Wireless News in the US, this week (Jan 20)

Briefing Document:

This summary captures key news in the week leading up to Jan 20th, '25.

A. Market Shifts:

• Affordable Broadband Act (ABA) in New York: New York's Affordable Broadband Act requires internet service providers to offer low-income households significantly discounted plans ($15/month for 25Mbps, $20/month for 200Mbps). These prices must include all fees and equipment rental.
• AT&T's Response to ABA: AT&T is exiting the New York home internet market (Internet Air service) altogether, deeming the rate regulations "harmful" and "uneconomical." They are giving current customers 45 days to find a new provider and will provide prepaid return kits for equipment.
• Competitive Landscape: AT&T's exit opens up opportunities for competitors like Verizon and T-Mobile. Verizon already offers affordable options that might align with the ABA, while T-Mobile, with its 5G expansion, may look to gain market share.
• Apple Leads Smartphone Shipments: Apple led global smartphone shipments in Q4 2024 with a 23% market share. They cite growth in Southeast Asia and India. Samsung is second (16%).
• Verizon’s Challenges: Despite reputation for best coverage built on earlier acquisitions, it is also implementing significant price hikes for both new and older plan users. 

B. Disaster Response and Network Resilience:

• Los Angeles Wildfires: Various responses from the industry to accommodate customers. 
• Verizon: Waiving all prepaid and postpaid call, text, and data charges for impacted counties from 1/9-1/18. Extending service end dates and waiving usage fees for prepaid customers. Has set up free Wi-Fi and charging stations in multiple locations.
• AT&T: Waiving overage charges and allowing unlimited talk, text, and data usage through  2/6.
• Apple: Allowing Apple Card users in affected areas to postpone payments without accruing interest for one month, available through Apple Card Support via the Messages app.
• T-Mobile: Enabled Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite messaging for T-Mobile customers in LA, allowing texting including 911, in areas with cellular infrastructure damage.
• Satellite Connectivity: T-Mobile and Apple are both leveraging satellite provide critical communication capabilities when cell towers are damaged or overloaded. 
• Network Slicing: T-Mobile is testing 5G network slicing in LA to give first responders higher priority, speeds, and capacity (T-Priority). This leverages their 5G Standalone (SA) network. 

C. Technological Advancements:

• 5G Standalone (SA): T-Mobile was first US operator to commercially launch a 5G SA core. Other operators like Verizon and AT&T are moving more slowly to 5G SA.
• Direct-to-Cell Satellite Connectivity: T-Mobile's beta program with Starlink is live.
• Network Optimization using AI: T-Mobile is using AI and software-defined networking to optimize performance.

D. FCC and Regulatory Landscape:

• New FCC Nominee: Olivia Trusty, a former staffer on Capitol Hill and for Verizon and Qwest, is President Trump’s nominee to fill a vacant FCC seat. 
• Spectrum Allocation: There is ongoing debate over spectrum allocation, particularly the lower 3 GHz band, which the wireless industry desires. The Department of Defense has historically resisted releasing this spectrum. 

E. Business and Sponsorships

• UFC and Total Wireless: UFC has partnered with Verizon’s Total Wireless, naming them "Official Wireless Provider" in a one year deal with options. Total Wire

Thank you for listening!
-Mario Mejia