All the evidence suggests that a modern manufacturing sector needs dedicated wireless systems
The emergence of private 5G networks in the U.S. manufacturing sector is revolutionizing industrial connectivity and competitiveness. At the heart of this trend is the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) — a...
Greetings from soggy Kansas City and Cedar Rapids. Pictured is the crew from this year’s CellSite Solutions 2025 INDATEL Summit dinner. Nine different companies represented in the picture – an absolutely amazing time. Thanks to all who participated, and we look forward to seeing...
A federal judge in 1983 ordered the breakup of the Bell System
A federal judge in 1983 ordered the breakup of the Bell System. Through 1983, the U.S. telecom system was dominated by AT&T, which operated as a monopoly. What followed was 40+ years of...
Executives should understand — and want to win the hearts and minds of — all three
As an Industry Analyst and columnist for several decades, I have attended more client briefings than you can imagine. These are from communications companies in wireless, telecom, cable TV,...
Markets grow and then decline as some MVNOs become MNOs or MNO sub-brands
What is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) market? For those concerned about competition along the entire mobile ecosystem supply chain with distinctions between network infrastructure and branded retail operations, Mobile Virtual...
I have been using Samsung’s category-defining Galaxy S25 Edge for the last three weeks and loving it. My biggest realization during that time is that liking this phone comes down to a simple question: “Do you know what you want?”
If you are looking for...
The GSMA’s latest Mobile Threat Security Landscape report reveals a whole host of AI-enabled security threats
There’s no denying AI is changing the face of security in telecoms. From catching fraud to spotting intrusions, it’s enabling operators to monitor vast, distributed networks at machine speed...
PLEASE NOTE – This is the last email edition of The Sunday Brief that we will distribute, going forward, you will receive an email from Wordpress where the online edition is published. Each online edition includes a downloadable PDF of The Sunday Brief at...
Can the U.S. win back the 5G edge — and protect its AI lead?
Recently, Ajit Pai wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that the United States of America has lost its 5G leadership position to China. Pai is a former FCC chairman and...
The real value of slicing lies in its ability to logically partition network resources within a mobile operator’s existing licensed spectrum
Commentary contributed by Dean Bubley to RCR Wireless News earlier this week contended that 5G network slicing is overhyped, but the fact remains that...
Recently, I had an interesting conversation with Fergal Lawlor, who is the CEO of Alpha Wireless, a wireless antenna solutions company established in 2007. I believe antenna design is one of several important new areas that the wireless industry will focus on going forward,...
Some say 5G slicing is a viable alternative to spectrum sharing or private networks — but it suffers from severe constraints
Some wireless industry commentators have suggested that “5G network slicing” is a viable alternative to either spectrum-sharing or the deployment of private (dedicated)...
Greetings from Cedar Rapids (Iowa) and Camdenton, Jefferson City and Kansas City (Missouri). Pictured are some protesters walking by our lunch location in Jefferson City last Saturday (the sign reads “Things are so bad, even the introverts are here”). This gets our prize for...
Boldyn Networks' strategy is shifting to focus on organic growth rather than through mergers and acquisitions
In previous conversations with Boldyn Networks, and after following their growth, I have seen an aggressive, young company focused on growth through acquisitions. Now, their strategy is shifting, with...
Greetings from Nashville, Cedar Rapids, and Kansas City. It has been a whirlwind of activity since Memorial Day, and the summer promises to be filled with even more headlines. The opening picture is of our first (and definitely not the last) Sunday Brief Fiber Connect get...
How will mobile operators use AI/ML to boost capacity and energy efficiency in the radio network? The PR wars have started, and people will stir up a lot of questions. CPU? GPU? What about the new ARC Compact? Does the RAN have to...
Motorola, once a telecom giant, nearly collapsed in 2011 — instead, it split into Motorola Solutions and Motorola Mobility
The Motorola story is one we can all learn from. It has had its highs and lows, and once again, it is reinventing itself. That calls...
The forced relocation of CBRS licensees to other bands would irreparably damage a growing industry and its ecosystem
Some recent press articles and an open letter from Senator Cantwell to Defense Secretary Hegseth have suggested that the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Federal Communications...
Why do cable TV companies need to be early on next merger wave?
It looks like cable TV has begun its next change wave. Over time, it has been through many different levels. Until around two decades ago, this industry was growing. Back then, M&A...
Memorial Day Greetings from Florida, Iowa, and Missouri. The picture is from our dog’s (Abby) recent visit to the Springfield (MO) farm where she awarded the Editor with multiple prize turtles. Spring in the country – can’t beat it.
In addition to the long form...
AI-powered radio intelligence is stealing the spotlight in telecoms – and China is stealing the show. While global telcos experiment, Chinese operators are delivering Level 4 automation at scale, with real-world impact.
The news | Tier one vendors innovate with RAN intelligence
At MWC25, mobile network...
CBRS spectrum access is under pressure as diverse stakeholders vie for midband resources
Contention for Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), or midband spectrum in the 3 GHz band, is intensifying as a reorganization of the band’s allocation appears likely within the next two to three...
To maintain a competitive advantage, don’t let the AI growth wave pass you by
As an advisor to companies, I have noticed how they have been collecting massive amounts of data for decades. Until now, they have been overwhelmed trying to sort through it all...
April 2025 marks the 5-year anniversary of the FCC’s release of the 6 GHz spectrum band for unlicensed use. It is already widely used by Wi-Fi and other technologies in the US and several international markets, while some regions are still considering its future...
