Craig Clapper

Boost Mobile and Wind River collaborate on the largest CaaS vendor changeover on an Open RAN network! Another great win for #WindRiver, and a moment of reflection. My takes from this success are three. Never give up. My colleagues had a dream (sound familiar?) and pursued it despite headwinds/adversities and delays. Perseverance and constancy gave them (and the client) the sense of being the right choice. Reputation is like a bee; it can fly but can sting you. An incumbent position is not a fixed status, it is not granted, and you need to maintain it and gain it every time. Challenge yourself. You can be Goliath tomorrow so, don’t forget you were David. Focus on what’s next, your client, be grounded, and don’t let the other determine who you are. Well done team! #WeAreWindRiver #StarlingX #CoreToEdge 🔗Learn more: https://ow.ly/iVMl30sIwTn

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Lumen: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Lumen is enjoying a Renaissance under new CEO, Kate Johnson. She recognized the hard truth that Lumen had too much debt and managed to sell the South American and European assets above fair value to Colt and one other player. Less widely known is that Lumen sold off its ILEC business to Brightspeed for $7.5 billion. In addition, she is focusing on fibre-to-the-home deployment as opposed to trying to protect legacy twisted copper wire assets. Many telecom CEOs are unable to make the hard choice of cannibalizing or selling slow growth PSTN services like POTs and DSL in order to deploy new, technologically more advanced services. But the stock market approves the strategy as far sighted. Furthermore, Johnson has recognized that Lumen should finally integrate its five networks into one. These five networks reflect purchases of distressed assets that previous CEOs made over 15 years ago, including Qwest Communications, Time Warner Telecom, Global Crossing, and others. Integration is estimated to slash network expenses by a billion USD a year. If Lumen has integrated these assets in a timely fashion, Lumen's shareholders would be about $15 billion dollars richer today. It would still have its international assets and be a global player. Kate Johnson is making Lumen's focus the AI industry. This is good marketing and investors are likely to buy it short term. Nonetheless, AI has all the marking of a gigantic bubble as the revenue potential of generative AI is limited and certainly not great enough to justify the massive investments in the sector. Large language models are simply gigantic nonlinear statistical models that ape whatever language samples are used to estimate them. Reasoning ability is extremely limited. If a model was estimated using Donald Trump's tweets, it would insist that the 2020 election was stolen and that he is the most oppressed man on the planet. This so-called AI is basically regurgitation. It will be sensible if trained on the Wall Street and New York Times or downright crazy if trained on the proceedings of the Flat Earth Society. It is likely Lumen will benefit from being a partner of the Digital Titans, but I suspect the growth benefit will peter out in a few years when AI undergoes its own crisis just like the bursting of the dotcom bubble in 2000. I would focus more on reducing head count as transport and transit services can be profitable, but only if the company is lean and mean. I wish Lumen the best of luck. #lumen #renaissance #integration #leverage #katejohnson #ai

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With power comes responsibility, and as T-Mobile continues to shine and transform the industry, we know our actions have an impact. Which is why we make it our responsibility to be a force for good in our business and communities.    Here are a few of my favorite Corporate Social Responsibility accomplishments from 2023: https://lnkd.in/gYmzZrsD

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I recently joined Rob Markey for an episode of the Customer Confidential Podcast to chat about Verizon's approach to AI and how we're using it to transform the customer experience. As the world continues to rapidly embrace AI technology, we're committed to leading the way with a strategy rooted in trust, transparency and thoughtful innovation. Here are a few of the highlights from the convo: 1. It's not about being first, it's about getting it right: At Verizon, we're committed to developing AI in a way that prioritizes security, trust, and sustainability. 2. AI should complement, not replace, humans: We believe AI should empower our employees, streamline processes, and ultimately enhance the customer experience. It's about augmenting human capabilities, not replacing them. This means maintaining human oversight and accountability every step of the way. 3. Building trust in AI starts from within: Tools like our Personal Research Assistant are constantly learning and already assisting our frontlines, helping Verizon employees build confidence in AI's capabilities. This foundation is essential as we prepare AI for a larger, more direct customer-facing role. 4. Consumer trust is paramount: AI is only as valuable as the trust it inspires. We're laser-focused on ensuring our customers feel secure and confident in our technology. This means safeguarding their data and ensuring AI systems make fair, transparent decisions. Thanks, Rob for the fantastic conversation! #VerizonCXO

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In our industry, success for our broadband service provider (BSP) customers starts with active listening on our part. At Calix, we recognize that every BSP is unique - with different strategies, goals, and challenges. That’s why we prioritize meeting our customers where they’re at, fostering trust through genuine understanding and collaboration. It all begins with asking the right questions. Some of those include: · What is your strategy and what are your goals? ·  What are your biggest challenges? ·  Who are your best partners, and why? ·   How can we bring the most value to your organization? ·   If we work together, what will success look like for you? 
By understanding these nuances, our Success team can tailor solutions and tools to meet not only your current tech needs, but also your strategic aspirations. It’s about creating partnerships rooted in trust, where insights flow both ways. The result? Stronger working relationships and shared success in the present, with strategies, tools, and knowledge in place to execute future ambitions. Let me know in the comments how active listening has helped you and your customers succeed! #ActiveListening #BroadbandServiceProviders #CustomerFirst

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🎉 We’ve heard you, and we know our loyal customers deserve the same amazing offers as new ones. That's why we're introducing the Ultimate Phone Upgrade! Now, both new AND existing customers on Verizon’s Ultimate plans will get the exact same phone offers. So, if you’re an existing customer and trading in your old phone, you’ll get the exact same trade-in value on your old phone that a new customer would. 📱 ✨ Get ready to connect to what and who you love with our best deals, powerful network, and fantastic savings, all wrapped in a premium customer experience. Plus, we're thrilled to partner with YouTube Premium and Peacock to bring you even more unbeatable value! 🎬 🎶  #Verizon #UltimatePhoneUpgrade #CustomerFirst #AmazingDeals #YouTubePremium #Peacock #IncredibleValue

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As I've touched on before, improving the customer and employee experience is top priority for Verizon. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with CX expert • Shep Hyken to talk more about how we’re working to do that every day, across products, teams and experiences that our customers are beginning to see and feel. To get a deeper dive into the specifics of our discussion, feel free to check out the article below.

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🚀 FWA is on the rise! It makes up over 90% of fixed broadband net additions in the US. Globally, FWA generated $29.5B in revenue in 2023 and is projected to exceed $67B in the next four years. Want to capitalize on this technology? 📘 Download our eBook "Optimize your FWA network experience and maximize profitability" #FWA #5G #Telecom #Profitability #NetworkOptimization #Infovista

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Advanced gunshot detection tech leveraging cell networks for protection. Should be in every School.

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iconnect is your peak performance network portal. An intuitive intelligent network tool that empowers you to design a diverse network following the path you want. That allows you to view your route and export KMZ files. That gives you self-service network health insights from Windstream Wholesale’s ICON network. This is #WindstreamWholesale Technology Leadership in action: https://okt.to/PNxfIz Reveal more. Manage confidently. #iconnect #networkintelligence #makingwaves

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Great conversation with Forrester senior analyst Angelina Gennis on the CX Cast about Verizon's CX journey. Since launching our dedicated CX organization just under a year ago, we've made significant enhancements to the customer experience designed to set Verizon apart from the competition. Gen AI has helped us do a lot in a short period with new tools like our Personal Research Assistant, which helps make frontline interactions easier and more personalized. And as a result, we’re seeing happier employees, faster resolutions and improved customer satisfaction across the board. You can listen to the full conversation with Angelina below. #VerizonCXO

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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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Sometimes it is good to go back to the basics for a moment. To explain AI to a 4th grader you can ask humans (see video below and let me know in the comments which one you like best), or you can ask AI to help. Here is how ChatGPT explains it: Imagine you have a super-smart robot friend. This friend can learn new things, solve problems, and even talk to you. That’s what artificial intelligence, or AI, is like. It’s when computers or robots can think and learn like people do. For example, when you ask Siri or Alexa a question, they use AI to understand and answer you. Cool, right?

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Connect (X): Powered by WIA Excited to delve into the future of 5G at WIA Connect X in Atlanta! 🚀 Operators have invested heavily, but full monetization remains elusive. Sure, we’ve seen success with Fixed Wireless Access, but what’s the next "killer app" to recoup these investments? Let's explore potential use cases like private wireless together. See you there!    #5G #ConnectX24

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Traditionally, roaming has been a lucrative revenue stream for MNOs. However, as programs such as "roam from home" have become more commonplace, the volume of roaming traffic has grown without a proportional increase in financial return. The good news is that the global travel sector is on the upswing, and businesses are increasingly looking for scalable mobile solutions such as the Internet of Things (IoT). This confluence of trends presents a unique opportunity for MNOs to unlock new revenue streams through 5G roaming. 5G's network slicing technology allows MNOs to create distinct virtual networks within their main network, each tailored to specific needs. Ready to explore new opportunities with 5G roaming? Let's connect! ⬇️ #5G #Roaming #Connectivity https://lnkd.in/gsqik4WV

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Kaleido Intelligence has released new research that dives into the 5G roaming scene. This report breaks down the latest trends, market changes, and what operators are looking for in today's landscape. It’s a great snapshot of where 5G roaming is headed and what’s shaping its future. 📶👇 https://hubs.li/Q02KBkwL0 #5G #Connectivity

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Curious about the future of networking? Discover how Lumen Technologies is leading the charge in Network as a Service (#NAAS) and what it means for the industry.

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The industry is buzzing about Apple's support for RCS services—it's been a hot topic lately. As someone deeply involved in the RCS world, I can barely contain my excitement. Apple has long favored its messaging platform, iMessage, over adopting RCS. Its reluctance likely stemmed from wanting to ensure user experience and security. The adoption of RCS could ramp up Apple's competition with Meta, although it won't necessarily challenge WhatsApp directly. But it's a positive move for Google and MNOs. With SMS usage dwindling, RCS was being relegated to advertising, reminders, and one-time passwords. A strong person-to-person service is also essential to complement business services, which are now a primary revenue source. Without personal messages, opening rates and campaign ROI would plummet. If Google and Apple push RCS for deeper device integration, it could shake up the OTT/messaging landscape. This could be a game changer for businesses, allowing them to connect more effectively with customers. RCS streamlines enterprise-customer communication, unlike OTT apps that require downloads. With Apple’s adoption, the gap in rich messaging functionality between platforms will narrow. As a leader in the industry, I am eager to see how this shift will reshape the dynamics of digital communication. We all need to be ready as we step into this exciting new chapter. Globe Teleservices Pte. Ltd. GTS TechLabs Rajiv Singla Sudip Chatterjee Pallavi Kudtarkar Awnish Chaudhary Alok Maurya Ranga R S (He/Him) Murthy Muniyappa Prabhat Kumar CERF Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Chris Almeida Akbar Ladak

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More accolades for T-Mobile from the latest Open Signal report! We swept EVERY category for overall network experience, with upload speed experience more than 2x faster than AT&T and over 1.5x faster than Verizon. Download speed experience is over 3x faster than Verizon and 2.7x faster than AT&T. We also won in #5GExperience categories including download speed and #5G availability, with our users spending over 5x more time connected to 5G than AT&T users and over 8x more than Verizon. See the full list of the latest wins: https://t-mo.co/4cKOO2W #5GConnectivity

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