Wireless news in the US, Special Edition (looking into 2025)

Briefing Document: Looking to 2025 

1. The Ascendancy of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
https://www.rcrwireless.com/20250116/analyst-angle/fixed-wireless-access-preferred-internet-connection-analyst-angle

• Key Idea: FWA is rapidly becoming the preferred next home internet connection for Americans, surpassing traditional cable and DSL options in popularity.
• High Satisfaction: FWA has higher customer satisfaction scores (cNPS) due to a better purchasing/installation experience and easy return policies.
• Spectrum Implications: The rising popularity of FWA is increasing demand for full-power licensed spectrum to support greater network capacity, leading to potential conflict with cable companies who wish to limit this capacity.

2. The Evolution of Service Bundling
https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/op-ed-bundling-alive-and-well-if-providers-know-how-package-their-services

• Key Idea: While service bundles are still relevant for customer retention, the core of successful bundles has shifted to focus on the internet, particularly when combined with mobile phone service.
• Internet and Mobile Synergy: Bundles alone do not drive satisfaction. Bundles with TV service drive more dissatisfaction compared to other bundles.

3. Challenges and Opportunities for 5G Standalone (SA)

• Key Idea: Despite its promise, 5G SA is struggling to deliver on its potential, with operators facing high deployment costs and limited monetization opportunities.
• Slow Monetization: Operators are struggling to translate 5G's technical advancements into revenue.
• FWA as a Success Story: FWA is a rare bright spot for 5G.
• Customer-Centric Approach Needed: The industry needs to shift from a focus on network technology to prioritizing customer-centric innovations.
• Fiber Still a Threat: Fiber remains a strong competitor, offering consistency and reliability, which may be increasingly valued over sheer speed.

4. The double-edge sword of the killer 5G 'app'

• Key Idea: The proliferation of data-intensive applications from "22-year-old whiz kids" could overwhelm mobile networks if operators don't carefully plan for traffic growth and premium pricing models.
• Risk of Unintended Consequences: Building high-performance networks with low latency and edge computing can incentivize app developers to prefer 5G, potentially flooding mobile networks with traffic.
• Need for Premium Pricing: Operators need to develop premium pricing plans for low-latency services to prevent traffic surges from undermining profitability.

5. Potential Mergers and Acquisitions, Specifically Charter

• Key Idea: There is substantial speculation about the potential acquisition of Charter Communications by either Comcast or T-Mobile.
• Regulatory Advantage: A T-Mobile-Charter merger might face less regulatory resistance than a Comcast-Charter merger.
• Trump Administration Impact: The incoming Trump administration is expected to be more lenient toward mega-transactions, possibly easing the path for either merger.
• T-Mobile's M&A appetite: T-Mobile's recent acquisition of Vistar Media and other acquisitions demonstrate their drive to expand their business,  expanding its advertising business using digital

Thank you for listening!
-Mario Mejia