Spring into 2025!
Is it just me that feels 2025 is a storm of change and all around and crazy weather to boot? Do you have big projects you are launching and lots of new people who need training and skills? Get in touch and let's level up your team!!
As announced in our previous newsletters, the Telecom 101 self paced course has been updated, facelifted and re-recorded. It is available online for all new Telecom/Provider employees, and even not so new folks as well. Make sure you have an account at the Online School, if not, sign up - its free. Then head to this link to enroll, pay, and take the course. All done online!! I look forward to reading your evaluations to allow you to let me know what you think of this updated course.
As previously stated, we embarked on a major project here to revamp and re-record the certification program. We have discovered some recording issues and editing has been delayed by several private projects. If you are waiting, thanks for your patience. If you want more information look here.
Some Telecom Related News
Major Cybersecurity Breach: Salt Typhoon Hack
In what has been described as the worst telecom hack in U.S. history, Chinese state-linked hackers—dubbed “Salt Typhoon”—infiltrated at least nine major U.S. telecom providers, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. The attackers accessed metadata from over a million users, including political figures, and compromised lawful wiretapping systems. The breach prompted U.S. sanctions and legislative proposals to tighten telecom cybersecurity.
Broadband Policy Shifts: Fiber vs. Satellite
The $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, initially focused on fiber-optic expansion, is under review by the Trump administration. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick advocates a “tech-neutral” approach, potentially diverting funds to satellite providers like Starlink. Critics argue this could lead to slower, less reliable internet in rural areas. NTIA+3WSJ+3The Verge+3WSJ+2The Verge+2NTIA+2
Satellite Internet Gains Traction
Due to high costs of fiber deployment in remote areas, states like Texas and Louisiana are investing in satellite internet solutions. SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are leading beneficiaries. While satellite offers quicker deployment, concerns remain about its reliability and speed compared to fiber. WSJ+1Reuters+1The Verge
FCC Tightens Security on Chinese Labs
The FCC has barred Chinese laboratories deemed security risks from testing U.S.-bound electronics. This move aims to protect U.S. telecommunications infrastructure from potential threats, especially from entities affiliated with the Chinese government or military. Reuters
Industry Consolidation and Strategy Shifts
Verizon: Received tentative approval to acquire Frontier Communications' assets in Connecticut as part of a broader $20 billion national acquisition. CT Insider
Charter and Cox: Announced a merger to form a cable giant, combining resources to better compete in the evolving telecom landscape. Wikipedia
AT&T: Focused on expanding its fiber broadband, with nearly 30 million passings, and shedding non-core media assets to improve cash flow and customer satisfaction. Barron's
Consumer-Focused Initiatives
Verizon: Introduced a three-year price lock for subscribers of its myPlan and myHome bundles, aiming to retain customers amid rising service costs. WSJ
FCC Spectrum Review: Initiated a review of spectrum sharing rules to enhance space-based telecommunications, potentially benefiting satellite providers like SpaceX. Reuters
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