Kyle Okamoto

This is a great article about #SuperBundling, well done Avi Greengart

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Of course FWA is future proof. FWA is the only edge technology that passes future homes and businesses before those structures are ever built, and without additional capital investment. 🙂 A wired last-mile, on the other hand, is never future-proof, regardless of the technology. Future homes and businesses located beyond the wired-edge are (sadly) the future unserved. 🙁 If the future belongs to the connected, as the FCC Chairwoman states, then we should be building more fixed wireless now to power the homes and businesses of tomorrow. 💡 #FWA #5G #WISP #broadband #internet #futureproof #digitaldivide #unserved #unconnected #digitalequity #digitalinclusion

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Big telco is weighing us down. Together, we're rising above with a carrier you deserve — The People's Carrier. By combining community + crypto, we can put power in the hands of the people and revolutionize how we all connect. https://lnkd.in/gBmMViDT

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https://lnkd.in/eauDJviY After this acquisition and the possible bankruptcy of DISH, this might be the last larger telecom carrier consolidation we will see in the US. I don't see the feds allowing any additional contraction in the market. #Tmobile #USCellular T-Mobile would gain U.S. Cellular's infrastructure, potentially improving its network coverage and capacity, particularly in rural areas where U.S. Cellular has a stronger presence. This could enhance service quality for T-Mobile customers in those regions. On the negative side of the coin, the combination of T-Mobile's acquisition of U.S. Cellular and DISH Wireless's financial struggles could shift market dynamics significantly, leading to higher barriers to entry for new players and less innovation in service offerings, ultimately to the detriment of consumers.

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This week's Brief is out. In a hat tip to yesterday (May 4), we discuss T-Mobile's Lumos transaction - why it makes a lot of sense. Also, many other items in the market commentary... More inside #sundaybrief

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Good news for T-Mobile, Mint Mobile and Ryan Reynolds 👍 . The US Federal Communications Commission on Thursday said it'll approve T-Mobile deal to acquire Ka'ena Corporation, the parent company of prepaid wireless brands Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile, according to Reuters. The deal could be worth up to $1.35 billion. The move would allow T-Mobile to more directly operate the brands, which already run on its network. The FCC says the agreement will allow Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile customers to more easily switch service providers, Reuters reports. After getting regulatory approval, T-Mobile anticipates closing the deal on May 1. T-Mobile shared that it had reached an agreement to acquire Ka'ena Corporation in March 2023, noting the deal would include a "combination of 39% cash and 61% stock," it shared in a release at the time. The final sales price will be "based upon Ka'ena's performance during certain periods before and after the closing," T-Mobile said at the time. "Based on our evaluation of the potential competitive effects as well as the likely public interest benefits, and in light of T-Mobile’s voluntary handset unlocking commitment for Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile devices that we impose as a condition to our approval, we find that, on balance, the proposed transfers of control will serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity." "After careful analysis, we find that the elimination of double marginalization will reduce Ka’ena’s costs of serving its customers. This should enable the two MVNOs to lower prices or improve service package characteristics, thus benefitting their subscribers." the FCC said in its order. Lyca Group was a highly publicised opponent to the acquistion but to no avail. Aside from the usual increase in price concerns, Lyca also suggest T-Mobile had broken the terms if the T-Mobile Lyca wholesale agreement. It is hard to see why Lyca would raise this issue within this framework. The FCC seemed to conclude the same "We also find that Lyca’s assertion that T-Mobile violated the terms of the DOJ Final Judgment in its dealings with Lyca is not merger-specific, but rather related to its commercial dispute with T-Mobile and that, as a result, this is not the appropriate proceeding for resolving such allegations." Mint is known for its marketing tactics that often feature part-owner Reynolds. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the "Deadpool" star left a voicemail for users informing them that the company had given them unlimited free data. Consolidation in the US mobile market continues! #telecoms #tmobile #mintmobile

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The FCC's upcoming net neutrality rules won't single out 5G network slicing, sticking to the broader guidelines set in 2015. Despite T-Mobile's push for specific provisions, the agency views current policies as robust enough to cover new technologies like network slicing. #5G #NetNeutrality #NetworkSlicing https://lnkd.in/eywFVqgT

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It’s an exciting time to be in telecommunications. Wireless demand is growing 30% per year, and we don’t see that slowing down any time soon. High-performance connectivity is the key ingredient to the future of AI, health care, smart manufacturing, home entertainment, on-the-go experiences, and so much more. That’s why our bet at AT&T is that you want a simple, seamless experience with a single provider who can connect you to it all. And, as I discussed with Caroline Hyde and Edward Ludlow on Bloomberg this morning, we’re making the right moves and big investments to deliver converged connectivity at scale so you can reach who and what you love any time and any place. #LifeAtATT #Tech #Innovation https://lnkd.in/g4n9i_AQ

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*** BREAKING US(cellular) NEWS *** T-Mobile to Acquire UScellular's Wireless Operations and Deliver Exceptional Value, a Superior 5G Experience and Unparalleled Benefits to Millions of Customers in ~$4.4B Deal 🤯 Bellevue, Wash. – May 28, 2024 – T-Mobile (NASDAQ: $TMUS) and UScellular (NYSE: $USM) today announced that T-Mobile has agreed to acquire substantially all of UScellular’s wireless operations. This includes UScellular’s wireless customers and stores, as well as certain specified spectrum assets. “With this deal T-Mobile can extend the superior Un-carrier value and experiences that we’re famous for to millions of UScellular customers and deliver them lower-priced, value-packed plans and better connectivity on our best-in-class nationwide 5G network,” said Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile. “As customers from both companies will get more coverage and more capacity from our combined footprint, our competitors will be forced to keep up – and even more consumers will benefit. The Un-carrier is all about shaking up wireless for the good of consumers and this deal is another way for us to continue doing even more of that.” “T-Mobile’s purchase and integration of UScellular’s wireless operations will provide best-in-class connectivity to rural Americans through enhanced nationwide coverage and service offerings at more compelling price points,” said Laurent Therivel, CEO of UScellular. “The transaction provides our customers access to better coverage and speeds, as well as unlimited texting in more than 215 countries, content offers, device upgrades and other T-Mobile benefits.” Read the full article - https://lnkd.in/gabBE77u and note the Forward-Looking Statements. #Uncarrier #CantStopWontStop #5G #TMobileForBusiness #TeamMagenta

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This is a cautionary point for all broadband providers, especially those who are deploying Eero devices in the homes of their subscribers. That is "inviting the fox into the hen house." The good news is that there are many ways that BSPs can differentiate beyond "fast and cheap" by offering value-added services that protect homes, kids, seniors, enable roaming across the backyard and the town, connect small businesses and MDUs will innovations that help them thrive. These are values shared by rural, community-based BSPs. They are not shared by Amazon. Calix https://lnkd.in/eXz8vwYU

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This week in our On Message podcast we ask the members of the Mobile Ecosystem Forum what they think about 'vCon.' We first heard about it from Jeff Pulver (thanks Jeff!). vCon is an open standard that could help the messaging/conversation industry in storing key data about real-time, human conversations (including phone calls, SMS, MMS, RCS, web chat, video calls or email). As conversational commerce grows so does the need to check and review important elements such as the what, who, and when of a conversation. For instance, imagine a certification that can demonstrate a 'consent call' took place; this could be big. But let's ask this to the community of MEF. Is vCon something we should discuss in our working groups? What is your take on its usefulness in CPaaS and outside? I will ask the help of Nick Millward, and Nassia Skoulikariti to get more on this. Drop an SMS/RCS/WA/Viber message to *+ 44 777 0 1962 27* and let us know

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This is a major announcement for T-Mobile, as it indicates its progressing to become the primary all-mode #communications supplier for both #consumers and #business users. Adding the Lumos Fiber assets for #Fiber #broadband connectivity enables T-Mobile and especially T-Mobile For Business to become a bundled provider of #mobile, #FWA over #5G, and #fiber #internet and #communications services. And while the acquired fiber assets are currently regional and in a relatively limited area, there is no doubt T-Mobile plans to invest to greatly expand the fiber infrastructure. Given T-Mobile's aggressive pricing and marketing, this a warning to Verizon and AT&T that T-Mobile is coming for their customers. #Uncarrier

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Interested in international #spectrumsharing standards, innovation, and policy?   Then add your voice to the #6G Work Group of the Wireless Innovation Forum, 6GWG@WInnForum. As Chair, I'm happy to invite you to join the global spectrum sharing conversation with WInnForum and our organizational partners. Come share your perspectives on spectrum sharing in the 6G era and #SharingNative6G with your peers at the wireless ecosystem's sharing-focused international SDO. Or come by simply to learn more about the rapidly emerging global future of spectrum sharing, directly from industry and ecosystem technology and policy experts. 6GWG overview below: #SharingNative6G #6GWG #WInnForum #InternationalStandards #XNative6G #spectrumsharing #pathto6G #GlobalInnovation

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Smart television set owners are moving away from using cable hookups and antennas to access content and are instead opting to stream content from broadcast and cable channels via platforms like YouTube TV, according to Vizio's Inscape data unit. "With a variety of apps and devices, smart TVs can access live, linear TV airing on broadcast or cable networks. In Q1 2024, nearly a quarter of that 'must-see-live' content was streamed," Inscape says. https://lnkd.in/gc2m3934

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🚀 So cool to read about Verizon in USA TODAY talking about #SuperBundling 🚀 We've been working hard to push the vision of Super Bundling over the last few years, so we're really pleased that Avi Greengart at Techsponential has written this latest research paper about the power of Super Bundling to add value and solve the subscription nightmare created by overwhelming choice and difficulties administrating subs. Companies like #telcos can leverage their existing payment relationship, and first party product sales like cellular and home broadband to also offer streaming entertainment, driving revenue, engagement and reducing churn. Super Bundling with Verizon is the ultimate game-changer: 🌟Save big: With Verizon's super bundles, consumers can save up to $1,000 a year compared to traditional subscriptions. 🌟Manage with ease: Verizon’s user-friendly app empowers consumers to effortlessly manage all their services and payments in one convenient place. 🌟Access unique #bundles: Netflix plus HBO Max for $10 (ad-funded), and over 45 options to choose from #SVOD, #SportsVOD, #gaming, #retail and others, consumers can customize their content experience like never before. 🌟Long-term value: Say goodbye to price hikes! Verizon locks in streaming rates for the duration of the subscription, ensuring consumers get the best value over time. Take a closer look and download the full report “Super Bundles: The Next Big Opportunity Is Adding Streaming Content to Wireless and Broadband,” here (USA TODAY) >> https://lnkd.in/eR76BUqJ

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Connect (X): Powered by WIA Excited to delve into the future of 5G at WIA Connect X in Atlanta! 🚀 Operators have invested heavily, but full monetization remains elusive. Sure, we’ve seen success with Fixed Wireless Access, but what’s the next "killer app" to recoup these investments? Let's explore potential use cases like private wireless together. See you there!    #5G #ConnectX24

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PREVIEW: IRREGULATORS Request  Verizon Immediately Pays $1.8 Billion for Illegal Funding of Wireless, for Just 2022 and 2023, in Just New York -- to Start. SEE CHART BELOW; T he more we dig, the more we uncover. We will be publishing a full report. This chart is a 10 year look at the construction expenses of Verizon NY, the state telecommunications utility. Those big red columns show that the Local Service line of business, the copper-wire, phone service revenues is paying 73% of the total work under construction since 2018, while the other lines of business, like FiOS video and VOIP (nonregulated) of the data lines, known as backhaul, are paying chump change. This is not history. These findings are from the Verizon NY 2023 Annual Report, published May 23, 2024. This is our new summary:  We will be asking for $1.8 billion for 2022 and 2023, as well as an additional estimated $880 million for 2024. A total of $2.6 billion dollars.We are also calling for these formulas to be halted for all cross-subsidies going forward. --Local Service is no longer being offered and the networks are not being maintained ---Based on previous documents, the construction budgets of the utility has been diverted to other lines of business, mainly wireless. ---Wireless is a separate subsidiary and it is not allowed to just divert the construction budgets that were for fiber to the home to be used for fiber to the cell site. ---And wireless is not ‘broadband but mobile services. Customers were charged for network upgrades of the infrastructure-- this is a bait and switch. And these financials are based on USOA accounting and are being used in every state we checked but, they are either incomplete, redacted or not available. We are not asking for audits or investigations; we already presented the facts over the last decade. If these cross-subsidies are halted, there is enough funding to upgrade NY state and lower all rates, for all services. And this is just a preview #Acp #Fiberoptics #netneutrality #broadband #digitaldivide #internet #investment

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