Telecom news in the US, this week (Feb 17)

Briefing Document: 

Overall Themes:

• 5G Competition is Fierce and Confusing: Carriers are aggressively marketing their 5G networks, often with conflicting claims of being the "best," "fastest," or "most reliable." Independent testing results are being interpreted and rephrased to favor each carrier's narrative.
• Satellite Connectivity is the New Frontier: T-Mobile and Verizon are prominently featuring satellite connectivity in their advertising, focusing on expanded coverage and eliminating dead zones.

Detailed Breakdown:

1. 5G Network Claims and Competition:

• The "Everyone Gets an Award" Scenario: Ookla studies (RootMetrics and Speedtest) are producing results that allow multiple carriers to claim top spots. 
• Verizon claims "Best 5G, Fastest 5G, and Most Reliable 5G" from RootMetrics.
• AT&T claims the "fastest and most reliable mobile carrier network in the U.S." (Android Police), citing Ookla's Speedtest Connectivity Report and also highlights AT&T Fiber being crowned as "America’s fastest internet with the most reliable speeds".
• T-Mobile touts the "fastest and most consistent 5G network in the US" based on a Speedtest Connectivity Report.

2. Wireless Advertising Trends:

• Satellite Connectivity: "Wireless advertising has had a strong start in 2025...but the focus on satellite connectivity is new to carrier advertising." (RCR Wireless News)
• T-Mobile partnered with Starlink, emphasizing "the only space-based network that automatically connects to the phone you already have," inviting all carrier users to try it for free until July.
• Verizon showcased its satellite messaging capabilities with Buzz Aldrin in a Grammy Awards ad, "Conquering Dead Zones with Satellite".
• Prepaid Advertising: "January is traditionally a soft month for prepaid wireless sales" (RCR Wireless News). Metro by T-Mobile offered "4 free 5G phones," and Boost Mobile targeted Spanish-speaking customers with an offer of 4 free Moto G 5G phones.

3. 5G Deployment and Infrastructure:

• Super Bowl LIX Focus: Carriers invested heavily in network upgrades for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
• Verizon installed 509 ultra-wideband 5G antennas, 155 C-band specific antennas, and 42 MatSing antennas in the Superdome and encouraged customers to turn off Wi-Fi and use its 5G Ultra Wideband service.
• AT&T upgraded its distributed antenna system (DAS) and installed over 250 MatSing antennas in the Superdome, in addition to 5G+ mmWave radios.
• T-Mobile upgraded its indoor DAS, upgraded macro sites in nearby areas, and installed mmWave antennas in the Superdome.
• Data Usage: At Super Bowl LIX, Verizon users consumed 38.1TB of data, and AT&T's network handled nearly 29TB.
• 5G Standalone (SA) and Advanced: Spirent's report indicates that "The real action unfolded behind the scenes, where progress toward large-scale SA rollouts continued at a rapid pace and new 5G-Advanced plays kicked off," (RCR Wireless News).

4. Verizon Price Increases and Device Protection:

• Price Hikes: Verizon is raising prices on multi-device plans (four or more lines) from $60 to $68 per month. 
• Total Wireless Protect: Verizon announced a $5-per-month device protection plan through Total Wireless, offering affordable screen repairs and device replacements. 

5. Metro by T-Mobile's Innovative Approach

• "Ad It Up": Metro by T-Mobile is introducing a program called "Ad It Up", where customers can play games and earn points that can be converted to credit towards t

Thank you for listening!
-Mario Mejia