation Comes Into Force on 20th June 2025 In just five weeks, a pivotal moment for sustainability and consumer transparency in the tech industry will arrive. On Monday, 20th June 2025 , the new EU Energy Labelling Regulation   officially comes into force, alongside its sister regulation, the Eco Design Regulation . These regulations mark a major shift in how smartphones and tablets are assessed for energy efficiency, durability, and environmental impact. At SmartViser , we’re proud to have been involved in this regulatory journey from its earliest days. Our collaboration with the European Commission began in 2021 , when we were invited to contribute to the creation of the testing methodology  for the new regulation. This was more than a compliance project — it was an opportunity to help shape a standard that will impact how mobile devices are designed, tested, and purchased across Europe. A Leading Role in Innovation and Compliance SmartViser was honoured to be the first company selected by the European Commission  to develop the Beta version of the Energy Labelling test application . This initial version was shared with key stakeholders, including several members of Digital Europe , for review and feedback. The constructive responses helped fine-tune the methodology, ensuring it would meet the practical needs of manufacturers, market surveillance authorities, and test laboratories. Following the Beta phase, we were tasked with creating the first official pilot application , which was successfully launched in August 2023 — three months ahead of the regulation’s transitional rollout in September 2023. This pilot phase allowed stakeholders across the industry to begin adapting to the new requirements, laying the groundwork for full implementation in June 2025. Supporting Industry Through the Transition The Energy Labelling Regulation was designed with a transition period to help the industry prepare. This timeframe allowed: Manufacturers  to integrate the new labelling requirements into product development. Market surveillance authorities  to build up the necessary testing and enforcement infrastructure. Test labs  to familiarise themselves with the methodology and refine their procedures. Throughout this period, SmartViser has continued to play a key role, offering technical expertise, test automation solutions, and dedicated support to help stakeholders navigate the new regulatory landscape. From 20 June 2025, the Energy Labelling requirements will apply to all smartphones and slate tablets placed on the EU market. These regulations do not apply  to: Tablet computers , Devices with a flexible (roll-up) main display , and Smartphones specifically designed for high-security communications . A Focus on Sustainability and Longer Product Lifecycles At the heart of both regulations is the ambition to extend the usable life of electronic devices , by setting clear requirements on reparability, upgradability , and battery endurance . For example, increasing the average lifespan of a mid-range smartphone from 3.0 to 4.1 years  could significantly reduce the number of new devices entering the market each year — while maintaining the same total number of devices in use. Device Categories Covered by the Energy Labelling Regulation Smartphones  are equipped with integrated touchscreens ranging from 4 to 7 inches, supporting app ecosystems and advanced functionalities. Slate tablets feature screen sizes from 7 to 17.4 inches, operate without a physically attached keyboard, and run mobile operating systems such as Android or iOS. This differentiates them from tablet computers, which typically include (or support) a detachable keyboard and use desktop-like operating systems such as Windows. According to the European Information & Communications Technology Industry Association (EIA), tablet computers are classified under personal computers and are excluded from these regulations. Please Note: The Ecodesign requirements will apply to smartphones, feature phones, cordless phones and slate tablets, but the Energy labelling applies only to smartphones and slate tablets. The Energy Label Source: EU Commission Under the new regulation, these devices must display key information on: Energy Efficiency and Battery Endurance Battery longevity Resistance to dust and water Durability against accidental drops Repairability Class See more in EU website For the first time, products will also be required to display a repairability score, offering transparency on how easily a device can be repaired. This new energy label is designed to empower EU consumers to make more informed, sustainable purchasing decisions and to promote environmentally conscious consumption. Consumers can access even more detailed product information through the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL)  by scanning the QR code included on each label. EU Energy Labelling Regulation. How S martViser can help ? 1️⃣ Test Automation with SmartViser’s Viser Neo   Take control of your testing with Viser Neo, the leading test automation solution that allows you to set up your own environment for energy label testing. ✔️ Works with any Android or iOS device, any chipset ✔️ No rooting or jailbreaking required ✔️ Empowers your test teams to efficiently execute energy labelling tests   2️⃣ Expert Testing Services – We Test for You!   No in-house testing lab? No problem! SmartViser offers top-tier testing services to support your compliance needs: ✔️ Official testing for energy labelling certification ✔️ Lab calibration support to ensure full compliance ✔️ Troubleshooting services to identify performance improvement areas Simply send us your device, and our expert team will handle the rest!   3️⃣ SmartViser Intelligence Reports – Benchmarking Energy Labelling   Understand the competitive landscape with SmartViser’s SVI Reports , offering: ✔️ A snapshot of market performance and energy efficiency trends ✔️ Insights into how your device stacks up against competitors ✔️ Actionable data to optimize your products and gain a competitive edge With the EU Energy Labelling and Ecodesign regulations coming into force on 20 June 2025, the focus is clear: greater transparency, longer product lifespans, and more sustainable choices for consumers. SmartViser is proud to have played a pioneering role in shaping this regulation from its inception, and we’re ready to help you navigate what’s next. Whether you need cutting-edge test automation, trusted compliance testing services, or strategic market benchmarking, SmartViser offers the tools and expertise to ensure you're fully prepared. Now is the time to act. Partner with SmartViser and stay ahead of regulation and the competition. Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user  quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led  teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding  an MBA from Henley Business School   brings  a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation. Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee ,   responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging  a customer-centric  culture. The main  mission is to help organizations to  create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.