Phil Britt

Report: 5G Revenue Impact to Be Minimal

Within the next five years, 5G networks will generate more than one quarter (26%) of wireless service revenue, according to new research from Strategy Analytics. But despite the expected impressive technical performance of 5G, the overall 5G revenue impact globally on the wireless service providers will be stagnant, the research firm added. The latest research also shows that any growth in 5G will be slow for the next 18 months before the technology gains strong momentum in 2021 as network coverage improves, phone prices fall, and use cases mature.

USTelecom Says Broadband Map Problems Can Be Fixed for $10-$12 Million

Early data from USTelecom’s broadband mapping pilot in Missouri and Virginia indicates the new methodology is working and is “superior to other [mapping] proposals,” the lobbying group tells the Federal Communications Commission. The broadband map pilot is an effort aimed at better defining where there are gaps in rural broadband coverage.

USDA ReConnect Broadband Funding Program Will Begin Accepting Applications April 23

The US Department of Agriculture will start accepting applications for its Rural e-Connectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect Program) on April 23. The ReConnect Program enables USDA to create and implement innovative solutions to rural connectivity by providing various financial options to partners and customers. The USDA will make three different types of awards:

Multi-Tenant Broadband Report: Only Price and Location Matter More Than Broadband

Technology is the third most important consideration for when selecting a multi-tenant residence, according to a survey of Comcast customers conducted by Comcast’s Xfinity Communities division, which provides network services for multi-tenant properties. While extremely important, technology still falls behind price and location, but ahead of other considerations such as gyms, clubhouses, outdoor spaces, common areas and even the quality of schools/districts, according to the survey.

Strategy Analytics: 5G Smartphone Costs Will Require Return to Subsidy Pricing

The power of 5G won’t be cheap, Strategy Analytics points out in a new report about 5G smartphone costs. The phones are expected to sell for more than $1,000 ($750 wholesale) when they are introduced -- and 5G device prices will decline at a much slower pace compared to 3G and 4G handsets. At those prices, subsidies will need to return for acceptance of these devices by the mass market, the firm adds.

Best Mobile Wireless Cities Report

Being a major metropolitan area usually means having top-tier infrastructure, access to technology and other advantages, but that isn’t the case when it comes to mobile network performance, according to a study of the worst and best mobile wireless cities released by RootMetrics.

Best Mobile Wireless Cities: Topping the rankings was Knoxville (TN), the nation’s 73rd ranked metro area in terms of population, followed by St. Louis (MO) (20th in population), Minneapolis (MN) (16th in pop), Allentown (PA) (60th in pop), and Fort Wayne (IN) (118 in pop).

T-Mobile, Nokia Teaming up on $3.5 Billion 5G Equipment Deal

T-Mobile and Nokia have agreed to a $3.5 billion deal to accelerate deployment of a nationwide 5G network. Under terms of today’s announcement, T-Mobile gains access to Nokia’s complete end-to-end 5G technology, software and services portfolio. Additionally, Nokia will help construct T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G network with 600 MHz and 28 GHz millimeter wave 5G capabilities, which are compliant with the new 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) standards.

Rural Broadband Associations Come Out Against Proposed FCC Moves Against Huawei

The Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), the Computer & Communications Industry Association,  ITTA – The Voice of America’s Broadband Providers (ITTA), and NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association (NTCA) have filed joint reply comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in opposition of the Commission’s proposed rule to prohibit the use of money distributed from the Universal Service Fund (USF) to purchase or obtain equipment or services from any providers identified as posing a national security risk to communications networks or the communications supply chain.

Las Vegas is Latest US Ignite Smart Gigabit Community, Sponsored by Cox

Cox Communications and US Ignite designated Las Vegas as the newest US Ignite Smart Gigabit Community (SGC). US Ignite’s SGC program is creating “living lab” environments for the next generation of gigabit applications. Las Vegas is the 25th community designated as an SGC. The designation is designed to facilitate collaboration among US Ignite, universities, municipalities, community anchor institutions like hospitals and schools, nonprofits, network carriers and ISPs.

Nokia, Facebook Team Up on High-Speed Fixed Wireless

Nokia will combine its worldwide delivery capabilities and wireless passive optical network (WPON) with Facebook’s Terragraph technology to launch global gigabit broadband trials in 2018 with select customers. The Nokia, Facebook project is an attempt to accelerate the adoption of 60 GHz fixed wireless access technologies to deliver gigabit services and connect more people.

When it Comes to Net Neutrality Support, Knowledge is Evidently Power

Most who say they understand the net neutrality issue say they support it, according to a new study of net neutrality perceptions from research firm GfK. According to the study, about half (55%) of all US consumers report that they understand the issue of net neutrality – regardless of whether they are following the neutrality debate closely.