Abby Knowles

Who would acquire UScellular? Either Verizon or T-Mobile US? This has been the speculation in the industry for last two weeks. Finally, T-Mobile US made it. The Un-carrier acquisition of US Cellular for $4.4 billion is purely a scale-driven deal. As part of this deal, T-Mobile US will acquire UScellular’s customer base, its retail stores and 30% of its spectrum licences. With this deal, T-Mobile US annual revenues and wireless subscribers is expected to increase by $4 billion and 4.5 million, respectively. #telco #mergerandacquisitions Arun Santhanam Umesh Shiknis Ashish Julka Jacques Assaraf Sandeep Arora Praveen Shankar Karl Bjurstrom

7

https://lnkd.in/e3x2Mk3J Major mobile carriers like Verizon are shifting their strategy back towards converged broadband offerings combining 5G wireless and fiber. This seems to be a response to some of the challenges and disappointments they've faced with previous investment strategies. 1. 5G ROI challenges: The return on investment for 5G deployments has been lower than many carriers hoped, at least in the short term. While 5G offers significant technical improvements, monetizing those capabilities has proven difficult. 2. Failed content strategies: The attempts by carriers to vertically integrate by acquiring content companies (like AT&T with DirecTV and Time Warner, or Verizon with Yahoo and AOL) were largely unsuccessful. These deals resulted in significant write-downs and eventual divestitures in many cases. 3. Pivot to fiber + wireless convergence: The article suggests that carriers, particularly Verizon, are now focusing on a strategy that combines their 5G wireless networks with expanded fiber broadband offerings. This is evident in Verizon's recent $20 billion bid for Frontier Communications, a major fiber provider. 4. Rationale for convergence: There are several potential benefits to this approach: - Improved network efficiency by offloading wireless traffic to fiber backhaul - Ability to offer bundled services to consumers (home internet + mobile) - Competing more effectively with cable companies offering similar bundles - Leveraging fiber assets for both consumer and enterprise services 5. Potential further consolidation: The analyst quoted in the article suggests that Verizon might also consider acquiring Lumen (formerly CenturyLink) to further expand its fiber footprint. This strategy shift indicates that carriers are refocusing on their core competencies in network infrastructure and connectivity, rather than trying to become content companies. It also reflects the growing importance of high-speed, reliable broadband (both wireless and wired) in today's digital economy. However, it's worth noting that not all analysts are convinced this is the right move. The article mentions some skepticism about whether these fiber acquisitions will provide enough scale to truly transform Verizon's convergence strategy, and concerns about the allocation of capital. 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is also part of broadband portfolio investments.

1

I'm excited to share that Verizon has just launched Enhanced Video Calling powered by Network Slicing. Network Slicing allows us to adapt to real time demands of data-intensive applications, ensuring seamless communication during periods of congestion. Not all applications have the same Network demands. When you are video streaming, a buffer of data built in advance preserves the watching experience despite any spikes of traffic on the highly dynamic Wireless channel. A video call instead demands real time transmission with virtually no buffering. Video data traffic that’s delivered late for its frame means a degraded customer experience. Network Slicing enables video calling optimization during periods of congestion. This news marks a significant advancement in mobile connectivity, delivering the most premium experience for Verizon customers when it matters most. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dvkFf_Tm

474

16 Comments

New article on Comcast Business's plans. Comcast reported its Q1 results today. As in previous quarters, the EBITDA margin for its business division is very high - 57%; much higher than the other operators we track. It is planning to trade some of this margin for growth, which makes sense. As I argue in this piece business revenue is on the low end compared to peers (when measured as a share of total revenue). https://lnkd.in/eUK8Pd8Q

27

Did you know T-Mobile has the only nationwide #5G standalone #network in the U.S.? 5G Standalone is a "100% 5G network," built entirely on the latest 5G technology—without depending on older 4G systems like non-standalone 5G does. Standalone 5G is faster and more efficient than our 4G systems. And you need 5G standalone for innovations like: ✅ Network slicing ✅ Ultra-low latency ✅ Private 5G networks Discover how 5G standalone can take your business further: https://t-mo.co/4bKYfiT

1

Congratulations to AT&T ... AT&T Fiber the fastest & most consistent fixed internet service provider This report reflects one of the key focus areas for AT&T ... "Everything we do is with the customer in mind" ...  "the results are driven by the consumers themselves. The wins are based on nationwide test results that come from millions of real people taking tests daily with Speedtest" https://lnkd.in/eENJA668

32

Slightly delayed, but this is a write up I did of the October #SpectrumAmericas event, hosted by Spectrum for the Future, an advisory client of mine. (Click through to download the PDF from the site). Obviously since that date, the US Elections have taken place, and the new incoming administration is intending to make Brendan Carr the head of the Federal Communications Commission. While Carr seemed keen to renew the FCC's auction authority over the supply of spectrum, he may well wish to scutinise the demand side more carefully. It is now clear that mobile data demand growth is slowing down, including in the US, where even Ericsson's optimistic, XR-fuelled forecasts have been lowered, at 16% CAGR for smartphones. Even if you take those figures - or CTIA's - at face value, it is increasingly apparent that demand is highly localised, rather than evenly spread over wide areas. A great deal of #5G use is indoors, in particular, which increasingly needs dedicated indoor systems - something that Verizon and other carriers have been pushing hard for recently. In addition, there is no urgent need for spectrum driven by future #6G, which is likely to appear later rather than sooner (maybe 2032) and may well again be concentrated in specific high-density areas and supported by satellite access. Hopefully, the FCC will shift from its analogy of a "spectrum pipeline" to a more precise and targeted "spectrum sprinkler" that can irrigate the exact times and places than need watering with new frequencies. https://lnkd.in/eHmbpAky

11

1 Comment

Did you know T-Mobile for Business has the only nationwide #5G standalone #network in the U.S.? 5G Standalone is a "100% 5G network," built entirely on the latest 5G technology—without depending on older 4G systems like non-standalone 5G does. Standalone 5G is faster and more efficient than our 4G systems. And you need 5G standalone for innovations like: ✅ Network slicing ✅ Ultra-low latency ✅ Private 5G networks Discover how 5G standalone can take your business further: https://t-mo.co/4bKYfiT

24

A new report from Ericsson highlights the rapid adoption of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) in the U.S., and it looks like it’s here to stay. 🌐 🏠 Nearly 75 percent of households that adopted FWA this past year are using 5G as their primary home internet. What's more, their satisfaction levels are almost on-par with fiber subscribers! This is amazing for both urban and rural communities, offering high-speed internet without the need for extensive physical infrastructure. 💡 Despite its growing popularity, half of U.S. households are still unaware of FWA technology. There’s a huge opportunity here for more awareness and education. With carriers like Verizon and AT&T expanding their FWA offerings and achieving significant growth, the future looks promising. Verizon’s FWA revenue saw a massive jump this quarter, and AT&T is tapping into FWA for strategic transitions. 🔑 The key advantages? Convenience and ease of installation, plus customizable packages. FWA isn’t just another option—it’s becoming the preferred choice for many. 🤔 What are your thoughts on this tech? Are you considering switching to FWA, or if you've already made the switch, how has your experience been? #FWA #5G #TechNews #HomeInternet #Ericsson #DigitalDivide #ConnectivityForAll

10

1 Comment

I had the opportunity to hear Steve Salata speak about his remarkable journey from military service to his current role at Comcast. His insights were both thought-provoking and practical. Here are some key takeaways: Focus on the Present: Steve emphasized the importance of excelling in your current role. Success today lays the foundation for future opportunities. Future Expansion: Looking ahead, Steve plans to explore roles in product, sales, or operations. His vision is to continuously grow and take on new challenges over time. Digesting Feedback: Constructive feedback is crucial for growth. Steve highlighted the importance of being open to feedback, understanding it objectively, and using it to drive personal and professional improvement. Continuous Improvement: To advance in your career, continually seek ways to enhance your skills and adapt to new opportunities. Thank you, Steve, for sharing your journey and advice! 🚀 Thanks #YPN and #Vetnet for hosting this event. Thank you Kelly Walsh, MBA for facilitating the conversation  #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #FuturePlanning #Feedback #ContinuousImprovement #Leadership #Comcast

15

2 Comments

Verizon saw a great Q1 for private wireless. 🎉 Verizon's Q1 earnings call took place yesterday and if you are anything like me you were anxiously listening to Hans Vestberg looking for clues to the #privatewireless business at team Red. According to Hans, Verizon had a "great quarter in private wireless." This statement was underwritten by examples of "transformative deals". Hans offered Cummins Inc. as a shining example of those deals. There was also some insight given to the strategy Verizon Business is leveraging. "The numbers are many while the [revenue] values are still small.", Hans said. Later there was talk about building a [customer] base that over time will create upsell opportunities. Taken collectively I see that Verizon is focused on landing transformative customers today, starting small, and targeting huge long-term potential. Here at Cradlepoint, part of Ericsson, we see the same strategy being deployed by the end customers. They look for potentially transformative projects, start with small deployments having the quickest ROI, and plan to expand to additional use cases to capture the upside. I see this strategy primarily playing out in mining, manufacturing, and ports where organizations have several facilities and potential use cases for #private5g. Cheers to Verizon for a great quarter! 🍻 https://lnkd.in/ebkVuJBw

16

What is a differentiator today is commodity in a few years ... think broadband, ecomm, etc. every new technology provides new advantages and generates a hype cycle that brings a flood of money and press with everyone gushing about how this new tech will revolutionize the world. Oftentimes this is true though as a business leader what we need to remember is that the core tech becomes BAU and it is what you can do with the new tech that matters. So dear business leader, product manager, operations head, corporate strategist, CEO & board members ... #GenAI albeit is new & shiny but is still a tool to solve business problems. It's early days yet so do work with your #ai teams to think through what you can do to improve your business #KPIs and reimagine customer experiences and get a leg up on the competition. It's not the tech but what you can do with it that matters Otherwise, a fool with a tool is still a fool :) https://lnkd.in/dB5zCqsN #ml #machinelearning #realworldml #datascience #experiencefromthefield #writtenbyahuman

11

Let’s Give BEAD a Chance Remember the song, “Let’s Give Love a Chance?” (Okay, there were actually numerous versions of a song with that title, but you get the idea). I’ve been thinking a lot about the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program lately and find myself feeling the same way. Before we get to the “give it a chance” discussion, we have to acknowledge there are some places BEAD simply won’t work. Whether it’s the nature of the area to be served or specific rules that don’t fit well in a given state or for a given provider, there will be some situations in which BEAD just doesn’t add up. But it’s important that we figure out where that’s happening on a case-by-case basis, rather than categorically shrugging shoulders and saying, “It’s just not for me or those potential customers,” without any further thought or review. So, this is to say: let’s give BEAD a chance. Take a serious look at the program in your state and the unserved or underserved areas that might be eligible for bidding and do some due diligence around what your participation might look like. If you don’t, someone else might (or will) and you could end up with a less experienced but well-funded competitor’s network on your doorstep or even in your ILEC area for those parts that you haven’t finished building out yet. READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/eKyU_hFc

79

14 Comments

"The age-old wisdom of a Native American proverb, “You can’t wake a person who is pretending to be asleep”, resonates strongly with the current malaise pervading the telecoms industry. It is a fitting metaphor for the industry’s collective denial of its own flawed 5G gambits, which is costing it dearly in capital and, more deeply, compromising its long-term viability." Credit: Luke Kehoe, "5G: telcoms’ denial of its flaws and failures is costing them dearly" Short term the industry needs to get back to basics - customers, efficiency, 101 running a good business Long term... #6G cannot be the next #5G https://lnkd.in/eQDy-vj6

42

14 Comments

It started when I saw Verizon had revenues from the Cost Recovery and universal service fund, but then we tried to reverse engineer the actual expenses that make up the cost recovery charges first on the Verizon wireless and then AT&T wireless bills -- We'll be putting out a few more stories before we file complaints about these charges. -- it isn't the 3.40 on average, it is that it is applied to what looks like 230 million connections -- and that could be 1/2 of the total -- and this one charge is one of too many and we'll be calling for financial audits to examine the 9 billion in dubious expenses that we could not find explained anywhere --

5

Let’s talk about spectrum: How more bands make a better network. As businesses consider the fascinating use cases fueled by the 5G era, it’s helpful to understand how using multiple frequency bands—low-band, mid-band, and high-band—is a first step toward fulfilling the promise of a 5G-connected world. If you’re not a radio engineer, this territory can get confusing. This 3 minute read provides the perfect primer.

8