Cloud RAN Accelerators: which one is in the lead, and why? - Ericsson

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Press play on photo to watch the video Do you want to listen to this videoepisode instead? Play the audio only. Service providers' key expectations from 5G and toward 6G era are to successfully manage the immense traffic growth and leverage mobile networks to support new use cases. To put the expectations into concrete numbers – the projections say that 5G subscriptions will reach 1 billion, and the average monthly usage per smartphone will surpass 15 GB by the end of this year and then grow to 40 GB by the end of 2027. As mid-band brings the potential of high capacity to explore new use cases with high bandwidth demand, new considerations appear on how to get the most out of 5G in Cloud RAN, impacting service providers' strategy of designing their 5G networks and selecting the best RAN processing option. Talking about processing and the time-critical nature of some elements, different parts of the RAN software stack have different requiremen...

5 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards in 2022 • Benzinga - Benzinga

Debt can feel overwhelming and difficult to manage, but the right tools can help you regain control of your financial situation. Balance transfer credit cards consolidate debt while often providing lower APR rates and fees. These cards typically make it easier to pay off debts from other credit cards that have higher rates. Debt can become more manageable when actively paying it off and consolidating. Balance transfer credit cards save money in the long run by offering the opportunity to repay debt at a more manageable pace. Research the available balance transfer credit cards and consider which option would work best for you. With the right tools, you have the potential to change your financial position. 

Quick Look Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards:

1. Best Overall Best Balance Transfer Credit Card: Wells Fargo ReflectSM Card

Wells Fargo Reflect Visa® Card
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Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

13.74% – 25.74%

1 Minute Review

Wells Fargo Reflect offers a competitive introductory APR rate of zero which appeals to individuals that need APR rates to stop increasing. The card offers roadside assistance and cell phone protection, which better protect individuals against unforeseen incidents. However, the card does have a higher APR rate once the introductory rate ends. 

Specs
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Regular APR: 13.74% – 25.74%
  • Minimum Deposit: N/A
  • One Time Fee: N/A
  • Intro APR: 0%
  • Rewards: 2 reward nights worth $250 total (max $125 per night) when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Welcome Bonus: N/A
Pros
  • Cell phone protection up to $600
  • Provides 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Liability protection
Cons
  • Minimum service charge of $69.95
  • Not able to obtain introductory APR rate if opened Wells Fargo account within 15 months of application

Balance transfer card users can enjoy starting rates and benefits within the first 120 days of opening the card. However, the card does have a higher APR rate once the introductory rate ends.

2. Best for Excellent Credit: U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card

U.S. Bank Visa Platinum
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Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

15.24% – 25.24% after the introductory rate

1 Minute Review

U.S. Bank Visa Platinum offers a balance transfer calculator to assist in deciding the transfer amount while taking into consideration the current APR rate. The card provides a wide range of benefits in addition to balance transfers such as fraud protection, cell phone protection, flexible payment dates and access to your credit score. The card provides a low introductory APR rate of 0% for balance transfers and offers U.S. Bank ExtendPay. No clearly stated credit limit is published, but the card works well for people with good-to-excellent credit scores.

Specs
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Regular APR: 15.24% – 25.24% after the introductory rate
  • Minimum Deposit: N/A
  • One Time Fee: Late fees up to $41
  • Intro APR: 0% for 24 billing cycles on balance transfers
  • Rewards: N/A
  • Welcome Bonus: N/A
Pros
  • Provides balance transfer calculator
  • Mobile wallet ready
  • Fraud protection
Cons
  • Balance transfer fee of 3% of the transfer or a $5 fee

U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card offers a wide range of benefits such as fraud protection, cell phone protection, flexible payment dates, and access to your credit score. The card provides a low introductory APR rate of 0 and offers U.S. Bank ExtendPay. No clearly stated credit limit. 

3. Best for Cash Back: Citi® Double Cash Card

Citi® Double Cash Card
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Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

14.74% – 24.74% variable

1 Minute Review

The card charges no APR for the first 18 months on balance transfers. Cash back by Citi Double Cash is not allowed for balance transfers, but the card can be used on additional purchases that can earn cash back. Card includes cash back for purchases while protecting against fraud. The credit limit is determined by a cardholder's credit strength, which in turn determines the amount a person can balance transfer to the card. Keep in mind that interest will be charged on both balance transfers and purchases unless the credit card balance is fully paid by the due date. This card is an ideal option for cash back on purchases while also allowing balance transfers.

Specs
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Regular APR: 14.74% – 24.74% variable
  • Minimum Deposit: N/A
  • One Time Fee: N/A
  • Intro APR: None
  • Rewards: 2% on every purchase
  • Welcome Bonus: None
Pros
  • Fraud protection on unauthorized purchases
  • Citi Entertainment to gain access to events and concerts
Cons
  • Foreign transaction fee of 3%

Cash back offered by Citi® Double Cash Card is not allowed for balance transfers, but the card can be used on additional purchases that can earn cash back. No APR for the first 18 months. It includes cashback offers for purchases while protecting against fraud. The credit limit is determined by the cardholder's credit strength. 

4. Best for Unique Cash Back Options: SoFi Credit Card

Sofi Credit Card
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Annual Fee

None

Regular APR

13.24% – 25.49%

1 Minute Review

Earn 3% cash back for a year when you set up direct deposit with SoFi. After that, earn 2% unlimited cash back on purchases when redeemed toward investing, saving, or paying down an eligible loan with SoFi. Plus, redeem points toward crypto. There is no annual fee with the SoFi credit card.

Specs
  • Annual Fee: None
  • Regular APR: 13.24% – 25.49%
  • Minimum Deposit: N/A
  • One Time Fee: N/A
  • Intro APR: None
  • Rewards: N/A
  • Welcome Bonus: None
Pros
  • Smart spending and budgeting tools
  • Mastercard ID theft protection
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back
Cons
  • No intro APR

The SoFi Credit Card is part of a revolutionary financial platform that focuses on saving, paying down debt and much more. While SoFi has prided itself on helping consumers obtain digital bank accounts, refinance debt, invest, etc., the SoFi Credit Card offers a unique look at a cash back program, starting with a $200 Welcome Bonus when you fund a Checking or Savings account and an Invest account.

Because SoFi aligns with your desire to consolidate and pay down debt, you earn 2% cash back on all your purchases, but you can earn up to 3% cash back for 365 days if you apply, are accepted and set up a checking account with direct deposit. Your 3% cash back reverts to 2% after the 365 days have expired. The SoFi Credit Card also offers:

  • Mastercard ID theft protection™
  • Complimentary cell phone protection up to $1000
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • World Elite Mastercard® Benefits

On the one hand, you're paying down debt, but on the other hand, you can restart your finances, open all the accounts you need in one place and collect rewards that make getting out of debt that much easier. Transfer your balances today, but remember to open a Checking or Savings account along with an Invest account to get the most bang for your buck.

Remember, SoFi completes a "soft" credit pull, so applying doesn't impact your credit. Plus, SoFi will reduce your APR by 1% when you make 12 on-time payments in a row—making everything that much cheaper. There's no annual fee, and you can tap to make contactless payments.

5. Best for Welcome Bonus: BankAmericard

BankAmericard
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Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

13.24%-23.24% Variable

1 Minute Review

BankAmericard competes with other balance transfer credit cards by offering a 0% introductory APR rate on balance transfers and the opportunity for customers to gain $100 credit if they spend over $1,000 in purchases. The card has mobile banking to improve accessibility but does not provide a clear credit limit minimum. Keep in mind that the balance transfer fee of 3% or $10 has the potential to add up over time. There is no annual fee, which helps speed up the payment of balance transfers. This credit card is recommended for individuals with strong credit. It has an attractive welcome bonus that could incentivize potential customers.

Specs
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Regular APR: 13.24%-23.24% Variable
  • Minimum Deposit: N/A
  • One Time Fee: N/A
  • Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles
  • Rewards: N/A
  • Welcome Bonus: $100 credit bonus only after spending $1,000 in purchases in first 90 days
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Overdraft protection
Cons
  • 3% fee or a minimum of $10 per balance transfer

BankAmericard competes with other balance transfer credit cards by offering a 0% introductory APR rate and the opportunity for customers to gain $100 credit if they spend over $1,000 in purchases. The credit card offers mobile banking and does not provide a clear credit limit minimum. Recommended for individuals with strong credit. 

6. Best for Extended Low APR Rates: Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card