
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Listen to this episode to get the skinny on what an MVNO is and what that means to you.
We think it's safe to say that Americans love their streaming and online entertainment. According to NPD, the average U.S. smartphone user now consumes a total of 31.4 GB of data on a monthly basis. That's up fully 25% from a year prior. These numbers are clearly staggering and only seem to be on the rise as each year passes. However, they don't speak for all U.S. citizens and people around the world who are in need of alternative smartphone coverage.
Welcome back to another episode of the 5G Guys! Or maybe more accurately, 5G Guy! It's just me, Dan here today as my co-host Wayne travels internationally. I thought a solo-cast would be a great opportunity to take a deep dive into the topic of M.V.N.O. and why they could be a great carrier option for you and your family if you don't need an unlimited data plan.
What does M.V.N.O stand for?
M: Mobile
V: Virtual
N: Network
O: Operators
What's a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO)? If you're not buying your cellular phone service from AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, you're probably buying service from an MVNO, which has several implications for knowing whose network you're actually using. By the end of the episode, you'll hear the history of how MVNO started, how they grew to a $16 Billion dollar industry, how these companies have made more affordable options for many across the globe, and more.
If you remember the days when changing carriers was a total nightmare, and you had to get a new number, you'll be interested to hear how the F.C.C. played a role in solving that problem for the consumer and how they paved the road for this innovation of cell provider.
You'll also hear how these M.V.N.O. providers are actually connected with "The Big 3" carriers and how they use the same tech to keep everyone connected at different rates and speeds. We hope you enjoy this one "101" level overview! If you have an M.V.N.O. provider and want to know more about what carrier you may be connected to, see the links below!
More Of What's Inside:
Episode Specific Links:
Connect With Us:
Sponsor Links:
Website:
Social:
Submit Your Ideas or Feedback:
Episode Minute By Minute:
Back in the day, air travel looked a lot different than it does today. People would dress to the nines, the isles were wider and the seating was roomier, the finest food would be brought to your seat even if you weren't first-class and so much more. There truly was a higher standard for what made a flight a great experience. Fast forward to today, if you were to ask most modern travelers what makes a great flight, a majority would say that as long as there is no turbulence and they have enough WiFi to go around for everyone they are happy.
On the surface, it may appear that less passion and effort goes into making air travel better for the consumer, but when you take a peek behind the curtain, you will find amazing people and companies working hard to stay at the cutting edge of innovation and working around the clock to keep everyone connected, even in the sky. On today's episode we want to introduce you to one of those amazing people.
Welcome back to another 5G Guys podcast! Join the conversation as we interview Senior Network Deployment Engineer, Fred Teichman. Fred has an incredible background in the Telecommunication industry with over 30-years of experience including things like being on the ground floor of microwave technology for long-distance telephones, worked in public safety with critical backhaul systems, worked on multiple technologies generations for cellular including 5G, Fred was an active tower climber for nine years and grew to senior levels of management with a full responsibility for profit and loss for many general contractors and so much more! All his experience led him to what he is doing now which is helping GoGo Wireless deploy their 5G network for business aviation nationwide.
Hit play to hear how Fred and GoGo are bringing the internet to the sky so planes fly smarter, airlines perform better and passengers travel happier. If you have ever wondered how WiFi on a plane really works, this episode is for you! Be sure to listen all the way to the end to hear Fred explain the technology behind in-flight WiFi and how it all connects on the ground.
You'll also hear how the "work from anywhere" economy and the need to be more connected in the post-pandemic world has accelerated the industry and how even the busiest of professionals can stay on top of work from anywhere thanks to GoGo's proprietary system. From 5G to satellite internet, GoGo's goal is to transform the private aviation experience and enable executive travelers to take their work, life, and play with them, worldwide
Thanks again for listening and supporting our show. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!
PS:
Are you new to the 5G and Telecommunication world? If so, we know it can get confused with all the acronyms like IoT, IP, kbps, LTE, 5G or anything else you've heard us say. That's why we created an "Acronym Decoder Ring" that covers all the industry lingo you need to know. To go straight to the Acronym Decoder Ring and to find more ways to connect with us, scroll down to see all the links!
More Of What's Inside:
Sponsor Links:
Gogo Links:
Video of site build: https://business.gogoair.com/videos/gogo-5g-antenna-tower-installation
5G buildout status: https://business.gogoair.com/infographics/2022/gogo-5g-network-deployment
Connect with us:
Acronym Decoder Ring:
Website:
Social:
Submit Your Ideas or Feedback:
Episode Minute By Minute:
It's safe to say that the smartphone revolution has grown past a trend and moved into a modern necessity. A survey done in 2014 stated that 47% of adults believed they couldn't last a day without their cellphone. With advancements in technology and the new "work from anywhere" economy, we can only imagine how much that number has grown today.
Welcome back to another 5G Guys podcast! Join the conversation as we follow the money trail in the Cellular Carrier industry and explain the fundamentals they use to keep our world connected. Join the conversation as we talk about the excitement of when cellular technology first came out, the history of cellular carriers, and what has changed throughout the years.
Believe it or not, cellular service was unavailable at a consumer level when the technology first came out. It was considered either a luxury or a necessary tool for business, but it was only a matter of time before they brought it to the masses. Listen in as we talk about how the industry grew, the carriers that emerged with more reliable and affordable networks, and the technology that changed the entire course of cellular's history.
Hit play to learn how legacy cell carriers kept up with demand as companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple began leveraging wireless technology to serve a bigger market and scale beyond anyone's expectations.
Carriers know they hold the key infrastructure that the average worker or company needs to succeed in 2022. That's why they are working nearly 24/7 to keep us all connected no matter what happens in the world. Be sure to listen to the end to hear our predictions on the future of the industry and our beliefs about how more reliable and affordable networks for everyone could soon be a reality.
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share it with a friend or tech-lover in your life!
For more free resources or to submit questions and topic ideas, check out the links below!
More Of What's Inside:
Sponsor Links:
Connect with us:
Website:
Social:
Submit Your Ideas or Feedback:
Episode Minute By Minute:
It's in our houses, connected to our phones, and our tablets. Sometimes it's even in our cars, thermostats, and fridges, but does anyone really know how Wi-Fi works?
Welcome back to the 5G Guys podcast! Our guest today is Qualcomm's Director of Technology Standards, Dr. Jim Lansford. Join us as he explains the history of Wi-Fi and how it's become the worldwide standard for connecting billions of people around the globe.
It's easy to forget that Wi-Fi is its own separate entity in the wireless industry, especially when it comes to connecting with our everyday devices. Listen in as Dr. Jim breaks down just how Wi-Fi works and the common misconceptions you might have when it comes to routers, modems, ethernet, and more.
Dr. Jim helps us understand how Wi-Fi works on the spectrum, what regulation looks like in this space, and why it's free to use. You'll learn the differences between cellular and Wi-Fi, especially when it comes to speed and creating a stronger signal. As well as the difference between cellular 5G and Wi-Fi 5G, how the whole world shares the same Wi-Fi spectrum, and the future enhancements they're making to make Wi-Fi more reliable and available.
We really enjoyed talking with Dr. Jim and learning more about what it takes to keep us all connected. If you enjoyed this episode or have questions feel free to reach out to us on our website, you can find it in the links below!
More Of What's Inside:
Sponsor Links:
Connect with us:
Website:
Social:
Submit Your Ideas or Feedback:
Episode Minute By Minute:
Welcome back to the 5G Guys podcast! If you're new here, don't worry, we specialize in making complicated things understandable. Join us as we dive into the history of satellite phone service and how it differs from your everyday cellular. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how satellites work, the obstacles every satellite company has to deal with, and all the things in between.
Listen in as we talk about the future of satellites and what that looks like for us. In the U.S. alone, there are still an estimated 22 million homes that have no option for broadband. This has led to initiatives from the U.S. government to increase the coverage of wireless broadband in partnership with companies like Elon Musk's Starlink. (You may have heard of it or even seen the newest satellites moving through the night sky.)
Elon isn't the only one who's stepped into the satellite game, we talk about future plans from Amazon, China, and other satellite companies that are all racing to stake out their own little place in space. As well as the folks behind the scenes working hard to make sure our future sky isn't filled with blinking satellites.
It's amazing to see what technologies are coming out to keep us more connected. If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to leave a review or contact us directly. You can find our information in the links below!
More Of What's Inside:
Episode Links:
Sponsor Links:
Connect with us:
Website:
Social:
Submit Your Ideas or Feedback:
Episode Minute By Minute:
Welcome back to another episode of the 5G Guys Podcast! Today we start our second season off with a look into the backbone of wireless technology, wires. As weird as it sounds, wires are a crucial part of what makes wireless technology "wireless" and the process behind it is more complicated than you think. Join us as we discuss the relationship wires and wireless have and the wire systems that are now being upgraded for bigger, broader, and stronger wireless connections.
Listen in as we talk about the history of wires and wireless, the move from copper wires to fiber, what fiber really is, and the massive plans to extend fiber (and wireless) to those in rural areas. We talk about the different kind of fiber wires, why your wi-fi is not what's really connecting you to the world, and how wireless has helped the wire industry to grow along with it.
This episode is just the beginning of our dive into wires and their symbiotic relationship with wireless so hit play and learn what it takes to make easy access wireless possible. For more resources or to connect with us, check out the links below!
More Of What's Inside:
Sponsor Links:
Connect with us:
Website:
Social:
Submit Your Ideas or Feedback:
Episode Minute By Minute:
We've been getting a ton of outreach asking for our take on the standoff between AT&T/Verizon and US aviation and federal regulating groups as it relates to the launch of new 5G service on the C-Band.
This FLASHPOD will update on the latest situation and our take on how we got to this point and what's likely to happen going forward.
Lingo You Need For This Episode:
More Of What's Inside:
Episode Links:
Sponsor Links: www.vertex-us.com
Connect with us:
Website:
Social:
Submit Your Ideas or Feedback:
Welcome back for another episode of the 5G Guys! If you've listened to us before you've heard us state that "wireless is the fourth utility", and with 2021 coming to a close, that reality will be here sooner than you think. Join us in the second part of a two-part series on what to expect in 2022, and the episodes we're looking forward to recording.
In today's episode, you'll hear about the big picture of all things wireless that are set to take off in 2022, plus some practical stuff that you, our listeners, have been asking about. You won't want to miss the practical tips we'll have to offer if you want to get started in the wireless industry. Education, experience, and background will be some of the things we cover in the new year and it won't be a moment too soon. We talk about the worker shortage and the unique challenges it brings to the workforce, as well as how AI and technology advancements could end up making jobs easier for those involved.
Listen in as we discuss our plans to help you understand more about the wireless industry as a whole with episodes like Wifi 101, SCADA, and even microwaves. We'll dive into private networks and how they can help companies, large venues, and schools work more efficiently for less. It doesn't stop there, you'll gain practical tips on how you can keep your identity and personal information safe in a world where it all goes digital. Not to mention the Metaverse, self-driving cars, and smart cities, 2022 will be bursting with technologies you'll want to pay attention to.
We'll let your head stop spinning now. This next year is going to be big, but with the 5G Guys podcast in your pocket it may be just a little easier to stay informed. To connect with us, check out our website 5gguys.com or subscribe to our newsletter, you can find it in the links below!
More Of What's Inside:
Sponsor Links:
Connect with us:
Website:
Social:
Submit Your Ideas or Feedback:
Episode Minute By Minute:
For a lot of us, 2021 was a reset period for our lives. Whether it was learning how to work remotely, helping the kids with remote school, or even just changing the way we traveled, the world began shifting to accommodate a more wireless society. The demand for faster, more reliable networks sent technology giants into overdrive.
If 2021 was the reset period, then 2022 is set to launch us into a world of new possibilities. Join us in this new series as we discuss our predictions for wireless technologies in the coming year.
In the last episode, we reviewed all the conversations we've had so far and the amazing technology that is currently being built to make our world more accessible. Today, we focus on the business side of wireless telecom, our predictions of what moves wireless carriers are likely to make next year, and what type of activity you might expect to see in your everyday life.
Listen in as we talk about the C-Band dilemma with "the big three" carriers and our predictions of how long the delay may last. We talk about improved satellites like Starlink and where we think they fit within the industry of wireless communications, as well as the rise of private and fixed networks that could change the way rural areas work forever. You'll learn about the new infrastructure bill that has recently passed and the things you may see in 2022 like improved reception in stadiums, hospitals, hot spots, and even better service. We talk about the supply chain shortage and how that may affect not only the wireless industry but the infrastructure that may be tapping into those resources next year.
Get your first inside look at our predictions for 2022 and keep an eye out for the advancements that may be coming to your area! For more resources or to connect with us, check out the links below!
More Of What's Inside:
Sponsor Links:
Connect with us:
Website:
Social:
Submit Your Ideas or Feedback:
Episode Minute By Minute:
Technology is important because it creates the future. We're able to be a part of the "next" and create things that don't exist. - MC Hammer
Welcome back to 5G Guys! It's hard to believe that 2021 is almost over, it feels like so much has happened in such a short time. Before we get lost in the holidays and excitement of the new year we thought it would be a good idea to look at the past episodes and guests we've had on this show. If you're new to the 5G Guys podcast, this is a great place to hear what all we've learned this year.
Listen in as we talk about the incredible conversations we've had with some of the leading minds in the industry today. From understanding the basics of the "G's" to AI, edge computing, and the paths it opens, we have learned just how impactful wireless technology has been for the growth of our society today. The innovations we see are possible because of the brilliant minds that created a foundation to go off. We talk about wireless charging that started with Nikola Tesla, how Marty Cooper changed the world as the father of the cellphone, and even the history of cellular in our first episode "cellular 101".
Join us as we think back on the conversations we've had throughout the year, and the incredible ways that wireless is being used to help with everyday needs. Imagine traveling with no spotty service or being able to reach emergency services no matter where you are. With innovations like these, it's safe to say that staying connected will be easier than ever before. Of course, with every new development comes the fear of privacy invasion, we go over the things we've learned as well as what is fact and what is fiction. We even talk about how technology impacts your mental health and how you can create a space that's safe for your growing family.
We have enjoyed being able to shed some light on this complex industry, and we hope that you have enjoyed learning along with us. To find the episodes we mentioned or to connect with us for questions and feedback, check out the links below!
More Of What's Inside:
Links To Episodes Mentioned:
Sponsor Links:
Connect with us:
Website:
Social:
Submit Your Ideas or Feedback:
Episode Minute By Minute:
From the publisher's feed