Our Favorite LinkedIn Discussions in April

Will Satellites Replace Cell Towers?

For anyone worried about the demise of cell towers because of satellites, commenters tended to agree that satellites aren’t going anywhere soon. Various users echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the limitations of satellite-to-cell service, including bandwidth constraints, latency issues, and the need for cooperation between satellite and terrestrial systems. Concerns were also raised about the practicality and cost-effectiveness of replacing cell towers with satellites, particularly in terms of coverage reliability and technological integration. While satellite technology may serve as a complementary solution for extending connectivity, it's unlikely to replace cell towers entirely, as emphasized by both experts and users alike.

Comparisons of 5G sites & spectrum are overly politicized.

I liked this post because we saw firsthand how the wireless industry overhyped the competition between countries to build out 5G as a means to encourage industry-favorable small cell legislation. There is no race to build out 5G other than the one in lobbyists' heads. People's comments further reinforce the skepticism towards top-level numbers used in political and competitive agendas, emphasizing the complexities of accurately assessing spectrum availability and infrastructure deployment. The discussion reflects a call for a more nuanced approach to 5G development, focusing on practical deployment strategies like indoor coverage and smaller cells rather than mere competition-driven agendas.

U.S. District Court Cites City’s “Gamesmanship” Against Verizon

I found this particular story interesting because it shows the courts will not allow cities to force wireless providers to use an existing DAS in lieu of building their own small cells and poles. User comments further highlight the challenges faced by wireless providers in navigating local regulations and infrastructure limitations, with anecdotes about the drawbacks of existing DAS systems and the need to address obstacles posed by power companies regarding pole access. The sentiment among users underscores the importance of equitable access to infrastructure for improving wireless services and the potential implications of inconsistent telecom policies across different cities.

Why DISH lost wireless subscribers?

This poll we ran on why DISH doesn’t seem to be making headway on adding subscribers suggests that lack of marketing might be a significant factor, with 48% of voters indicating so. However, comments from users delve deeper, highlighting additional issues like brand perception, competitive weaknesses in their product offerings, and the absence of meaningful partnerships. Some users also speculate about poor customer retention practices, streaming service competition, and the need for better marketing strategies, pointing to a combination of factors contributing to DISH's subscriber challenges. The overarching question remains: why isn’t DISH investing more in marketing efforts to address these issues and attract new customers?

The Rise and Fall of Casa Systems in the 5G Arena!

Mike Dano's article on Casa Systems' ill-fated venture into the wireless market offers a cautionary tale on the perils of early hype-driven investments in 5G. Casa's ambitious pivot, backed by substantial investments and strategic partnerships, initially seemed promising but ultimately faced insurmountable challenges like supply chain disruptions and fierce competition, leading to a stark downturn culminating in bankruptcy proceedings. The narrative underscores the importance of strategic foresight and adaptability in navigating the fast-paced and overhyped world of 5G development.

The competitive dynamics of the U.S. wireless market, coupled with evolving customer needs and market pressures, highlight the complexities of success in the industry.