Telecoms.com Podcast Live from MWC 2026
6 snips
Mar 6, 2026 
Dan Warren, telecom innovator now at UK Telecoms Labs, offers sharp technical takes. Danielle Rios, Totogi CEO and prop enthusiast, brings product and AI/cloud perspective. Mike Dano, Ookla analyst, covers Speedtest data and satellites. Ray Dolan, Cohere CEO, explains RAN, ISAC and sensing. They chat satellites, integrated sensing, AI in RAN, spectrum strategy and live deployments at MWC.
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Starlink D2D Shows Scale But Not Terrestrial Replacement
- Satellite connectivity surged as a major MWC theme, with Starlink announcing a next-gen direct-to-device constellation promising ~120 Mbps and 1,200 satellites.
- Analysts estimate that second-generation D2D will provide only ~0.1% of terrestrial capacity, so it's complementary, not a replacement, and early deals are roaming partnerships (e.g., Deutsche Telekom to roam in 2028).
ISAC Could Be The Real 6G Differentiator
- Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) emerged as a defining 6G theme linking military, public safety and consumer uses.
- Ray Dolan argued ISAC turns every antenna into a sensor enabling hyper-localization and new monetizable services beyond basic connectivity.
No Revenue, No 6G Capex Cycle
- Operators won't fund major new 6G capex without clear new revenue streams, creating a circular hesitation across the industry.
- Ray warned that without a revenue case the sector risks a decade of stagnation and urged focus on services that pay for new investment.