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What if the best ISP on your block doesn’t own the tower—or even the access network? Drew sits down with Matt Larson, founder and CEO of VistaBeam and chair of WISPA, to explore how open access for fixed wireless and fiber could flip the broadband model from top to bottom. With radio platforms now supporting hundreds of subscribers per sector and multi‑operator IDs on the same AP, shared infrastructure is finally reliable enough to scale.

We dig into the real-world friction behind RDOF and BEAD, from delays to defaults, and why contract terms like termination for convenience and reimbursement cadence determine whether builders participate or walk. Matt shares a pragmatic blueprint: treat the access layer like a utility, let specialists focus on what they do best, and use a neutral clearinghouse to standardize APIs, reconcile usage, and settle payments across many operators. The payoff is faster market entry, lower capex per brand, and healthier rural broadband economics.

Along the way, we trade notes on vendor advances, consolidation jitters, and the quiet power of AI to improve network operations, customer support, and data analysis without the buzzwords. Most importantly, we spotlight partnerships that replace range wars: one operator runs rock‑solid infrastructure, another owns local relationships, and both win by eliminating duplicate towers, rents, and headaches. If you care about broadband equity, small‑ISP survival, or simply getting reliable service where you live, this conversation offers a clear path forward.

Enjoy the episode? Follow the show, share it with a colleague who cares about open access, and leave a quick review to help more builders find us. Then tell us: would you trade some margin to move faster on shared infrastructure?

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A polo field, a VIP tent, and thousands of devices waiting to light up—this week we take you behind the scenes of building a festival‑grade network that had to stand up fast, survive wind and wobble, and still deliver when John Mayer took the stage. We share the practical playbook: dual circuits into a gateway, 60 GHz point‑to‑multipoint for distribution, clean PoE runs to access points, and the small field hacks—like orange flags on telescoping poles—that make line of sight and troubleshooting human‑fast. Expect candid notes on channel utilization, why 2.4 GHz was a swamp, when simple tooling beats exotic analyzers, and how teardown can take ten minutes when setup is intentional.

From there, we zoom out to the bigger waves reshaping enterprise wireless. Wi‑Fi 7 adoption is climbing, which means real‑world mixed‑generation estates, careful upgrade points, and a renewed focus on telemetry and automation. We dig into the early promise of 802.11bf passive sensing—turning existing Wi‑Fi into a presence and motion sensor without new transmissions—and the rise of analog backscatter for ultra‑low‑power IoT. Privacy, consent, and coexistence aren’t afterthoughts; they’re table stakes if ambient intelligence is going to be useful and welcomed. On the competitive front, watch the split between cost‑sensitive solutions and license‑heavy premium stacks as buyers prioritize networks that “just work,” observable by default and simpler to run.

We also tackle private 5G’s steady role alongside Wi‑Fi, the reality check on satellite‑to‑device indoors, and what an FCC furlough means for approvals and product timelines. Underneath the tech is the human story: field craft, community, and a job market that’s finally moving again. If you’re looking to pivot into roles like solutions architecture or systems engineering, now’s a good moment to raise your hand—and we’re happy to make introductions where we can.

Subscribe for weekly, field‑tested insights on Wi‑Fi, sensing, and connectivity strategy, share this episode with a teammate who loves hands‑on lessons, and leave a quick review to help more builders find the show.

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The wireless world never stops evolving, and in this episode, Drew Lentz takes us on a journey through the latest developments across multiple technology frontiers. Starting with Apple's intriguing N1 chip introduction, Drew explores what this means for wireless communications and sparks a fascinating discussion about whether Apple might resurrect their once-popular Airport routers. Could this custom silicon be the foundation for Apple's return to networking hardware?

Beyond Apple, the wireless tool landscape continues its rapid evolution. From Sidos unveiling new wall drawing capabilities to Ekahau & Ookla for a groundbreaking "Speed Test Certified" program, vendors are raising the bar through differentiated innovation rather than simply matching features. This certification program particularly resonates as it addresses a long-standing need for verified connectivity validation in public spaces.

The heart of this episode, however, focuses on Drew's revelations from the Food Service Technology Expo (FSTech) in Orlando. Despite being surrounded by AI vendors, restaurant operators consistently steered conversations toward enhancing human connections rather than replacing them with technology. This powerful insight—that people visit restaurants during emotionally significant moments deserving of human interaction—challenges our assumptions about technology's role in hospitality.

Drew articulates a compelling vision where technology should function like reliable plumbing—essential but invisible—enabling memorable human experiences without becoming the focus. The "thin line between useful and creepy" becomes a central theme when discussing personalization, with thoughtful examples of how restaurants might use data to enhance customer experiences while respecting boundaries.

Whether you're a wireless professional, restaurant operator, or technology enthusiast, this episode delivers practical insights about the delicate balance between technological advancement and human connection. As Drew reminds us in his signature straightforward style, the most valuable innovations are those that enhance relationships rather than replace them.

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The telecommunications landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as major players consolidate their hold on crucial spectrum assets. AT&T's stunning $23 billion acquisition of Echo Star's spectrum holdings grants them control of valuable 600 MHz low-band frequencies—airwaves that travel farther and penetrate buildings better than higher frequencies. Meanwhile, SpaceX's $17 billion purchase of Echo Star's satellite spectrum dramatically alters the competitive dynamics in space-based internet services, giving Elon Musk unprecedented control over the infrastructure powering global connectivity.

These massive transactions raise critical questions about market competition and consumer choice. With fewer players controlling more spectrum resources, what does this mean for pricing, service quality, and innovation? For rural Americans especially, these consolidations could determine whether they finally gain reliable, affordable broadband access or remain digitally underserved.

Against this backdrop of industry consolidation, the cybersecurity landscape has been rocked by the Salt Typhoon incident—a sophisticated attack that security agencies are calling a "national defense crisis." Chinese state-backed hackers compromised core routers across 80 countries not through advanced zero-day exploits, but by exploiting known vulnerabilities that organizations had simply failed to patch. By enabling SSH listeners on unusual high ports and using basic SPAN port mirroring, the attackers quietly monitored communications for years, harvesting sensitive data from millions of Americans. This breach underscores a critical reality: even sophisticated nation-state attacks often succeed through fundamental security lapses rather than technical brilliance.

The technology landscape continues evolving with innovations like Tarana's G2 multi-frequency panel, offering breakthrough capabilities for rural internet service providers, while Meter's upcoming event brings together industry luminaries including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Ethernet inventor Bob Metcalf to chart networking's future course.

Join me as we navigate these transformative developments reshaping our connected world. Whether you're a network professional, policy advocate, or technology enthusiast, understanding these shifts is crucial for anticipating how we'll communicate, connect, and secure our digital lives in the years ahead. Have thoughts on spectrum consolidation or network security best practices? Share your perspective—I'd love to hear how these industry changes are affecting your corner of the digital landscape.

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Ever wonder what happens when you need to provide Wi-Fi for half a million surfing fans? Drew Lentz returns to the Waves Podcast after an exhilarating stint deploying 27 access points at the World Surf League's US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. Between coordinating connectivity for food trucks, security teams, merchants, and celebrity appearances, the wireless challenges were as massive as the waves.

The regulatory landscape is shifting dramatically with the repeal of Executive Order 14036, eliminating broadband "nutrition labels" and allowing landlords to once again make exclusive deals with internet service providers. This development raises serious questions about consumer choice in multi-dwelling units and transparency in internet service marketing. Meanwhile, the spectrum wars continue as industry leaders suggest pivoting from contested CBRS bands to the 4 GHz range for future 6G deployment—highlighting the "use it or lose it" reality of valuable frequency allocations.

Corporate reshuffling continues to transform the wireless industry. Amphenol's $10.5 billion acquisition of CommScope's Connectivity and Cable Solutions unit leaves Ruckus Wireless as one of CommScope's few remaining major assets. For Ruckus employees who've weathered multiple ownership changes, the question looms: will they become more strategically important or face another sale within the next two years?

Perhaps most thought-provoking is AT&T CEO John Stanky's recent memo to employees, which Drew unpacks in detail. The message signals a fundamental shift from tenure-based loyalty to a culture rewarding capability, contribution, and commitment. Stanky's statement that "if you dislike change, you're going to dislike irrelevance even more" encapsulates the existential challenge facing legacy companies in rapidly evolving industries.

Drew closes with an important reminder about workplace culture: celebrate your wins and share your successes, but do so in a way that acknowledges the team effort behind them. After all, no one will be a stronger advocate for your accomplishments than you—just make sure you're lifting others as you rise.

Don't miss upcoming industry events including WLPC Prague in October and Meter Up in San Francisco this November. Have thoughts on the AT&T memo or your own Wi-Fi deployment stories? Drop Drew a message and join the conversation!

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Fresh from his first trip to Australia, Drew Lentz dives into the evolving landscape of wireless networking with observations that span from down under to the stratosphere. The Melbourne adventure yielded more than just kangaroo sightings and chicken "parmies" – it showcased how different regions approach connectivity challenges with innovative solutions.

The industry continues its dramatic reshuffling as major players reposition themselves. The HPE-Juniper merger leaves customers wondering about the fate of competing wireless portfolios, while Meraki's transition from its iconic green to Cisco blue marks what many see as the final chapter in its absorption. Todd Nightingale's move to Arista as President and COO signals potential shifts in the competitive landscape, particularly for wireless offerings that have struggled for market visibility despite technical excellence.

Beyond traditional networking, groundbreaking connectivity approaches are taking shape. High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) floating 20 kilometers above Earth are beaming 5G signals down to areas that traditional infrastructure struggles to reach. Meanwhile, Xfinity routers now feature Wi-Fi motion detection that can sense movement through signal reflections, and community-driven initiatives like Philly Community Wireless demonstrate how grassroots approaches to connectivity remain vital. The emerging trend of influencer-led Mobile Virtual Network Operators shows how connectivity is becoming increasingly integrated with culture and lifestyle.

With hurricane season approaching the Gulf Coast, Drew emphasizes how wireless professionals can contribute vital communication capabilities during disasters. Whether through AWS Disaster Response, ITDRC, or local initiatives, the technical skills we often take for granted can become lifesaving resources when traditional networks fail. Connect with Drew at upcoming industry events including TRA in Houston, the World Surfing League in Huntington Beach, Meter Up in San Francisco, or WLPC Prague to discuss these developments and explore how our wireless community can continue pushing connectivity forward in meaningful ways.

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The wireless networking landscape is witnessing a dramatic shift as revealed in the newly released 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure. Juniper Networks has emerged as the clear frontrunner, claiming the coveted top-right position with superior marks for both execution capability and strategic vision. Meanwhile, longtime industry leader Cisco shows signs of strategic drift despite maintaining strong execution abilities.

Newcomers are making waves too—Nile and Meter have stormed into the visionaries quadrant, though many industry experts believe Meter deserves an even stronger position for their innovative approach and comprehensive vision. When comparing this year's rankings to 2024, the movement reveals fascinating shifts in vendor positioning that signal where enterprise networking might be heading.

Even more intriguing is the recent Department of Justice approval of the $14 billion Juniper-HPE merger, but with substantial strings attached. HPE must divest its Instant On wireless business, and perhaps most significantly, Juniper's coveted Mist AI technology must be licensed through an auction process to competitors—with the stipulation that it cannot be integrated into Aruba Central or GreenLake platforms.

This restriction fundamentally challenges what many believed was the primary motivation behind the acquisition. As Drew Lentz explains through his vivid "botana effect" analogy (referencing a Texas nacho platter), HPE has all the individual components of a comprehensive networking solution, but lacks the unifying foundation that Mist AI was expected to provide.

The restrictions have sparked widespread speculation: Could Mist founder Bob Friday potentially leave Juniper to create a "Mist 2.0" with the licensed technology? Who might bid for these valuable AI capabilities? And how will these developments reshape the wireless networking landscape?

Whether you're managing enterprise networks, evaluating vendors, or simply fascinated by industry dynamics, these developments signal profound changes ahead in how networks are built, managed, and optimized. Subscribe now to stay ahead of these transformative industry shifts!

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The future of networking isn't about whether AI will transform our industry—it's about how quickly professionals will adapt to these inevitable changes. In this candid discussion, Drew Lentz unpacks the major developments from recent industry events, particularly Cisco Live, where AI dominated conversations across the vendor landscape.

AI Canvas, Cisco's entry into agentic AI, signals a pivotal shift in how networks will be managed going forward. But rather than viewing these advancements as threats to job security, Drew frames them as powerful amplifiers of human capability. As he reflects on Andy Jassy's comments about AI adaptation, the message becomes clear: those who embrace AI as a collaborative tool will thrive, while those who resist may find themselves left behind on the platform as the train departs.

The podcast showcases remarkable innovations happening throughout the wireless ecosystem. Hamina's newly released AI features can automatically generate walls from Google Images floor plans, saving engineers countless hours of manual work. The strengthening partnerships between vendors like NetAlly, Ekahau, and Sidos demonstrate how collaboration is accelerating tool capabilities beyond what any single company could achieve.

Drew also shares a thought-provoking analogy comparing private 5G to cell phone holsters—technically perfect solutions that somehow missed the mark on mass adoption. This refreshing perspective challenges us to look beyond technical specifications to consider real-world implementation challenges.

Looking ahead, Drew reveals his plans to use Alethea testing equipment to benchmark access point performance under heavy client loads, offering to test specific APs the community is curious about. This hands-on approach reflects his commitment to bringing practical insights that go beyond marketing claims.

Connect with Drew to share your thoughts on which wireless technologies deserve deeper testing, or join the conversation about how AI is reshaping your day-to-day networking experience. The industry is evolving rapidly—are you evolving with it?

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The wireless landscape is transforming before our eyes as major players consolidate, edge computing pushes boundaries, and questions of affordability continue to challenge our assumptions about connectivity. Charter's $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox Communications is reshaping the competitive landscape, combining Charter's 10+ million mobile subscribers with Cox's commercial fiber and managed IT operations. This merger represents just one piece of the ongoing consolidation puzzle that's redefining who controls our digital infrastructure.

Meanwhile, American Tower is quietly revolutionizing edge computing by installing data centers at the base of cellular towers. This strategic placement brings processing power dramatically closer to users, reducing latency and enabling AI applications to function at the network edge rather than in distant centralized facilities. The initiative mirrors similar efforts by Comcast to push computing capabilities as close to consumers as possible without actually placing hardware in homes.

The affordability conversation has taken center stage as definitions of "affordable internet" vary dramatically across different communities. During a panel at NetworkX 2025, we explored how a $50 monthly service that might seem reasonable in some areas represents an entire food budget for families in economically challenged regions like South Texas. This reality check forces us to reconsider how we approach the digital divide, especially as BEAD funding faces reductions and programs providing mobile hotspots to students get cut.

Starlink's expansion continues with a new $10 monthly plan launching in India, potentially disrupting the market while raising questions about regulatory surcharges and sustainability. Simultaneously, the FCC investigation into EchoStar has sparked controversy about spectrum allocation politics, with implications for competition and rural connectivity.

Technology innovations continue at a rapid pace, with Google partnering with X-Real and Warby Parker for new AR glasses, while AWS surprisingly discontinues its private 5G offering announced in 2021. These developments showcase the constant evolution of wireless technology and the sometimes unpredictable paths innovation takes.

Want to discuss these developments in person? I'll be at several upcoming industry events, including Fiber Connect in Nashville, MeterUp in San Francisco, Juniper's AI Native Now during Cisco Live, and WLPC Prague. These gatherings offer perfect opportunities to explore how these industry shifts will affect our connected future. What technologies or trends are you most excited about as we navigate this evolving landscape?

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Recent funding cuts to digital equity programs threaten to deepen the digital divide in America, just as communities were preparing for infrastructure improvements that would bring connectivity to underserved areas. These decisions impact rural residents, small ISPs, and equipment manufacturers who were counting on these opportunities.

• $2.5 billion in digital equity funding labeled "racist and illegal" and eliminated
• Senate voted along party lines to kill FCC program distributing Wi-Fi hotspots to schoolchildren
• Ted Cruz claimed hotspots would bypass parental controls, ignoring existing parental monitoring solutions
• COVID-19 exposed the digital divide as students without home internet struggled with remote learning
• Terra's free space optics technology promises 20Gbps connectivity over 20km distances
• IoT developments expanding beyond LoRaWAN with Ultra-Wideband gaining traction
• Fortinet quietly acquired Everest Networks to complete their Wi-Fi portfolio
• Upcoming industry events include Network X, WBA event, hospitality industry tech conference, and Cisco Live

If you have unused wireless equipment, consider donating it to community centers, churches, or nonprofit organizations where people can access Wi-Fi. Reach out to me if you need help connecting equipment to organizations in need.

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