6G Podcast - Amazon's $11B Acquisition, Verizon & FIFA, AST SpaceMobile Launch, Ericsson's Struggles

Anshel Sag and Mike Dano open with discussion of watching a recent capsule splashdown and related footage, plus a personal connection to rocket-engine work. They then cover Amazon’s roughly $11B agreement to acquire Globalstar, maintaining Apple’s iPhone satellite emergency texting while planning an Amazon LEO direct-to-device service for mobile operators in 2028, with open questions around Apple’s planned constellation expansion, integration with other Amazon services, and pricing. Next, they discuss Ericsson’s Q1 sales decline and weaker North America outlook amid a broader 5G equipment spending trough before 6G. They review ULA Research findings showing Verizon’s continued millimeter wave expansion and relate it to US spectrum moves including NTIA’s 2.7 GHz release and longer-term 7 GHz interest. They preview AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 7 launch and debate edge/AI data-center hype, including a proposed Socorro, New Mexico project and backyard micro data centers, before closing on Verizon’s FIFA World Cup 5G partnership featuring private 5G, slicing, small cells, and stadium upgrades.00:00 Podcast kickoff and intro 00:12 SpaceX splashdown stories 02:33 Rocket engineer bragging rights 03:25 Amazon buys Globalstar 07:37 What it means for Apple 11:28 Ericsson earnings warning 15:11 Verizon mmWave reality check 17:43 NTIA 2.7 GHz spectrum news 19:04 Real World mmWave Limits 20:27 Stadiums and Indoor Coverage 20:59 Why mmWave Still Matters 22:53 Will Verizon Bet Pay Off 23:37 AST SpaceMobile Launch Preview 25:47 Constellation Timelines Reality Check 28:48 Edge Computing Jumped Shark 33:09 Socorro Data Center Motives 34:48 Verizon FIFA World Cup Network 38:40 Wrap Up and Subscribe

Artemis Optical Links, 3GPP Release 21 Timeline, Bundled Fiber+Wireless Plans, and the Satellite D2D Spectrum Scramble Anshel Sag and Mike Dano discuss Artemis mission connectivity and imagery, including NASA’s Orion optical laser link (O2O) enabling 4K streams, iPhone selfies, and radiation damage to sensors, alongside brand visibility like Omega watches. They then review outcomes from a recent 3GPP meeting in Japan: 6G will begin with Release 21, with a Stage 1 freeze targeted for March 2027, and 5G standalone selected as the architectural baseline, with continued work on non-terrestrial networks. The hosts cover new U.S. convergence bundles, including AT&T’s One Connect (fiber plus wireless with BYOD and deprioritization caveats) and T-Mobile’s Mint-branded 5G Home Internet bundle. They debate AI RAN and base-station GPUs, citing skepticism from AT&T leadership and Nvidia’s push into inference, then note Tesla/SpaceX’s announced chip-fab partnership with Intel. Finally, they examine Grain Management’s plan to potentially lease 800 MHz spectrum for direct-to-device satellite services and question the true scale of the D2D consumer market.00:00 Podcast Welcome and Weekend Catchup 00:53 Artemis Mission Highlights 01:20 Laser Link 4K Streaming 03:06 Space Selfies and Radiation 05:06 Brands Watches and Hype 06:13 6G Standards Update from Japan 11:39 SA Only Path to 6G 14:02 AT&T One Connect Bundle 16:45 Cable vs Telco Bundle Wars 19:24 AI RAN GPUs at the Edge 23:23 Inference Takes Over 23:49 GPUs in Base Stations 26:00 Carrier Reality Check 27:19 Where Compute Belongs 29:56 Timing the Edge Bet 30:40 Terra Fab Reality 31:46 Fab Timeline and Costs 33:47 Austin Supply Chain Logic 36:01 Space Data Center Skepticism 38:29 D2D Spectrum Leasing 42:19 Airlines and Spectrum Swaps 43:32 D2D Market Limits 45:32 Consolidation and 2030 Outlook 46:06 Wrap Up and Thanks

HP Go Expands, Comcast Edge AI Demos, MLB ABS Challenges, FCC Router Crackdown, Turkey 5G Launch, and Artemis II Moon Mission Anshel Sag and Mike Dano discuss six developments: HP’s Imagine 2026 updates expand HP Go cellular service beyond one Qualcomm EliteBook to multiple notebook tiers and add EU activation across 23 countries, alongside a more efficient Wolf Connect modem for out-of-band security/traceability. Mike recaps the shrinking Cable Next Gen event, highlighting Comcast’s Nvidia-enabled edge computing demos (real-time clothing overlays and lip-synced translation) and growing broadband competition from fixed wireless, fiber overbuilders like IQ Fiber, and Starlink. Anshel covers MLB’s commercial rollout of automated balls-and-strikes challenges using Sony Hawk-Eye with T-Mobile 5G. They react to an FCC move requiring waivers for foreign-made consumer Wi-Fi routers, framed as a security response, and debate consequences. Anshel notes Ubiquiti’s new tri-carrier 5G router and Turkey’s planned April 1 nationwide 5G launch with Turkcell. They close on satellite news and NASA’s accelerated lunar base timeline, with Artemis II’s crewed moon flyby mission next week. 00:00 Podcast Kickoff 00:21 HP Go Expands 02:25 Wolf Connect Update 03:41 Do 5G Laptops Matter 06:24 Cable Next Gen Takeaways 08:36 Cable Threats and Fiber 12:49 MLB Robo Ump Challenges 16:31 Fairness Versus Tradition 19:33 FCC Router Ban Shock 21:03 FCC Ruling Backlash 22:42 Router Vendors Impacted 23:32 Payola and Politics 24:26 Security Over Manufacturing 27:51 Ubiquiti 5G Router 28:18 Turkey Finally Gets 5G 30:25 Early Turkey Speed Data 31:59 Satellite Show and Moon Base 34:00 Artemis II Hype 36:24 Starlink Competition Outlook 39:20 Wrap Up and Subscribe

Anshel Sag and Mike Dano discuss highlights from Nvidia GTC 2026, focusing on Nvidia’s “AI Grid” concept for distributed GPU compute across telecom and cloud-edge partners including AT&T, T-Mobile, Comcast, Spectrum, Cisco, and Akamai, positioned as a broader revival of edge computing beyond AI RAN. They cover Bell’s plan to invest $1.7B in a Saskatchewan AI factory/data center emphasizing Canadian data sovereignty, with hardware funding from partners and expectations of improved EBITDA after buildout. Sag reviews OPPO’s Find N6 foldable with a crease-free display, flagship specs, and fast charging, while noting Samsung discontinued its $3,000 Galaxy Z trifold due to economics. Dano analyzes the Google Fiber–Astound Broadband merger as part of a U.S. fiber land grab, and they close on U.S. government interest in 6G for the 2028 LA Olympics, WRC 2027 spectrum politics in Shanghai, and 3GPP work around 7 GHz reuse of C-band cell grids.

Post-MWC 2026: Qualcomm’s AI Wearables, Satellite Momentum, Nvidia’s RAN Push, and 6G Signals for LA 2028In a post–MWC 2026 episode of the 6G Podcast, Anshel Sag and Mike Dano recap show takeaways, including heavy Qualcomm news: Snapdragon Wear Elite for AI wearables (including a future Galaxy Watch), FastConnect 8800 Wi‑Fi 8 with quad radios and 4x4 client throughput, an AI 200 rack-scale data center solution, and the Snapdragon X105 5G-Advanced modem with 6G testing potential. They discuss a turning point for AI wearables and privacy concerns, especially smart glasses. Dano’s main takeaway is accelerating satellite momentum, citing Starlink’s second-gen direct-to-device plans and activity from SES, Viasat/Space42, Eutelsat/OneWeb, AST SpaceMobile/Telus, Amazon Kuiper/Vodafone, Samsung, and Qualcomm satellite demos. Sag outlines Nvidia’s telecom strategy with Nokia and others to improve RAN efficiency, add AI features like ISAC, and later enable edge compute, then flags LA Olympics 2028 as a likely 6G milestone, and closes with MWC device highlights and questions about edge security and sovereign AI.00:00 MWC Recap Kickoff00:23 Travel Chaos and Jet Lag01:55 Qualcomm MWC Blitz03:59 AI Wearables and Smart Glasses06:40 Satellite Internet Surge10:46 Nvidia Enters the RAN16:07 6G Countdown LA 202818:39 MWC Device Roundup23:52 Edge Compute Security Questions29:16 Sovereign AI and Operator Clouds31:06 ISAC and Public Safety Shift31:39 Wrap Up and Subscribe

Anshel Sag hosts episode 242 of the rebranded 6G Podcast and introduces new co-host Mike Dano (Ookla), noting the industry’s “5G lull” and a shift toward 6G discussions. They discuss 5G Americas shutting down operations after years as a spectrum- and standards-focused trade association, framing the closure as a sign of cooling 5G interest and flat-to-negative RAN sales. Anshel covers Samsung and KT achieving a 3 Gbps downlink in 7 GHz using Keysight 6G test equipment and X-MIMO, noting the unclear bandwidth used and emphasizing that 6G progress is still largely experimental with mixed commercialization timelines (2028–2030). They debate 7 GHz as a key 6G band, propagation challenges (referencing Wi‑Fi 6E/7), the fading focus on terahertz bands, China’s earlier stance on 6 GHz, and potential limited initial 6G deployments. Mike highlights an Ookla report on 5G standalone showing improved battery life versus NSA (EE +22%, O2 +11%) and argues operators under-market SA benefits. Anshel explains T-Mobile’s John Saw concept of “kinetic tokens” for low-latency AI in motion (physical AI) across device/edge/cloud, tying it to use cases like real-time translation (5G Advanced, 50 languages) and ISAC for tracking and supporting drones, plus discussion of NVIDIA-based AI-RAN strategies and skepticism about cost and monetization of GPUs in base stations. Mike raises broader concerns about the AI data center boom, citing a projected $710B hyperscaler investment in 2026, power constraints (natural gas, gas turbines/jet engines), private high-bandwidth inter-data-center traffic, and questions about whether telecoms can capture AI value versus hyperscalers, while noting sovereign AI opportunities in countries with fewer data centers. They close with Microsoft and Ericsson integrating Ericsson Advanced Enterprise Mobility into Windows 11 (piloted on Surface 5G) to simplify secure enterprise 5G laptop management with Intune and eSIM provisioning, and discuss why cellular laptops haven’t broadly taken off (cost, plans, coverage) and how Apple’s modems and multi-carrier services might change adoption.00:00 Welcome & New Co-Host Mike Dano Joins the 6G Podcast01:10 Why the Rebrand Now: 5G Lull, MWC & Samsung Unpacked Tease02:03 5G Americas Shuts Down: What It Says About the Market Cycle05:41 Samsung + KT Hit 3 Gbps in 7 GHz: Early 6G Trial Reality Check07:32 Where 6G Spectrum Lands: 7 GHz, Propagation, and Terahertz Hype Fades12:58 Ookla Report Spotlight: 5G Standalone Boosts Battery Life (and Why It Matters)17:54 Kinetic Tokens & Physical AI: T-Mobile’s Vision for Low-Latency 6G22:51 Is T-Mobile’s “GPU in Every Base Station” Plan Actually Viable?24:16 The Edge Compute Case: Double-Dipping GPUs for AI + XR Graphics26:29 AI Wearables, AR Glasses, and Why 6G Timing Could Favor T-Mobile28:27 The $710B Data Center Boom: What Hyperscaler Spend Means for Telecom30:36 Powering AI: Natural Gas, Turbines, and the Nuclear Buildout Debate31:25 Neo-Clouds & AI Transport: Private Backbone Links, Akamai GPU Rentals, and Wall Street Doubts37:40 Microsoft + Ericsson Bring Enterprise 5G Management Natively to Windows 1140:00 Why 5G Laptops Still Haven’t Taken Off (Cost, Plans, Battery, Coverage)41:41 What Changes in 6G: Apple Modems, Multi-Carrier Service, and the Road Ahead (Wrap-Up)

Final Episode: Analyzing 5G, Verizon's Moves, and the Future of Telecom In episode 241 of the G2 on 5G podcast by More Insights and Strategy, hosts Will Townsend and Anshel Sag cover six pressing topics in the telecom industry. Will shares his news of leaving More Insights to start a new venture, marking the end of the podcast. The episode starts with a discussion on Verizon's aggressive price cuts on their plans, raising questions about potential price wars. They move on to discuss a report by Okla comparing cellular and WiFi performance at major US airports, with cellular often outperforming WiFi due to outdated infrastructure. The hosts then delve into NTT Docomo's advancements in 6G radio sensing technology and its applications, followed by Anshel's experiences with T-Mobile's expanded partnership with Formula One and their new 'un-carrier' moves to streamline carrier switching. Lastly, they review Nokia's puzzling decision to focus less on private cellular networking despite previous successes and Verizon's enhanced enterprise-class FWA solutions. The episode reflects on the journey of the podcast and hints at future individual projects in the telecom field.

Welcome and Introduction- Will Townsend welcomes Anshel Sag to episode 240 of G2 on 5G.- Coverage of six topics spanning 5G and 6G developments.T-Mobile's Edge Control Solution- Launch of Edge Control at fourth annual Innovate Awards.- Combines 5G advanced network with local breakout for private-like cellular experience.- Zero on-premise infrastructure requirement distinguishes this solution.- Strategic positioning against Verizon and AT&T in enterprise cellular offerings.Nvidia and Nokia Partnership- Extension of aerial RAN computer announcements for 6G.- Nvidia's billion-dollar investment in Nokia signals strategic alignment.- Partnership includes T-Mobile and Dell Technologies for server infrastructure.- Nokia stock surged 25% following the announcement.All-American AI RAN Stack- Announcement of domesticated supply chain for 6G development.- Nvidia's aerial platform moving to open source to accelerate adoption.- Full-stack solution involving Cisco, Mitre, and Booz Allen.- Focus on spectrum sensing and computer vision applications.Nvidia DGX Spark Developer Experience- Anshel Sag shares hands-on experience with DGX Spark device.- 200 gigabit connectivity and scalable memory capacity.- Simplified software stack enables AI deployment without extensive coding knowledge.Samsung Networks and SoftBank MOU- Joint research agreement for 6G and AI-based RAN technologies.- Four focus areas: 6G, AI for RAN, AI in RAN, and large telecom models.- Cultural significance of Korean-Japanese partnership in telecommunications.5G Techratory Event Insights- Will Townsend's experience hosting panels in the Baltic region.- "Defense of 5G" panel discussion with European experts and skeptics.- Challenges in European 5G deployment due to fragmented regulation.- Delayed standalone 5G rollout creating similar frustrations as experienced in U.S.Fixed Wireless Access as Killer Use Case- FWA success in U.S. market with T-Mobile leading adoption.- AT&T's Internet Air product serving consumers and enterprises.Verizon's Fiber Expansion Strategy- New CEO driving aggressive fiber buildout through wholesale partnerships.- Deal with Eaton Fiber for network expansion without direct capital investment.- Following AT&T's successful fiber strategy after years of market leadership.Competitive Fiber Market Dynamics- AT&T's overinvestment in fiber driving strong ARPU and earnings performance.- T-Mobile's strategic shift toward fiber for backhaul and FWA support.- Verizon's Pac-Man approach with Frontier acquisition correcting previous divestiture.- Competition driving price improvements and better consumer options.

Welcome and Introduction- Will Townsend and Anshel Sag discuss the latest insights on 5G and 6G technologies.- Episode 239 of G2 on 5G, covering six topics in about 20 minutes.AT&T's 5G Standalone Deployment- AT&T declares nationwide 5G standalone deployment on October 8th.- Milestone achievement matching RAN and 5G core infrastructure.- Predictions of innovative services, especially in network slicing.Intel's Node Advancements- Discussion on Panther Lake and Clearwater Forest CPU developments.- Panther Lake running on Intel's new 18A Foundry Fab 52 in Arizona.- Clearwater Forest's 288-core CPU targeting telecom applications.Vodafone's Low Earth Orbit Satellite Research Hub- Launch of the first low earth orbit satellite mobile broadband research hub.- Partnership with AST Space Mobile for non-terrestrial network solutions.- Streamlining testing and validation of hardware and software.Verizon's Acquisition of Starry- Verizon acquires fixed wireless provider Starry.- Potential to grow fixed wireless base to 8-9 million customers.- Leveraging Starry's architecture for cheaper and quicker deployment in urban settings.Verizon CEO Transition- Hans Vestberg's sudden exit as Verizon CEO.- Discussion on the timing and potential reasons for the leadership change.- Comparison with previous CEO transitions and industry performance.AI Deals and Impact on 5G/6G- Analysis of major AI deals, including OpenAI and AMD partnership.- Potential effects on 5G and 6G network architectures and edge computing.- T-Mobile's strategic partnership with OpenAI and implications for the industry.Closing Remarks- Invitation for listeners to provide topics for future podcasts.- Contact information for hosts Will Townsend and Anshel Sag on social media.- Request for listeners to rate and subscribe to the podcast.

Welcome and Introduction- Will Townsend hosts episode 238 of G2 on 5G with analyst Anshel Sag- Podcast covers six 5G and 6G topics in about 20 minutesAST SpaceMobile's Breakthrough- Conducted first space-based 4G VoLTE call with Bell Canada- Includes voice, broadband data, and video streaming capabilities- Paves way for production and monetizationQualcomm Snapdragon Summit Highlights- Launch of two new SoCs for smartphones and PCs- Third-generation Orion custom processor outperforms competitors- Introduction of Guardian feature for remote PC managementT-Mobile's T-Satellite Service Expansion- Announcement of app support for T-Satellite service with Starlink- Integration with T-Life app and other solutions like AllTrails and AccuWeather- Enhances usability for SOS and emergency situationsMediaTek's Dimensity 9500 SoC- New flagship part using latest ARM IP- Improvements in performance, power efficiency, and ray tracing- Competitive positioning against Qualcomm in the Android marketChina's Infrastructure Security Measures- Implementation of rigorous certifications for foreign infrastructure providers- Slowing progress for companies like Ericsson and Nokia in the Chinese market- Reduction in market share for Western companies in ChinaOngoing Legal Dispute: Qualcomm vs. ARM- Recent settlement of one lawsuit, but continuation of legal battles- ARM's appeal of the verdict and Qualcomm's separate lawsuit- Discussion on the broader implications and potential outcomesClosing Remarks- Invitation for listeners to provide insights on specific 5G topics- Social media handles shared for Will Townsend and Anshel Sag- Request for listeners to rate and subscribe to the podcast