Despite AT&T’s request to discontinue this less profitable service, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has made a significant ruling mandating that the carrier continue providing landline services in California. This decision will undoubtedly shape the company’s future operations in the state. The CPUC’s decision ensures that AT&T remains a Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) in areas where it is …
Musk and Carr tag team against the Biden administration’s inability to dish out BEAD funding until 2025
Elon Musk and FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr have publicly criticized the Biden administration for its handling of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The $42.45 billion initiative, designed to provide high-speed internet to unserved and underserved areas, has yet to make significant progress in its implementation, leading to frustration and backlash from prominent figures and policymakers. An article …
Spending an enlightening nine minutes with rope expert Loui McCurley could easily save climbers’ lives
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association has unveiled a crucial new video focusing on the importance of safety ropes in the communications tower industry. Featuring an engaging dialogue between narrator Sean Gilhooley and Loui McCurley, CEO of NATE member company Beal-PMI, Inc., the video covers vital topics such as the types of safety ropes currently in use, the materials they are …
NTIA approves BEAD proposals for New Hampshire, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon and Puerto Rico
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) initial proposal volumes two for Illinois, Oregon, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Puerto Rico, advancing efforts to close the digital divide. This approval grants these states and territory access to over $3 billion in funding aimed at providing affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service to all …
Dish adds another cut to the possibility of the contracting industry’s ‘death by a thousand cuts’
In a recent legal battle, Dish Wireless Inc. emerged victorious against Crown Castle USA Inc., with a Denver jury ruling on April 11, 2024, that Dish did not violate the 30-year master lease agreement between the two companies. The dispute centered around Dish’s use of an additional three feet of space on cell tower sites, which Crown Castle claimed should …
American Tower is gaveled a $4 million award: Court says yes, tenant’s wallet says no
In a recent decision from the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney granted a motion for default judgment in favor of American Tower Corp. against TPT SpeedConnect LLC (TPT), a subsidiary of TPT Global Tech, Inc (TPTG). The court’s ruling, issued on June 11, 2024, orders TPT to pay a sum of almost …
Verizon takes gloves off in battle against AT&T’s FirstNet over $14 billion 4.9 GHz band management gift
Verizon is no longer letting proxies speak for it in the ongoing debate over AT&T’s FirstNet proposal to become the national manager of the 4.9 GHz public safety band. In a recent filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Verizon has made its stance clear: the proposal would disrupt the public safety spectrum marketplace and undermine local public safety control. …
Crown Castle announces significant job cuts amid industry uncertainty
Crown Castle USA Inc. has announced it will cut 10% of its workforce and close certain offices as part of a broader effort to reduce costs and refocus its capital expenditures. The telecommunications infrastructure company detailed these measures while outlining its strategic review and plans for the future. Capital Expenditure Reductions Crown Castle stated it would lower its capital expenditures …
Relying on CWA’s flawed survey, Minnesota now requires prevailing wages and training in broadband construction
A newly signed bill in Minnesota, endorsed by Governor Tim Walz, prioritizes fair labor practices in broadband network construction. When distributing broadband funding, the Minnesota Broadband Office must now favor applicants who pay prevailing wages and offer comprehensive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and training opportunities. Several broadband providers across Minnesota unsuccessfully urged state lawmakers to drop Article 10 …
Old Wires, New Wealth: How telecom companies are turning copper into cash
In the evolving telecommunications landscape, a new gold rush is emerging—not for the precious yellow metal, but for an equally valuable commodity: recycled copper. AT&T Inc., BT Group Plc, Orange SA, and their global peers are gearing up to tap into a lucrative new revenue stream by harvesting their old copper wiring. This initiative is more complex than unearthing and …
CommScope acquires Casa Systems’ cable business amid Casa’s bankruptcy proceedings
CommScope, a global leader in network connectivity, has emerged as the highest and best bidder to acquire Casa Systems, Inc.’s cable business assets. The acquisition agreement, finalized on May 29, 2024, involves a purchase price of $45.1 million and is set to conclude Casa Systems’ ongoing bankruptcy saga. The transaction, executed under section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, will be …
Five fiber cuts near Florida’s Lion Country Safari resulted in a lawsuit filed by Crown Castle
Near the renowned Lion Country Safari in South Florida, Crown Castle Fiber LLC (Crown Castle) has laid miles of crucial fiber optic cables along the bustling State Road 80. A lawsuit recently filed in the Southern District of Florida reveals a disturbing pattern — underground utility contractor DP Development, LLC (DPD) has not only caused significant damage but has done …
U.S. Cellular to retain tower operations amidst $4.4 billion acquisition by T-Mobile
In a strategic move within the telecom industry, T-Mobile has announced an agreement to purchase U.S. Cellular’s wireless operations and select spectrum assets for $4.4 billion. This deal, which combines cash and up to $2 billion of assumed debt, is a significant step in T-Mobile’s ongoing expansion strategy, bolstering its position in the market following its recent acquisition of Mint …
Judge throws out Vertical Bridge’s trade secret lawsuit against Everest Infrastructure in Pennsylvania
The United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania has dismissed the lawsuit filed by Vertical Bridge REIT, LLC and its subsidiaries against Everest Infrastructure Partners, Inc. The lawsuit, which included allegations of trade secret misappropriation, violations of the Lanham Act, and other claims, was dismissed without prejudice by Judge W. Scott Hardy. Vertical Bridge initially filed the …
Copper Clowns: Faux AT&T workers’ scheme fizzles out at Minnesota WISP’s tower site
Two men from Minnesota unsuccessfully posed as AT&T employees and burglarized a communications tower site outside Little Falls in pursuit of valuable copper wiring. Although the theft was carefully planned, the suspects failed to list on their arrest hazard analysis to be aware of any surveillance cameras. Charged with burglary, possessing burglary tools, and illicit drug possession in Morrison County …
With 5G at 50% completion, NTIA is jump-starting 6G deployment with questions on a range of issues
At last week’s Connect X in Atlanta, panelists in multiple sessions estimated that 5G had been rolled out across approximately 50% of America. However, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) wants to jump-start 6G deployment. It requests public comments to guide executive branch policies on the next generation of wireless communications technology development. As industry, governmental, academic, and civil …
Industry leaders at Connect X foresee massive growth for indoor 5G networks
The wireless industry is abuzz with anticipation for the potential of bringing 5G technology indoors. This technology promises faster and more reliable connections, lower latency, and the ability to connect a massive number of devices simultaneously. During the Wireless Infrastructure Association’s (WIA) View From the Top session on Thursday at Connect X, moderated by Patrick Halley, President and CEO of …
Analyst Craig Moffett predicts Dish Network could face bankruptcy within six months
Craig Moffett, a senior managing director at MoffettNathanson, has issued a stark forecast for Dish Network, predicting potential bankruptcy within the next four to six months. This marks his first specific timeline following three years of warnings about the company’s financial health. The prediction followed EchoStar’s first-quarter earnings announcement on May 8, where the financial strain on Dish Network, despite …
Rexel and Talley: A merger poised to accelerate wireless and datacom innovations across America
Talley Inc., established in 1983 by John R. and Elizabeth J. Talley, has grown from a small, family-operated business in Santa Fe Springs, California, into a dominant force in the U.S. wireless infrastructure industry. Talley Inc. is set to be acquired by Rexel as a testament to its success, marking a significant milestone in its history. This acquisition highlights Talley’s prominence as …
Forget the filters: In earnings call Viavi CEO Khaykin delivers a dose of harsh reality about infrastructure builds
In a refreshing twist from the typical earnings call script, Viavi Solutions Inc.’s President and CEO, Oleg Khaykin, left analysts and investors buzzing with straightforward commentary during Thursday’s Q3 FY24 earnings discussion. Departing from the usually reserved tone of such calls, Khaykin’s blunt assertion, “Money talks and bullshit walks,” underscored his frustration with the prevailing cautious spending behaviors among Tier …
