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 service

CES 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 usage

AT&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 acquisition

T-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 subscriptions

AST 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 service

Launch 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 foundation

Closing 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 expectations

Hot Takes on Recent News

- Mavenir's ongoing challenges and executive departure

- Potential Trump administration's plans for 3 GHz spectrum allocation

Mavenir's Struggles

- John Baker's departure and its implications

- Financial difficulties and failed expansion attempts

- Speculation on potential buyers and future prospects

Spectrum 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 allocation

Rip and Replace Funding

- US Senate's approval of $3 billion for replacing Chinese infrastructure

- Debate on whether the allocated funds are sufficient

MediaTek'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 strategy

2024 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 interfaces

The 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 technology

Closing 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.