Comcast will take on the telcos, and AT&T will offer two versions of the new iPhones
1. Comcast says it wants the cable industry to come together to combat AT&T and Verizon Communications. Specifically, the company wants other cable players to support Comcast in its bid to take corporate business away from the telcos. Comcast has made deals that will allow it to offer phone and Internet service over the broadband connections owned by competitors Cox Communications, Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications, Cablevision Systems and Mediacom Communications.
2. AT&T says its network upgrades mean some customers can now use more data. Those who are still on unlimited data plans can now use up to 22 gigabytes of high-speed data before they are subject to the network management practices that are commonly referred to as throttling. The Federal Communications Commission is currently trying to fine AT&T $100 million for failing to adequately notify customers about potential data throttling.
3. AT&T plans to sell a distinct model of the new iPhone in order to leverage its 2.3 GHz spectrum. The carrier is building out its 2.3 GHz WCS spectrum in support of its LTE network, but most of the new iPhones will not work in that spectrum band. PCMag.com’s lead mobile analyst confirmed AT&T will sell a different iPhone from other nationwide carriers. The standard iPhone 6S and 6S Plus models are also expected to be available through AT&T.
4. Apple’s new iOS 9 is getting very positive reviews. Early adopters say it speeds up some apps without draining the battery and that it takes up less than one-third as much internal memory as iOS 8. The new operating systems include a keyboard with uppercase and lowercase characters, a back button for switching between apps, and a proactive version of Siri.
5. Hewlett-Packard continues to slash headcount as the company races to restructure. The equipment maker is splitting into two companies, and said this week that it “expects 25,000 to 30,000 people to leave” Hewlett Packard Enterprises. HPE, which sells hardware, software and services to corporate customers, is profitable and expects to return at least 50% of fiscal 2016 free cash flow to shareholders. The company said the planned headcount reduction will help it achieve $2.7 billion in annual cost savings.
Workforce reduction has been an ongoing theme for HP, which announced thousands of layoffs in 2014. More recently, the company reportedly told a number of employees that they needed to become contractors in order to stay with the company.
Fortunately there are many parts of the telecom and wireless industry that are hiring. Our featured job today comes from TelForce Group. The recruiter is looking for a Level 2 installation technician in the Dallas area. Please send all resumes with certifications and driver licenses to austin@telforcegroup.com.
