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The State of 5G: Growth, Challenges, and Opportunities in 2025

The State of 5G: Growth, Challenges, and Opportunities in 2025

In 2025, 5G surpasses 2.25 billion global connections, marking a pivotal shift toward mainstream adoption. While North America leads in performance and per capita usage, challenges in spectrum policy and enterprise integration remain. This in-depth report from 5G Americas explores the rise of Standalone 5G, the promise of 5G-Advanced, the reality of private network deployments, and the need for smart, forward-looking spectrum strategy.

Balancing Innovation and Regulation: Global Telecom Policy in Action

Balancing Innovation and Regulation: Global Telecom Policy in Action
In Balancing Innovation and Regulation: Global Perspectives on Telecom Policy, top leaders including Jyotiraditya Scindia (India), Henna Virkkunen (European Commission), and Brendan Carr (U.S. FCC) explore how governments are aligning policy with innovation to future-proof their digital infrastructure. From India’s record-breaking 5G rollout and 6G ambitions, to Europe’s push for AI sovereignty and U.S. leadership in open-market connectivity, this piece outlines how nations can foster growth, security, and inclusion in a hyperconnected world.

MWC 2025 Keynote 3: Balancing Innovation and Regulation: Global Perspectives on Telecom Policy

MWC 2025 Keynote 3: Balancing Innovation and Regulation: Global Perspectives on Telecom Policy
As telecom innovation accelerates with 5G, AI, cloud computing, and 6G, regulators worldwide must balance progress with consumer protection, cybersecurity, and fair competition. At MWC 2025, industry leaders from the USA, India, and Europe will explore spectrum management, big tech regulation, net neutrality, and digital inclusion. This keynote provides critical insights into how telecom policies can foster innovation while ensuring security and fairness in a hyper-connected world.

FCC’s Proposed CBRS Changes Face Strong Opposition from 25 Organizations

FCC loses control over the US spectrum auctions
The FCC’s proposed CBRS changes are facing backlash from 25 organizations, including Amazon, Comcast, and Lockheed Martin, who argue that increased power levels and relaxed emissions limits would harm rural broadband, private networks, and competition. The proposal risks turning CBRS into a high-power cellular band, benefiting major carriers at the expense of small businesses, industrial users, and public access initiatives. As the debate intensifies, the future of CBRS and its diverse ecosystem remains uncertain.

Apple Invests $1.1 Billion in Satellite Expansion to Enhance iPhone Connectivity

Apple Invests .1 Billion in Satellite Expansion to Enhance iPhone Connectivity
Apple is set to invest $1.1 billion in expanding satellite connectivity for iPhones through Globalstar, aiming to develop a new satellite constellation that enhances emergency services and connects users in remote locations. This expansion, including new satellites and infrastructure, highlights Apple’s commitment to uninterrupted mobile services, even in cellular dead zones.

FCC Rules Aim to Make AI-Generated Calls and Text Transparent

FCC Rules Aim to Make AI-Generated Calls and Text Transparent
The FCC is proposing new rules that require companies to disclose when AI is used to generate calls or texts. This move aims to protect consumers from the potential misuse of AI, such as fraudulent communications. The rules would mandate clear disclosure at the start of AI-generated calls, empowering consumers to make informed decisions. This proposal follows a significant enforcement action against AI-driven scams and is part of a broader effort to enhance transparency and security in telecommunications. The FCC is also encouraging innovation while ensuring consumer protection, with the public invited to comment on the proposed regulations.

FCC Expands E-Rate Program to Loan WiFi Hotspots for Students

FCC Expands E-Rate Program to Loan WiFi Hotspots for Students
The FCC has expanded its E-Rate program, allowing schools and libraries to loan WiFi hotspots to students, staff, and patrons lacking home internet access. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, addressing the homework gap, and ensuring everyone has the necessary connectivity for modern education. Key program requirements include budget limits, funding prioritization, and compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Library hotspot lending programs, essential during the pandemic, continue to support digital equity in communities.

FCC Proposes 60-Day Phone Unlocking Rule to Boost Consumer Choice

FCC Proposes 60-Day Phone Unlocking Rule to Boost Consumer Choice
The FCC has proposed a new rule mandating mobile phone unlocking within 60 days to enhance consumer choice and competition. This move aims to standardize policies across carriers, providing a consistent timeframe for consumers to switch providers. The proposed rule addresses potential challenges, such as the impact on smaller providers and issues of fraud, while promoting fair practices in the mobile service market. Public comments will play a vital role in refining this initiative.

Net Neutrality: Insights from Nathan Leamer | 5G Guys Podcast

FCC Gears Up for Net Neutrality Reinstatement
In this episode of the 5G Guys podcast, Wayne Smith and Dan McVaugh discuss the intricate world of net neutrality with Nathan Leamer, former policy advisor at the FCC. Nathan explains the origins, historical context, and potential impacts of net neutrality on consumer connectivity. Learn about the technological advancements, global perspectives, and current debates surrounding this pivotal policy issue.

Q1 Telco Earnings with Jim Patterson | Episode 61

In this episode of ‘The 5G Guys’, hosts Wayne Smith and Dan McVaugh invite telecom industry veteran Jim Patterson to discuss the latest earnings reports from major telecom and technology companies. Jim Patterson, with a 30-year career including 15 years at Sprint and experience as an entrepreneur, now offers analysis through Patterson Advisory Group. The episode explores key themes in the earnings reports, such as reactions to pricing, C band deployments, and company strategies for managing debt. Patterson shares insights on Verizon’s performance, AT&T’s focus on fiber broadband and debt reduction, and T-Mobile’s successful Sprint acquisition. The conversation also addresses the struggles and strategies of prepaid services, the impact of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) winding down, net neutrality, and telecom companies’ approaches to the evolving market. The episode concludes with discussions on Comcast and Charter Spectrum’s recent performance, emphasizing Charter’s successful mobile strategy.

FCC News Feed

  • AST SpaceMobile and AT&T Get FCC OK to Test Direct-to-Satellite Cellular on FirstNet
    by Carl Weinschenk (Telecompetitor) on April 18, 2025

    AST SpaceMobile and AT&T Get FCC OK to Test Direct-to-Satellite Cellular on FirstNet The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted AST SpaceMobile permission to test direct-to-cellular connectivity on Band 14 spectrum, which is reserved for public safety — a request made in coordination with AT&T. The tests will be conducted on the AST SpaceMobile fleet of BlueBird satellites. The company says it “envision(s)” that it will test on select Telecompetitor

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