The G2 on 5G Podcast: Wildfire Response, CES AI Trends, AT&T's Guarantee, T-Mobile's Ad Buy, AST's Spectrum Deal, and 5G API Venture

Welcome and Introduction- Will Townsend introduces episode 217 of G2 on 5G- Anshel Sag joins as fellow analystTelecom AI Developments- Will's Forbes article on global mobile network operators using AI- Focus on AT&T, NTT Docomo, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Vodafone- AI improving customer support and operational efficiency- Potential to reduce subscriber churnAT&T and AST SpaceMobile Milestone- Successful video call using Bluebird satellites- Call initiated from Midland, Texas to AT&T in Dallas- Demonstrates stability, throughput, and latency of satellite connection- Potential applications for first responders and rural areasNTT and Palo Alto Networks Partnership- Collaboration to enhance security of NTT's private 5G platform- Integration of Palo Alto's next-generation firewall solution- Addressing security needs in operational technology environmentsQualcomm's New Brand: Dragon Wing- Launch of Dragon Wing brand for enterprise and infrastructure products- Separation from consumer-focused Snapdragon brand- Covers cellular infrastructure, networking, and industrial IoT- Qualcomm modem and other chipsets retain Qualcomm brandingMobile World Congress Barcelona 2024 Expectations- Increased focus on low Earth orbit satellite discussions- AI RAN (Radio Access Network) developments- Nvidia's evolving role in AI for telecommunications- Potential for AI to drive 5G demandAI in Enterprise and Network Applications- Shift from consumer-focused AI to enterprise use cases- AI's potential in improving network operations and security- Examples of AI applications in various industriesClosing Thoughts- Invitation for listener feedback on future 5G topics- Contact information for Will Townsend and Anshel Sag

Welcome and Introduction- Will Townsend welcomes Anshel Sag to episode 216 of G2 on 5G.- Overview of the podcast format: six topics covered in about 20 minutes.T-Mobile's T Priority 5G Slice for First Responders- Announcement of four new enhancements to T-Mobile's network for first responders.- New York City's exclusive use of T-Mobile's network for first responder applications.- Partnerships with Samsung, GTAC, and Skydio.- Benefits for individual first responders, including free network access.- $2 million donation to the Tunnel to Towers foundation.Apple's First 5G Modem Launch- Introduction of Apple's C1 5G modem in the iPhone 16e.- Discussion of the modem's development history and capabilities.- Analysis of the iPhone 16e's features and pricing strategy.Airspan's Resurgence and Strategic Moves- Airspan's acquisition of Corning Wireless's business.- Company's focus on Open RAN and private networks.- Recent $42 million grant for RAN development.Vodafone's 5G Coverage Plans for Spain- Vodafone's goal to cover 90% of Spain's population with 5G by year-end.- Deployment strategy focusing on 700 MHz spectrum.- Expansion to rural and small town areas.Red Hat, Druid, and NAP Attack Partnership- Collaboration for private 5G network edge deployments.- Druid's re-architected 5G core for distributed private deployments.- Nappatech's role in user plane function offload.Oppo and Huawei's Foldable Phone Launches- Oppo's Find N5 introduction as the world's thinnest foldable phone.- Huawei's Mate XT trifold expansion to markets outside China.- Discussion of specifications and pricing for both devices.Closing Remarks and Future Plans- Anshel's upcoming trip to New York for Amazon's device launch.- Will's plans for Mobile World Congress.- Invitation for listeners to provide insights on 5G topics for future podcasts.

In this 215th episode of The G2 on 5G, we cover:1. Nokia's appointment of former Intel executive Justin Hotard as new CEO2. T-Mobile and SpaceX's satellite connectivity partnership announcement3. O2 Telefonica's 5G REDCAP trial with Germany's energy sector4. CTIA and 5G Americas coalition to challenge cable industry dominance5. Ericsson's deployment of a private cellular network across 68 Texas counties6. Orange's partnership with Mistral AI for AI use cases in EuropeThe hosts discuss these developments, offering insights on leadership changes, innovative connectivity solutions, industry competition, and AI advancements in the telecom sector.

Welcome and Introduction- Will Townsend and Anshel Sag host episode 214 of G2 and 5G podcast- Overview of six 5G topics covered in 20 minutesNokia and AT&T Partnership- Announcement of Nokia-AT&T collaboration for network automation and voice core functionality- Utilization of Nokia Cloud Platform (NCP) for streamlining network activities- Implications for AT&T's network programmability and monetizationState of 5G Report- Anshel Sag's comprehensive analysis of 5G developments in 2023- Predictions for 5G trends in 2024, including AI integration and enterprise applications- Discussion of TCL's Redcap-enabled device and its significanceRAN Market Trends- Shift in focus from vRAN to AI-powered RAN solutions- Impact on traditional vRAN providers and market dynamics- Debate on the relationship between AI RAN and vRAN technologies5G at the Super Bowl- Network upgrades by major carriers for the Super Bowl at Caesars Superdome- Verizon's enhanced antenna deployment and coverage improvements- AT&T's extensive infrastructure additions, including DAS zones and FirstNet supportBoldyn Networks' Expansion- Boldyn secures $1.2 billion credit facility for North American growth- Focus on private cellular networking for enterprises and venues- Predictions for accelerated adoption of private cellular networks in 2025Spectrum Battle for Upper C-Band- Ongoing dispute between mobile carriers and Elon Musk's Starlink over 200 MHz of C-band spectrum- Potential implications for satellite communications and 5G expansion- Discussion of regulatory challenges and potential conflicts of interestClosing Remarks- Invitation for listener engagement and topic suggestions- Contact information for hosts Will Townsend and Anshel Sag

AT&T Earnings and Fiber Growth- AT&T reported over a million fiber adds for 2024- Conversation with Jennifer Robertson, leader of AT&T's mass markets consumer group- Discussion of AT&T guarantee, AST Space Mobile partnership, and convergence strategy- Convergence driving simplification, with 40% of customers taking advantage by end of 2024Verizon's AI Connect Platform- Announcement of Verizon's AI Connect platform- Collaboration with Nvidia, Vultr, Google Cloud, and Meta- Focus on edge compute and AI deployments for business customers- Potential applications for XR technologiesEricsson's North American Growth- Ericsson reported 54% market growth in North America- Execution in the region, including creation of federal sales teams- Potential impact of open RAN initiatives- Sustainability of growth and global expansion challengesVodafone and AST Space Mobile Breakthrough- World's first space video call using standard mobile phone and commercial satellites- Test conducted on 4G and 5G smartphones- Plans for commercial direct-to-smartphone broadband satellite service in Europe by 2025-2026Telefónica's Gen AI Platform- Telefónica's tech unit launching its own Gen AI platform- Aimed at helping companies create customizable systems for complex problem-solving- Unconventional approach compared to other mobile network operatorsApple and T-Mobile Earnings- Apple reported better than expected earnings despite reduced iPhone shipments- T-Mobile added 900,000 monthly subscribers, mostly for premium 5G plans- T-Mobile's record growth year, with significant increases in revenue and net income- T-Mobile's expansion in business services and network reliabilityIndustry Trends and Future Outlook- Discussion of agentic AI and its growing importance in the tech industry- Expectations for improved AI features from Apple in the coming quarter- T-Mobile's plans for 6G development with Nvidia- Continued focus on network infrastructure and customer satisfaction across the industry

Trump Administration and Open RAN- Discussion of potential boost for Open RAN deployment under a second Trump administration- Review of previous $1.5 billion earmarked for Open RAN and infrastructure investment- Emphasis on eliminating Chinese infrastructure in telecommunicationsSamsung Unpacked Event Highlights- Introduction of Samsung Galaxy S25 series with custom Snapdragon 8 Elite processor- Focus on AI capabilities, including on-device agent and enhanced features- Camera upgrades, including 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens on S25 Ultra- Snapdragon satellite integration for messaging capabilitiesStargate Project and AI Infrastructure- Announcement of $100 billion initial investment in AI-enabled data centers- Long-term goal of $500 billion investment and creation of 100,000 new jobs- Potential role of 5G in AI infrastructure development- Discussion of AI RAN acceleration in 5G and 6G networksT-Mobile's T Priority for First Responders- Activation of T Priority network slice for LA firefighters- Comparison to AT&T's FirstNet and benefits of supplementary connectivity- Demonstration of 5G standalone network capabilities and network slicingNokia's Autonomous Networks and AI Infrastructure- Nokia's vision for higher levels of automation in network infrastructure- Potential for Nokia to participate in AI infrastructure spending- Discussion of Nokia's optical and networking strengthsNokia's 5G 360 Camera Launch- Introduction of Nokia's 5G360 camera for industrial and commercial applications- 8K resolution at 30fps with IP67 hardening- Integration with Nokia's real-time extended reality multimedia software- Potential applications in work site monitoring and AI-powered identificationPodcast Production and Future Topics- Invitation for listeners to suggest future podcast topics- Appreciation for audience engagement and listenership

Welcome and Introduction- Will Townsend welcomes listeners to episode 211 of G2 on 5G.- Introduction of guest analyst Anshel Sag.Mobile Network Operator Response to Southern California Wildfires- Discussion of tragic wildfires and estimated damages.- Verizon's response:- Waiving charges for affected customers- Deploying mobile and satellite assets- Offering free charging and Wi-Fi- Donating to American Red Cross- AT&T's response:- Similar charge waivers- Providing Wi-Fi and charging stations- Deploying generators to support cell sites- Donations to various organizations- T-Mobile's response:- Offering unlimited services to customers- Deploying satellite equipment- Engaging Starlink serviceCES Highlights and AI's Impact on 5G- Anshel Sag's observations from CES- AI as a driver for 5G adoption- Concept of hybrid AI and its reliance on 5G connectivity- AI's potential to accelerate 5G development and usageAT&T's New "Guarantee" Program- Introduction of AT&T's consumer-focused service guarantees- Details on outage credits and customer service improvements- Comparison to service level agreements (SLAs) for consumers- Potential impact on customer retention and acquisitionT-Mobile's Acquisition to Boost Ad Business- T-Mobile's acquisition of Vystar Media for $600 million- Expansion into digital out-of-home advertising- Strategy to increase revenue beyond traditional subscriptionsAST SpaceMobile and Legato Networks Partnership- Agreement for AST SpaceMobile to use Legato's spectrum- Discussion of Legato's bankruptcy filing and restructuring- Potential implications for AST SpaceMobile's satellite serviceLaunch of Aduna for 5G API Development- Introduction of Aduna, a joint venture for 5G APIs- Appointment of Anthony Bartolo as CEO- Goal to simplify and unify 5G API development across carriers- Use of Camara APIs as a foundationClosing Remarks- Reflection on the first live podcast of the year- Invitation for listener engagement and feedback

Welcome and Introduction- Will Townsend and Anshel Sag host the final episode of G2 and 5G for 2024- Apology for delay due to travel commitments- Brief discussion on upcoming CES expectationsHot Takes on Recent News- Mavenir's ongoing challenges and executive departure- Potential Trump administration's plans for 3 GHz spectrum allocationMavenir's Struggles- John Baker's departure and its implications- Financial difficulties and failed expansion attempts- Speculation on potential buyers and future prospectsSpectrum Allocation and FCC Changes- Discussion on lower 3 GHz band allocation for 5G- Challenges with FCC's ability to allocate spectrum- Congressional issues affecting spectrum allocationRip and Replace Funding- US Senate's approval of $3 billion for replacing Chinese infrastructure- Debate on whether the allocated funds are sufficientMediaTek's Potential Entry into Pixel Phones- Rumors of MediaTek 5G modems in future Pixel devices- Comparison with current Samsung modems in Pixel devices- Speculation on Apple's modem strategy2024 Retrospective and 2025 Predictions- 2024 as a setup year for significant 5G developments in 2025- Predictions for satellite integration in 5G networks- AI's increasing role in network operations and device interfacesThe Year of LEO (Low Earth Orbit) Satellites- 2025 projected as the "year of the fifth zodiac" (Leo)- Anticipated developments in LEO satellite communications- Potential scaling of direct-to-cell unmodified technologyClosing Thoughts- Brief mention of upcoming phone reviews- Expectations for 5G advancements and glimpses of 6G in 2025- Invitation for audience engagement and feedback

Welcome and Introduction- Episode 209 of the G2 on 5G podcast kicks off with hosts Will Townsend and Anshel Sag.- The duo shares their recent travel experiences, highlighting their busy schedules and upcoming plans.6G Trials and AI Integration- Discussion on NTT DoCoMo and SK Telecom's pre-6G trial involving AI, with insights into the role of Nvidia and Nokia.- Exploration of AI's potential in enhancing network performance and customer experience.Qualcomm's Strategic Focus- Insights from Qualcomm's Investor Day, emphasizing IoT and PC growth.- Qualcomm's ambition to balance its smartphone business with IoT and automotive sectors by 2030.Aramco Digital's Potential Investment in Mavenir- Rumors of Aramco Digital considering a $1 billion investment in Mavenir.- Speculation on Tarek Amin's disruptive strategies and the potential impact on Mavenir's future.CV2X Standardization Progress- Update on CV2X technology's journey to becoming a standard in the U.S.- Discussion on the implications for automotive connectivity and Qualcomm's role in the sector.Nokia's Recent Wins- Nokia secures significant deals with Bharti Airtel and Microsoft Azure, boosting its financial outlook.- Analysis of Nokia's position in the RAN and data center markets.Controversial Views on Wireless Technology- RFK Jr.'s controversial statements on 5G and wireless technology.- Concerns about misinformation and the importance of informed discussions on technology.Thanksgiving Plans and Closing Remarks- Hosts share their Thanksgiving travel plans and express gratitude to listeners.- Encouragement for audience engagement and feedback on future podcast topics.

Welcome and Introduction- Episode 208 of the G2 on 5G podcast kicks off with hosts Will Townsend and Anshel Sag.- Apologies for the recent absence due to extensive travel schedules.Snapdragon Summit Insights- Will Townsend shares his experience attending the Snapdragon Summit in Maui.- Focus on AI-first experiences and Qualcomm's advancements in mobility and automotive sectors.- Discussion on the Snapdragon 8 Elite, likened to a mini data center tech stack.Qualcomm and ARM Dispute- Anshel Sag delves into the ongoing IP dispute between Qualcomm and ARM.- Exploration of the implications for both companies and the potential impact on the industry.- Discussion on the role of Nuvia's acquisition by Qualcomm in the dispute.AST Space Mobile Developments- Will Townsend highlights AST Space Mobile's recent achievements, including a Department of Defense contract.- Discussion on the company's role in the HALO program and future satellite launches.iPhone 16 Reception- Anshel Sag discusses the mixed reception of the iPhone 16 in the U.S. market.- Analysis of generous carrier offers and their impact on sales figures.- Insights into Apple's strategic moves and the introduction of Apple Intelligence.Earnings Season Overview- Will Townsend reviews recent earnings reports from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.- Highlights include T-Mobile's strong FWA 5G growth and AT&T's steady performance.- Discussion on Verizon's challenges and the innovative converged gateway product from AT&T.FirstNet Spectrum Expansion- Anshel Sag covers the FCC's decision to grant FirstNet additional spectrum.- Examination of the potential benefits for first responders and the broader implications for AT&T.Conclusion and Audience Engagement- Encouragement for listeners to provide feedback and suggest future topics.- Contact information for Will Townsend and Anshel Sag shared for audience interaction.