Sandra K. Howe

Allocating BEAD, GAP, and ARPA broadband funding to corporate networks limits access and stifles innovation and growth. Why are states not mandating open-access networks as a prerequisite to receiving funding? It’s disheartening to see that OpenCape, an open-access network, will likely not receive a penny in BEAD, GAP, or ARPA funds for broadband infrastructure. Instead, these funds are flowing towards the most profitable, monopolistic ISPs and private equity-backed newcomers who prioritize short-term profits over service. For instance, in Massachusetts, Verizon recently received $37 million to connect just 1,211 households, resulting in an astonishing cost of $30,000 per household, compared to the national average of $2,500. Meanwhile, Comcast announced a $15 billion stock buyback program in January instead of utilizing those funds for infrastructure improvements. It raises the question: why are taxpayer dollars being used to support corporate profits while residents and businesses bear the burden? In contrast, investments in open-access networks like OpenCape allow fiber infrastructure to be available to everyone, fostering competition and better service. It’s worth noting that 15 states mandate that networks receiving BEAD funds must be open access. Why aren’t Massachusetts and Rhode Island on this list? By adopting open-access models, states could expedite the deployment of BEAD funds, provide better service at lower costs, and ensure that this critical infrastructure benefits all residents for years to come. It’s time for policymakers to prioritize community access over corporate interests and create a broadband landscape that truly serves everyone. #openaccessbroadband #mbi #ricommerce #fiberbroadband #opencape #ntia #ilsr #

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$527/month for 1 analog line That is the highest I have seen YET When was the last time you check your analog line pricing? As of August 2023, your analog lines are unregulated Which in short means = THE PRICE IS GOING UP Get with me to find out what other options you have

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You might ask yourself, why would marketing use or care about Connectbase? I would say, why are YOU not using it? The marketing team at Segra is closely aligned to our sales organization, and a true partner in their quest to #win. Take your targeted multi-platform digital campaigns to a new level with Connectbase. #bebetter #marketing #fiber

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The US government continues to support the development of the Open RAN ecosystem as it seeks to widen vendor choice for operators networks. The $420 million in new funding announced by the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is a significant boost for the development of open radio units. This initiative has two key aims: ▪ Commercialisation: Accelerating readiness for commercial trials to prove the technology's viability for wider deployment. This has been a long held reservation on the new technology. Many operators we speak with have concerns about wide level commercial deployments in existing infrastructure. ▪ Innovation: Supporting R&D efforts in Open RAN performance and capabilities to drive the technology forward. The investment is a clear signal that the US remains committed to fostering a competitive, diversified telecoms equipment market. It should open up opportunities for US-based Open RAN vendors and could create a more innovation-friendly environment following a difficult few months with some of the larger names in the sector #OpenRAN #telecomsequipment #NTIA #innovation #USinvestment

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"Here is a question to ponder. Will traditional wireline broadband be extinct in ten years? In what seems like a massive blow to existing wireline broadband providers like the cable television and telephone companies, there is speculation that the industry is rapidly moving to wireless. Let’s take a closer look at this prediction." Thanks Jeff KAGAN and RCR Wireless News for providing your perspective and insights on this important topic. It's hard to envision a future 10-20 years from now where wires are still needed for most of the last mile. Communications Chambers #wireless #broadband #fwa #4G #5G #6G #mimo #mumimo #massivemimo #beamforming #carrieraggregation #lastmile #affordable #broadband #internet #future https://lnkd.in/eQNQBPCb

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This blog post illustrates the importance of having a symmetrical gigabit as our national broadband definition. Thinking ahead is crucial. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gZm5mc9b

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Washington must recognize that we’re facing a supply and demand mismatch.   Demand for mobile connectivity is skyrocketing: Over the last three years, traffic on AT&T’s wireless network has grown by 20% annually, and it’s projected to double by 2028. Robust wireless service will power everything from self-driving cars to the connected home. To do so, wireless networks need electromagnetic spectrum—and a lot of it—to send data.     Read more on this topic in my piece on Fortune 👇

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Laurent Therivel, CEO of UScellular, shared the three key federal actions he thinks are needed to improve U.S. telecommunications: 1. Expand Licensed Spectrum: Increase the availability of licensed, full-power spectrum and restore the FCC's authority to auction this resource to enhance VoIP service reliability. 2. Unified Innovation Strategy: Implement a government-wide approach to innovation to streamline and maximize technological advancements. 3. Strategic Infrastructure Funding: Better align the billions allocated for infrastructure to efficiently bridge the digital divide, enhancing telecommunications and VoIP services across the nation. You can check out the entire interview here: https://lnkd.in/ePB3VfRC

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If you missed WIA's BEAD 2.0 conference on optimizing non-deployment dollars to enable connectivity everywhere, this blog is for you https://bit.ly/4eggXQ2

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How Many ACP Providers Were there in America; 1,600 or 3-5? And Why is the FCC’s Data Covering it Up? Coming up next: This FCC chart showed the ACP ISP provider revenues for the Top wireline, cable, broadband/internet, and wireless companies as of February 2023. But the FCC neglected to detail that on the wireless side, almost all of the companies are reselling one of 3 wireless networks: AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon   We created this chart based on simple searches that asked "What wireless networks does (Name of company) use? "and/or typing in the term "MVNO" and the name of the company. --

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the idea that overseas countries with competition are paying around $8.50 a month for 100GB, -- that's about 8 cents per GB, and America has prices that range from $3-15 per GB on the low end, and that there are no mobile wireless broadband services that are not capped. With the ACP low income subsidies gone, --and the rhetoric of the incoming proposed FCC Chairman pontificating about the harms of big tech, or that, using-industry claims, prices went down and there's competition, really, we filed at the FCC on data caps to expose why America's prices are some of the highest in the world, that there is no such thing as unlimited mobile broadband services, (as opposed to stationary Fixed wireless, FWA) and the FCC should be held accountable. and without Chevron deference, which gave the agency the 'house rules', where the house always wins... when they open their mouths, they don't have the last word anymore. #datacaps #broadband #wireless #digitaldivide

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Behind the connectivity we rely on every day is a staggering amount of wireless infrastructure, made possible by massive investment by the wireless industry and a dedicated workforce. This is my favorite report WIA produces because it helps tell the impressive story behind the seamless mobile connectivity Americans have come to expect.

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As long as antennas remain the bottleneck in wireless broadband networks, the need for spectrum will grow along with the growth in network traffic

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Another one of the hidden assets in broadband networks. This is truly transformational!

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Incredibly large $ amounts have been raised worldwide by auctioning spectrum. Interestingly, here are some number for different countries: $3.91 per MHz/Pop for 900 MHz in Thailand $3.57 per MHz/Pop for 900 MHz in India $3.02 per MHz/Pop for 900 MHz in Hong Kong $2.99 per MHz/Pop for 700 MHz in Canada $2.70 per MHz/Pop for 1700 MHz in the U.S. Here's a short note on how auctions compare with other approaches to offering spectrum: https://lnkd.in/g8k5N7cM

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🌐 Empowering the Wireless Broadband Industry with U.S. Manufacturing Funding 🌐 The future of Wireless Broadband is poised for a significant boost as the U.S. government ramps up funding for domestic manufacturing. This funding is not just a financial injection—it’s a catalyst for innovation that will redefine the landscape of connectivity across the nation. Why Wireless Broadband? Wireless Broadband offers a more versatile and scalable solution than traditional Fiber. With the government’s commitment to enhancing U.S. manufacturing, we can expect a surge in the production of cutting-edge wireless equipment that will make high-speed internet accessible in even the most remote areas. Driving Innovation Through Funding Government funding isn’t just about creating more of what we already have—it’s about fostering innovation. The manufacturing of Wireless Broadband equipment will benefit from the latest advancements in technology, leading to faster, more reliable, and more affordable internet access. This focus on innovation will also spur the development of new, more efficient manufacturing processes, reducing costs and increasing the availability of Wireless Broadband solutions. The Competitive Edge of Wireless Broadband Wireless Broadband offers unique advantages over Fiber. It’s quicker to deploy, less invasive, and can cover larger areas without the need for extensive infrastructure. As U.S. manufacturing ramps up with government support, the Wireless Broadband industry is set to outpace traditional methods, providing a competitive edge that will drive growth and expansion. Call to Action At Intelpath, we are committed to leading this transformation. We believe in the power of innovation and the potential of Wireless Broadband to connect communities nationwide. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the opportunities that government funding will bring to the U.S. manufacturing sector and the Wireless Broadband industry 👉 Visit our website to learn more about how Intelpath is contributing to the deployment of Wireless Broadband across the U.S.: www.intelpath.com 📞 Contact Intelpath to take advantage of our microwave planning services. For all Wireless Broadband providers, there is no upfront fee to determine channel availability: [email protected] #Broadband #DigitalEquity #NTIA #BEAD #Microwave #mmWave #WirelessTechnology #NetworkDeployment #FreeOffer #Intelpath #HighSpeedInternet #WirelessBroadband #Innovation #USManufacturing #GovernmentFunding #Connectivity #TechInnovation #DigitalTransformation #Broadband #FutureOfInternet #TelecomIndustry

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I’ve written another piece on US #spectrum policy & #mobile bands - and what should be done in preparation for #WRC27 over the next 3 years. This is part of my ongoing focus on global spectrum-sharing policy, as well as my advisory work with SFTF. This time it has been published via Fierce Network. My view is that the US should directly engage with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) process at multiple levels, to push for greater understanding and technological innovation in sharing approaches. In particular the focus of IMT (ie #5G & #6G) spectrum should be on regulators assuming a “sharing-native” future in the 2030s, instead of the historic focus of assigning exclusive licences. This should be reflected in any figure IMT identifications & footnotes. In addition, it should be a core part of the various study groups and working parties’ efforts. There also needs to be far more realism about mobile traffic on the international stage - its flattening growth, the many non-credible forecasts, its localisation to specific areas & the impact of aspects such as FWA and indoor use. A critical aspect is dealing with the proposed IMT study bands for WRC-27, which seem “coincidentally” to be exactly the same as those used within NATO for military communications. At the moment, the US #CBRS band is one of the leading examples of dynamic spectrum sharing in practice. The work by NTIA & NSF is also advancing the technological base, including the role of AI. It should be advocating this work more globally, especially at ITU. But first, the mainstream US mobile industry needs to get onboard. #spectrumpolicy #telecompolicy #technology #regulation

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Alive Telecom Solutions Available for 900 MHz Antennas

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