The 6G Podcast by Moor Insights & Strategy

Welcome and Introduction- Will Townsend introduces the episode, featuring Chris Sambar, President of Networks for AT&T, and Abel Avellan, CEO of AST SpaceMobile.- The discussion kicks off with excitement about a recent rocket launch at Cape Canaveral.Rocket Launch Impressions- Chris Sambar shares his awe at witnessing a rocket launch for the first time.- Highlights the enthusiasm of AST SpaceMobile's investor base present at the event.Milestone Achievements for AST SpaceMobile- Abel Avellan discusses the significance of having five BlueBird satellites in orbit.- Explains the expected coverage and connectivity capabilities from the initial satellite launch.Design and Innovation in Satellite Technology- Avellan elaborates on the compact design and technological advancements of the BlueBird satellites.- Emphasizes the compatibility with existing mobile phones and the broadband capabilities of the satellites.AT&T's Strategic Partnership with AST SpaceMobile- Chris Sambar talks about AT&T's investment in AST SpaceMobile and his role on the board.- Describes the strategic advantage of satellite technology in providing coverage to remote areas.Job Creation and Economic Impact- Avellan highlights AST SpaceMobile's contribution to job creation in West Texas.- Discusses the transition of workers from the oil and gas industry to high-tech manufacturing roles.Bridging the Digital Divide- Avellan expresses his passion for providing equal economic opportunities through connectivity.- Discusses the transformative potential of mobile technology in underserved regions.AT&T's Commitment to Connectivity- Sambar outlines AT&T's efforts in expanding fiber networks and supporting digital learning.- Emphasizes the importance of broadband connectivity for societal advancement.Closing Remarks- Townsend wraps up the discussion, expressing gratitude to the guests.- Encourages listeners to engage with the podcast on social media and subscribe for future episodes.

Episode 205: G2 on 5G - Live from San FranciscoWelcome and Introduction- Hosts Will Townsend and Anshel Sag kick off episode 205 from San Francisco.- The episode features an abbreviated format with four topics, following their attendance at T-Mobile Capital Markets Day.AST Space Mobile Satellite Launch- Discussion on AST Space Mobile's successful launch of commercial satellites, known as Bluebirds, with SpaceX.- The satellites serve major carriers like AT&T and Verizon, boosting AST's stock to nearly $30 a share.- The launch signifies competition for Starlink, which is still in testing phases.Ericsson's Mobile Network Programmability Initiative- Ericsson announces a joint venture with mobile network operators to advance mobile network programmability.- The initiative aims to standardize and monetize 5G networks, benefiting application developers and enterprises.- Will and Anshel discuss the potential positive impact on Ericsson and the industry.Verizon's Workforce Reduction- Verizon announces a layoff of 5,000 employees, aiming to cut costs and improve profitability.- The layoffs reflect challenges in customer retention and network performance compared to competitors like T-Mobile.- Discussion on Verizon's efforts to enhance its network and regain market position.Insights from T-Mobile Capital Markets Day- Will and Anshel attended T-Mobile's event, featuring discussions with executives and industry analysts.- T-Mobile's collaboration with OpenAI on an improved customer experience platform, branded as Intent CX, is highlighted.- Introduction of T-Priority, a dedicated network slice for first responders, aiming to compete with AT&T's FirstNet.- T-Mobile's partnership with Nvidia to optimize radio access networks using AI, enhancing coverage and performance.Rapid Fire Topics- T-Mobile tests emergency notifications via satellite with SpaceX's Starlink.- NCAA approves AT&T's 5G helmet for deaf football players.- Huawei releases the Mate X3 Tri-Fold, a bifold smartphone with a ten-inch screen, priced at $3,000.Conclusion- Will and Anshel wrap up the episode, inviting listeners to provide insights on future 5G topics.- Encouragement to rate and subscribe to the podcast for more updates and discussions.

Welcome and Introduction- Will Townsend welcomes listeners to episode 204 of the G2 on 5G podcast.- Co-host Anshel Sag joins the discussion, and they wish everyone a happy Labor Day weekend.Labor Day Plans and Personal Updates- Anshel Sag shares his plans to attend IFA in Berlin before the upcoming Apple event.- Will Townsend talks about watching the Longhorns' home opener in Austin and his connection to Fort Collins.AT&T's Generative AI Strategy- Will Townsend discusses an article about AT&T's head of AI and their broad strategy for generative AI.- The conversation covers AT&T's use of AI for network lifecycle management, retiring copper infrastructure, and the potential for an autonomous network.- Anshel Sag highlights the cost optimization benefits of AI for large companies like AT&T.Apple's Upcoming Event- Anshel Sag previews Apple's September 9 event, focusing on the expected launch of the iPhone 16 and AI advancements.- Discussion on potential updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods, with less emphasis on new MacBooks.Deutsche Telekom's 5G Standalone Strategy- Will Townsend talks about Deutsche Telekom's plans to roll out 5G standalone with a focus on bespoke service offerings like cloud gaming and network slicing.- Anshel Sag questions the infrastructure readiness and the monetization strategy for these new services.Inseego's New FWA Router- Anshel Sag introduces Inseego's new FWA router, which supports all three major U.S. carriers and offers dual SIM functionality.- The router is designed for small and medium businesses, providing flexibility and advanced security features.U.S. Rural 5G Fund- Will Townsend revisits the U.S. Rural 5G Fund, a $9 billion initiative to improve rural broadband access that has been on pause since 2020.- Anshel Sag expresses skepticism about the fund's potential impact and the lack of satellite technology in the discussion.Huawei's Revenue Rebound- Anshel Sag discusses Huawei's 34% year-on-year revenue growth and 17% increase in net profit.- The conversation covers Huawei's diversification into automotive and cloud services, and their continued competitiveness despite challenges.Closing Remarks- Will Townsend and Anshel Sag wrap up the episode, wishing listeners a great Labor Day weekend.- They invite audience engagement and feedback on future 5G topics via social media.

Welcome and Introduction- Will Townsend welcomes listeners to episode 203 of the G2 on 5G podcast.- Introduction of fellow analyst Anshel Sag.Nokia's 4G Connectivity on the Moon- Discussion on Nokia outfitting Artemis 3 lunar mission spacesuits with 4G connectivity.- Benefits of LTE network capability for astronauts, including helmet-mounted video cameras.Air Five's Converged Gateway Product- Introduction of Air Five, a new company combining 5G and cable infrastructure.- Discussion on the potential applications and deployment of this hybrid technology.Ericsson's Private Networking Opportunities- Analysis of Ericsson's position in the private networking market.- Insights into the integration of Cradlepoint with Ericsson and the potential for joint development.Google Pixel 9 Review- Anshel Sag shares his experience with the new Google Pixel 9.- Highlights include build quality, AI features, and camera capabilities.SK Telecom's AI Cloud Services- Announcement of SK Telecom's partnership with Lambda to offer GPU as a service.- Discussion on the potential impact and innovation in AI cloud services.China Mobile's Milestone- China Mobile surpasses 1 billion subscribers, with over 527 million on 5G.- Insights into the growth and future of 5G adoption in China.Closing Remarks- Will Townsend and Anshel Sag invite listeners to provide insights on future 5G topics.- Encouragement to rate, subscribe, and tune in next week.

Episode 202: The G2 on 5G PodcastWelcome and Introduction- Will Townsend welcomes listeners to episode 202 of the G2 on 5G podcast.- Introduction of fellow analyst Anshel Sag.- Overview of the episode's structure: six topics covered in about 20 minutes.FTC Rulings on Fake Reviews and Testimonials- Discussion on recent FTC rulings prohibiting fake reviews and testimonials.- Anshel Sag provides insights on the implications of these rulings.- Exploration of how mobile networks might contribute to the problem of fake reviews.Impact of Mobile Networks on Fake Reviews- Will Townsend and Anshel Sag discuss the role of mobile networks in the proliferation of fake reviews.- Examination of how mobile technology can be used to amplify fake reviews.- Consideration of the enforcement challenges the FTC might face.Google Pixel 9 Launch- Anshel Sag introduces the new Google Pixel 9 and its features.- Overview of the AI capabilities integrated into the Pixel 9 and other devices.- Discussion on the broader ecosystem of Google products, including the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2.SK Telecom's AI Strategy- Will Townsend discusses SK Telecom's focus on AI and their pyramid strategy.- Analysis of SK Telecom's investments in AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic.- Exploration of the potential for SK Telecom to lead in AI applications within the telecom industry.Department of Defense and 5G- Anshel Sag talks about the Department of Defense's plans for integrating 5G.- Discussion on the potential use of integrated sensing and communications in military applications.- Examination of the financial and logistical challenges faced by the DoD in deploying 5G networks.Mobile Network Programmability- Will Townsend previews an upcoming analyst insight on mobile network programmability.- Discussion on the slow adoption of network programmability and recent advancements.- Mention of key players like Ericsson, Nokia, and the GSMA in driving this technology forward.Oracle and AT&T Partnership- Anshel Sag discusses the renewed partnership between Oracle and AT&T.- Overview of how Oracle's cloud applications will integrate with AT&T's network for IoT connectivity.- Analysis of the benefits for enterprise customers and the potential for future innovations.Closing Remarks- Will Townsend and Anshel Sag wrap up the episode.- Invitation for listeners to provide feedback and suggest future topics.- Reminder to rate and subscribe to the podcast.

Welcome and Introduction- Will Townsend welcomes listeners to episode 201 of the G2 on 5G podcast.- Introduction of fellow analyst Anshel Sag.T-Mobile's Initiative with Channel Partners- Discussion on T-Mobile's collaboration with Ingram Micro and Tech Data Synnex.- Introduction of the Partner Plus program to subsidize 5G connected PCs and fixed wireless access solutions.- Subsidies include up to $400 off PCs and up to $700 off Cradlepoint's fixed wireless access CPE products.- Potential savings for businesses up to $1,600 per router adapter and over $400 per connected PC.- Challenges around provisioning devices and the need for a marketing campaign to raise awareness.5G Baseband Vulnerability at Black Hat- Anshel Sag discusses a 5G baseband vulnerability revealed at the Black Hat security conference.- Vulnerability allows devices to be tricked into connecting to fake cell towers, enabling phishing attacks.- Researchers created a tool called 5G Base Checker to identify vulnerabilities in various phones.- Companies like Samsung and Google have patched these flaws, while MediaTek and Qualcomm have yet to respond.Nokia and Swisscom's Drone Partnership- Will Townsend talks about Nokia's partnership with Swisscom for drone emergency response and industrial use cases.- Nokia has prepared 300 "drone in a box" units for public safety and infrastructure inspections.- Discussion on the broader applications of drones in industries like window washing.Vodafone UK's 5G Standalone Service- Anshel Sag highlights Vodafone UK's launch of 5G standalone service for enterprises.- Research indicates 39% of UK companies are ready to invest in 5G standalone.- Vodafone's 5G Ultra service promises lower latency, more reliability, and better battery life.- Examples of network slicing applications include ITN, UK Power Networks, and gaming.China's Entry into the LEO Satellite Space Race- Will Townsend discusses China's recent entry into the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite space race.- China aims to launch 108 satellites this year and 15,000 by 2030 for global network coverage.- Discussion on the potential impact and competitiveness of China's LEO satellite initiative.Pentagon's 5G Applications for Defense- Anshel Sag talks about the Pentagon's use of 5G for enhancing warfighting capabilities.- Deployment of Anduril-made towers using tactical radios for high-resolution video security in Africa.- Future G's role in advancing 5G and transitioning to 6G for the US Department of Defense.Conclusion- Will Townsend and Anshel Sag wrap up the episode.- Invitation for listeners to provide insights on future 5G topics.- Contact information: Will Townsend (@willtowntech) and Anshel Sag (@anshelsag).- Encouragement to tune in next week.

Welcome and Introduction- Will Townsend welcomes listeners to the 200th episode of the G2 on 5G podcast.- Introduction of fellow analyst Anshel Sag.- Overview of the episode's format: six topics in about 20 minutes.AWS vs. Nokia Lawsuit- Will Townsend discusses AWS's lawsuit against Nokia over telco cloud intellectual property.- Background on Nokia's exit from the cloud platform business and partnership with AWS in Germany.- Speculation on the lawsuit's outcome and potential settlement.Earnings Reports Overview- Anshel Sag covers recent earnings reports from major tech companies.- Highlights include: - Arm's earnings and stock performance. - Qualcomm's record quarter and growth in automotive and smartphone sectors. - AMD's data center growth and challenges in the gaming sector. - Intel's disappointing earnings and layoffs. - T-Mobile's strong performance and growth in postpaid subscribers.T-Mobile's Rural Connectivity Initiative- Will Townsend discusses T-Mobile's focus on rural connectivity.- Introduction of the "Friday Night 5G Lights" contest, offering $2 million for a high school football field makeover.- Emphasis on T-Mobile's innovative marketing and community engagement.Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4S Gen 2- Anshel Sag introduces Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 4S Gen 2 platform.- Discussion on its potential impact on the value smartphone market.- Comparison with MediaTek's offerings and the importance of affordable 5G devices in developing regions.Nokia's Network as a Code Platform- Will Townsend explains Nokia's recent announcement related to its network as a code platform.- Overview of Nokia's partnership with Fontinius Acolyte for healthcare and utility sector use cases.- Discussion on the value of programmability and open APIs in network development.Ookla's Global Standalone 5G Report- Anshel Sag reviews Ookla's report on global standalone 5G networks.- Key findings include: - T-Mobile and SK Telecom's leadership in 5G SA. - The lag in European 5G SA deployments. - The importance of spectrum and carrier aggregation for network performance.Conclusion- Will Townsend and Anshel Sag reflect on the episode's topics.- Invitation for listeners to provide insights on future 5G topics.- Encouragement to rate, subscribe, and tune in next week.

Welcome and Introduction- Will Townsend welcomes listeners to episode 199 of the G2 on 5G podcast.- Discussion about the upcoming milestone of episode 200 and a call for listener feedback on how to celebrate it.T-Mobile's Fiber Investment- Will Townsend discusses T-Mobile's $5 billion investment in a joint venture with KKR to purchase Metronet.- The strategic move aims to enhance T-Mobile's 5G fixed wireless access services and provide fiber backhaul for radio towers.- Anshel Sag adds insights on Metronet's regional focus, particularly in the Midwest and Texas, and the potential benefits for T-Mobile's rural coverage.AST SpaceMobile's Satellite Deployment- Anshel Sag covers AST SpaceMobile's announcement of the completion and upcoming launch of its first five commercial satellites, Bluebirds.- The satellites will enhance 5G communication capabilities and have garnered investments from major companies like AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone.- Will Townsend shares his experience visiting AST SpaceMobile's facilities and highlights the company's efficient satellite design and ambitious plans.CrowdStrike's Major Outage- Will Townsend discusses the significant outage experienced by CrowdStrike due to a flawed update, impacting various businesses including Delta and Starbucks.- The incident highlights the importance of rigorous DevOps practices and offers learning opportunities for mobile network operators.- Anshel Sag provides additional context on the technical aspects of the outage and the broader implications for the cybersecurity industry.Apple's Potential Move Away from Qualcomm Modems- Anshel Sag addresses rumors that Apple may start using its own 5G modems in lower-volume products like the iPhone SE, potentially phasing out Qualcomm modems.- The transition, if it happens, would mark a significant shift in Apple's strategy and could impact the broader 5G modem market.- Will Townsend reflects on the long timeline since Apple acquired Intel's modem business and the challenges involved in developing in-house modems.T-Mobile for Business Unconventional Awards- Will Townsend shares his experience as a judge for the T-Mobile for Business Unconventional Awards, which recognize innovative uses of 5G technology.- This year's categories include innovation in customer experience, employee enablement, industry, and community.- The event will feature Malcolm Gladwell as the master of ceremonies and introduce a new "Tipping Point" designation for transformative change.AT&T Earnings Report- Anshel Sag reviews AT&T's recent earnings report, highlighting strong postpaid net additions and low phone churn rates.- Despite slightly missing revenue targets, AT&T's focus on its core business and fiber expansion has been well-received by investors.- Will Townsend adds that AT&T's improved free cash flow and consistent fiber net adds demonstrate the company's effective execution and growth potential.Closing Remarks- Anshel Sag wraps up the episode, inviting listeners to provide feedback and suggesting topics for future podcasts.- Encourages listeners to rate, subscribe, and tune in next week.

Welcome and Introduction- Will Townsend welcomes listeners to episode 198 of the G2 on 5G podcast.- Apologies for the delay due to Will's vacation and roof construction.- Brief discussion about their Fourth of July activities.Hurricane Barrel and Disaster Communication Efforts- Will Townsend discusses Hurricane Barrel's impact on South Texas.- Highlights the efforts of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon in restoring connectivity.- AT&T used drone technology for temporary connectivity.- T-Mobile utilized satellite cells on trucks.- Verizon focused on ensuring backup systems were operational.Insights on Disaster Response- Anshel Sag shares his thoughts on the preparedness of carriers for natural disasters.- Mentions his near experience with the hurricane while in New York City.- Emphasizes the increasing frequency and severity of natural storms.Galaxy Unpacked Event- Anshel Sag reports on the Galaxy Unpacked event held in New York.- Overview of new product announcements: Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Ring, and new earbuds.- Discussion on the features and improvements of the new devices.- Anshel's personal excitement about the Galaxy Ring and its features.Germany's Rip and Replace of Chinese Infrastructure- Will Townsend discusses Germany's efforts to replace Huawei infrastructure.- Germany's initial commitment to replace hardware by 2026, now focusing on management layer software by 2029.- Concerns about the potential backdoors in Chinese software.- Anshel Sag's perspective on Germany's slow progress and the challenges involved.Boost Mobile's Rebranding and New Plans- Anshel Sag talks about Boost Mobile's rebranding under Dish.- Introduction of new plans and pricing, starting at $25 per month.- Comparison with Mint Mobile and other competitors.- Anshel's anticipation to test Boost Mobile's service.Ericsson's Vonage Acquisition and API Strategy- Will Townsend discusses Ericsson's recent earnings call and the challenges with the Vonage acquisition.- Ericsson's CEO remains optimistic about the long-term potential of API strategy.- Discussion on the initial write-off and the need for significant monetization.- Anshel Sag's critical view on the acquisition and its potential for future revenue.Nokia's Earnings Report- Anshel Sag covers Nokia's recent earnings report and the significant decline in profit.- Impact of India's reduced 5G deployment on Nokia's earnings.- Discussion on Nokia's challenges and potential bright spots in private networking and security.- Will Townsend's optimistic view on Nokia's future prospects.Conclusion- Will Townsend and Anshel Sag wrap up the podcast.- Apologies for the previous week's absence due to personal and professional commitments.- Invitation for listeners to provide feedback and suggestions for future topics.- Encouragement to rate and subscribe to the podcast.

Episode 197: The G2 on 5G - Key HighlightsWelcome and Introduction- Will Townsend welcomes listeners to episode 197 of the G2 on 5G podcast.- Introduction of fellow analyst Anshel Sag.Nokia's Acquisition of Infinera- Will discusses Nokia's recent announcement to acquire Infinera for over $2 billion.- The acquisition aims to strengthen Nokia's optical networking and component business.- Potential benefits include increased access to the North American market and entry into data centers.- Anshel questions whether the sale of Nokia's submarine cable business to the French government was required for the acquisition.Generative AI and Data Centers- Will highlights the relevance of the acquisition to generative AI and data centers.- Anshel notes the stability and long-term benefits of Nokia's wireline businesses.3GPP Release 18 and 5G Advanced- Anshel discusses the finalization of 3GPP Release 18 standards, marking the 5G Advanced era.- Release 18 includes enhancements for IoT, XR, AI, and ML applications.- The importance of standalone deployment for utilizing Release 18 features.AT&T's 5G RedCap Launch- Will talks about AT&T's soft launch of 5G RedCap in the Dallas metropolitan area.- The significance of RedCap for IoT applications and AT&T's vertical market focus.- Anshel discusses the potential consumer and enterprise applications of RedCap.India's 5G Spectrum Auction- Will covers the recent 5G spectrum auction in India, which netted only $1.3 billion compared to $18 billion in 2022.- Speculation on the reasons behind the lackluster auction, including slow monetization and deployment of previously acquired spectrum.- Discussion on the potential benefits of democratizing access to licensed spectrum for private networking.FCC's Proposed Rule on Unlocking Phones- Anshel explains the FCC's proposed rule to require mobile providers to unlock phones within 60 days of activation.- Concerns about the financial risk to carriers and the practicality of unlocking postpaid devices.- Suggestion to mandate unlocking for prepaid phones and maintaining current rules for postpaid devices.Verizon's Concerns Over 4.9 GHz Spectrum for FirstNet- Anshel discusses Verizon's opposition to the FCC potentially giving 4.9 GHz spectrum to AT&T for FirstNet.- Analysis of the spectrum's value and its suitability for small cell deployments.- The potential impact on Verizon's competitiveness and the overall 5G landscape.Closing Remarks- Will and Anshel share their upcoming travel plans and wish listeners a happy 4th of July.- Encouragement for listeners to rate, subscribe, and provide feedback on future 5G topics.Contact Information- Will Townsend: @WillTownTech- Anshel Sag: @AnshelSagNext Episode- The podcast will take a break for the 4th of July and return the following week.