Welcome and Introduction

- Episode 208 of the G2 on 5G podcast kicks off with hosts Will Townsend and Anshel Sag.

- Apologies for the recent absence due to extensive travel schedules.

Snapdragon Summit Insights

- Will Townsend shares his experience attending the Snapdragon Summit in Maui.

- Focus on AI-first experiences and Qualcomm's advancements in mobility and automotive sectors.

- Discussion on the Snapdragon 8 Elite, likened to a mini data center tech stack.

Qualcomm and ARM Dispute

- Anshel Sag delves into the ongoing IP dispute between Qualcomm and ARM.

- Exploration of the implications for both companies and the potential impact on the industry.

- Discussion on the role of Nuvia's acquisition by Qualcomm in the dispute.

AST Space Mobile Developments

- Will Townsend highlights AST Space Mobile's recent achievements, including a Department of Defense contract.

- Discussion on the company's role in the HALO program and future satellite launches.

iPhone 16 Reception

- Anshel Sag discusses the mixed reception of the iPhone 16 in the U.S. market.

- Analysis of generous carrier offers and their impact on sales figures.

- Insights into Apple's strategic moves and the introduction of Apple Intelligence.

Earnings Season Overview

- Will Townsend reviews recent earnings reports from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

- Highlights include T-Mobile's strong FWA 5G growth and AT&T's steady performance.

- Discussion on Verizon's challenges and the innovative converged gateway product from AT&T.

FirstNet Spectrum Expansion

- Anshel Sag covers the FCC's decision to grant FirstNet additional spectrum.

- Examination of the potential benefits for first responders and the broader implications for AT&T.

Conclusion and Audience Engagement

- Encouragement for listeners to provide feedback and suggest future topics.

- Contact information for Will Townsend and Anshel Sag shared for audience interaction.

Episode 207: G2 on 5G - Insights and Updates

Welcome and Introduction

- Hosts Will Townsend and Anshel Sag kick off the episode with a light-hearted discussion about recent baseball games, highlighting the Padres' performance and the Astros' unexpected exit.

AT&T Leadership Change

- Will Townsend discusses the surprising departure of Chris Sambar, AT&T's network president, after over 20 years with the company.

- Speculation around the reasons for his departure, with insights into potential management disagreements.

- Discussion on Chris Sambar's future prospects and his potential move to AST Space Mobile.

SpaceX and T-Mobile's Emergency Authorization

- Anshel Sag covers the emergency authorization granted to SpaceX and T-Mobile for direct-to-cell technology in North Carolina.

- The focus is on enabling basic SMS communication in areas lacking cell coverage, particularly for disaster recovery efforts.

- Discussion on the temporary nature of this authorization and its potential future implications.

Nokia and NTT Partnership on Private 5G

- Will Townsend highlights the formal partnership between Nokia and NTT Data on private 5G networks.

- Insights into the partnership's impact on smart city deployments, particularly in Brownsville, Texas.

- Discussion on the flexibility and benefits of having multiple partners like Celona and Cisco for diverse use cases.

KT and KTSAT's NTN Technology Milestone

- Anshel Sag explains KT and KTSAT's claim of being the first to integrate a commercial 5G network with a geostationary satellite using NTN technology.

- Discussion on the significance of this development and its potential impact on future satellite communications.

Verizon's Restructuring and New CTO

- Will Townsend discusses Verizon's recent restructuring, including the appointment of a new CTO from Vodafone and a reduction in workforce.

- Insights into the strategic shifts at Verizon, particularly in relation to standalone 5G and millimeter wave technology.

Apple's Upcoming 5G Modem

- Anshel Sag shares insights on Apple's expected launch of its first 5G modem in the iPhone SE next year.

- Discussion on the strategic reasons for launching the modem in the SE model and the potential implications for Apple's product lineup.

Conclusion

- The hosts wrap up the episode, inviting listeners to provide feedback and suggest topics for future episodes.

- Encouragement to rate, subscribe, and tune in for the next episode.

Welcome and Introduction

- Will Townsend introduces the episode, featuring Chris Sambar, President of Networks for AT&T, and Abel Avellan, CEO of AST SpaceMobile.

- The discussion kicks off with excitement about a recent rocket launch at Cape Canaveral.

Rocket Launch Impressions

- Chris Sambar shares his awe at witnessing a rocket launch for the first time.

- Highlights the enthusiasm of AST SpaceMobile's investor base present at the event.

Milestone Achievements for AST SpaceMobile

- Abel Avellan discusses the significance of having five BlueBird satellites in orbit.

- Explains the expected coverage and connectivity capabilities from the initial satellite launch.

Design and Innovation in Satellite Technology

- Avellan elaborates on the compact design and technological advancements of the BlueBird satellites.

- Emphasizes the compatibility with existing mobile phones and the broadband capabilities of the satellites.

AT&T's Strategic Partnership with AST SpaceMobile

- Chris Sambar talks about AT&T's investment in AST SpaceMobile and his role on the board.

- Describes the strategic advantage of satellite technology in providing coverage to remote areas.

Job Creation and Economic Impact

- Avellan highlights AST SpaceMobile's contribution to job creation in West Texas.

- Discusses the transition of workers from the oil and gas industry to high-tech manufacturing roles.

Bridging the Digital Divide

- Avellan expresses his passion for providing equal economic opportunities through connectivity.

- Discusses the transformative potential of mobile technology in underserved regions.

AT&T's Commitment to Connectivity

- Sambar outlines AT&T's efforts in expanding fiber networks and supporting digital learning.

- Emphasizes the importance of broadband connectivity for societal advancement.

Closing Remarks

- Townsend wraps up the discussion, expressing gratitude to the guests.

- Encourages listeners to engage with the podcast on social media and subscribe for future episodes.