Telecom/Network News
SpaceX buys wireless spectrum from EchoStar in a $17B deal
SpaceX acquired AWS-4 and H-block spectrum licenses from EchoStar for about US$17 billion. The deal is aimed at expanding Starlink’s “direct-to-cell” capability, allowing Boost Mobile subscribers to access Starlink’s service in rural/underserved areas. The Verge+3Reuters+3PR Newswire+3
EchoStar expects large cash haul after spectrum sales and debt payments
Following the sales of spectrum licenses to AT&T ($23B) and SpaceX ($17B), EchoStar expects to hold about US$24.1 billion in cash after debt repayments. Reuters
AT&T spectrum purchase from EchoStar (~US$23B)
In August, AT&T acquired spectrum licenses from EchoStar for ~$23 billion, strengthening its spectrum holdings in low- and mid-band, which are crucial for coverage and 5G deployment. Reuters+2The Verge+2
Broadband industry launches STRIKE initiative to combat network vandalism
In the U.S., major broadband providers (Comcast, Charter, Cox, etc.), via industry associations, organized STRIKE (Strategic Threat Response & Infrastructure Knowledge Exchange) to respond to growing theft/vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure. TV Tech
FCC & Congress push to reduce regulatory / permitting barriers to broadband deployment
With substantial federal funding (e.g. via the BEAD program), there’s increasing momentum in both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and in Congress to streamline and speed up state/local permitting, rights-of-way permitting, tower and wireless site approval, etc., to accelerate broadband buildout. Citizens Against Government Waste+2Benton Foundation+2
Industry urges stronger federal action against attacks on critical communications infrastructure
Trade associations have called on the Department of Homeland Security and FBI to address rising coordinated attacks and sabotage targeting telecom and broadband infrastructure, arguing these are increasingly a national security issue. Broadband Breakfast
Most satellite spectrum recommendations sent back to India’s TRAI by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
In India, the DoT has rejected or returned many of TRAI’s proposed recommendations on satellite spectrum allocation and pricing. This reflects tensions in regulatory policy over spectrum for satellite-based internet / communications. The Economic Times
Dallas airports experience major telecom outage disrupting air traffic control
A significant outage in telecommunications services led to loss of radar/phone communications at Dallas Love Field and DFW airports, resulting in hundreds of flight cancellations and delays. The Times of India
Free in-flight WiFi moves closer to becoming standard
Major U.S. airlines are accelerating rollouts of complimentary high-speed in-flight WiFi service, leveraging satellite and other modern connectivity technologies. The trend is toward making free WiFi a norm rather than a perk. The Washington Post
Rise of protections & privacy trends in telecom: AI, cloud, network security
Among sector-wide trends: telcos are increasingly operationalizing AI in network operations and customer experience; prioritizing privacy; moving core telecom infrastructure (e.g. mobile core, voice services) to the cloud; expanding 5G while starting work on 6G. invoca.com |
