Tzeitel Buchanan

Telecom costs are on the rise, and many organizations are feeling the pinch. If you're wondering why your bills keep climbing, here are three key reasons: 🧭 Obsolete Services: Rates for obsolete services are literally through the roof and continue to go up with alarming frequency. 💰 Taxes, Fees, and Surcharges: Telecommunications invoices include numerous charges like the Universal Service Fund (USF), state taxes, and regulatory fees, many of which fluctuate and increase regularly. Errors in these fees are also common, leading to overcharges. 🛠️ Billing Errors and Contract Challenges: Many telecom invoices contain inaccuracies, outdated contracts, and "month-to-month" pricing, which can lead to unnecessary expenses.​ A telecom billing audit is critical to ensure you’re not overpaying. By identifying errors, reviewing contracts, and optimizing your telecom services, you can achieve significant savings and better align costs with your organization’s needs. Have questions or need help with an audit—let's connect! #TelecomCosts #CostOptimization #BillingAudit

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These are the kinds of partnerships that will be necessary to reach the unserved. There have been novel examples for over a decade but they need to become more common. We should also look at multi carrier builds with multiple operators and utilities sharing the infrastructure cost.

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https://lnkd.in/e3x2Mk3J Major mobile carriers like Verizon are shifting their strategy back towards converged broadband offerings combining 5G wireless and fiber. This seems to be a response to some of the challenges and disappointments they've faced with previous investment strategies. 1. 5G ROI challenges: The return on investment for 5G deployments has been lower than many carriers hoped, at least in the short term. While 5G offers significant technical improvements, monetizing those capabilities has proven difficult. 2. Failed content strategies: The attempts by carriers to vertically integrate by acquiring content companies (like AT&T with DirecTV and Time Warner, or Verizon with Yahoo and AOL) were largely unsuccessful. These deals resulted in significant write-downs and eventual divestitures in many cases. 3. Pivot to fiber + wireless convergence: The article suggests that carriers, particularly Verizon, are now focusing on a strategy that combines their 5G wireless networks with expanded fiber broadband offerings. This is evident in Verizon's recent $20 billion bid for Frontier Communications, a major fiber provider. 4. Rationale for convergence: There are several potential benefits to this approach: - Improved network efficiency by offloading wireless traffic to fiber backhaul - Ability to offer bundled services to consumers (home internet + mobile) - Competing more effectively with cable companies offering similar bundles - Leveraging fiber assets for both consumer and enterprise services 5. Potential further consolidation: The analyst quoted in the article suggests that Verizon might also consider acquiring Lumen (formerly CenturyLink) to further expand its fiber footprint. This strategy shift indicates that carriers are refocusing on their core competencies in network infrastructure and connectivity, rather than trying to become content companies. It also reflects the growing importance of high-speed, reliable broadband (both wireless and wired) in today's digital economy. However, it's worth noting that not all analysts are convinced this is the right move. The article mentions some skepticism about whether these fiber acquisitions will provide enough scale to truly transform Verizon's convergence strategy, and concerns about the allocation of capital. 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is also part of broadband portfolio investments.

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The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment or BEAD Program is a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect all Americans. But to do that, we have to get the requirements around the deployment right. At the recent Connect (X): Powered by WIA conference I spoke about why it’s so important that states' BEAD programs look to trusted and experienced providers like Verizon who have the skills and experienced workforce not just to build correctly, but to maintain and care for those networks and serve residents for years to come.  #broadbandforeveryone #BEAD

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🚨 The FCC's push to ban bulk billing in multifamily communities might be well-intentioned, but it risks widening the digital divide. Bulk billing solutions offer affordable, reliable internet to many, especially in low-income and rural areas. Removing these options could increase costs and reduce access where it's needed most. Let's keep discussing how we can advocate for policies that support broadband providers in reaching underserved communities and ensuring digital inclusion for all. #DigitalInclusion #BroadbandForAll #FCC #AffordableInternet https://lnkd.in/gKSqk3fM

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📶 Facing the Post-ACP Broadband Affordability Challenge with Vanguard’s Expertise 📶 With the expiration of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), millions of low-income and rural households are now facing significant hurdles in accessing affordable internet. This lapse not only affects everyday connectivity but also complicates plans tied to other federal broadband initiatives, creating a critical need for effective solutions. At Vanguard, we are committed to supporting telecom providers in navigating these challenges head-on. 🔹 Cost-Efficiency: Our expertise in cloud and CX (contact center) software can help you reduce operational costs by up to 40%. This allows providers to maintain competitive pricing for their services, crucial for keeping broadband accessible to underserved communities. 🔹 Driving Revenue Growth: Even as subsidies fade, our targeted sales and marketing strategies empower telecom providers to expand their subscriber base and enhance revenue streams. We focus on sustainable growth that aligns with the evolving market landscape. 🔹 Strategic Consulting: We provide tailored go-to-market strategies that not only address current affordability issues but also position telecom providers for future success. Our comprehensive support ensures that your organization can adapt quickly to changes while keeping customer satisfaction high. As states explore alternative funding methods to bridge the gap left by the ACP, Vanguard is here to help telecom providers deliver on the promise of broadband for all. Let’s work together to create lasting solutions for rural and low-income communities. Connect with us today to discover how Vanguard can assist in overcoming these broadband affordability challenges! #BroadbandForAll #TelecomConsulting #VanguardTech #DigitalDivide #AffordableConnectivity #RuralGrowth https://lnkd.in/en6Kqmyn

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Please share this news with your LinkedIn contacts that reside in Florida. My company is providing additional cash and in-kind contributions to support the state's recovery efforts post Helene and Milton. You may know someone who will benefit from our support of the Florida Disaster Fund and the 11 community-based organizations that are listed in this news wire article. #HurricaneRelief #Florida #comcastbusiness #iworkforcomcast

Lumen Technologies is supporting the state of New Mexico, helping them take a big step toward bridging the #DigitalDivide. Through faster internet and improved access, students and educators are now better positioned for success. Students in New Mexico located in underserved areas will also have more opportunities to engage in online learning, access educational resources, and prepare for a digital future! Watch the full video to learn more: #DigitalInclusion #ConnectNewMexico

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Lumen Technologies is supporting the state of New Mexico, helping them take a big step toward bridging the #DigitalDivide. Through faster internet and improved access, students and educators are now better positioned for success. Students in New Mexico located in underserved areas will also have more opportunities to engage in online learning, access educational resources, and prepare for a digital future! Watch the full video to learn more: #DigitalInclusion #ConnectNewMexico

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Lumen Technologies is supporting the state of New Mexico, helping them take a big step toward bridging the #DigitalDivide. Through faster internet and improved access, students and educators are now better positioned for success. Students in New Mexico located in underserved areas will also have more opportunities to engage in online learning, access educational resources, and prepare for a digital future! Watch the full video to learn more: #DigitalInclusion #ConnectNewMexico

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HighSpeedInternet.com rates Cox the fastest U.S. broadband provider In its recently released 2024 annual review, HighSpeedInternet.com (HSI) ranked Cox as the fastest ISP in the nation based on average download speeds for all of 2023. Cox claimed the top spot by delivering average year-long download speeds of 238 Mbps across the country, a full 10 Mbps ahead of its nearest competitor.   “As consumers continue to introduce more connected devices in their homes, the need for fast fiber-powered broadband becomes increasingly important,” said Ross L. Nelson, Cox’s Northeast market vice president. “Validating our capabilities with a respected third-party partner reinforces our message to customers that we can deliver the fiber-powered reliable speeds they need now and well into the future.”   Cox has invested nearly $12B in network upgrades over the past 10 years (2014-2023) to deliver some of the most powerful communications and entertainment services and will continue making multibillion-dollar annual infrastructure investments over the next several years: All Cox markets are powered by fiber today and we continue to expand fiber-to-the-home across our footprint in the coming years.​  Today, all Cox customers have access to gig speeds and approximately half have access to multi-gig speeds. Cox increased download speeds for the majority of our customers in 2023, doubling the speed of its most popular tier from 250 to 500 Mbps at no extra cost; nearly 70% of our customers now have speeds of half a gig or more.​ Internet users seeking to measure the speed of their connected devices while at home can do so via HSI’s website tool or by downloading the speed testing app, available via the Apple App Store and Google Play. “Our Speed Test sets the standard for millions of Americans seeking greater insight into their internet connection. With millions of tests conducted in our 2024 Annual Review, HighSpeedInternet.com has the unique capability to examine speeds for internet users from coast to coast,” said Manuel Delgado, Managing Director at HighSpeedInternet.com. “As technologies and ISP infrastructures improve, it is impressive to see Cox emerge as the fastest broadband provider in the U.S. this year in our comprehensive analysis." Cox Communications

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Sunday School: Regular Regulation! For the past 30 years, spectrum has had value. Whether auction value or ‘beauty contest’ – commit to delivering coverage/customer experience – the limited availability or rarity of spectrum means that regulators look for maximum return. As I’ve discussed in a couple of fora this month, spectrum seems to be a special child. From spectrum auctions to annual license fees, the mobile industry is a cash cow. Land and power* are also constrained in their availability. We cannot create new land, and power takes years to create renewable generation, and decades to deliver baseload generation. Yet parties bidding for land and power seem to have lower obligations and constraints than parties looking for spectrum. “Will you deliver the most value for resources consumed” seems to be a question only asked to one industry.   Whether building an Electric Arc Steel Furnace or a #DataCentre , “Could someone make better use of this scarce 100 Acres or 100MW” seems to carry less weight. Technical matters such as green certificates and grid connection seem to carry more weight than the value delivered. It’s going to take 20 years to deliver 3.2GW of baseline generation at Hinkley Point, sold on the premise of delivering enough power for 6 million homes. With plans to build 1.5 million new properties, I would imagine that the 4 million hopeful new residents of those properties would be somewhat unimpressed if told that they would have to wait 5 years to turn the lights on because their land or power had been re-directed towards a pair of 400MW Data Centre campus’s.   Like spectrum, I’d like to see more emphasis on what values they can contribute, such as #Edge DCs ‘borrowing’ energy*, or bringing their own BESS to allow otherwise curtailed energy to be generated and stored. Those whose land-use is invisible or within their existing demise.   #Telecommunications #EveryDaysaSchoolDay #Mobile 🤳🏼 #InvisibleInfrastructure Previous Post: https://lnkd.in/e32gsiEU

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While Hurricane Ian is long gone since 2022, the tropical storm had a very long-lasting destructive impact on the town's network connectivity. The hurricane's landfall destroyed the Xfinity network. But Comcast didn't back down. Within 48 hours, my company initiated the rebuild to restore service, enabling our customers to get back online. In 2024, our commitment to Sanibel's community continues by providing internet access that is now more resilient, robust and secure thanks to a major investment. Comcast recently completed over $72 million in work to restore connectivity and fortify its Xfinity network in Southwest Florida following Hurricane Ian's impact. "Our commitment to this vibrant community runs deep. This network infrastructure is a big deal and we're proud to be actively investing in Sanibel and other parts of Southwest Florida. The new fiber line and its strategic installation should bring a sense of comfort to those on the island." - Comcast Florida Regional Vice President Jeff Buzzelli #Xfinity #networkconnectivity #internet #Florida #comcastbusiness #iworkforcomcast

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Wondering how you can improve and maintain your NPS? Tombigbee earned a 91 out of 100 on their first NPS survey. This tremendous score is a testament to the broadband service they provide to their communities. Learn a few of the things they’ve been doing in our blog. 🔗https://ow.ly/TPic50T50ZL #NetPromoterScore #BSP #CustomerSupport

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While Hurricane Ian is long gone since 2022, the tropical storm had a very long-lasting destructive impact on the town's network connectivity. The hurricane's landfall destroyed the Xfinity network. But Comcast didn't back down. Within 48 hours, my company initiated the rebuild to restore service, enabling our customers to get back online. In 2024, our commitment to Sanibel's community continues by providing internet access that is now more resilient, robust and secure thanks to a major investment. Comcast recently completed over $72 million in work to restore connectivity and fortify its Xfinity network in Southwest Florida following Hurricane Ian's impact. "Our commitment to this vibrant community runs deep. This network infrastructure is a big deal and we're proud to be actively investing in Sanibel and other parts of Southwest Florida. The new fiber line and its strategic installation should bring a sense of comfort to those on the island." - Comcast Florida Regional Vice President Jeff Buzzelli #Xfinity #networkconnectivity #internet #Florida #comcastbusiness #iworkforcomcast

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A new study highlights why fiber is a gamechanger for businesses. From superior speeds to ultra-low latency and top-notch security, fiber is the best broadband solution for future-proofing your business. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/edNZs4f4 #BuildingGigabitAmerica

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- The factor most affecting the timeline is that NTIA must sign off on each state's BEAD eligible locations - But there are still plenty of things state broadband offices can be working on to prepare for the application process - 75% of the scoring that will determine BEAD sub-grantee winners are factors that have been pre-determined by NTIA

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Wondering how leaders are working towards broadband access for all? Message me to talk about the 3 strategies. Comcast Business #iworkforcomcast https://lnkd.in/gXFVge5R

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