SNR | Signal-to-Noise Radio

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Key Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:

1. Wireless Carrier Competition and Promotions:

• AT&T Launches "Switch and Save" to Counter T-Mobile's "Carrier Freedom": The promo offers to pay off up to $800 per line for customers switching to AT&T who have an active account with their current carrier for at least 120 days and have made at least four payments on their phone's installment plan.
• T-Mobile Increases Prices on Legacy Plans: T-Mobile is implementing a price increase of $5 per month per line for some of its older, legacy plans, starting on April 2nd. This follows a similar price hike in May 2024.
• Go5G, Go5G Plus, and Go5G Next subscribers are reportedly not affected.
• Customers with a "Price Lock" guarantee are said to be exempt from this increase.
• T-Mobile Enhances Store Transparency: T-Mobile is mandating that its authorized retailers display clear signage to distinguish themselves from third-party retailers. This move aims to improve customer experience and address issues arising from inconsistent interactions at non-official stores. Failure to comply could result in store shutdowns.

2. Broadband Speed Upgrades and Offerings:

• Comcast Boosts Xfinity Internet Speeds: Comcast has announced free speed upgrades for over 20 million Xfinity Internet customers.
• Upload speeds will increase by 50 to 100 percent for most tiers, benefiting activities like working from home and social media posting. Download speeds will also see increases for many customers.
• New and existing customers on plans 400 Mbps or faster can receive a free line of Unlimited on Xfinity Mobile for a year.
• Starlink's "Residential Lite" Plan Not Seen as a "Gamechanger": Starlink has launched a more affordable broadband option, "Residential Lite," in 15 U.S. states, priced at $80 per month with speeds of 50-100 Mbps. However, analysts believe it won't significantly disrupt the rural broadband market.
• The service will be "deprioritized" during peak hours, potentially leading to slower speeds.
• Roger Entner, Principal at Recon Analytics, noted, "'no matter how you look at it $80 is still a high price,'... 'You almost always get more customers when you lower price, but I would not call it a game changer.'"

3. Re-emergence of "Landline" Services:

• AT&T Launches "AT&T Phone Advanced": AT&T is introducing a modern alternative to traditional landlines called "AT&T Phone Advanced" in Southern California.
• This service utilizes a cellular or broadband connection and comes in a special box that can connect standard phones, fax machines, or alarm systems. It includes a 24-hour emergency backup battery.
• AT&T's efforts to replace copper cables with modern infrastructure, citing an 82% decrease in landline service in California over the past decade.
• The service starts at $45 per month plus equipment costs.

4. Advancements in Audio and Accessibility:

• Android Integrates Auracast for Bluetooth Hearing Aids: 
• Auracast enables multiple Bluetooth audio devices to connect to a single audio source, with rollout expected in public spaces.
• Google is adding a feature to Pixel phones to scan QR codes for joining local Auracast streams and has included Auracast location information in Google Maps.

5. Integration of Generative AI into Google Assistant:

• Gemini AI to Replace Google Assistant: Google is planning to integrate its Gemini generative AI model into Google Assistant across virtually all devices where Assistant is currently available.
• This includes older mobile devices, table

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-Mario Mejia

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I. Cable Companies and CBRS Spectrum

• Slow Public Offload Deployment: Despite Charter's CEO Chris Winfrey stating they have "deployed thousands of radios for CBRS" and plan to deploy more, data from OpenSignal indicates that commercial mobile customers of Comcast and Charter showed "no additional time on CBRS" compared to Verizon customers, who spent around 3% of their time on Verizon's CBRS.
• Verizon's CBRS Usage: In contrast to cable companies' seemingly slower public offload, Verizon states it has deployed more CBRS basestations ("CBSDs") than any other single user in the US, representing about 15% of the total, primarily for outdoor 4G network augmentation. However, Verizon emphasizes that its investments in CBRS are smaller compared to its high-power C-band spectrum investments, which are central to its 5G future.

II. T-Mobile's Strategic Initiatives

T-Mobile is actively pursuing multiple strategies to enhance its market position, expand its offerings, and engage customers.

Key Observations:

• Defining and Launching "5G-Advanced": T-Mobile has defined its own version of 5G-Advanced and has launched it nationwide. Their definition includes a standalone 5G core (launched 2020), multiple aggregated carriers on uplink and downlink, RedCap technology for IoT (launched last year), and L4S technology for reduced latency.
• "AI Phone" Development: Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile's parent company) and Perplexity are collaborating to build a low-cost "AI Phone" priced under $1,000, slated for release in Europe starting in 2026. The device will also feature AI from Google Cloud, ElevenLabs, and Picsart. Deutsche Telekom is also launching "Magenta AI," an AI assistant app for its existing customers. 
• Acquisitions for Advertising Solutions: T-Mobile has completed the acquisition of Vistar Media (digital out-of-home advertising technology) and announced the acquisition of Blis (location-based ad targeting) for $175 million. 
• Customer Data Breach Settlement: T-Mobile will pay $350 million to customers affected by the significant 2021 data breach that impacted approximately 76 million people.
• Enhanced Carrier Freedom Program: T-Mobile has updated its "Carrier Freedom" program, now matching AT&T's offer of up to $800 in credit for customers switching to T-Mobile. 

III. Verizon's Strategic Adjustments

Verizon is also making moves in its fixed wireless and cybersecurity offerings.

Key Observations:

• 5G Home Plus Price Increase: Verizon has increased the price of its 5G Home Plus internet service by $10 per month for new customers who bundle it with a qualifying wireless plan, bringing the price to $55. 
• Focus on Cybersecurity for Businesses: Verizon Business has partnered with Accenture to provide new comprehensive cybersecurity solutions for mid-market and large enterprises. This collaboration aims to speed up the development and delivery of services such as identity and access management (IAM), managed extended detection and response (MxDR), and cyber risk services. 

IV. Qualcomm's Fixed Wireless Access Advancement

Qualcomm has introduced its Dragonwing Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Gen 4 Elite platform at MWC 2025.

Key Observations:

• High Performance FWA Platform: The new platform features the Qualcomm X85 5G Modem-RF.
• Enhanced Speeds and Range: Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite delivers peak 5G download speeds over 12.5Gbps and an mmWave 5G network range of up to 14km.
• Versatile Application: Qualcomm states that the technology in the Snapdragon X85 Modem-R

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Briefing Document: Telecommunications Industry Trends - Early 2025

Overview:

• Innovative Billing Solutions: AT&T's introduction of SplitPay℠ for multi-line accounts.
• 5G Advancements & Network APIs: Improvements in 5G technology and the launch of advanced network APIs by major carriers.
• Market Dynamics: Subscriber growth for Boost Mobile, despite losses in the pay-TV sector.
• Service Reliability: Outages affecting T-Mobile and Mint Mobile users.

1. AT&T's SplitPay℠: Simplifying Bill Splitting

• Key Features: SplitPay℠ allows account owners to assign a payor for each line, sending each designated user a text message with a secure link to pay their portion of the bill.
• Convenience & User-Friendliness: The service aims to eliminate the "headache of bill splitting," making it "simple and pain-free."
• Limitations: Account owners remain responsible for the total bill amount, and AutoPay via credit cards is excluded.

2. Satellite Connectivity: Bridging Coverage Gaps

• AT&T & Verizon Partnerships: Both carriers are working with AST SpaceMobile to build a "space-based cellular broadband network." They recently completed their "first satellite to cellular-enabled video call" using AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites.
• Key Milestones (AT&T & AST SpaceMobile): The partnership has achieved several milestones, including the first two-way voice call (April 2023), the first over-the-top video application call (June 2023), and the first direct-to-cellular 5G call (September 2023) over AT&T spectrum.
• Eutelsat, MediaTek & Airbus: These companies have conducted the "world’s first trial of 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology" over Eutelsat OneWeb LEO satellites. This aims to "result in future satellite and terrestrial interoperability" and enable "ubiquitous connectivity with economies of scale."

3. 5G Advancements & Network APIs: Enhancing Performance and Innovation

• Verizon's Speed Record: Verizon, in collaboration with Ericsson and Qualcomm, achieved a "US record-breaking 480 Mbps uplink speed" using C-band spectrum and uplink MIMO technology. Faster upload speeds are "critical for time-sensitive applications like healthcare diagnostics, remote robotics, and live broadcasting."
• Advanced Network APIs: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are launching advanced network APIs for Number Verification and SIM Swap in the US through a collaboration with Aduna and Ericsson. This is designed to empower enterprises and developers with "carrier-grade, standardized network API capabilities" for secure authentication and fraud reduction.

4. AI Integration: Reshaping Networks and Customer Experience

• Network Optimization
• Customer Service: Customer service bots are evolving into more intelligent systems, providing personalized support.
• Verizon & AI: Verizon is developing an AI strategy to power next-gen AI demands. The company also launched AI Connect, providing low-latency edge computing for AI workloads.

5. Market Dynamics: Boost Mobile's Growth

• Subscriber Gains: Boost added 90,000 subscribers in Q4 2024, and 105,000 when adjusting to the 15,000 it lost due to the demise of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

6. Service Reliability: T-Mobile Outage

Outage affecting T-Mobile and Mint Mobile users in Indiana.

• Prolonged Disruption: Cell phone service was disrupted for three days, starting on February 24th.

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-Mario Mejia

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Key Themes and Developments:

1. T-Mobile's 5G Dominance and Strategy:

• Rural 5G Leadership: According to a report by Ookla, "T-Mobile is currently rocking the largest percentage of 5G users spending the majority of their time on its 5G network in both urban and rural markets." This success is attributed to strategic planning, including the deployment of low-band 600MHz spectrum ("Extended Range 5G") and the acquisition of Sprint, which provided access to the 2.5GHz spectrum ("Ultra Capacity 5G").
• Expansion Goals: T-Mobile aims to reach a 20% share of households in small markets by the end of 2025 and provide coverage to 90% of America's rural population by 2026.
• Acquisition of USCellular: T-Mobile is expected to acquire approximately 30% of USCellular's spectrum holdings and 4.5 million customers.
• T-Priority for Emergency Services: T-Mobile has secured a deal to provide telecommunications services to emergency services in New York City using network slicing via its T-Priority service. This service prioritizes calls and data traffic for first responders, ensuring lower latency and faster 5G speeds, even in congested areas.
• FirstNet Comparison: T-Mobile claims T-Priority offers more capacity than AT&T's FirstNet, which is based on 4G technology.
• Customer Service Concerns: T-Mobile's push for self-service through the T-Life app may not be welcomed by all customers, particularly those who are not tech-savvy, raising concerns about customer service and potential job losses. "T-Mobile wants to reduce the reliance on employees and physical stores, suggesting it might be planning to lay off some staff and close down some locations."
• Employee Incentives: T-Mobile employees are incentivized to get customers to use T-Life, raising concerns about pressure on both employees and customers.

2. Verizon's MVNOs and Affordable Plans:

• Tablet Plans: Total Wireless and Straight Talk Wireless (both Verizon MVNOs) are launching affordable unlimited tablet plans, starting at $10/month when bundled with phone service. These plans include access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network and hotspot data.
• Device Bundles: The MVNOs are also offering new tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G and TCL Tabs at discounted prices when bundled with a tablet plan.
• Rewarding Data Usage: Straight Talk offered customers in NYC and NJ gift cards for demonstrating their data usage.
• VZ's Focus: Verizon intially struggled with 5G deployment as it didn't have a lot of low-band spectrum. The carrier used a technology called Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), which allows it to run 5G on the same spectrum bands as LTE (AT&T also uses DSS in some of its low-band spectrum).

3. AT&T's Strategy:

• FirstNet Focus: AT&T is prioritizing the expansion of FirstNet, its public safety network, into rural areas. This network uses band 14 and aims to provide reliable communications for first responders.

Implications:

• Competition: The telecommunications market remains highly competitive, with T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T vying for market share through network expansion, service innovation, and strategic acquisitions.
• Rural Coverage: 5G expansion in rural areas is a key battleground, with T-Mobile currently holding a significant advantage.
• Customer Service Evolution: Carriers are increasingly focusing on digital self-service, which could impact customer experience and staffing levels.
• Affordability: MVNOs are playing an important role in providing affordable wireless option

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-Mario Mejia

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Briefing Document: 

Overall Themes:

• 5G Competition is Fierce and Confusing: Carriers are aggressively marketing their 5G networks, often with conflicting claims of being the "best," "fastest," or "most reliable." Independent testing results are being interpreted and rephrased to favor each carrier's narrative.
• Satellite Connectivity is the New Frontier: T-Mobile and Verizon are prominently featuring satellite connectivity in their advertising, focusing on expanded coverage and eliminating dead zones.

Detailed Breakdown:

1. 5G Network Claims and Competition:

• The "Everyone Gets an Award" Scenario: Ookla studies (RootMetrics and Speedtest) are producing results that allow multiple carriers to claim top spots. 
• Verizon claims "Best 5G, Fastest 5G, and Most Reliable 5G" from RootMetrics.
• AT&T claims the "fastest and most reliable mobile carrier network in the U.S." (Android Police), citing Ookla's Speedtest Connectivity Report and also highlights AT&T Fiber being crowned as "America’s fastest internet with the most reliable speeds".
• T-Mobile touts the "fastest and most consistent 5G network in the US" based on a Speedtest Connectivity Report.

2. Wireless Advertising Trends:

• Satellite Connectivity: "Wireless advertising has had a strong start in 2025...but the focus on satellite connectivity is new to carrier advertising." (RCR Wireless News)
• T-Mobile partnered with Starlink, emphasizing "the only space-based network that automatically connects to the phone you already have," inviting all carrier users to try it for free until July.
• Verizon showcased its satellite messaging capabilities with Buzz Aldrin in a Grammy Awards ad, "Conquering Dead Zones with Satellite".
• Prepaid Advertising: "January is traditionally a soft month for prepaid wireless sales" (RCR Wireless News). Metro by T-Mobile offered "4 free 5G phones," and Boost Mobile targeted Spanish-speaking customers with an offer of 4 free Moto G 5G phones.

3. 5G Deployment and Infrastructure:

• Super Bowl LIX Focus: Carriers invested heavily in network upgrades for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
• Verizon installed 509 ultra-wideband 5G antennas, 155 C-band specific antennas, and 42 MatSing antennas in the Superdome and encouraged customers to turn off Wi-Fi and use its 5G Ultra Wideband service.
• AT&T upgraded its distributed antenna system (DAS) and installed over 250 MatSing antennas in the Superdome, in addition to 5G+ mmWave radios.
• T-Mobile upgraded its indoor DAS, upgraded macro sites in nearby areas, and installed mmWave antennas in the Superdome.
• Data Usage: At Super Bowl LIX, Verizon users consumed 38.1TB of data, and AT&T's network handled nearly 29TB.
• 5G Standalone (SA) and Advanced: Spirent's report indicates that "The real action unfolded behind the scenes, where progress toward large-scale SA rollouts continued at a rapid pace and new 5G-Advanced plays kicked off," (RCR Wireless News).

4. Verizon Price Increases and Device Protection:

• Price Hikes: Verizon is raising prices on multi-device plans (four or more lines) from $60 to $68 per month. 
• Total Wireless Protect: Verizon announced a $5-per-month device protection plan through Total Wireless, offering affordable screen repairs and device replacements. 

5. Metro by T-Mobile's Innovative Approach

• "Ad It Up": Metro by T-Mobile is introducing a program called "Ad It Up", where customers can play games and earn points that can be converted to credit towards t

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-Mario Mejia

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Key Themes & Developments:

5G Expansion and Upgrades:

• AT&T is upgrading its voice core with Nokia to support 5G voice calls (VoNR). Dell'Oro Group noted that "the Nokia contract will help AT&T enable 5G voice." This deal also signals Nokia's strong position in the IMS and VoLTE market: "Nokia has two-thirds of the market for IMS [IP Multimedia Subsystem] and VoLTE [Voice over LTE], and this will surely help them cement this position". The upgrade uses a "cloud-native IMS Core to handle 5G voice calls."
• UScellular is deploying Samsung's mmWave and virtualized RAN (vRAN) capabilities for its 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) service. UScellular's VP of engineering and network operations, Mike Dienhart, stated that mmWave's "ultra-high bandwidth will allow it 'to unleash new capabilities and deliver cutting-edge customer experiences'".
• C Spire is launching 5G-powered FWA services in Mississippi, using Nokia for radio equipment and Inseego's 5G Wavemaker FX3110 router. Their "5G Home Internet" service supports download speeds up to 100 Mbit/s for $70 a month.

Satellite Connectivity and Direct-to-Device (D2D) Services: 

• Skylo Technologies is launching its D2D service with Verizon on the Samsung Galaxy S25, offering SOS messaging across North America. 
• T-Mobile is offering free Starlink connectivity (in beta) to Verizon and AT&T customers until July, after which it will be included in certain T-Mobile plans or available as a paid add-on. CEO Mike Sievert proclaimed, "T-Mobile Starlink is the first and only space-based mobile network in the US that automatically connects to your phone so you can be connected even where no cellular network reaches."

Innovation in Service Offerings: 

• AT&T is rolling out enhanced caller ID technology that displays the reason for business calls, using pre-set options like "Appointment Reminder" or "Customer Service." This feature leverages the STIR/SHAKEN call authentication standard.

Spectrum Allocation and Potential Conflicts: 

• SpaceX is vying for access to the upper C-band spectrum (3.98–4.2 GHz), potentially putting it in competition with T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon.

Company-Specific Information:

• AT&T: Focusing on core network modernization with Nokia, enhancing voice capabilities (VoNR), and improving customer experience with advanced caller ID.
• T-Mobile: Emphasizing satellite connectivity through Starlink, offering free trials, and expanding reach through partnerships. T-Mobile may soon find itself competing with its partner on the satellite initiative, SpaceX for wireless spectrum.
• Verizon: Partnering with Skylo for D2D services on Samsung devices and competing aggressively in the wireless market.
• Boost Mobile (EchoStar): Facing significant challenges in gaining market share and potentially considering a sale of spectrum assets.
• UScellular: Deploying mmWave technology with Samsung to enhance FWA services.
• C Spire: Expanding into FWA using Nokia equipment, targeting underserved areas in Mississippi, and evaluating participation in the BEAD program. C Spire has been exploring ways to offer Mobile and FWA services to the underserved rural markets. 
• Comcast: Continuing the partnership with NASCAR, and will be giving Super Bowl LIX the white glove treatment with 'enhanced' 4K.

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-Mario Mejia

Let us know your thoughts about this episode!

Weekly briefing:

1. Intensified Competition 

• Cable Broadband Struggles: Comcast and Charter are both experiencing significant losses in broadband subscribers due to competition from fiber providers and fixed wireless access (FWA) services offered by mobile carriers. Charter reported 171k  residential broadband disconnects in Q4, while Comcast lost 131k.
• Comcast's Wireless Pivot: Comcast added 307k net mobile subs in Q4.
• Cable Bundling Strategy:  Charter and Comcast are trying to highlight the value of bundled packages which include streaming services, TV and mobile. Charter CEO Chris Winfrey stated that their customers save $80 a month with the bundles versus purchasing services individually, "We look forward to fully rolling that out in the first half of this year.”
• Low Latency as a Differentiator: To counter the appeal of FWA, Comcast is emphasizing its low latency technology as an advantage, particularly for gaming and video streaming.

2. Satellite-Based Cellular Connectivity

• AST SpaceMobile's FCC Approval: AST SpaceMobile has received Special Temporary Authority (STA) from the FCC to test its satellite service in the U.S. with AT&T and Verizon. This allows them to test directly with unmodified, off-the-shelf cell phones on AT&T and Verizon's network.
• Strategic Partnerships: While T-Mobile was an early leader in satellite-based texting with SpaceX, AT&T and Verizon are quickly catching up with AST SpaceMobile. AST SpaceMobile has secured significant investment from major players like AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone, and has agreements with over 45 mobile network operators globally.
• Vodafone's Video Call Breakthrough: Vodafone successfully made the world's first satellite video call via unmodified 4G and 5G cell phones. 

3. The Evolving Streaming Landscape & Bundled Services

• MLS Season Pass Deals: Apple is partnering with Comcast and T-Mobile to offer new viewing experiences for MLS Season Pass.
• Charter's Streaming Struggles: Despite bundling streaming services with pay TV packages, Charter continues to see pay TV subscriber losses. They plan to educate customers more effectively about these included streaming benefits.
• AT&T Bundling Strategy: AT&T is having success bundling 5G and fiber. 

4. Mixed Outlook for XR Technologies

• Lack of Direction: The development of Apple's AR glasses is reported to have been disjointed with a lack of overall direction. Apple's high-end Vision Pro headset is facing poor sales, raising concerns about its future. However, cheaper versions are still reportedly in development.
• Comcast's Low-Latency Partnership: Comcast is rolling out a low-latency internet experience in partnership with Meta, Nvidia and Valve to enhance experiences like gaming and VR. This shows some continued investment in the XR space, albeit from a network perspective.

5. Customer Satisfaction Trends

• Wireless Customer Care Decline: Overall satisfaction with wireless customer care has declined for the first time in two years, particularly in-store and website experiences, according to J.D. Power. They attribute this to "complex" product offerings.
• T-Mobile Leads Mobile Network Operators: T-Mobile ranks highest in customer satisfaction among mobile network operators for the 15th consecutive volume. The study gives them a score of 837.
• Spectrum Mobile Leads Full-Service MVNOs: Spectrum Mobile ranks highest among full-service MVNOs, with a score of 845.
• Consumer Cellular Leads Value MVNOs:

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-Mario Mejia

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Briefing Document: 

Key Themes and Findings:

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is Expanding Rapidly:

• Global Growth: FWA is no longer just a "rural niche" in the US; it's experiencing rapid growth in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This is driven by the need for cost-effective connectivity and upgrades to existing 3G and LTE networks.
• FWA for Underserved Markets: Companies like Kwikbit are targeting niche markets such as manufactured home communities (MHCs) that are often overlooked by traditional fiber providers. They face permitting challenges, and old infrastructure.
• Verizon FWA Growth: Verizon has seen strong growth in its fixed wireless business, adding 373,000 subscribers in Q4, for a total of 4.6 million subs. The company is on track to hit 8 to 9 million FWA subscribers by 2028.
• C Spire Launches FWA in Mississippi: C Spire launched a 5G home internet service using FWA to expand internet access to underserved communities, providing speeds up to 100 Mbps. They are targeting the 23% of Mississippi households without internet access.
• MDU (Multiple Dwelling Unit) Focus: Verizon is planning to launch a fixed wireless product specifically for multi-dwelling units in the coming months, acknowledging that residential growth is slowing.

Wi-Fi Offloading as a Performance Booster:

• MVNO Speed Boost: Cable MVNOs like Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile have significantly increased download speeds by utilizing their large footprints of customer Wi-Fi hotspots for "offloading". These increases are on the order of 100 Mbps.
• Performance Impact: Spectrum Mobile saw median download speeds more than double from 84.35 Mbps to 188.63 Mbps in the past two years. Xfinity Mobile saw speeds increase more than 2.5 times in the same period, from 66.60 Mbps to 170.39 Mbps.

Competitive Pricing and Marketing Practices:

• T-Mobile Ad Controversy: T-Mobile was forced to discontinue advertising that claimed 20% savings versus AT&T and Verizon after a complaint, because it failed to clearly disclose the basis for the savings (inclusion of streaming service costs).
• Verizon Price Increases: Verizon is raising prices for customers with multiple lines (5+) and customers still on old plans. These price increases come in the form of a $3 per line per month increase to select myPlan accounts, and a $4 to $15 per line increase for customers on older "New Verizon Plan" accounts. Data overage fees are also going up for those on older plans.

Network Technology Evolution and Challenges

• 2G Shutdown: T-Mobile is officially shutting down its 2G network on February 9, 2025. This is a necessary step for network modernization but requires that users of 2G devices upgrade to newer technology. T-Mobile is offering free phones to customers still using 2G.

Financial Performance and Outlook

• Verizon's Strong Q4: Verizon reported strong Q4 2024 earnings, with revenue and subscriber growth exceeding expectations, boosted by postpaid mobile and broadband additions. Wireless service revenue was up 3.1% year-over-year, driven by pricing and FWA growth. Verizon's FWA revenues jumped 51.6% to $611 million in Q3 and exceeded $2.1 billion for the full year.
• T-Mobile Price Lock Concerns: An internal document shows T-Mobile is retiring its "Price Lock" guarantee for Fiber Home Internet service, raising concerns about potential future price hikes for both fiber and wireless customers.

Thank you for listening!
-Mario Mejia

Let us know your thoughts about this episode!

Briefing Document:

This summary captures key news in the week leading up to Jan 20th, '25.

A. Market Shifts:

• Affordable Broadband Act (ABA) in New York: New York's Affordable Broadband Act requires internet service providers to offer low-income households significantly discounted plans ($15/month for 25Mbps, $20/month for 200Mbps). These prices must include all fees and equipment rental.
• AT&T's Response to ABA: AT&T is exiting the New York home internet market (Internet Air service) altogether, deeming the rate regulations "harmful" and "uneconomical." They are giving current customers 45 days to find a new provider and will provide prepaid return kits for equipment.
• Competitive Landscape: AT&T's exit opens up opportunities for competitors like Verizon and T-Mobile. Verizon already offers affordable options that might align with the ABA, while T-Mobile, with its 5G expansion, may look to gain market share.
• Apple Leads Smartphone Shipments: Apple led global smartphone shipments in Q4 2024 with a 23% market share. They cite growth in Southeast Asia and India. Samsung is second (16%).
• Verizon’s Challenges: Despite reputation for best coverage built on earlier acquisitions, it is also implementing significant price hikes for both new and older plan users. 

B. Disaster Response and Network Resilience:

• Los Angeles Wildfires: Various responses from the industry to accommodate customers. 
• Verizon: Waiving all prepaid and postpaid call, text, and data charges for impacted counties from 1/9-1/18. Extending service end dates and waiving usage fees for prepaid customers. Has set up free Wi-Fi and charging stations in multiple locations.
• AT&T: Waiving overage charges and allowing unlimited talk, text, and data usage through  2/6.
• Apple: Allowing Apple Card users in affected areas to postpone payments without accruing interest for one month, available through Apple Card Support via the Messages app.
• T-Mobile: Enabled Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite messaging for T-Mobile customers in LA, allowing texting including 911, in areas with cellular infrastructure damage.
• Satellite Connectivity: T-Mobile and Apple are both leveraging satellite provide critical communication capabilities when cell towers are damaged or overloaded. 
• Network Slicing: T-Mobile is testing 5G network slicing in LA to give first responders higher priority, speeds, and capacity (T-Priority). This leverages their 5G Standalone (SA) network. 

C. Technological Advancements:

• 5G Standalone (SA): T-Mobile was first US operator to commercially launch a 5G SA core. Other operators like Verizon and AT&T are moving more slowly to 5G SA.
• Direct-to-Cell Satellite Connectivity: T-Mobile's beta program with Starlink is live.
• Network Optimization using AI: T-Mobile is using AI and software-defined networking to optimize performance.

D. FCC and Regulatory Landscape:

• New FCC Nominee: Olivia Trusty, a former staffer on Capitol Hill and for Verizon and Qwest, is President Trump’s nominee to fill a vacant FCC seat. 
• Spectrum Allocation: There is ongoing debate over spectrum allocation, particularly the lower 3 GHz band, which the wireless industry desires. The Department of Defense has historically resisted releasing this spectrum. 

E. Business and Sponsorships

• UFC and Total Wireless: UFC has partnered with Verizon’s Total Wireless, naming them "Official Wireless Provider" in a one year deal with options. Total Wire

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-Mario Mejia

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Briefing Document: Looking to 2025 

1. The Ascendancy of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
https://www.rcrwireless.com/20250116/analyst-angle/fixed-wireless-access-preferred-internet-connection-analyst-angle

• Key Idea: FWA is rapidly becoming the preferred next home internet connection for Americans, surpassing traditional cable and DSL options in popularity.
• High Satisfaction: FWA has higher customer satisfaction scores (cNPS) due to a better purchasing/installation experience and easy return policies.
• Spectrum Implications: The rising popularity of FWA is increasing demand for full-power licensed spectrum to support greater network capacity, leading to potential conflict with cable companies who wish to limit this capacity.

2. The Evolution of Service Bundling
https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/op-ed-bundling-alive-and-well-if-providers-know-how-package-their-services

• Key Idea: While service bundles are still relevant for customer retention, the core of successful bundles has shifted to focus on the internet, particularly when combined with mobile phone service.
• Internet and Mobile Synergy: Bundles alone do not drive satisfaction. Bundles with TV service drive more dissatisfaction compared to other bundles.

3. Challenges and Opportunities for 5G Standalone (SA)

• Key Idea: Despite its promise, 5G SA is struggling to deliver on its potential, with operators facing high deployment costs and limited monetization opportunities.
• Slow Monetization: Operators are struggling to translate 5G's technical advancements into revenue.
• FWA as a Success Story: FWA is a rare bright spot for 5G.
• Customer-Centric Approach Needed: The industry needs to shift from a focus on network technology to prioritizing customer-centric innovations.
• Fiber Still a Threat: Fiber remains a strong competitor, offering consistency and reliability, which may be increasingly valued over sheer speed.

4. The double-edge sword of the killer 5G 'app'

• Key Idea: The proliferation of data-intensive applications from "22-year-old whiz kids" could overwhelm mobile networks if operators don't carefully plan for traffic growth and premium pricing models.
• Risk of Unintended Consequences: Building high-performance networks with low latency and edge computing can incentivize app developers to prefer 5G, potentially flooding mobile networks with traffic.
• Need for Premium Pricing: Operators need to develop premium pricing plans for low-latency services to prevent traffic surges from undermining profitability.

5. Potential Mergers and Acquisitions, Specifically Charter

• Key Idea: There is substantial speculation about the potential acquisition of Charter Communications by either Comcast or T-Mobile.
• Regulatory Advantage: A T-Mobile-Charter merger might face less regulatory resistance than a Comcast-Charter merger.
• Trump Administration Impact: The incoming Trump administration is expected to be more lenient toward mega-transactions, possibly easing the path for either merger.
• T-Mobile's M&A appetite: T-Mobile's recent acquisition of Vistar Media and other acquisitions demonstrate their drive to expand their business,  expanding its advertising business using digital

Thank you for listening!
-Mario Mejia