Wireless News this week, in the US (Dec 16)

Briefing Doc

Date: December 15, 2024

Summary: This briefing doc examines the ongoing debate surrounding T-Mobile's proposed acquisition of UScellular and highlights significant developments in 5G technology, specifically focusing on network slicing and its applications.

I. T-Mobile & UScellular Acquisition: Controversy and Potential Outcomes

• Despite opposition from various stakeholders, including EchoStar, the Communications Workers of America (CWA), and public interest groups, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert remains confident about closing the deal in 2025, citing potential benefits for consumers and the company. ("EchoStar, CWA, others move against T-Mobile's UScellular purchase")
• Concerns center around reduced competition, potential job losses, and spectrum consolidation, with critics arguing that the merger will ultimately lead to higher prices and reduced service quality for consumers. ("EchoStar, CWA, others move against T-Mobile's UScellular purchase", "Public Interest Groups Want T-Mobile-UScellular Merger Blocked")
• While the US Department of Justice has called for deeper scrutiny due to T-Mobile's foreign ownership, industry experts predict the incoming Trump administration, known for its leniency towards big business, is likely to approve the merger. ("EchoStar, CWA, others move against T-Mobile's UScellular purchase")

II. 5G Network Slicing: Emerging Applications and Market Impact

• Network Slicing Explained: This technology allows the creation of multiple virtual networks on a single 5G infrastructure, enabling operators to tailor network performance for specific applications and user needs. ("Network slicing slides more vigorously into 2025")
• T-Mobile's Position: Their recent API challenge highlights innovative applications using network slicing in healthcare, transportation, industrial safety, and entertainment. ("T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom Announce U.S. Finalists for Inaugural API Challenge")
• Verizon's Strategy: While initially focused on mmWave spectrum for 5G deployment, Verizon has shifted its strategy to prioritize mid-band C-band spectrum, recognizing its wider coverage and speed advantages over mmWave. ("Verizon announces new goals for its mid-band 5G airwaves")
• Verizon's Enhanced Video Calling: Verizon has launched Enhanced Video Calling, aiming to improve the quality and reliability of video calls on applications like FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Zoom, even in congested areas. ("Verizon’s new feature makes your WhatsApp calls way more stable")

III. Other Notable Developments in the Telecom Industry

• Globalstar's 5G Milestone: Successfully completed its first 5G data call using Band n53 spectrum, achieving high download and upload speeds and demonstrating potential for advanced mobile applications. ("Globalstar achieves first 5G data call on Band n53")
• T-Mobile's 5G Home Internet Waitlist: T-Mobile reports a waitlist exceeding one million people, highlighting the growing popularity of 5G-powered home internet solutions. ("There's a million-person waitlist for this T-Mobile offering")
• T-Mobile's Fiber Expansion: Aiming to expand its home internet offerings beyond FWA, T-Mobile is pursuing the acquisition of fiber companies Lumos and Metronet. ("There's a million-person waitlist for this T-Mobile offering")
• T-Mobile's Super App: T-Mobile is developing a "super app" called T Life to consolidate its various services and offer customers a centralized platform to manage their accounts, access support, and explore new offerings. ("The article discusses T-Mobile's confirmation of rumors about its T Life

Thank you for listening!
-Mario Mejia