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Tag: 5G

  • FCC Opens Auction for Mid-Band 5G Spectrum

    FCC Opens Auction for Mid-Band 5G Spectrum

    The FCC has started its auction for 3.5 GHz mid-band spectrum for 5G.

    Many experts consider mid-band spectrum to be the sweet spot for 5G, offering the best compromise between speed and building penetration. Many international carriers have focused primarily on mid-band spectrum as they have rolled out their own 5G networks.

    In the US, however, carriers’ efforts have largely focused on the low and high-band (mmWave) varieties. All three carriers have deployed some mmWave offerings in cities, but mmWave requires repeaters and base stations every couple hundred meters and has very poor penetration. These factors mean it will likely never be used as a nationwide option.

    As a result, T-Mobile and AT&T have both rolled out low-band networks to provide nationwide 5G coverage. Low-band, while offering excellent range and penetration, is only marginally faster than 4G. Verizon, on the other hand, does not have enough low-band spectrum to roll out a dedicated, nationwide 5G network and will have to rely on switching technology to allow 4G and 5G to be served from the same towers, using the same spectrum.

    T-Mobile currently is the only one of the three carriers that has a wealth of mid-band spectrum, thanks to its Sprint acquisition. T-Mobile’s spectrum is in the 2.5 GHz range, and should offer speeds in the 600 – 700Mbps range.

    The FCC is auctioning spectrum in the 3.55 to 3.65 GHz range, which should offer slightly higher speeds than T-Mobile’s mid-band, although slightly less range and penetration as well.

    “5G is critical to America’s global economic and technological leadership, and the start of the 3.5 GHz auction today is a key milestone in our work advancing this national priority,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.

    It’s a safe bet this will be one of the most important spectrum auctions in recent years, with Verizon and AT&T eager to flesh out their 5G networks. It remains to be seen if T-Mobile will purchase some of the spectrum, or if they are content with the mid-band they already have.

  • T-Mobile Soon Will Require VoLTE Phones

    T-Mobile Soon Will Require VoLTE Phones

    T-Mobile will soon require all phones on its network to support 4G Voice over LTE (VoLTE) in an effort to free up spectrum.

    Some US carriers still support older protocols, such as 3G, despite how ubiquitous 4G has become. Supporting those older protocols, however, ties up valuable spectrum that can be used to enhance 4G coverage, as well as help with 5G rollouts.

    In an effort to free up some of that spectrum, T-Mobile plans on requiring all new phones activated on its network to support VoLTE by August 4. A document Android Police obtained also indicates that older devices will no longer work on the magenta carrier by January 2021.

    While T-Mobile did not confirm the dates listed in the document, they did give the following statement to Android Police:

    ”We’re making great progress building a truly transformative nationwide 5G network. As part of that, we will be phasing out some older technologies over time to free up even more capacity for LTE and 5G. In preparation for that and to give customers the best experience, those activating new lines at T-Mobile will need a VoLTE capable device, which is all we’ve offered for years now and represents the overwhelming majority of devices on the network.”

    Verizon and AT&T are both taking similar measures to retire their older networks. In the race to 5G, spectrum is the most valuable commodity, and retiring older technologies will help the carriers and their customers move forward.

  • AT&T Joins T-Mobile In Offering Nationwide 5G

    AT&T Joins T-Mobile In Offering Nationwide 5G

    AT&T became the second of the nationwide carriers to offer nationwide 5G, joining T-Mobile.

    AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have been rolling out 5G across the nation. T-Mobile was the first to roll out nationwide 5G, using their 600 MHz, low-band spectrum. Low-band 5G offers marginally faster speeds than 4G, but excellent range and building penetration. Verizon has been focusing on high-band mmWave 5G. This variety is the fastest, but is only suitable for cities and densely populated areas because of its short range and poor penetration.

    While T-Mobile and AT&T are also rolling out mmWave in cities, both companies have been focusing on low-band 5G deployments, covering far more of the population.

    “Just as our lives have shifted in the past few months, so has our expectation of wireless technology,” said Jeff McElfresh, CEO of AT&T Communications. “With AT&T 5G reaching nationwide, our network is beginning the journey to transform connectivity as we know it by setting a new bar of breathtaking experiences and improved efficiency. Businesses, developers and consumers are already tapping into 5G’s potential and we’re thrilled for customers across the U.S. to experience it for themselves. It’s an exciting time in technology.”

    AT&T’s announcement will only increase pressure on Verizon, the one company that doesn’t have enough low-band spectrum to roll out a standalone, nationwide 5G network. Instead, Verizon is planning to use dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) to share the same spectrum between 4G and 5G. In the meantime, a recent report by OpenSignal showed that Verizon’s 5G network is only available 0.4% of the time.

    AT&T’s announcement is good news for its customers, and will help ensure the carrier can meet demand as 5G gains widespread adoption.

  • T-Mobile Marks End of Sprint Brand With Competitive Pricing

    T-Mobile Marks End of Sprint Brand With Competitive Pricing

    T-Mobile has unveiled a competitive, four-line plan to help mark the retirement of the Sprint brand.

    Following its acquisition of the number four carrier, T-Mobile has wasted no time integrating Sprint. Its first steps were to use Sprint’s mid-band spectrum to roll out 5G in various markets, before shutting down Sprint’s standalone 5G network altogether.

    T-Mobile had previously announced it would be unifying the two brands and phasing Sprint out on August 2. As part of the process, the magenta carrier has announced a competitive plan that offers four lines for only $25 each.

    “Starting this Friday and available only for a limited time this summer, get four lines of unlimited data for just $25 each/month or get four 5G phones included for just $5 more each/month, and all with 5G access included. Yep, that’s just $25 a line plus tax with AutoPay for your family of four — or small business — to tap into the first and ONLY nationwide 5G network.”

    The company was quick to point out that Verizon’s most competitive comparable plan will cost roughly $1,000 more per year. The timing of the announcement is likely designed to keep Sprint customers from looking elsewhere.

    One of the concerns regulators had with T-Mobile and Sprint’s merger was the possibility of T-Mobile raising prices once the deal was completed. If this latest deal is any indication, however, it appears T-Mobile is making good on its promise to use its newfound scale to be more competitive than ever.

  • China Says There Will Be a Cost For the UK’s Huawei Decision

    China Says There Will Be a Cost For the UK’s Huawei Decision

    China has expressed its disappointment in the UK’s decision to ban Huawei and said there will be a cost.

    The UK initially decided to allow Huawei to participate in its 5G networks in a limited role, despite US pressure to ban the Chinese firm. US officials have accused Huawei of being a threat to security. Even though the UK did not initially ban Huawei, it implemented rules to keep the company’s equipment away from sensitive locations, such as nuclear sites and military bases. In addition, Huawei equipment could not be used on the core network and could not comprise more than 35% of the network.

    After increased pressure, including sanctions that cut Huawei off from chipmaker TSMC, the UK reversed its decision. According to the BBC, China has wasted no time expressing its displeasure.

    “The UK side has used groundless risks as an excuse to co-operate with the United States… violating the relevant commitments made by the UK,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying.

    “Any decisions and actions must come at a cost,” she added.

    Given the UK and China’s trade relationship, further escalation could hurt both countries. Only time will tell what Ms Hua meant, and what any “cost” might entail.

  • BBB Checks Verizon On Misleading 5G Claims

    BBB Checks Verizon On Misleading 5G Claims

    The BBB’s National Advertising Division (NAD) has called Verizon out for ads that make misleading claims about its 5G coverage and speed.

    Verizon has been rolling out its 5G network, focusing specifically on the high-band mmWave variety. mmWave has the fastest speeds, measured in gigabits. Unfortunately, it also has the worst range and penetration, requiring base stations or repeaters every couple hundred meters. As a result, mmWave is only suitable for heavily populated areas.

    Despite these limitations, Verizon’s commercials might lead a person to believe its network is far more widely available than it really is. Not only is it only available in select cities, but Verizon’s 5G is only available in certain parts of those select cities. That hasn’t stopped Verizon from saying “people from midtown Manhattan to downtown Denver can experience what your 5G can deliver.”

    Similarly, Verizon’s advertising makes it seems as though the fastest speeds are available everywhere its 5G network is accessible. Ultimately, the NAD found that Verizon’s message was unclear and could cause consumers to draw the wrong conclusions.

    “NAD noted that to the extent Verizon wishes to promote the current availability and performance of its 5G network to consumers across the nation – including people who live in cities and towns across the country that may not receive Verizon 5G coverage for months, if not years – Verizon should ensure that its advertising clearly and conspicuously communicates to consumers the relevant, material limitations of its current network.”

    Verizon said that, while it doesn’t agree with the NAD’s recommendation, it will abide by it and adjust its advertising accordingly.

  • UK Reverses Course, Bans Huawei

    UK Reverses Course, Bans Huawei

    In an about-face, the UK has announced it is instituting a complete ban of Huawei equipment from its networks.

    The US has engaged in a campaign to gets its allies to ban Huawei, as it has done. There are widespread concerns about national security risks, as Huawei has much closer ties to Chinese intelligence than many firms. As a result, it is believed the company is a spying and surveillance threat.

    Initially, the UK had opted to include Huawei in its networks, albeit in a lesser role. The company’s equipment was restricted from the more sensitive core network, and could comprise no more than 35% of the UKs’ 5G equipment. In addition, no Huawei equipment could be used near nuclear sites or military bases.

    Even that compromise solution was not popular, however, with both US officials and many in Prime Minister Johnson’s own party urging Downing Street to reconsider. Adding further pressure, the US has been ramping up restrictions on Huawei, including cutting it off from one of its main chip suppliers, TSMC.

    It appears the combination of factors have led the UK to reverse course, as it has announced a total ban on Huawei equipment. According to the government’s statement:

    “Huawei will be completely removed from the UK’s 5G networks by the end of 2027, the government has announced, following new advice produced by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on the impact of US sanctions against the telecommunications vendor.

    “Ahead of this there will be a total ban on the purchase of any new 5G kit after 31 December 2020.”

    This is sure to hurt Huawei, as the UK was one of the first countries in Europe to welcome the Chinese firm years ago. It also remains to be seen what repercussions there will be, as China has a history of threatening countries over Huawei.

  • T-Mobile Winning 5G Coverage War—By a Wide Margin

    T-Mobile Winning 5G Coverage War—By a Wide Margin

    Ookla has released a report on the status of 5G in the US, and it shows T-Mobile leading by a wide margin when it comes to coverage.

    According to the report, and similar to a report by Opensignal, Verizon had the fastest 5G speeds, coming in at roughly 10 times the speed of the next carrier. In terms of coverage, however, T-Mobile enjoys an equally impressive lead.

    Ookla looked at two different ways of calculating how many 5G sites each carrier had. The first looked at the Ookla 5G Map, as of July 8, and found there were 5,165 commercial 5G deployments. T-Mobile accounted for 5,008, AT&T 355 and Verizon a mere 39.

    In the second method, Ookla looked at cities where multiple devices running the company’s Speedtest app identified the presence of 5G. Using that method, T-Mobile led with 6,199 deployments, AT&T had 1,571 and Verizon a mere 196. As Ookla points out, some of those deployments may not be commercially available.

    T-Mobile recently shut down Sprint’s 5G to repurpose the spectrum for its own network. It appears buying Sprint and gaining the additional spectrum is already paying off, giving T-Mobile a commanding lead in the 5G race.

  • British Government May Be Moving Closer to Huawei U-Turn

    British Government May Be Moving Closer to Huawei U-Turn

    The British government may be moving closer to reversing its decision to include Huawei in its 5G rollout.

    Huawei has been under increasing pressure globally amid accusations that it helps the Chinese government spy on governments and organizations around the world. While all Chinese corporations are required to cooperate with the government, Huawei has been accused of having far closer ties with the Chinese intelligence community than most companies.

    Despite ongoing US pressure to exclude Huawei, the British government initially opted to include the Chinese firm in a limited capacity. Recent events, however, have forced the UK to reconsider. US officials have repeatedly warned that including Huawei would force the US to revisit sharing intelligence and military assets with the UK. The US has also taken efforts to restrict Huawei’s supply of semiconductors.

    It appears the increased pressure is having an impact. According to The Guardian, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told a defense committee that an emergency review was nearly finished and would likely result in a change of policy.

    “Given that those sanctions are targeted at 5G and extensive, it is likely to have an impact on the viability of Huawei as a provider for the 5G network,” Dowden told the MPs.

    If the UK does reverse course, it will be a significant blow to Huawei, while providing US official with a major win.

  • Opensignal Report Sheds Light On 5G Industry

    Opensignal Report Sheds Light On 5G Industry

    As the major US wireless carriers duke it out in the 5G market, Opensignal has issued a report on which carriers are winning and where.

    The three remaining carriers have very different strategies when it comes to 5G rollout. High-band mmWave 5G has the fastest speed but the worst range and building penetration. Low-band offers speeds that are only marginally faster than 4G, but has excellent range and penetration. Mid-band offers a good compromise of speed, range and penetration.

    Verizon has focused almost exclusively on the mmWave variety and, not surprisingly, has the fastest speed with a real-world average of 494.7 Mbps. In contrast, AT&T averaged 60.8 Mbps and T-Mobile averaged 49.2.

    When it comes to coverage, however, it’s a completely different story. Verizon’s customers only connect to its 5G network 0.4% of the time. AT&T’s customers use their 5G network 10.3% of the time. The real winner is T-Mobile, with its customers connecting to the company’s 5G network 22.5% of the time.

    As a result of its findings, Opensignal declares that “T-Mobile won the 5G Availability award by a large margin.” As the company continues to absorb and incorporate Sprint’s spectrum, that coverage will only continue to increase.

    Image Credit: Opensignal

  • T-Mobile Deactivates Sprint’s Legacy 5G Network

    T-Mobile Deactivates Sprint’s Legacy 5G Network

    T-Mobile has turned off Sprint’s 2.5 GHz 5G as it incorporates the spectrum into its own network.

    Since T-Mobile’s merger with Sprint, the magenta carrier has been repurposing Sprint’s spectrum to improve its own network. On the day the merger closed, T-Mobile used Sprint’s 2.5 GHz spectrum to roll out mid-band 5G in Philadelphia. Similarly, T-Mobile has been deploying Sprint’s spectrum to improve its network.

    Sprint’s spectrum is exactly why T-Mobile pursued the merger, as Sprint had a wealth of mid-band spectrum. Mid-band is widely considered the sweet spot for 5G, as it offers significant speed improvements over 4G, while still providing reasonable range and building penetration.

    T-Mobile’s move to shut down Sprint’s 2.5 GHz 5G network will likely accelerate Sprint customers transitioning to T-Mobile plans. According to Fierce Wireless, T-Mobile is offering impacted customers deals to help move them to compatible devices.

  • FCC Labels Huawei and ZTE Threat to National Security

    FCC Labels Huawei and ZTE Threat to National Security

    The FCC has formally declared both Huawei and ZTE as threats to national security.

    The US has been waging a campaign against Huawei and ZTE for some time, citing concerns over their close ties to the Chinese government. The US has consistently maintained the companies, especially Huawei, serve as a conduit for Beijing to spy on governments and organizations around the world.

    As a result, US officials have taken steps to ban both companies from participating in US networks, and have pressured allies to do the same. Now the FCC is ratcheting up the pressure by labeling both companies as threats to national security.

    “We cannot treat Huawei and ZTE as anything less than a threat to our collective security,” Commissioner Carr stated. “Communist China intends to surveil persons within our borders and engage in large-scale, industrial espionage. Nothing short of prohibiting subsidized Huawei and ZTE gear from our networks could address this serious national security threat. After all, Chinese law does not meaningfully restrain the Communist regime given its authoritarian nature.

    “America has turned the page on the weak and timid approach to Communist China of the past. We are now showing the strength needed to address Communist China’s threats. And our efforts will not stop here. The FCC will continue to take whatever steps are necessary to secure America’s communications networks from bad actors that would do us harm,” Commissioner Carr added.

    The designation means that companies cannot use funds from the FCC’s Universal Service Fund to purchase, maintain or support equipment from either company.

  • Verizon Misses Earnings Amid Significant Growth

    Verizon Misses Earnings Amid Significant Growth

    Verizon’s quarterly results were a mixed bag, offering both good and bad news for investors, according to Bloomberg.

    On the one hand, Verizon added 1.25 million subscribers, beating analysts’ expectations of 1.23 million. The added growth was, at least in part, aided by Verizon’s deal with Walt Disney Co. to provide subscribers free access to Disney+ for a limited time. On the other hand, that deal ate into profits, as Verizon is essentially footing the bill for its subscribers, although the exact cost has not been disclosed.

    The cost of 5G roll out has also been cited as a reason for the company missing estimates. A separate report by Bloomberg, however, highlights why the company is pushing as hard as it is on 5G. According to the report, analysts at LightShed Partners are saying that Verizon has used up most of its available airwaves in Miami, Chicago and other cities. The firm’s report is based on their own research, as well as data provided by mobile testing firm Opensignal.

    “They have used spectrum to fuel capacity growth and improved speeds, and now they have a limited amount left,” said Walt Piecyk, LightShed analyst.

    As a result, Verizon needs to roll out 5G as quickly as it can, especially in cities, to ease the strain on its network. If its 5G delivers on the promise, however, the company should have no trouble growing its customer base and revenue even more.

  • Coronavirus: Apple’s 2021 Earnings May Be Impacted

    Coronavirus: Apple’s 2021 Earnings May Be Impacted

    Investors hoping for a quick turnaround on Apple’s earnings may be in for a disappointment, as analysts are warning the epidemic may impact 2021.

    The company is already feeling the effect of the coronavirus in the Chinese market, where it sold 494,000 iPhones last month, down from 1.27 million a year ago. According to The Street, Needham estimated normal supply and demand would resume by June 1.

    The concern, however, is what will happen if supply and demand is not restored by then. Since Apple’s fiscal year begins October 1, if supply and demand remains impacted past June 1, financial results for fiscal 2021 will reflect that.

    “The longer COVID-19 disruptions continue past June 1, the greater the threat to AAPL’s Sept new product launches (including its 5G phone) and Christmas selling season revenue, which represented about 32% of annual revs in each of the past 3 years,” said Needham analyst Laura Martin to investors and verified by The Street.

    Should the coronavirus become a global pandemic, as the World Health Organization warns may happen, Needham’s fears will likely be realized.

  • Verizon Expands 5G Home Service to Houston

    Verizon Expands 5G Home Service to Houston

    Verizon has expanded its 5G Home service to include Houston, as the wireless company continues to emphasize mmWave deployment.

    mmWave is the fast flavor of 5G, offering speeds measured in gigabits. Verizon has bet heavily on the technology, focusing on it for both mobile users and wireless home internet service. The company had previously rolled out the service in Detroit, as well as improved service in Indianapolis and Los Angeles.

    Verizon has also been working to improve coverage. While mmWave is the fastest 5G available, its range is extremely limited when compared to low and mid-band 5G. To improve coverage, Verizon has partnered with Pivotal Commware, Inc., a Verizon Ventures portfolio company, to use repeaters to extend the range of the service.

    “Compared to lower spectrum bands, 5G over mmWave offers far more speed and throughput, is more energy efficient, experiences less signal interference over the air, and has a much greater capacity for expansive scalability,” said Kevin Smith, Vice President of Network Planning for Verizon. “As we’ve known since our very early trials, high band spectrum provides more limited coverage from macro cells. Introducing repeaters like the ones we are trialing from Pivotal will help us expand the footprint of our new 5G Ultra Wide Band network and provide another tool in the toolbox for robust network design.”

    The improved 5G Home should provide an excellent alternative to traditional internet service for residents in the target cities.

  • Ericsson Predicts 190 Million 5G Users By End of 2020

    Ericsson Predicts 190 Million 5G Users By End of 2020

    Ericsson has released the June 2020 installment of its Ericsson Mobility Report, and it contains good news for the 5G industry.

    According to the report, Ericsson has increased its estimates for 5G adoption, thanks in large part to China, expecting some 190 million 5G subscriptions by the end of 2020. This is despite slower adoption in both North America and Europe. In fact, Ericsson is projecting that North American and European 5G subscriber growth for 2020 and 2021 will be less than originally anticipated, although the long-term 2025 target is still on track.

    This would indicate that once 5G adoption begins in earnest, it will rapidly pick up speed. Similarly, Ericsson believes that nearly half, or 45%, of mobile data will be handled by 5G networks by 2025.

    Overall, the speed of 5G adoption is far outpacing LTE, thanks to China’s fast adoption and multiple vendors releasing 5G-compatible devices.

    Interestingly, as ubiquitous as LTE has become, its days are clearly numbered. Ericsson believes the number of LTE subscribers will peak in 2022, then begin to decline as 5G becomes dominant.

    The entire report is over 30 pages and well worth a read, shining light on a number of trends within the wireless industry.

  • UK/Huawei Showdown Heats Up

    UK/Huawei Showdown Heats Up

    The ongoing showdown over the UK’s decision to revisit Huawei’s role in the country’s 5G network is heating up.

    In contrast to the US, Australia and New Zealand, the UK is the only one of the so-called “Five Eyes” alliance of countries that formally decided to include Huawei in its 5G network plans, albeit in a limited role. Meanwhile, the fifth member of the Five Eyes, Canada, is still undecided.

    Ultimately, however, multiple factors have forced the UK to revisit its initial decision. US officials have warned that involving Huawei in its network would force the US to reconsider its military and intelligence assets within the UK. On top of that, the US has taken measures to limit Huawei’s access to the semiconductor chips it needs for its equipment, further endangering the UK’s plans.

    Now that the UK is officially reviewing the decision, parties on both sides are mounting increasing pressure. According to CNBC, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has come out in favor of the UK’s security review, telling BBC radio “I trust that the U.K. government will design their networks in ways that protect the networks and make sure that the U.K. has secure 5G networks.”

    On the flip side, Huawei is pulling out the stops to win over public opinion. According to the BBC, the Chinese company is engaging in a newspaper and internet media blitz to remind the British public that it has been in business in the UK for some 20 years.

    Ultimately, there will be winners and losers regardless of what the UK decides. If it continues with its plans to include Huawei, it risks its “special relationship” with the US. If, on the other hand, it bans Huawei as the US has done, it risks alienating one of its biggest trading partners.

  • Verizon Now Offering 5G Home Internet In Detroit

    Verizon Now Offering 5G Home Internet In Detroit

    Verizon has expanded its 5G Home Internet service to Detroit, the sixth city in which it offers the service.

    5G is a revolutionary wireless upgrade, promising speed in the gigabit range. As a result, companies like Verizon are looking to 5G for applications beyond traditional wireless service. Home internet is one such example, giving wireless companies a way to compete against traditional internet providers.

    Now Verizon customers in Detroit will be able to take advantage of the new technology, via the company’s 5G Home Internet service.

    “Detroit customers now have access to the next generation of lightning fast home broadband internet service,” said Frank Boulben, SVP consumer marketing and products at Verizon. “5G Home Internet on Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband Network will provide customers with flexibility, freedom and choice that enables a whole new world of experiences in the comfort of the home, something more useful now than perhaps ever before.”

    This is good news for Detroit-based Verizon customers and will provide a nice alternative to traditional internet services and plans.

  • FCC Moves to Limit Local Governments From Blocking 5G

    FCC Moves to Limit Local Governments From Blocking 5G

    The FCC has voted to clarify rules governing the process for local and state governments to review wireless infrastructure modifications.

    Few wireless technologies have been as controversial as 5G. The next generation of wireless technology has been lauded as revolutionary, ushering in gigabit-class speeds that will redefine many industries.

    At the same time, some scientists have warned of potential health dangers posed by the new technology. Some governments have even gone so far as to impose a moratorium on 5G rollouts until more research can be done. On the other hand, studies by government regulators and international watchdog agencies have found 5G to be safe. That hasn’t stopped conspiracy theories from multiplying, however, resulting in 5G towers being vandalized and social media companies taking steps to stem the misinformation.

    To help prevent any unnecessary delays in 5G rollouts on the part of local governments, the FCC is clarifying the Spectrum Act of 2012 rules. Those rules ensure that local and state governments will approve requests to change wireless sites within 60 days, as long as those changes don’t “substantially change the physical dimensions of that structure.” The new rules make it harder for governments to take issue with changes to wireless sites, ensuring more of them are eligible for streamlined treatment.

    The FCC’s decision was split along party lines, with the two dissenters pointing out what they believed to be “an unfair burden on the local governments” as they struggle with the effects of “a deadly virus, economic calamity, and civil unrest.” The two dissenting opinions also voiced concern that the “clarification” was poorly executed and only serves to create further confusion.

    Only time will tell if the FCC’s latest decision helps or hurts 5G deployment.

  • Huawei Losing Ground as Deutsche Telekom and Bell Canada Choose Ericsson

    Huawei Losing Ground as Deutsche Telekom and Bell Canada Choose Ericsson

    Huawei has been shut out of some high-profile 5G contracts, as both Deutsche Telekom and Bell Canada have gone with Ericsson.

    Huawei has faced increasing pressure worldwide as the US has led a campaign to shut the Chinese firm out of the 5G market. Huawei is already banned in the US, and officials have been working to get their allies to follow suit.

    Australia and New Zealand have similarly banned Huawei from participation in their 5G networks. The UK initially decided to allow the company to participate in a limited role, although recent events are forcing the British government to reconsider. Canada, on the other hand, has remained largely undecided.

    Bell Canada, however, has decided to exclude Huawei, inking a deal with Ericsson instead.

    “Ericsson plays an important role in enabling Bell’s award-winning LTE network and we’re pleased to grow our partnership into 5G mobile and fixed wireless technology,” said Stephen Howe, Chief Technology Officer, Bell Canada. “5G’s high-capacity and near-instant connections will enable next-generation applications like mobile 4K video and immersive augmented reality, connected vehicles and industrial IoT automation on a massive scale, and our plan is to deliver the benefits of the 5G wireless revolution to cities and rural locations alike.”

    Similarly, Deutsche Telekom has also selected Ericsson for its network in Germany.

    “We listened to Deutsche Telekom and understood their urgency to have 5G-ready infrastructure in order to stay at the forefront of customer service in Germany,” said Arun Bansal, President and Head of Ericsson in Europe and Latin America. “We can run multiple standards on the same baseband hardware and a 5G upgrade will be able to be performed by a simple software download to the radio sites. And, during these deliveries, we will use the experience from our 5G activities around the world to be sure that Deutsche Telekom has the most advanced hardware and software in the industry.”

    These are undoubtedly big losses for Huawei and further isolates the company in its efforts to be a leader in the 5G market.

  • T-Mobile Hits 5G Milestone With 50-State Coverage

    T-Mobile Hits 5G Milestone With 50-State Coverage

    T-Mobile has added another feather to its 5G cap with coverage in all 50 states, thanks to a roaming deal in Alaska.

    T-Mobile has struck a deal with GCI to allow T-Mobile customers to roam on the company’s 5G network while in the Anchorage, Alaska area. In turn, GCI customers are able to roam on T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G network.

    “The massive nationwide 5G network we’re building and expanding by the day – paired with important partnerships like this – extend our 5G leadership over the competition and deliver meaningful 5G experiences to our customers,” said Neville Ray, president of technology at T-Mobile. “Now, our customers with 5G devices can keep 5G service when in Alaska. And to GCI customers, welcome to nationwide 5G!”

    “GCI and T-Mobile have a long history of ‘firsts’ together,” said GCI President and Chief Operating Officer Greg Chapados. “GCI and T-Mobile launched the nation’s first LTE roaming partnership in 2014 and were the first providers to partner together to deliver voice over LTE service. Today’s partnership marks another first and a tremendous milestone! GCI congratulates the T-Mobile team on being the first wireless provider to offer 5G service in all 50 states. The partnership is a win for both companies and for GCI customers who will be able to access 5G service on the nation’s largest 5G network.”

    The move is a nice bragging point for the magenta carrier, making it the only one to offer 5G service in all 50 states. The deal is an even better one for GCI, as its customers gain access to T-Mobile’s 5G network throughout the country.