Connectivity Chronicles #20241115

Telecom Innovation: T-Mobile Sets 5G Uplink Record

T-Mobile has achieved a 5G uplink speed of over 2.2 Gbps, the fastest recorded globally, through a test with Ericsson and Qualcomm. The test utilized New Radio Dual Connectivity (5G DC), combining mid-band spectrum with mmWave to boost uplink throughput on T-Mobile’s standalone network. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential for faster data transmission, especially in environments like sports events and concerts. The test, conducted at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, used a Snapdragon X80-powered smartphone and allocated 60% of mmWave resources for uplink, significantly improving speed and capacity.

Media Insights: Comcast Exceeds Q3 Goals with Peacock

Comcast reported strong third-quarter results, driven by the success of its coverage of the Paris Olympics, which led to a 36.5% year-over-year increase in media revenue. The company achieved total revenue of $32.1 billion and earnings per share of $1.12, surpassing Wall Street expectations and causing a 4% rise in pre-market trading. Peacock, Comcast’s streaming service, added 3 million subscribers, reaching a total of 36 million, with revenue jumping 82% to $1.5 billion. The Studios unit experienced a strong quarter, with revenue climbing 12% to $2.8 billion. Looking ahead, Comcast is optimistic about the future, with the upcoming opening of Universal Epic Universe in May 2025, which is expected to be the most ambitious and technologically advanced theme park ever created. CEO Brian Roberts expressed satisfaction with the company’s performance and its positioning for long-term growth.

Telecom Market Analysis: Lumen’s Move to AI and Cloud

Lumen has pivoted away from its legacy telecom business, with CEO Kate Johnson stating that traditional telco services won't drive future growth. Instead, the company is focusing on two key growth areas: supporting the AI boom and cloudifying telecom networks. Lumen recently secured an additional $3 billion in Private Connectivity Fabric (PCF) sales, bringing its total pipeline to $7 billion, with major clients like AWS, Microsoft, Meta, and Google Cloud. Lumen is also investing in digital network-as-a-service (NaaS) to serve enterprises using AI at scale. Johnson emphasized that Lumen's future lies in building the AI infrastructure, not in legacy telecom.

Media Spotlight: Disney+ Expands 2025 Offerings

Disney+ has unveiled its 2025 slate, celebrating its fifth anniversary with a lineup that includes highly anticipated series from Marvel, Star Wars, Hulu, and FX. The preview features never-before-seen footage from upcoming new and returning original series such as “Andor” Season 2, “The Bear” Season 4, and “The Handmaid’s Tale” Season 6. Additionally, new series like “Alien: Earth” and “Chad Powers,” as well as Marvel’s “Daredevil: Born Again” and “Ironheart,” are set to debut. Disney+ is also introducing new subscriber perks, including early access to special event tickets, exclusive merchandise, and a special Disneyland Holiday Ticket offer.

Telecom News: AT&T Acquires USCellular Spectrum

USCellular has agreed to sell $1.018 billion in spectrum to AT&T, including 3.45 GHz and 700 MHz bands, enhancing AT&T’s 5G coverage and capacity. This follows similar deals with Verizon and T-Mobile, with the latter acquiring USCellular's assets for $4.4 billion. The AT&T transaction is expected to pass regulatory approval smoothly. USCellular still has $1.8 billion in C-Band spectrum, which is likely to be picked up by financial buyers, continuing a pattern from previous spectrum sales.

Media Trend: Netflix Hits 70M Ad Users

Netflix’s ad-supported tier has reached 70 million monthly active users globally just two years after its launch. This growth is significant, with more than 50% of new sign-ups in countries offering the ad-supported plan opting for this tier. The increase in users highlights the success of Netflix’s strategy to provide a more affordable option while still delivering a wide range of content. The ad-supported tier’s rapid growth has also been bolstered by Netflix’s efforts to enhance its advertising capabilities and partnerships. The company has seen steady progress across all countries’ member bases, indicating a positive momentum in its business. As Netflix continues to expand its ad-supported model, it aims to balance affordability with quality content, ensuring a broad appeal to both new and existing subscribers. This approach not only drives subscriber growth but also opens new revenue streams through advertising.

Telecom Regulatory Insights: Trump's Impact on Broadband Sector

Trump's economic policies could significantly impact the telecom and broadband sectors. His proposed tariffs on foreign-made goods could raise costs for telecom companies like Nokia and Ericsson, which rely on global supply chains. The $42.5 billion BEAD program for broadband expansion may also be at risk, with potential shifts in funding priorities, such as moving from fiber to satellite broadband, which could benefit companies like Starlink. On the positive side, telecom firms could see relief from less regulation, especially regarding net neutrality, reducing compliance costs. However, the overall impact on broadband expansion remains uncertain, with tax cuts and tariffs creating a mixed outlook for the industry.

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