While a few cheerleaders like AT&T and SK Telecom have blazed the trail in virtualizing their networks and moving away from dedicated, proprietary hardware, others are starting to follow suit. Bell Canada is preparing to replace its core network in readiness for 5G, with a target of moving from “90% customized hardware and 10% software to 10% common hardware and 90% software”, according to EVP Stephen Howe. The shift towards commoditized white box servers and switches running network functions as software – to replace complex, dedicated boxes with their own software – is designed to make the Canadian incumbent more flexible and cost-effective. The change will be implemented in tandem with a process of transforming its central offices into data…