Three telecommunication giants, Verizon, Motorola and Samsung, have shared some good news and provided updates regarding progress with the long-awaited 5G network. Verizon has announced that they have successfully accomplished the connection of a 5G-upgradeable Motorola smartphone using a Qualcomm 5G modem and Samsung’s 5G technology to their 5G network. The team performed tests that included video calling and Internet browsing by means of a 5G link. According to Bill Stone, vice president, Technology Development and Planning for Verizon, “In the past two years, we have consistently led the world in 5G, including launching the world’s first commercial 5G service last month”. Obviously upbeat about this successful test using an actual smartphone, he assured, “We will be the first to offer a 5G upgradeable smartphone on our network in 2019.” Verizon’s 28 GHz spectrum and Samsung 5G New Radio solutions were employed to complete the transmissions. The 5G-enabled…
October 1st, 2018 will be remembered as the date when the first 5G broadband network went live, with the telecommunications giant Verizon launching its 5G network in parts of Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Sacramento. The company confirmed that it will be expanding its coverage shortly, pending the installation of new standards-compliant equipment. “The world’s first commercial 5G service is here. We’ve formed incredible partnerships with many of the world’s leading technology companies, the international technical standards bodies, public officials, developers and our own customers to drive the 5G ecosystem forward, faster than most had predicted. And now, actual customers. It’s been an incredible journey…and we’re just at the starting line,” the president of Verizon Wireless, Ronan Dunne, expressed enthusiastically. The very first user on this network, a resident of Houston, Clayton Harris, became one of the early adopters by setting up a “5G Home” service, an ultra-fast…
Connecting to a public WiFi network at airports, hotels or even at a local coffee shop is not always as safe as one might think, as intercepting private information sent over a public network is quite easy even for inexperienced hackers. As a result, Verizon has decided to combat this security vulnerability by launching a VPN for their customers, Safe Wi-Fi. This new service protects personal data from prying eyes, and blocks advertisement trackers by using VPN encryption. Safe Wi-Fi is available on iOS and Android devices for a fee of $3.99 per month, and can cover up to 10 devices linked to a Verizon account. Considering how much the theft of personal information might cost a user, this is a small price to pay for keeping important data secure.
The FCC has approved AT&T and AST SpaceMobile to test direct-to-cell satellite connectivity for FirstNet. This initiative aims to enhance public safety communications by extending reliable service to remote and disaster-affected areas through low Earth orbit satellites.
TXO has acquired the AirWay Group, strengthening its North American presence and expanding its sustainable telecom solutions. The deal enhances TXO’s network lifecycle capabilities and supports its mission to reduce waste, while bringing on board key leadership and over 250 global telecom clients.
Project Kuiper by Amazon is poised to revolutionize the broadband landscape with its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite launch, directly challenging Starlink. With over 3,200 satellites and telecom partnerships, Kuiper promises high-speed, low-latency internet worldwide. This development is a significant contender in the growing LEO broadband market.
Comcast Business has made a strategic leap by acquiring Nitel, a leading Network-as-a-Service provider. This move strengthens Comcast’s position in enterprise networking and managed services, enhancing its capability to compete with industry titans like AT&T and Verizon.
Celona’s recent certification by AT&T for its neutral-host system enhances indoor CBRS coverage, paving the way for better cellular connectivity where it’s often lacking. This system is more cost-effective than traditional Distributed Antenna Systems, providing multi-operator support and improving coverage.
Telus, a leading telecom operator, is considering selling a minority stake in its wireless tower portfolio, aiming to strengthen its financial position. The potential divestment of up to 49.9% of its 3,000 towers could raise over CAD 1 billion, fueling debt reduction and aligning with broader industry trends of leveraging asset sales for growth.
AT&T is in talks to acquire Lumen Technologies’ consumer fiber segment, potentially expanding its customer base. This acquisition, valued at $5.5 billion, aims to add over 4 million new fiber connections, aligning perfectly with AT&T’s fiber expansion plans. If successful, this move will help AT&T reach its ambitious target of covering 50 million premises by 2029.