Meet the Heavy Reading team, the industry analysts behind the research arm of Light Reading, who provide in-depth and exclusive research for its live and digital events. The team specialize in authoritative research, custom content, consultancy services and competitor analysis.
Sterling Perrin
Sterling brings over 20 years of telecommunications experience to the table as a respected industry analyst and journalist. At Heavy Reading, he specializes in optical networking, including packet-optical transport and 5G transport. Prior to joining Heavy Reading, Sterling spent five years at IDC as the lead optical networks analyst, spearheading the firm's optical networking research and consulting activities.
Sterling's research encompasses the global optical networking market, delving into hardware and software technologies like DWDM, packet technologies, packet-optical transport, and coherent routing. It maintains a service provider focus, covering major equipment buyers across fixed, mobile, converged communications providers, hyperscale/cloud providers, and cable MSOs. Additionally, Sterling explores the multi-layer integration of optical and packet technologies through physical and software-based approaches.
Gabriel Brown
Gabriel leads mobile network research for Heavy Reading. Gabriel has more than 20 years of experience as a mobile network analyst. Prior to joining Heavy Reading, he was chief analyst for Light Reading’s Insider research service. Before that, he was editor of IP Wireline and Wireless Week at London’s Euromoney Institutional Investor.
Gabriel guides providers through 5G network evolution with analysis on deployment, emerging technologies, and monetization. Their coverage navigates the Open RAN ecosystem, addressing architecture, vendors, and integration for optimized flexibility and cost-efficiency. Gabriel also explores mobile core modernization via cloud-native architectures, network slicing, and edge computing to enhance agility and performance. Additionally, they highlight leveraging cloud technologies to optimize 5G operations, scalability, and enable innovative cloud-based wireless services.
Ruth Brown
Bringing over 20 years of experience in mobile and fixed network research and design from her time at BT, Ruth is a leading authority on network evolution at Heavy Reading. Her expertise spans system architecture, core network technologies (including cloud-native, network slicing, and automation), and the transformative role of cloud computing. A prolific inventor with over 40 technology patents, Ruth is also a passionate advocate for women in engineering.
Ruth analyzes convergence of fixed and mobile networks for seamless services and unified management. She provides insights on optimizing mobile QoS for superior user experiences. Her coverage explores leveraging network slicing for tailored services and new revenue streams. Ruth also examines private network solutions catering to businesses' secure, high-performance connectivity needs.
Alan Breznick
A veteran in the field with over 30 years of experience, Alan provides invaluable insights into the cable, fibre, broadband, and IP video markets. His expertise spans next-generation broadband technologies like DOCSIS 4.0 and FTTP, as well as the evolving video landscape including streaming services and ATSC 3.0. Alan also offers expert analysis of business services and Wi-Fi advancements. His unique blend of business and technical knowledge makes him a trusted resource for navigating the ever-changing broadband and video industries.
Alan provides forward-looking analysis on next-generation broadband technologies like DOCSIS 4.0, FTTP, XGS-PON, and 10G EPON to help deliver cutting-edge services. His coverage examines the evolving video and streaming media landscape, including streaming platforms and ATSC 3.0, to optimize video delivery and meet customer demands. Additionally, Alan offers valuable insights into business service trends and developments to expand portfolios and capture new revenue streams. He also explores advancements in Wi-Fi technology such as Wi-Fi 6 to enhance performance, capacity, and user experience.
Jennifer Clark
A Principal Analyst at Heavy Reading, Jennifer guides network operators through the complexities of virtualization, cloud-native infrastructure, and cutting-edge technologies like edge computing, open source, and container networking. She advises on telco digital transformation journeys, encompassing automation, AR/VR, the metaverse, and quantum technologies. With prior experience as Senior Vice President at Yankee Group, Jennifer is a trusted voice in the industry.
Jim Hodges
As Research Director at Heavy Reading, Jim leads on the application and security impact of cloud technologies in the telecommunications industry. His expertise spans both the control plane and application layers, covering fixed and mobile core networks as well as the enterprise edge. With a focus on cloud and cloud-based technologies, Jim brings valuable insights into the evolving landscape of network security and transformation.
Jim's research primarily centers on the security implications introduced by cloud and cloud-based technologies, particularly in the context of 5G networks. He approaches this from a cyberthreat detection perspective, offering critical analysis on emerging security challenges. Additionally, Jim explores the business opportunities associated with the delivery of security capabilities through managed services models, providing a comprehensive view of both the technical and commercial aspects of cloud security in telecom environments.