5G Guys | Tech Talks

Hey there, 5G enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned expert in the field or just curious about the next generation of connectivity, we've got a treat for you. In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Phillip French from Verizon! If you've ever wondered about the journey of one of the world's leading cellular operators, you're in for a treat. We dig deep into Verizon's history, transitioning from a wireless and fiber optic company, to a pioneer in the 5G space. We start off with an introduction to Phillip French and his work at Verizon, exploring the company's evolution over the years. From there, we get into the nitty-gritty of where Verizon stands today in the world of 5G. It's a fascinating look at how the telecom giant is pushing boundaries and redefining connectivity for millions. We also delve into the exciting partnership between Verizon and the NFL. Imagine experiencing the thrill of a live football game from the comfort of your home, all thanks to 5G technology! The future of sports viewing is here, and it's more immersive than you can imagine. Of course, building the nation's most reliable network isn't a walk in the park. We explore the challenges of the fiber business and how Verizon is committed to expanding its reach, despite the costs. One of the highlights of this episode is our discussion about Verizon's company culture. At its core, Verizon celebrates its employees, fostering an environment where everyone has the ability to achieve what they desire. If you've ever wondered what it's like to work at a company that's shaping the future of technology, this is a must-listen. If you are new here, our 5G Guys Podcast is released every other week, bringing you the latest developments, insightful discussions, and expert opinions from the world of 5G. Whether you're a tech pro or a curious novice, there's something for everyone. Curious to hear more? Hit play to dive into the full conversation. And don't forget to follow Phillip French on LinkedIn to keep up with his work at Verizon or connect with us via the links below! Links: Phillip's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-french-7805408b/ Connect With Us: Sponsor Links: Website: www.vertex-us.com Website: Website: https://5gguys.com Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5Gguys LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12515882 Twitter: https://twitter.com/5gGuys Submit Your Ideas or Feedback: https://5gguys.com/contact-2 Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 Episode preview, show introduction and thanks to our sponsor 1:46 Introduction to Phillip French, Verizon's history as a cellular operator, wireless company, fiber optic company and beyond 6:34 Where do we stand today with Verizon and 5G 9:40 Verizon and the NFL's partnership 12:22 The fiber business is not a cheap business 16:38 The nations most reliable network is always expanding 19:38 Verizon is all about celebrating its employees 24:23 Verizon's cultures gives employees the ability to achieve what they desire 32:10 Follow Phillip on LinkedIn!

Ever wondered about the powerhouse behind wireless technology and how 5G chipsets are being developed? In this episode of the 5G Guys Podcast, hosts Wayne Smith and Dan McVaugh welcome Ignacio Contreras, Qualcomm's Sr. Director of Product Marketing, who gives us an insightful look into the company's deep history, their role in the development of 5G chipsets, and a glimpse into the future of 5G and 6G. Don't miss out on this exciting conversation that will leave you wanting to learn more! In this captivating episode, Ignacio Contreras shares how Qualcomm has grown since the 80s to become one of the leading companies in wireless and cellular communication technology. From their humble beginnings in satellite tracking systems to becoming the driving force behind 3G, 4G, and now 5G technology, Qualcomm's story is truly remarkable. Contreras also discusses the company's collaboration and competition with other major players in the tech world like Apple, Samsung, MediaTek, Ericson, and Nokia. With the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology, these collaborations are essential to push the limits of what's possible. One of the highlights of the conversation is when Contreras talks about Qualcomm's efforts in enhancing mobile gaming experiences. By pushing the boundaries of graphics, sound, and connectivity, Qualcomm's technology is helping provide seamless and immersive gaming experiences for users across the globe. The hosts and Contreras also delve into the challenges and advancements in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), emphasizing the importance of low latency and high-quality graphics in these emerging technologies. This episode of the 5G Guys Podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in wireless technology, 5G, and the future of connectivity. Ignacio Contreras provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at Qualcomm's work, innovations, and partnerships that have transformed the world of mobile devices. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's leading experts – press play now! Connect with Qualcomm/Ignacio: Qualcomm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qualcomm/ Qualcomm Website: www.qualcomm.com Qualcomm Twitter: https://twitter.com/Snapdragon Ignacio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ignaciotechie/ Connect With Us: Sponsor Links: Website: www.vertex-us.com Website: Website: https://5gguys.com Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5Gguys LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12515882 Twitter: https://twitter.com/5gGuys Submit Your Ideas or Feedback: https://5gguys.com/contact-2 Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 Episode preview, show introduction and thanks to our sponsor 1:57 Welcome Ignacio Contreras of Qualcomm Technologies 8:00 Ignacio on competitors to Qualcomm 9:35 The gaming connection 14:17 How these smaller chips can lead to more power 20:08 How Qualcomm incorporates AI 24:49 Qualcomm's involvement in setting technology standards from 3G to 6G 32:14 What will it look like going from 5G to 6G

Welcome back to the 5G Guys! Today we're going to talk about some pretty cool technology that AT&T has been working on. You might be familiar with AT&T as your phone or internet provider, but did you know that they've been developing some amazing autonomous systems like robot dogs and flying COWs? We have Art Pregler, Director of Network Engineering for AT&T, joining us on the podcast to talk about these amazing technologies and how they're changing the game. Art is responsible for implementing key telecom programs and overseas AT&T's drone program, which includes terrestrial robots and autonomous systems. He explains how AT&T got started in this field, and how they saw an opportunity to provide connectivity to devices like drones and robots. These devices require connectivity to communicate and integrate with each other, and also need a way to provide data back to users on the ground. Art and his team have developed a robotic dog. These dogs can be used for a variety of purposes, like sensing radiation, chemical and biological substances, and can navigate environments that are too dangerous for humans. They can even be used for search and rescue missions, and can work in tandem with drones to get a better view of the area. AT&T's technology is not just limited to military applications as you may think. They have started to work with first responders to use the robot dogs for bomb disposal and detection, and even had their technology on display at the Super Bowl. Art also explains how AT&T's patented solution called Geo Cast allows the robots to understand their environment and make decisions on how to navigate it. It's amazing to see how technology like this is changing the way we approach situations that would be too dangerous for humans. AT&T's autonomous systems are paving the way for a safer and more connected future. Who knows what they'll come up with next? Thanks for joining us today! Sponsor Links: Website: www.vertex-us.com Website: Website: https://5gguys.com Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5Gguys LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12515882 Twitter: https://twitter.com/5gGuys Submit Your Ideas or Feedback: https://5gguys.com/contact-2 Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 Sneak peak of today's show and introductions 1:45 Get to know Art Pregler and how he got into the industry 3:29 What are terrestrial robots and why are they important? 9:19 Robot dogs, drones and flying cows! (You won't believe these new inventions!) 17:39 Future projects in development currently and trade off with these new applications 21:09 The integration of AI in these new technologies 23:02 Overview of FirstNet and its role in the development of these systems

Hey there, 5G Guys Podcast listeners! Today, we're diving into the world of emergency response and the revolutionary technology that's making it all possible: FirstNet. FirstNet is the first-ever nationwide, interoperable broadband network that's exclusively dedicated to first responders. It all started with the tragedy of 9/11, which led to the complete collapse of the New York cellular networks. In response, the US government formed the FirstNet authority, which was tasked with creating a nationwide network that would give first responders a dedicated channel for emergency communications, prioritized over commercial users. We had the opportunity to speak with Jeff Bratcher, CTO of FirstNet, who provided us with a detailed history of the network and how it operates. With the help of AT&T, FirstNet dedicates 20 MHz of spectrum and billions of dollars to ensure that first responders have the resources they need to communicate during emergencies. The network operates on cutting-edge technology, which allows for lightning-fast communication between first responders and their teams. It prioritizes emergency communications, so first responders can communicate seamlessly without any lag or interference. This means that in times of crisis, first responders can focus on saving lives without having to worry about connectivity issues. Overall, FirstNet is a game-changer for emergency response. It's making our communities safer by providing first responders with the resources they need to do their job more effectively. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation with Jeff Bratcher and learn more about the incredible technology behind FirstNet. Thanks for tuning in to the 5G Guys Podcast with Dan and Wayne! As always, reach out to us via the links below and share your thoughts or episode ideas. More Of What's Inside: FirstNet Authority website: FirstNet Authority | First Responder Network Authority FirstNet portable connectivity: Portable connectivity: CRDs meet public safety needs in the field, on the road, along the fire line Example of FirstNet in action: FirstNet - Preemption FirstNet service website: Nationwide Broadband For First Responders & Public Safety at FirstNet Connect With Us: Sponsor Links: Website: www.vertex-us.com Website: Website: https://5gguys.com Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5Gguys LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12515882 Twitter: https://twitter.com/5gGuys Submit Your Ideas or Feedback: https://5gguys.com/contact-2 Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 Sneak Peak and a word about our sponsor 1:25 Welcome to the show! Get to know Jeff Bratcher and FirstNet 10:39 The size of FirstNet across the country can be measured in terms of the number of agencies and users per megahertz of spectrum 18:55 How they actually make FIrstNet work 20:54 The interoperable carrier that is available across all agencies 23:44 Technical advancements born out of the partnership with ATT 30:35 From 4G LTE to 5G

Will we be rebranding soon to the 6G Guys? Our guest today may have the answer! We had the pleasure of hosting Doug Kirkpatrick, CEO and co-founder of Eridan, who shared fascinating insights about their game-changing technology, Miracle RFFE (Radio Frequency Front-End). This groundbreaking innovation aims to transform wireless radio technology and could potentially lay the foundation for the next generation of wireless networks. Miracle RFFE brings a plethora of improvements to the table. With this technology, radio transmitters could use 7-8 times less power, be 3x smaller and lighter, and increase spectrum utilization by an impressive 10 fold. These advancements could lead to longer battery life for devices, faster and more reliable connections, and impact a wide range of applications, from smartphones and IoT devices to autonomous vehicles and satellite communications. During our podcast, Kirkpatrick elaborated on the potential implications of Miracle RFFE for the future of wireless networks, including the much-anticipated 6G. As we're still in the early stages of 5G deployment, it's exciting to imagine what the future could hold with groundbreaking advancements like Eridan's Miracle RFFE. Could this be the stepping stone to even faster internet speeds, improved global connectivity, and more energy-efficient devices? Eridan's Miracle RFFE technology has the potential to fundamentally change the landscape of wireless radio technology. With reduced power consumption, smaller and lighter components, and significantly increased spectrum utilization, we might be witnessing the beginning of a new era in wireless communication So, will we, the 5G Guys, need to rebrand as the 6G Guys? Only time will tell! But one thing is for sure: the future of wireless technology is looking brighter than ever, and we can't wait to see how these innovations continue to shape our world. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the realm of technology! Let us know what you think happens next in the industry, reach out to us via the links below! Connect With Us: Links For This Episode: Eridan Website: Home - Eridan Eridan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eridanhq/ Doug Kirkpatrick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-kirkpatrick-579332a Sponsor Links: Website: www.vertex-us.com Website: Website: https://5gguys.com Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5Gguys LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12515882 Twitter: https://twitter.com/5gGuys Submit Your Ideas or Feedback: https://5gguys.com/contact-2 Episode Minute By Minute: 0:34 Thank you to today's sponsors 1:13 Get to know Doug Kirkpatrick 2:59 Peanut butter cups and Eridan 8:13 The highway analogy about generations and spectrum and how it ties to what Douglas is doing 14:29 The impact of radio at full power without additional levels of amplifiers 22:36 Are we looking at the same kind of security concerns from hardware radio to software radio? 25:17 The pathway to scale for this new technology 29:14 Will we see Eridan's brand as an OEM at a cell?

Welcome back to our series on Lifecycle of a Cell Site! Today we are focusing on the Modifications and Maintenance phase of the network. As the 5G guys, we understand that maintaining and modifying a cellular network is a complex, ongoing process that requires significant investment of time, effort, and resources. During this phase of the process, you'll discover how companies like Vertex specialize in building and maintaining cellular networks, and around 70-80% of their work involves making changes to existing sites, fixing them, and ensuring that they are operating at optimal efficiency. We discussed how regular tests and inspections must be conducted to ensure that the network is working correctly. This type of maintenance includes testing the antennas and the coax to ensure that there is no damage and that water hasn't gotten into them. It also involves running calibrations on the electronics to make sure they are operating to spec and replacing damaged light bulbs or climbing apparatus. We also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the site is safe and secure. We discussed how carriers have to follow safety guidelines set by organizations such as the Telecommunications Infrastructure Association (TIA) that require towers to be inspected every three to five years. Inspections include checking for corrosion, damage to the foundation, and inspecting the tension on the wires or the anchor bolts. In addition to physical maintenance, we discussed how engineers also have to conduct regular drive testing to ensure that the network is working efficiently. They also have to test the enhanced 911 service, which requires carriers to pass on information such as GPS coordinates to the call center when a 911 call is made from a cell phone. However, even with a reliticily smooth process, some issues on the site can't be planned for. We also touch on the after-the-fact maintenance that is required, such as lightning strikes, vandalism, and copper theft. These issues can take cell sites off the air and require immediate attention to replace damaged equipment. It's an "all hands on deck" type of situation and maintaining and modifying a cellular network is an ongoing process that requires significant expertise, time, and resources. Thanks for listening! We hope this episode has given our listeners a better understanding of what goes into this crucial phase of the lifecycle of a cell site. Connect with us via the links below! Connect With Us: Sponsor Links: Website: www.vertex-us.com Website: Website: https://5gguys.com Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5Gguys LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12515882 Twitter: https://twitter.com/5gGuys Submit Your Ideas or Feedback: https://5gguys.com/contact-2 Episode Minute By Minute: 1:27 Welcome back for another episode of the 5G Guys 1:56 Today we're going to talk about modifications and maintenance 3:27 The different flavors of maintenance 5:14 Standard maintenance that comes with any site 6:53 Maintenance on rooftop structures 8:03 Do lightning strikes come into play? 9:47 Vandalism is a big issue too 10:43 The amount of theft of copper is a BIG problem 11:55 What about non physical types of maintenance that needs to happen? 14:34 What really drives non physical maintenance is making adjustments to the network 15:45 Let's talk about the 5G modifications all the different carriers are doing 18:18 A cell site over a period of years is a mishmash of technologies 19:44 What other trades are we seeing get involved in these modifications? 21:27 Now let's talk about system performance 23:10 Here's why a whole lot of Chinese tech is about to be pulled out 24:27 Edge computing being done in modifications 25:32 Rip and replace modifications can also be about business sometimes 26:30 We can't forget, these are live networks we're talking about 28:17 Lets not forget to talk about career opportunities

Join the hosts as they discuss the construction phase of cell sites, including architectural engineering, grounding requirements, and tower construction methods. They also share insights on challenges and coordination, such as handling water tanks and rooftops, and emphasize the importance of project management. The episode highlights the necessity of physical labor in building cell sites and teases future episodes on network maintenance and modifications.

Welcome back to the 5G Guys Podcast! Today, we are diving into the exciting world of cellular networks and providing a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into building and maintaining them. This is the first of a multi-episode series called "The Life Cycle of a Cell Site!" In our digital world, with the high demand for faster and more reliable data speeds, the need for strong and efficient cellular networks are becoming increasingly important. In this new series, we will lay the foundation you need to understand the process and all the moving parts it takes to make it all happen. If you have been listening for a while, you know that Dan is a Radio Frequency Engineer! We decided this would be the best place to start our deep dive on this topic so Wayne will be interviewing Dan about the important role that radio frequency engineering plays in the design of a cell site, the various aspects of network design, including site selection, frequency planning, and more. We'll also be discussing the true definition of a cell site, the four areas of design/engineering that build cell sites, the most pivotal part of every cell site project, and the headaches that can come with zoning. By the end of the show, you'll understand why every site is unique and how a project requires a customized approach. You'll also understand the importance of teamwork and how a group of experts with a variety of skills and backgrounds are working together to keep us all connected on every site. In part two of this series, we will take a look at the Construction aspect of building Cell Sites and the physical materials that go into making these networks happen. If you know someone who will enjoy this conversation or would like learn more about Cell Sites, we ask that you share this episode with them to help spread the word! Plus, if you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover on the show, reach out to us via the links below. More Of What's Inside: Site Acquisition and how it works Who the main stakeholders are Small versus big Cell Sites Little known facts about Cell Sites How and why rooftops are a good place for antennas The 4 areas of design/engineering that build Cell Sites The interactive role of Radio Frequency Engineering The most pivotal part of every Cell Site project Zoning and permitting and what it takes to find good land The special role of transport engineers The complexities that could come on a project How often do networks get rebuilt? And so much more! Connect With Us: Sponsor Links: Website: www.vertex-us.com Website: Website: https://5gguys.com Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5Gguys LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12515882 Twitter: https://twitter.com/5gGuys Submit Your Ideas or Feedback: https://5gguys.com/contact-2 Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 A sneak peek of today's conversation 1:05 Thank you to today's sponsors 3:00 The true definition of a Cell Site 4:40 The 4 areas of design/engineering that builds Cell Sites 6:57 The interactive role of Radio Frequency Engineering 13:33 The most pivotal part of every Cell Site project 16:21 Headaches that come with zoning 22:00 The special role of transport engineers 28:16 What we will be covering on our construction episode 29:57 Every site is different and unique 31:32 How often do networks get rebuilt?

Let's take a look into the future! We're so excited to be back in the studio to talk and make our predictions for 2023. In this episode, we will look at not just the wireless and telecommunications industry but also other related industries that will build the infrastructure. If you missed the last show, we recapped all the exciting advancements in 2022 and laid the foundation for this conversation. Check it out before diving into this episode to get the most out of the show! If you are caught up to speed, hit play to hear our 2023 predictions or keep reading for a sneak peek! First, let's start with the huge savings we see coming for consumers this year with so much competition in the market. We know that more players in the game create a win-win situation, as more companies are entering the market and providing more options for customers, which leads to better deals and more affordable prices. It's always great to see the consumer come out on top! Artificial intelligence is becoming a major player in almost every industry, and the telecom industry is no exception. With AI, companies will be able to improve operations and offer new services to customers. We also share our thoughts on how AI will not lead to mass layoffs in our industry but create more jobs. We also want to share our thoughts on "The New Space Race" and mention the Amazon Satellites that are coming to the market this year. These satellites will be able to provide internet access to remote areas and improve connectivity for customers. They will be direct competitors with StarLink so you can imagine how exciting this will be to watch play out! Lastly, we discuss why we consider the 5G industry recession-proof. With the increasing demand for high-speed internet, 5G networks will continue to be a vital part of the economy. Regardless of any economic downturns, it's great to see an industry that's so resilient and able to weather any storm! Hit play to hear all of our top productions for 2023! We hope you enjoy our take on it! As always, let us know your thoughts! What are your predictions for 2023 or ideas for our show? Let us know by reaching out to us via the links below. More Of What's Inside: Why 2023 is shaping up to be a game changer for wireless consumers Acceleration in the roll-out of 5G networks Why Fiber optic networks are about to become even more important Satellite internet is about to go mainstream How to test out AI for yourself How AI has been used in the industry for 10-15 years Could more supply chain issues arise? What E-SIM cards are doing for the industry How the government plans to help connect more users this year Trends we have seen develop over time And so much more! Connect With Us: Sponsor Links: Website: www.vertex-us.com Website: Website: https://5gguys.com Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5Gguys LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12515882 Twitter: https://twitter.com/5gGuys Submit Your Ideas or Feedback: https://5gguys.com/contact-2 Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 A look into today's conversation 0:55 Thank you to today's sponsors 1:30 Welcome to our prediction for 2023! 2:01 Wayne's top predictions for competition 4:05 New Satellite companies coming online 7:30 The advancement of electronic SIM card 10:14 Our guess on what could happen in 2023 13:27 Will a recession affect the industry? 16:30 The federal funding rolling out in 2023 22:00 Why power is critical for the Telecom industry 24:29 AI and the Telecom industry

2022, where do we even start? If you've been listening to the show for a while, you know that this episode is a yearly tradition for us. We look forward to recapping the year from our perspective and share the biggest industry highlights you need to know. To delays in the 5G rollout, more people needing connectivity than ever before, economic instability, and everything in between, 2022 was a doozy for certain sectors of the industry. But don't get us wrong, there were more highlights than low points last year. The telecom industry is stronger than ever and we can all agree that huge strides have been made this year for 5G and advancing technology as a whole. Hit play to hear our full 2022 Year In Year, or keep reading for a sneak peek! T-Mobile emerged as a clear leader in the 5G industry, covering 260 million people with its 5G network. During the show, we will share why we think this success can be attributed to the delays that Verizon and AT&T faced at the start of 2022 and T-Mobile's strategic acquisition of Sprint in 2020. You'll also hear us discuss the industry shifting towards fixed wireless access (FWA), why cable companies are scrambling to keep up, how T-Mobile has surpassed Verizon to become the most valuable telecom company in the world, and so much more. As we have covered in past episodes, we have seen a few delays with 5G. However, this technology is still serving more and more people every day. Hit play to hear us discuss the infrastructure broadband bill that recently passed and how federal funding is being allocated to bridge the digital divide. The future looks bright for the 5G industry! Be sure to join for the next episode to year our thoughts on where we think the industry will go in 2023 and all of our short and long-term predictions. Hit subscribe or follow wherever you're listening to be the first to hear it when it comes out! More Of What's Inside: 5G was the big push in 2022, Saying Goodbye to 3G T-Mobile is leading the way in all things mobile How T-Mobile became the World's largest provider The acquisition of Sprint in 2020 A few episodes coming soon in 2023 Cable companies vs the wireless companies The new FAA regulations for airlines and 5G timeline Why use cases for 5G won't be obvious to the everyday consumer Supply chain issues and the impact on 2022 deployment Thanks for listening to the 5G Guys in 2022 and beyond! How 5G is connecting rural parts of the United States How StarLink is providing value to the industry And so much more! Connect With Us: Sponsor Links: Website: www.vertex-us.com Website: Website: https://5gguys.com Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5Gguys LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12515882 Twitter: https://twitter.com/5gGuys Submit Your Ideas or Feedback: https://5gguys.com/contact-2 Episode Minute By Minute: 0:56 Our annual year-end review! 1:45 Wayne's highlights for 2022 2:23 A recap of 2022 and 5G 3:12 How T-Mobile won the market in 2022 5:01 An update on the Aviation Industry delays 6:32 Big stock market changes in 2022 7:50 The Fixed Wireless side of the business 10:55 Why it was a big year for StarLink 14:38 Why Verizon is still voted best in the industry 18:01 How 5G will fly under the radar of most consumers 21:37 A look into 2023 and what's coming 25:45 How final thoughts on 2022