WebProNews

Tag: Verizon

  • Verizon and Mastercard Team Up to Apply 5G to the Payments Industry

    Verizon and Mastercard Team Up to Apply 5G to the Payments Industry

    Verizon and Mastercard are partnering to bring the benefits of 5G to the payments industry.

    5G stands poised to revolutionize numerous industries, not the least of which is the financial sector. Like most carriers, Verizon has been moving ahead at full-speed in its efforts to deploy its 5G network.

    The two companies plan to use 5G to help “drive transformational solutions for the global payments and commerce ecosystem.” The next-gen wireless technology will help revolutionize new areas of the commerce industry, including contactless payments and autonomous checkout.

    In particular, the two companies’ efforts will help advance the use of smartphones for making and accepting payments, providing touchless retail experiences, VR/AR shopping and creating new ways to consume digital content.

    “Business needs and consumer demands constantly fluctuate. Critical components of long-term success are the ability to remain agile and align with strategic financial and payments partners that have the tools and capabilities to drive industries forward,” said Sampath Sowmyanarayan, CRO, Verizon Business. “Coupling Verizon’s leading global IP network and transformative 5G technology with Mastercard’s deep industry expertise, leading services and solutions, and a strong commitment to innovate, is a partnership that aligns perfectly with what we are striving to achieve at Verizon and one that can create game-changing solutions.”

  • UScellular Taps Nokia For Its 5G Standalone Core

    UScellular Taps Nokia For Its 5G Standalone Core

    UScellular has extended a contract with Nokia for the Finnish company to provide its 5G standalone core.

    UScellular is a regional carrier in the US, and currently the fourth-largest in the country, behind Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T. Like most carriers, the company is rolling out its 5G network and has tapped Nokia for its rollout. Nokia will provide its AirScale radios, which will provide both high-speed mmWave and widespread low-band 5G.

    “As we continue to expand and enhance our 5G network, we value the innovation and support that Nokia provides to help us deliver a superior wireless experience to our residential and business customers,” said Mike Irizarry, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, UScellular. “As we deploy 5G SA core, Nokia brings expertise, technology excellence and the right mix of hardware, software and services to meet our requirements for high performance and low latency.”

    “We are thrilled to be selected by UScellular to deliver a full 5G experience to its customers,” said Ed Cholerton, President of Nokia North America. “Our 5G SA core and 5G radios provide not only new capabilities, scale, operational efficiencies, and revenue opportunities, but drive a far better user experience that customers expect. Working with UScellular to provide the core network function software and cloud infrastructure continues our momentum in the North American standalone 5G core market.” 

    The contract is a big win for Nokia as the company continues to fight for its share of the 5G market.

  • Verizon and the NFL Extend 5G Partnership For Another 10 Years

    Verizon and the NFL Extend 5G Partnership For Another 10 Years

    Verizon and the NFL have extended their 5G partnership for another 10 years, bringing 5G innovations to NFL stadiums around the US.

    Verizon has been working with the NFL for years to help transform all aspects of the game, from 5G-powered AR to improved coaching, scouting, training and more.

    The two organizations have extended their partnership for another 10-years, opening the door for even more innovation in the coming decade.

    “The NFL has embraced innovation for decades to bring fans closer to the game, from instant replay technology to outfitting players with microphones,” said Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO Verizon. “Our longstanding relationship, and swift delivery of 5G connectivity in 25 stadiums, has created new ways to bring fans even closer to the action. As we embark on the next 10 years, our work with the NFL will continue to enhance and transform not only the fan experience, but also has the potential to improve player training and overall venue operations.”

    “For the past decade, Verizon has been one of our key technology partners, helping with everything from digital distribution of NFL content, engaging our fans at the NFL’s biggest events, enhancing communications throughout the NFL ecosystem and upgrading technology within stadiums across the League,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “As we look to the next decade with our trusted partner, Verizon will help us capitalize on the promise of 5G technology, paving the way for the future of the game and delivering incredible experiences for millions of NFL fans.”

  • T-Mobile Beating Rivals in Workforce Diversity

    T-Mobile Beating Rivals in Workforce Diversity

    In addition to leading its rivals in 5G, T-Mobile also has the most diverse workforce among the major US carriers.

    T-Mobile has been making strides on all fronts in recent years, buying Sprint, leapfrogging AT&T to become the number two carrier and has taken the lead in the 5G race. The company also boasts the most diverse workforce, according to The Seattle Times, with people of color accounting for 60% of its employees.

    Speaking about the company’s progress, CEO Mike Sievert said racial justice and diversity have been major points of focus.

    Over the last year, we focused heavily on our people and our culture. We guided teams through the significant shifts in our business and a pandemic-world, while witnessing protests for greater racial justice that took place across our country. We implemented measures to help employees manage the social, emotional, and economic stress of the pandemic while undertaking the important journey of uniting our company behind a new company vision, mission, and values. We also launched our five-year Equity In Action plan, which reflects our commitment to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion even more strongly in our company culture with ambitious programs to continue building diverse talent across our company to reflect communities we serve.

  • From the Ashes: Yahoo Is Back!

    From the Ashes: Yahoo Is Back!

    One of the oldest internet companies is once again under its own name, as Yahoo is no longer part of Verizon.

    In May, Verizon announced it was selling Verizon Media to Apollo Funds. Verizon Media included the Yahoo and AOL brands, and was part of Verizon’s attempt to take on Google and Facebook in the advertising market.

    The acquisition is now complete, and Yahoo is once again operating as a standalone company under its own name.

    “We look forward to partnering with Yahoo’s talented employee base to build on the company’s strong momentum and position the new Yahoo for long-term success as a standalone consumer internet and digital media leader,” said Reed Rayman, Partner at Apollo. “We couldn’t be more excited about this next chapter for Yahoo as we look to invest in growth across the business, including accelerating its customer-first offerings and commerce capabilities, expanding its reach and enhancing the daily user experience.”

    “This is a new era for Yahoo,” said Guru Gowrappan, CEO, Yahoo. “The close of the deal heralds an exciting time of renewed opportunity for us as a standalone entity. We anticipate that the coming months and years will bring fresh growth and innovation for Yahoo as a business and a brand, and we look forward to creating that future with our new partners.”

    With some 900 million monthly active users, Yahoo has significant potential to be a profitable company for Apollo Funds.

  • Microsoft, Verizon Announce Verizon 5G Edge with Microsoft Azure Stack Edge

    Microsoft, Verizon Announce Verizon 5G Edge with Microsoft Azure Stack Edge

    Microsoft and Verizon are deepening their partnership, announcing Verizon 5G Edge with Microsoft Azure Stack Edge.

    While 5G is often thought of in the context of cell phones, tablets and computers, some of its greatest promise is in the realm of edge computing. With its high speeds and low latency, 5G allows data to be processed at the edge, greatly improving response times for mission-critical applications. Private 5G networks also allow for greater security.

    As one of the leading cloud computing platforms, bringing 5G edge computing to Microsoft Azure is a game-changer for many of Microsoft’s customers.

    “Our partnership with Microsoft brings 5G Edge to enterprises, dropping latency at the edge, helping critical, performance-impacting applications respond more quickly and efficiently,” said Sampath Sowmyanarayan, Chief Revenue Officer of Verizon Business. “5G is ushering in next-generation business applications, from core connectivity to real-time edge compute and new applications and solutions that take advantage of AI transforming nearly every industry.”

    “Business innovation demands powerful technology solutions and central to this is the intersection between the network and edge” said Yousef Khalidi, corporate vice president Azure for Operators at Microsoft. “Through our partnership with Verizon, we are providing customers with powerful compute and storage service capabilities at the edge of customers’ networks, enabling robust application experiences with increased security.”

  • T-Mobile Takes Top Spot in PCMag’s Annual Speed Test

    T-Mobile Takes Top Spot in PCMag’s Annual Speed Test

    In PCMag’s annual test of the US wireless networks, T-Mobile has decisively taken the top spot for 5G service.

    PCMag’s annual review involves sending its drivers across the country, covering more than 10,000 miles, and more than 30 cities and 6 different rural regions. This provides an opportunity to get real-world data, not only on the speeds each carrier offers, but also the degree of improvement over past years.

    PCMag started off their Fastest Mobile Networks 2021 report with high praise for T-Mobile.

    It’s T-Mobile’s year at last. The carrier’s new mid-band 5G network is the only nationwide 5G that’s markedly faster than 4G, earning T-Mobile its first-ever PCMag award for America’s fastest mobile network.

    The report found that T-Mobile took the 5G crown in 24 of the cities and rural regions PCMag’s drivers tested. AT&T came in second with 8, and Verizon brought up the rear with two.

    T-Mobile’s top download speed was 1,134.4 Mbps, with an average of 162.3, while upload topped out at 140.5, with an average of 28.1. AT&T’s max and average download speeds were 1,090.9 and 98.2, while its upload speeds were 89.5 and 21.1. Verizon’s download speeds were 2,216.7 and 93.7, while its uploads were 102.8 and 21.5.

    One thing is clear from this report: T-Mobile has skyrocketed past its competition in just a year’s time, comparing the 2020 and 2021 data. The key to T-Mobile’s rise is the mid-band spectrum it acquired as part of the Sprint acquisition.

    As we have written about many times on WPN, mid-band spectrum is the sweet spot for 5G. High-band mmWave offers the absolute fastest speeds, but its paired with abysmal, almost useless range and building penetration. That’s why Verizon is able to clock the highest speeds in the test but, because Verizon bet so heavily on mmWave, its availability is equally abysmal. In fact, because mmWave requires so many repeaters and base stations to give any appreciable coverage PCMag found that Verizon’s mmWave availability in metro areas was only 3.27%, compared to 2.82% in 2020 — barely any measurable growth.

    On the other end of the spectrum, low-band 5G — using spectrum in the same range as 4G LTE — provides outstanding coverage but little to no real speed benefit over 4G. That’s why in 2020 T-Mobile’s speeds were decidedly behind its two rivals, since T-Mobile’s early 5G investment was in a nationwide low-band network.


    In contrast, mid-band spectrum offers the perfect blend of coverage and speed. With the Sprint merger complete, and T-Mobile rapidly rolling out Sprint’s wealth of mid-spectrum, the company has suddenly found itself firmly in the 5G lead.

    Verizon and AT&T clearly have their work cut out, and PCMag’s report shows why both companies had to spend a fortune at the FCC’s spectrum auction to acquire the spectrum they need to catch up.

  • Verizon Giving Customers a Free Year of AMC+

    Verizon Giving Customers a Free Year of AMC+

    Verizon is adding another entertainment service to its wireless bundles, giving some customers a free year of AMC+.

    Wireless carriers have increasingly been bundling various streaming and entertainment services in an effort to reduce churn. Verizon already offers Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, discovery+, Apple Arcade, Apple Music and Google Play Pass on its high-end unlimited plans.

    The company now includes AMC+ to that roster, giving customers access to programming from AMC, BBC America, IFC and SundanceTV, in addition to the content libraries of Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited.

    “Enhancing the way that fans enjoy their beloved content is at the center of what we do at Verizon,” says Erin McPherson, Head of Content Partnerships at Verizon. “Adding up to 12 months of AMC+ on us to our robust set of content offerings is just one more way we’re able to give our customers unique experiences, like getting to see the new season of the iconic AMC show, The Walking Dead, and the wealth of other acclaimed content that AMC+ offers, all on us.”

    “Verizon has been a great and valued partner over the years, and we are pleased to now extend that partnership to our new premium streaming bundle, AMC+,” said Josh Reader, president of distribution and development for AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX). “Over the last year, we have seen tremendous interest in AMC+ from consumers and our distribution partners, and the launch of this new partnership with Verizon couldn’t be better timed, with the premiere of the 11th and final season of The Walking Dead later this month and a truly spectacular lineup of original programming coming later this year and in 2022.”

  • Verizon Brings 5G Fixed-Wireless for Business to Five News Cities, 47 Total

    Verizon Brings 5G Fixed-Wireless for Business to Five News Cities, 47 Total

    Verizon has expanded its fixed-wireless for business to five additional cities, bringing its total to 47.

    Verizon has poised its fastest variety of 5G, 5G Ultra Wideband, as a viable option for businesses, instead of relying on traditional broadband options. 5G Ultra Wideband has speed measured in gigabits, in many cases far faster than some businesses have access to.

    The company has now rolled outs its service in parts of Gresham, OR; Albuquerque, NM; Austin, TX; Little Rock, AR; and Nashville, TN.

    “The expansion of 5G Business Internet is ahead of schedule, and we will continue to add availability in new cities throughout the year, but this is just the start. The upcoming deployment of our new spectrum assets will be a major catalyst for 5G fixed-wireless growth,” said Sampath Sowmyanarayan, Chief Revenue Officer of Verizon Business.

  • Verizon Brings Back Its ‘Broken Phone’ Promo

    Verizon Brings Back Its ‘Broken Phone’ Promo

    Verizon is bringing back one of its most popular promos, with the return of its “broken phone” promotion.

    A broken, expensive smartphone is most customers’ worst nightmare. Verizon is doing something about that, covering up to $1,000 for a replacement. The originally debuted April 1, but the company has brought it back for a limited time, effective August 1.

    Since you broke your phone, we broke the rules. Got an old, shattered or otherwise discarded phone on your hands? Then we’ve got a deal for you. Beginning tomorrow, April 1, and for the first time ever, for new and existing customers: trade in your cracked or water damaged phone and get up to $1,000 off our best 5G phones with a port-in and select Unlimited plans1. That means cracked, broken, and even phones that no longer turn on can help make your next device more affordable. Yes, we know it’s April Fools’ Day, but trust us — this offer is #NoJoke. Act now, though, because this offer is only available for a limited time.

    Given how expensive high-end phones are, this is an outstanding offer by the nation’s biggest carrier.

  • T-Mobile Delivers Record Q2, Raises Guidance

    T-Mobile Delivers Record Q2, Raises Guidance

    T-Mobile continued its assent in the US wireless industry, turning in a record-breaking Q2 and raising guidance across the board.

    The magenta carrier added 1.3 million customers, and led the industry with 627,000 postpaid phone net additions, 2.5x more than last year. The company had $20 billion in revenue, a 13% growth year over year.

    Net income came in at $978 million, 8x more than last year, representing earnings per share of $0.78. In contrast, analysts were expecting $19.34 billion, with $0.53 per share earnings.

    T-Mobile also continued its 5G dominance, covering 305 million people and 1.7 million square miles with its Extended Range 5G. The company was quick to point out that this represents more coverage than Verizon and AT&T combined.

    At the same time, T-Mobile’s Ultra Capacity 5G, with average speeds of 350 Mbps, covers 165 million people. The company says it is on track to cover 200 million by year’s end.

    “Stellar postpaid customer gains and industry-leading service revenue growth translated into industry-best growth in profitability and cash flow, and drove another beat and raise quarter – all fueled by unprecedented synergies that only T-Mobile can deliver,” said Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile. “As we capitalize on our 5G leadership, it’s increasingly clear that our unmatched network, outstanding value and customer-centric experiences are setting the Un-carrier apart from everyone else.”

  • Verizon Reports Record Q2 Results on 5G Growth

    Verizon Reports Record Q2 Results on 5G Growth

    Verizon has reported its Q2 earnings, breaking records on strong 5G growth.

    Verizon reported revenue of $33.8 billion, a 10.9% increase from the year-ago quarter, and up 5.3% from Q2 2019. The company added 275,000 phone net additions, and reported one of its lowest churn rates in recent years, at a mere 0.65% for retail postpaid phones.

    The company attributed much of its success to the increased adoption of 5G phones and services, no doubt aided by the company’s recent aggressive 5G upgrade campaign.

    “We are executing on our multipurpose network strategy and producing positive results in each of our five growth vectors, recording strong second quarter results. With more connections on our network than anyone else, our already excellent network performance improved in the quarter and was recognized by RootMetrics as the best overall network performance for the 16th time in a row. We are also expanding our 5G Ultra Wideband and 5G Home markets,” said Verizon Chairman and CEO Hans Vestberg. “We are excited about our momentum leading into the second half of the year. We are on track to close both the Tracfone and Verizon Media transactions, and will continue to bring value and choice to our customers.”

    The company also raised its guidance for 2021.

    “Second quarter results were exceptional, both financially and operationally,” said Verizon Chief Financial Officer Matt Ellis. “Our strong first half performance and the momentum in our business gives us the confidence to raise our total wireless service revenue growth guidance to between 3.5 percent and 4 percent, an update from prior guidance for 2021 total wireless service revenue growth of at least 3 percent. We are also raising our adjusted EPS guidance to the range of $5.25 to $5.35, an update from prior guidance for 2021 adjusted EPS of $5.00 to $5.15.”

  • Android Messages Will Be Default Verizon Messaging App Next Year

    Android Messages Will Be Default Verizon Messaging App Next Year

    Verizon has announced it will begin preloading Android messages as the default messaging app on its Android phones starting next year.

    Google has been working to speed up adoption of the RCS messaging standard. Default text messaging on Android is basic SMS, with minimal security and none of the advanced features Apple iMessage users enjoy.

    RCS is Android’s answer, adding group chats, read receipts, file transfers, end-to-end encryption and more. After years of waiting for carriers to adopt the protocol, Google finally started implementing it in Android themselves, and the carriers soon got on board.

    Verizon is now the third major US carrier, behind T-Mobile and AT&T to announce adoption. Beginning next year, all Android phones will come preloaded with the new Android app, Messages by Google.

    “Our customers depend on us to provide a reliable, advanced and simple messaging platform to stay in touch with the people that matter the most in their lives,” said Ronan Dunne, executive vice president and CEO of Verizon Consumer Group. “By working with Google, Verizon will offer our Android users a robust messaging experience that allows them to engage with loved ones, brands and businesses in new and innovative ways.”

    “Verizon and Google have been working together on Android since the early days of smartphones, and we’re excited to be working with Verizon today to bring a modern-messaging experience to our users,” said Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google’s senior vice president of Platforms & Ecosystems.

  • T-Mobile Once Again Has Fastest, Most Available 5G

    T-Mobile Once Again Has Fastest, Most Available 5G

    Ookla has released its latest report and T-Mobile has once again come out on top in the 5G race.

    Ookla is the maker of the popular Speedtest.net. As a result, the company is in a unique position to offer insights into the state of the US wireless industry, based on real-world data.

    T-Mobile had the fastest wireless speeds, with a median speed of 54.13 Mbps, while AT&T took second place with 47.96 Mbps, and Verizon third with 40.02. When looking solely at 5G speeds, however, T-Mobile pulled even further ahead. The company’s median 5G speed was 99.84 Mbps. Verizon came in second with 78.33 Mbps and AT&T came in third with 75.61.

    T-Mobile also had the best 5G availability at 69%. AT&T was a distant second at 38.4% and Verizon brought up the rear with 35.3%

    “T-Mobile customers are the clear winners coming out of these network reports, with unmatched 5G coverage and 5G speeds that keep getting faster,” said Neville Ray, President of Technology at T-Mobile. “Our differentiated 5G strategy of first building a foundation of coverage and then adding a deep layer of speed with Ultra Capacity 5G focuses on what matters most for customers – coverage and speed. This is how you build a 5G network the right way and this is why T-Mobile is the leader in 5G.”

  • Consumers Less Satisfied With Internet Speeds in 2021

    Consumers Less Satisfied With Internet Speeds in 2021

    Consumers are less happy with their internet speeds in 2021 than they were in 2020, evidence of increased pandemic-fueled reliance on the internet.

    As the pandemic forced people to work and learn remotely, internet connections that were once adequate suddenly struggled to meet people’s demands. The result is lower customer satisfaction in 2021 than in 2020.

    HighSpeedInternet.com conducted a survey of more than 2,000 Americans and found that customers gave their ISP an average overall rating of 3.8 out of 5.0, down from 4.0 in pre-pandemic 2020.

    Interestingly, EarthLink took the top spot among ISPs, with 44% of customers saying the company “always” delivered the speeds it advertised. An additional 35% of customers say their speeds are “usually” as fast as advertised. Earthlink achieved an overall satisfaction rating of 4.2. AT&T and Verizon came in second and third, with an overall rating of 3.8 each.

    HighSpeedInternet.com’s report illustrates the increased need for better internet access. Especially with remote and hybrid work options here to stay, the importance of faster internet will continue to grow.

  • Verizon Doubles LTE Home Internet Coverage

    Verizon Doubles LTE Home Internet Coverage

    Verizon has announced a major expansion of its LTE Home Internet coverage, doubling its footprint, in addition to bringing 5G Home Internet to 7 new cities.

    Like T-Mobile, Verizon is working to bring its network to bear on the home internet market, providing LTE and 5G solutions. The company says it has brought its 5G Home Internet to 7 additional cities, including:

    • Akron, OH
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • Columbia, SC
    • Durham, NC
    • Fresno, CA
    • Spokane, WA
    • St. Petersburg, FL

    In addition, Verizon’s LTE Home Internet has now doubled its coverage area.

    “With the expansion of LTE Home Internet and 5G Home Internet to more and more customers across the country, the options for fast, reliable internet have never been better. We continue to lead the industry by expanding broadband options for our customers. And with the new Verizon Internet Gateway device, our customers will have a head start to take advantage of a new era of experiences in the comfort of their home,” said Frank Boulben, Chief Revenue Officer, Verizon Consumer Group.

    5G and LTE home internet options are increasingly important resources for families in under-served areas and communities. Especially as remote work and education has become more common during the pandemic, wireless home internet has provided viable options to help people stay connected in areas where traditional broadband is not available.

  • Verizon and Huawei Settle Patent Dispute

    Verizon and Huawei Settle Patent Dispute

    Verizon and Huawei have settled their patent dispute, ending litigation between the largest US wireless carrier and one of the largest equipment providers.

    Huawei sued Verizon in 2020, accusing the US company of being unwilling to license its intellectual property, property Huawei claimed is covered by 12 patents. At the time Huawei sued, Verizon dismissed the suit as a “PR stunt.”

    Huawei’s lawsuit filed overnight, and sent to us in the very early morning, is nothing more than a PR stunt. This lawsuit is a sneak attack on our company and the entire tech ecosystem. Huawei’s real target is not Verizon; it is any country or company that defies it. The action lacks merit, and we look forward to vigorously defending ourselves.

    The case went to trial last week, but neither company allowed the trial to progress to completion. Instead, the two companies have settled, ending their dispute.

    Verizon spokesperson Rich Young announced the news: 

    “Verizon is happy with the settlement reached with Huawei involving patent lawsuits. While terms of the settlement are not being disclosed, our team did an outstanding job bringing this protracted matter to a close. Our company continues to focus on what truly matters: providing millions of consumers and businesses with outstanding technology built on America’s most reliable networks.”

  • T-Mobile Verizon and AT&T Complete STIR/SHAKEN Implementation

    T-Mobile Verizon and AT&T Complete STIR/SHAKEN Implementation

    T-Mobile and Verizon have both announced they have fully implemented the STIR/SHAKEN protocol to combat scams, meeting the FCC’s deadline.

    The Federal Communications Commission set June 30th as the deadline to implement the STIR/SHAKEN protocols for the largest wireless carriers. The protocols provide a framework for a carrier to verify the authenticity of a call, pass that on to the next carrier(s) for verification, and then pass on the verification to the recipient phone. When the call comes through, the recipient will see whether the number is verified or suspect.

    The protocols are designed to help fight scammers and robocallers that often mask their phone number to make it appear as if they’re calling from the same area code or exchange as the recipient. This can create a false sense of security, as the recipient believes the call is local.

    T-Mobile and Verizon have both fully implemented STIR/SHAKEN, providing their customers an extra layer of protection.

    “Number Verification, along with Caller ID, and the scam identification and blocking tools in Scam Shield, gives our customers the industry’s most comprehensive free scam and spam protection,” said Jon Freier, Executive Vice President, T-Mobile Consumer Group at T-Mobile​. “We were first to implement number verification in 2019 and today, all calls originating on the T-Mobile network are 100% STIR/SHAKEN compliant, giving our customers peace of mind that their calls are protected against scammers and spammers.”

    While not issuing a press release, as T-Mobile and Verizon did, AT&T did confirm to The Verge that it has also met the FCC’s deadline.

  • Telecom Companies Win Injunction Against NY Affordable Broadband Act

    Telecom Companies Win Injunction Against NY Affordable Broadband Act

    Telecom companies have won a last-minute injunction against New York’s Affordable Broadband Act, putting the law’s future in jeopardy.

    Governor Cuomo signed the Affordable Broadband Act in April, with it slated to go into effect next week. New York’s Eastern District Judge Dennis R. Hurley has sided with the telecom industry, acknowledging the law could cause “irreparable harm if the injunction is not granted.”

    When Cuomo signed the law in April, former Alphabet CEO Eric Schmidt was present, lending his support. The law has been opposed from the very beginning, however, by some of the biggest names in the telecom industry, including Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T.

    It remains to be seen if the law will survive the current challenge but, so far, it’s not looking good. Judge Hurley seemed especially concerned with the impact that law would have on smaller companies.

    “While a telecommunications giant like Verizon may be able to absorb such a loss, others may not: the Champlain Telephone Company, for example, ‘estimates that nearly half [approximately 48%] of [its] existing broadband customers will qualify for discounted rates,” with each such customer ‘caus[ing] a monetary loss.’”

  • Verizon Makes 5G Push With ‘Biggest Upgrade Campaign Ever’

    Verizon Makes 5G Push With ‘Biggest Upgrade Campaign Ever’

    Verizon is working hard to migrate its customer base to 5G, with its biggest “5G upgrade campaign ever.”

    Like carriers around the world, Verizon is rushing to deploy its 5G network, and working to convince customers to switch over. In addition to the benefits to consumers, in the form of higher speeds and lower latency, 5G has significant benefits to carriers.

    The improved architecture of 5G networks allows carriers to better deal with usage spikes, and the spectrum is better future-proofed to account for growth. The faster speeds also put carriers in the position to better compete with traditional internet service providers, as well as be the go-to solution for edge computing solutions.

    Of course, in order to benefit from 5G, carriers need to convince users to make the switch. Verizon is pulling out all the stops to do just that.

    Starting today, every customer —new and existing, consumers and businesses — can trade in an old phone and get a 5G phone on Verizon. That includes trading in a cracked or broken phone. Verizon will even help cover the cost of switching for new customers.

    The upgrade event promises to be a major event for the carrier, and a good deal for customers.

  • Verizon Exclusive Partner of 15 NBA Teams

    Verizon Exclusive Partner of 15 NBA Teams

    Verizon has announced it is the exclusive partner of 15 NBA teams, and now has its Ultra Wideband 5G deployed in 60+ stadiums.

    Ultra Wideband is Verizon’s name for the fastest flavor of 5G, mmWave. It offers speed measured in gigabits, and opens a world of new possibilities. The company is helping NBA teams use the technology to create more immersive experiences for fans in attendance. As one example, fans will be able to point their phones at a player and seen their stats and information on their screens, get shot/miss projections and more.

    Verizon and the NBA teams clearly see such experiences as a key element to luring people back to in-person events.

    “As fans return to live events, the need to reimagine the in-arena experience and operations has accelerated and 5G Ultra Wideband is a critical component,” said Brian Mecum, Vice President of Device Technology for Verizon. “The deployment of 5G in these arenas is the foundation for unlocking future fan experiences and solutions for venue operations.”

    Below is a list of partner teams:

    • Cleveland Cavaliers – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
    • Denver Nuggets – Ball Arena
    • Detroit Pistons – Little Caesars Arena
    • Golden State Warriors – Chase Center
    • LA Clippers
    • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Memphis Grizzlies – FedExForum
    • New York Knicks – Madison Square Garden
    • Oklahoma City Thunder – Chesapeake Energy Arena
    • Phoenix Suns – Phoenix Suns Arena
    • Portland Trail Blazers – Moda Center
    • Sacramento Kings – Golden 1 Center
    • Utah Jazz – Vivint Arena
    • Washington Wizards – Capital One Arena