Nathan Smith

I’ve written another piece on US #spectrum policy & #mobile bands - and what should be done in preparation for #WRC27 over the next 3 years. This is part of my ongoing focus on global spectrum-sharing policy, as well as my advisory work with SFTF. This time it has been published via Fierce Network. My view is that the US should directly engage with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) process at multiple levels, to push for greater understanding and technological innovation in sharing approaches. In particular the focus of IMT (ie #5G & #6G) spectrum should be on regulators assuming a “sharing-native” future in the 2030s, instead of the historic focus of assigning exclusive licences. This should be reflected in any figure IMT identifications & footnotes. In addition, it should be a core part of the various study groups and working parties’ efforts. There also needs to be far more realism about mobile traffic on the international stage - its flattening growth, the many non-credible forecasts, its localisation to specific areas & the impact of aspects such as FWA and indoor use. A critical aspect is dealing with the proposed IMT study bands for WRC-27, which seem “coincidentally” to be exactly the same as those used within NATO for military communications. At the moment, the US #CBRS band is one of the leading examples of dynamic spectrum sharing in practice. The work by NTIA & NSF is also advancing the technological base, including the role of AI. It should be advocating this work more globally, especially at ITU. But first, the mainstream US mobile industry needs to get onboard. #spectrumpolicy #telecompolicy #technology #regulation

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🌐 Bridging the Digital Divide: Unleashing an Additional 500 MHz of Spectrum for Wireless Broadband Deployment 🚀 The FCC has the opportunity to allocate additional spectrum for Wireless Broadband Service Providers, as the NTIA has acknowledged that a more innovative approach is needed to deliver high-speed internet in hard-to-reach areas. https://lnkd.in/gu8ekXBH If granted, the lower 12 GHz band (12.2-12.7 GHz) will introduce an additional 500 MHz of new spectrum to the market. 📣 Let’s Advocate for Change! We encourage everyone to support the FCC in this crucial step toward allocating additional spectrum for broadband use. Together, with innovative technology, we can connect the unconnected and bridge the digital divide. 👉 Visit our website to learn more about how Intelpath is contributing to the deployment of Wireless Broadband across the U.S.: www.intelpath.com 📞 Contact Intelpath to take advantage of our microwave planning services. For all Wireless Broadband providers, there is no upfront fee to determine channel availability: sales@intelpath.com #DigitalDivide #BroadbandAccess #FCC #DigitalEquity #Innovation #Connectivity #HighSpeedInternet #TechForGood #DigitalInclusion #RuralBroadband #CommunityDevelopment #Broadband #NTIA #BEAD #TechInnovation #Microwave #mmWave #Telecommunications #WirelessTechnology #NetworkDeployment #FreeOffer #Intelpath #HighSpeedInternet

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New and exclusive to T-Mobile: The TCL LINKPORT. It turns most USB-C devices into a 5G-capable device for instant, on-the-go 5G connectivity.   Starting October 17, it’s available for under $50 and $5/month on Go5G Next and Go5G Business Next plans.   The LINKPORT is the first 5G RedCap capable device commercially available in North America. 5G RedCap is a new network technology that bridges the gap between full 5G capabilities and simpler lower-cost devices, offering a boost in performance, enhancing security and using less battery power compared to traditional Wi-Fi and 4G LTE connections. This technology is only possible on a standalone 5G network, which T-Mobile is still the ONLY major carrier to have nationwide. Learn more about how almost any USB-C device can be a 5G device: https://lnkd.in/gXY-ycUi

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Spectrum Harmony: Multi-RAT Sharing Strategies toward 6G The WRC-2023 identified the potential 6G bands. Despite this advancement, the 410–7125 MHz band (3GPP FR1) will continue to play a crucial role in providing coverage and capacity. As 6G networks begin to roll out, they will encounter crowded spectral environments still occupied by 5G. This situation necessitates an effective spectrum sharing strategy such as Multi-RAT Spectrum Sharing MRSS (MRSS), which provides a mechanism for 5G and 6G to coexist dynamically by either separately coordinating the spectrum via dynamic resource splitting or employing joint 5G-6G scheduling. ◼ Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) DSS is a technology that enables LTE and 5G NR to share the same frequency band dynamically. It adapts in real-time to traffic demands by allocating resources between 4G LTE and 5G NR, which allows for a fluid and gradual migration from 4G to 5G networks without requiring additional spectrum resources. It supports a smooth evolution from 4G to 5G, ensuring service continuity for existing LTE users while progressively introducing 5G services. However, there was a negative performance impact. The shared use of spectrum may lead to a slight degradation in throughput and latency for both technologies. ◼ Benefits of MRSS MRSS extends the concept of spectrum sharing beyond LTE and 5G NR to include various other technologies, such as Wi-Fi, 6G, and beyond. It employs advanced signal processing and cognitive radio technologies to enable simultaneous access to the same spectral band by different RATs. MRSS maximizes the use of spectrum by accommodating a broader array of devices and services. It facilitates the integration of emerging technologies, ensuring robust connectivity across different network types. ◼ MRSS Challenges - Increased Interference Management: MRSS requires sophisticated coordination mechanisms to manage interference among multiple RATs. - Regulatory and Standardization Hurdles: Ensuring interoperability and fair spectrum sharing among diverse technologies involves complex regulatory and standardization processes. ◼ Leveraging Machine Learning in MRSS The complexity of managing MRSS scenarios can be effectively reduced through the application of ML techniques: - Custom OFDMA Pilot Patterns: ML models can be trained to generate and adapt OFDMA pilot patterns that minimize interference between closely situated 5G and 6G networks, thus supporting heterogeneous network environments. - Spectrum Sensing: Deep learning classifiers have shown promise in accurately predicting spectrum usage, which is crucial for real-time spectrum allocation decisions. Future research and development will be pivotal in addressing the existing challenges and unlocking the full potential of these innovative spectrum-sharing strategies. #DSS #MRSS #6G #SpectrumSharing #AIforMRSS #JointScheduling

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The FCC’s approval of Starlink’s direct-to-cell service with T-Mobile is significant. This partnership aims to provide cellular coverage in areas where traditional networks don’t reach, addressing long-standing issues with dead zones. It also strengthens emergency communication capabilities and improves network reliability, particularly in rural and remote locations. However, could this partnership potentially cannibalize some of Starlink’s revenue? Kathleen and I are both T-Mobile and Starlink customers. We are a “work from anywhere” couple and we use Starlink at our cabin in a remote part of Alaska because T-Mobile service doesn’t work there. With this new partnership, we might find we no longer need Starlink. The same could be true for boats, RVs, and other remote homes that currently rely on Starlink due to lack of coverage from traditional networks. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. #telecommunications #connectivity #motivation #success #mindset #growth #SolutionsAsAService

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It may be a little early to put a nail in this coffin, but the device upgrade "super cycle" seems to be eluding US carriers. Was this to be expected? With #AI trending across tech sectors throughout 2024, software is being used more and more to differentiate products. Are customers ready for that? Are customer using it? Are sales reps in retail location equipped to sell? Devices *used* to be different because of the hardware - memory, battery life, camera, form factor, etc - but more and more software is the driver. Selling software is a much different process than selling hardware. I, for one, use a fraction of my smartphone's capabilities...and I'm pretty sure I'm not alone. So what gives first? Can hardware become a differentiator again? Or can sales channels (and users) be trained to use their devices enough that they can realize the differentiation? #ATT #Verizon #supercycle #upgrade https://lnkd.in/gK8D7wpW

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Excellent decision from Rakuten Symphony. I had long held the belief that Rakuten’s acquisition of Altiostar was a strategic mistake. Without verifying the hypothesis that brownfield network operators would buy network-critical technology from another (unproven) operator, buying the market leader at the time set the Open RAN market back by 3 years. Rakuten Symphony has since pivoted to network automation and autonomy and has created a convincing narrative, outside of #openRAN considerations. Licensing the CU DU software to other vendors is the smart move to monetize the asset and to allow RUs vendors to provide full solutions to compete efficiently against full spectrum vendors. https://lnkd.in/g_BiywDD

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The interim Brief is out. We discuss T-Mobile's earnings a bit and also the NTIA comments concerning non-fiber technologies made at last week's Fiber Connect conference. More inside... #sundaybrief

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Sunday School: Regular Regulation! For the past 30 years, spectrum has had value. Whether auction value or ‘beauty contest’ – commit to delivering coverage/customer experience – the limited availability or rarity of spectrum means that regulators look for maximum return. As I’ve discussed in a couple of fora this month, spectrum seems to be a special child. From spectrum auctions to annual license fees, the mobile industry is a cash cow. Land and power* are also constrained in their availability. We cannot create new land, and power takes years to create renewable generation, and decades to deliver baseload generation. Yet parties bidding for land and power seem to have lower obligations and constraints than parties looking for spectrum. “Will you deliver the most value for resources consumed” seems to be a question only asked to one industry.   Whether building an Electric Arc Steel Furnace or a #DataCentre , “Could someone make better use of this scarce 100 Acres or 100MW” seems to carry less weight. Technical matters such as green certificates and grid connection seem to carry more weight than the value delivered. It’s going to take 20 years to deliver 3.2GW of baseline generation at Hinkley Point, sold on the premise of delivering enough power for 6 million homes. With plans to build 1.5 million new properties, I would imagine that the 4 million hopeful new residents of those properties would be somewhat unimpressed if told that they would have to wait 5 years to turn the lights on because their land or power had been re-directed towards a pair of 400MW Data Centre campus’s.   Like spectrum, I’d like to see more emphasis on what values they can contribute, such as #Edge DCs ‘borrowing’ energy*, or bringing their own BESS to allow otherwise curtailed energy to be generated and stored. Those whose land-use is invisible or within their existing demise.   #Telecommunications #EveryDaysaSchoolDay #Mobile 🤳🏼 #InvisibleInfrastructure Previous Post: https://lnkd.in/e32gsiEU

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Why Volume Commitments Matter for Turnkey Broadband Solutions When it comes to broadband projects, committing to volume isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a strategy for success. Here’s how partnering with TAK as a turnkey provider and consolidating your work can make a real difference: 🔹 Better Pricing: Volume commitments help us plan ahead, reduce costs, and pass those savings on to you. More work equals better rates—simple as that. 🔹 Guaranteed Resources: Committing volume means dedicated teams and equipment ready for your projects. No delays, no scrambling—just smooth progress. 🔹 Stronger Partnerships: When we work closely together, our teams align with your timelines and goals. The result? Seamless execution and better outcomes, every time. Let’s simplify broadband deployment and build the future of connectivity—together. #BroadbandSolutions #TurnkeyBroadband #FTTH #MDUConstruction #IntegratedDelivery

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In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, our Douglas Blue shares his thoughts on the cable industry as more operators transition to a Passive Optical Network. Check it out!

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Another one of the hidden assets in broadband networks. This is truly transformational!

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Very interesting and he has made some good observations with what is going on in the industry today.

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This is a major announcement for T-Mobile, as it indicates its progressing to become the primary all-mode #communications supplier for both #consumers and #business users. Adding the Lumos Fiber assets for #Fiber #broadband connectivity enables T-Mobile and especially T-Mobile For Business to become a bundled provider of #mobile, #FWA over #5G, and #fiber #internet and #communications services. And while the acquired fiber assets are currently regional and in a relatively limited area, there is no doubt T-Mobile plans to invest to greatly expand the fiber infrastructure. Given T-Mobile's aggressive pricing and marketing, this a warning to Verizon and AT&T that T-Mobile is coming for their customers. #Uncarrier

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Understanding how digital signal modulation affects fiber optic transmission, a good primer for all involved in telecom network planning

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Discover RADWIN TerraNet 60GHz mmWave solution for unparalleled performance!

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Rakuten Symphony is so appreciative to AT&T for being included in its network simplification transformation program. Thank you to all the AT&T executives who have given us this chance to be part of an industry-changing program. Mike Dano's article captures so many aspects of what is required to be successful in an undertaking like this. It starts with the fundamentals of using different words to describe what is being done. "I think the word 'cell site' goes away," AT&T's Todd Zeiler said. "I think this pivots to a world of CU, DU, RU. Servers and access points." Before we built mobile networks. Today we start building distributed data center operations where the primary user is a mobile network. We see so many parallels between how AT&T is approaching this and how Rakuten Symphony already approached it. The hope is we can discover an industry blueprint that can make sense for the whole of telecom to be able to follow and accelerate the change to being a truly software-driven cloud-native operation. From Mike Dano's below article when describing the vendors involved "One is Japan's Rakuten Symphony. According to The Mobile Network, AT&T counts roughly 7,000 users of Rakuten Symphony's Site Manager software within its own and its contractor construction teams. The software automates parts of AT&T's site deployment processes." To listen to the full discussion between Yigal Elbaz and Sharad Sriwastawa at MWC BCN this year click here https://lnkd.in/e5ErFYJg To learn more about Rakuten Symphony Site Management solution click here https://lnkd.in/eq8Bsx27

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For those of you who following the messaging industry, many of you know that I have gone from enthusiastic to skeptical back to enthusiastic about RCS. Now that iOS 18 is supporting RCS and we have interoperability of RCS between Android and Apple, I'm back on the enthusiastic bandwagon. Especially, once RCS Business Messaging (or RBM) becomes more available on iOS. For me, that's not the case yet (USA, AT&T). But there is a new wrinkle, and I have questions. I hope this community can help address these, so we can have a better view of the implications. I'm talking about what is in iOS 18.2 (currently in Public Beta). Similar to Android, certain apps may now specified as "default" and this includes messaging apps. So, for the first time, users may indicate a different app, other than Apple Messages (or iMessage) as the default messaging app. A Forbes article recently published an article about it and the author said it was "bad news for Google" (and as such, for RCS). OK... we've just gotten here to RCS bliss, so now WHAT? Here's the article: https://lnkd.in/eHe5Kr_C Now, my questions: 1) I don't have access to the Apple Developer's program - does Apple make iMessage chat APIs? What if one user is using the default Apple Messages and the other an alternative? Both are iOS users. Does the alternative (and now default) messaging app have the ability to support "iMessage" chat? Or does that alternative user only able to send/receive SMS/MMS to other Apple users? Or put more succinctly: What does this do to Apple-to-Apple texting when one party is on iOS but not using Apple Messages? 2) The Forbes article implies that any alternative Apple messaging app will not support RCS (or cannot support RCS), thus eliminating one iOS RCS target.... or "bad news for Google." But does it HAVE to be? Whose limitation is this? Google's? Why then, on Android, do alternate apps like Smart Messages seemingly support P2P RCS & RBM (as well as other, RCS-capable messages such as Verizon Messages [since recently shut down] or Samsung Messages [also ended] supposedly support Universal Profile based RCS)? I've heard some limitations for a messaging app (or a 2nd-line messaging app) being unable to interoperate with other RCS messaging apps - even if such an app supports UP RCS and is backed by an IMS-core, using NNI to interconnect. It may be supported, but not without certain conditions. It seems to me that if such alternative apps for iOS 18.2 & beyond were to support RCS, then they should interoperate with other devices running UP-based RCS (like Android Messages or Apple Messages or even another alternative app with RCS support). This does not have to be a threat to RCS as a replacement for SMS/MMS - such an app should simply support RCS.

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