The 6G Podcast by Moor Insights & Strategy

The 6G Podcast by Moor Insights & Strategy

by Anshel Sag and Mike Dano
Tech NewsTechnology
Season 6
T-Mobile Leadership Shakeup, Telstra Outage Fallout, and SpaceX’s 100,000-Satellite FCC Filing
Episode 255 of the 6G Podcast features Anshel Sag and Mike Dano discussing major 5G/6G and satellite developments. They cover Verizon’s standalone 5G winning BMW telematics business via KDDI, highlighting shifting connected-car partnerships and growing connectivity demands for autonomy and V2X. The biggest news is T-Mobile’s leadership reshuffle under incoming CEO Srini Gopalan, expanding John Saw’s responsibilities, hiring former AT&T FirstNet architect Chris Sambar as chief enterprise officer, and signaling Mike Katz’s exit. They examine Telstra’s nationwide outage in Australia tied to network timekeeping software, which disrupted emergency calls and broader services. Research notes include Analysys Mason finding mobile data traffic growth rebounding to 22% by end of 2025, driven by fixed wireless access and adaptive bitrate streaming. The episode also reviews SpaceX’s FCC request for up to 100,000 Gen3 Starlink satellites, plus Ookla analysis suggesting US networks allocate relatively little uplink capacity, a potential issue as AI increases uplink demand. 00:00 Welcome and Catch Up 01:17 Verizon BMW Connected Cars 04:17 T-Mobile Leadership Shakeup 10:24 Telstra Outage Fallout 16:10 Mobile Traffic Growth Returns 19:32 Starlink Gen3 100K Satellites 25:02 AI Networks Need Uplink 30:47 Wrap Up and Subscribe
S6 · E14
Jul 10, 2026
31:30
T-Mobile Plan Hikes, Upper C-Band Auction Timing, and D2D Spectrum Battles
In episode 254 of the 6G podcast, Anshel Sag and Mike Danow discuss major telecom and space-industry developments. Sag covers T-Mobile forcing customers off older plans with roughly $4-per-line increases and potential competitive fallout, plus a Verizon–BT 50/50 joint venture combining international enterprise operations serving 3,000 customers in 180 countries with about $4B in revenue, and renewed reporting about a rumored SpaceX/xAI handheld AI device that Elon Musk denies. Danow focuses on spectrum and satellite trends: the FCC’s planned upper C-band auction next summer for 160 MHz nationwide with commercial use delayed until 2030–2031, Rocket Lab’s announced $8B acquisition of Iridium emphasizing L-band spectrum for direct-to-device services, and the FCC approving Grain Management’s plan to lease divested 800 MHz spectrum for D2D, with interest hinted from AST SpaceMobile and results due by November 5. 00:00 Welcome and Catch Up 01:27 T-Mobile Plan Price Hike 04:43 FCC Upper C Band Auction 07:42 Verizon BT Enterprise JV 11:17 Rocket Lab Buys Iridium 17:09 SpaceX AI Device Rumor 19:36 Grain 800 MHz D2D Leasing 26:21 Wrap Up and Holiday
S6 · E13
Jul 3, 2026
26:44
The 6G Podcast - World Cup's Tech Innovations, 6G Standards Timeline, Spectrum Auction Insights, Space Industry Dynamics, Regional Carrier Challenges, and T-Mobile's MIMO Advances
Anshel Sag and Mike Dano open episode 253 of the 6G Podcast and discuss World Cup stadium technology, including Lenovo’s FIFA partnership, referee camera headsets using 5G mmWave, Eagle Eye camera systems for offsides/goal-line decisions, 3D player avatars, digital ticketing, and Ookla findings that Mercedes-Benz Stadium leads in connectivity with no major issues so far. They review updates from the 3GPP meeting in Singapore, confirming a 6G timeline with stage 3 freeze in December 2028 and open API freeze in March 2029, while noting many decisions (Open RAN and satellite integration) were deferred. They cover the new Space Connect LEO satellite alliance (Amazon, Iridium, Telesat, Globalstar) and the close of FCC Auction 113 (AWS-3) raising $3.5B with 17 bidders including SpaceX. They highlight Nokia/T-Mobile pre-commercial MIMO gains of up to 20% throughput and conclude with Carolina West Wireless exiting and transitioning to Verizon by September. 00:00 Welcome Back Episode 253 01:05 World Cup Tech Showcase 03:57 Stadium Connectivity Reality 07:50 3GPP 6G Timeline Update 10:29 Satellites in 6G Debate 15:02 New LEO Lobby Alliance 19:41 AWS-3 Auction Results 27:09 Nokia T-Mobile MIMO Boost 32:12 Small Carriers Consolidate 37:23 Wrap Up And Subscribe
S6 · E12
Jun 27, 2026
37:47
6G Podcast: Huawei 14A Claims, Network X 6G Spectrum Sharing, StarCloud-SpaceX, SpaceX IPO Numbers, AT&T Build a Plan, Amazon LEO Launch
6G Podcast Ep. 252: Huawei 14A Claims, Network X 6G Spectrum Sharing, StarCloud-SpaceX, SpaceX IPO Numbers, AT&T Build a Plan, Amazon LEO Launch In episode 252 of the 6G podcast, analysts Anshel Sag and Mike Daniel discuss Huawei’s claim it can achieve 14A-class chip density by 2031 via “logic folding,” expressing skepticism and noting China’s stronger recent progress in memory. Mike recaps the Network X trade show, highlighting growing practical focus on 6G deployment and discussion of MRSS, a DSS-like 5G/6G spectrum-sharing approach said to reduce capacity loss versus 5G DSS. Anshel covers StarCloud’s partnership with SpaceX to connect orbital data centers using 25 Gbps optical links and its fundraising plans. Mike reviews SpaceX IPO filing figures, including Starlink producing 61% of 2025 revenue and 7.4 million monthly unique Starlink Mobile devices across 30 countries, while Anshel questions valuation and governance. They also cover AT&T’s modular “Build a Plan” pricing and Amazon LEO’s expected Q3 launch and partner-oriented telecom positioning. 00:00 Welcome and Schedule Notes 00:44 Huawei 14A Chip Claims 05:34 China Chip Progress Memory 06:30 Network X 6G Recap 07:38 MRSS Spectrum Sharing Debate 13:03 StarCloud Space Data Centers 17:06 SpaceX IPO Filing Highlights 20:03 SpaceX Valuation Skepticism 25:03 AT&T Build a Plan 29:43 Amazon LEO Launch Insights 32:59 Wrap Up and Social Links
S6 · E11
Jun 27, 2026
33:20
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Form D2D Satellite JV; 6G Hype Cools; Comcast Makes Wireless Top Priority
Episode 251 of the 6G Podcast features Anshel Sag and Mike Dano discussing major U.S. connectivity and infrastructure developments. They unpack AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon forming an equal-share joint venture to pool spectrum and IP for direct-to-device satellite connectivity, positioning it as a standards and onboarding interface for satellite partners while potentially hedging against SpaceX’s ambitions and public antitrust critiques; they note Ookla data showing D2D usage under 0.5% of U.S. Speedtest users monthly. The hosts preview Network X, including satellite panels and BEAD program discussion, and cover industry “cold water” on 6G from Orange and Samsung, framing 6G as evolutionary with slower rollout and AI-driven upgrades. They cite RootMetrics vendor rankings emphasizing equipment age and device capabilities, discuss Comcast CEO calling wireless Comcast’s top priority with Xfinity Mobile at 10 million lines, and close with updates on Socorro, New Mexico considering a data-center moratorium amid local opposition and broader power-grid cost concerns. 00:00 Welcome and Catch Up 01:17 Carrier Satellite JV Explained 04:16 SpaceX Pushback and IPO Buzz 10:24 Network X Satellite Scene Setter 12:49 6G Hype Gets Tempered 16:42 RootMetrics RAN Vendor Rankings 19:40 Devices and Network Performance 21:50 Comcast Makes Wireless Priority 25:19 Socorro Data Center Moratorium 29:41 Power Grid and Who Pays 32:41 Wrap Up and Subscribe
S6 · E10
May 16, 2026
33:04
6G Podcast Episode 250: Nvidia–Corning Optics Expansion, NTIA Spectrum Progress, 5G FWA Uplink Gains, and Socorro Data Center Update
Episode 250 of the 6G Podcast features Anshel Sag and Mike Dano discussing key 5G/6G developments. They cover an NVIDIA–Corning partnership to expand U.S. optical manufacturing capacity tenfold with three new facilities in Texas and North Carolina and 3,000 jobs, noting AI data centers are driving fiber demand and affecting ISP buildouts. Mike recaps the WIA ConnectX show, including debate over whether direct-to-device satellite services threaten or complement cell towers and uncertainty that AI traffic will spur new cell sites. The hosts review NTIA’s phased progress studying spectrum bands (including 1.6, 2.7, 4.4, and 7 GHz), plus industry discussion of CBRS and potential upper C-band clearing around 2028–2030. They also highlight Samsung and Qualcomm tests of 5G fixed wireless class-one uplink improvements and provide an update on a proposed 2 GW Socorro, New Mexico data center, now reported as potentially powered by small modular nuclear reactors amid local opposition and a May 19 town hall. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:22 Week Recap and Travel 01:38 Nvidia Corning Optics 05:26 ConnectX Show Highlights 08:07 AI Traffic and Upgrades 10:15 NTIA Spectrum Roadmap 14:05 CBRS and Upper C Band 17:28 Samsung Qualcomm FWA Boost 23:04 Socorro Data Center Update 26:24 Nuclear Power and Local Debate 30:09 Wrap Up and Subscribe
S6 · E9
May 11, 2026
30:30
The 6G Podcast - T-Mobile's Super Broadband Launch, Fiber Expansion Moves, Nokia's FWA Sale, Satellite MVNO Talks, Tech Earnings Spotlight, and AI Infrastructure Trends
T-Mobile Super Broadband, Fiber Acquisitions, Tech Earnings, and Satellite D2D Trends | 6G Podcast Ep. 249 In episode 249 of the 6G Podcast, analysts Anshel Sag and Mike Dano discuss convergence across 5G, fiber, and satellite. They cover T-Mobile’s “Super Broadband,” which bundles 5G with SpaceX Starlink for primary, backup, or load-balanced connectivity using equipment from Ericsson and Inseego, with a $249/month packaged offering. They also review T-Mobile’s moves to expand its fiber footprint through agreements involving regional providers (GoNetSpeed, GreenLight Networks, and i3 Broadband), related pricing changes, and how bundled wireline/wireless can boost market share, alongside speculation about larger M&A. The hosts recap major tech earnings (Google, Microsoft, Meta, Qualcomm, Apple), AI-driven CapEx and memory constraints, preview WIA Connect X with an Ookla analysis of Miami’s busiest cell tower near the airport, discuss Nokia selling its FWA CPE business to Inseego, and note low direct-to-device satellite usage plus US carriers rejecting a Starlink MVNO. 00:00 Welcome and Catch Up 02:08 T-Mobile Super Broadband 07:51 Fiber Expansion and Convergence 14:11 Big Tech Earnings Roundup 20:41 Connect X Preview Miami Tower 24:56 Nokia Sells FWA to Inseego 28:02 Satellite D2D and Starlink MVNO 33:57 Wrap Up and Next Week
S6 · E8
May 2, 2026
34:31
The 6G Podcast - OpenAI Smartphone Rumors, Charter’s Stock Shock & Telecom M&A, Intel–Tesla 14A, D2D Satellite Benchmarks, Verizon’s Q1 Rebound, and a New Mexico AI Data Center Fight
OpenAI Smartphone Rumors, Charter’s Stock Plunge, Intel–Tesla Foundry Boost, Direct-to-Device Satellite Benchmarks, Verizon’s Q1 Net Adds, and a Socorro AI Data Center Debate The 6G Podcast hosts discuss rumors that OpenAI may build a smartphone with Qualcomm and MediaTek, potentially launching around 2027 and enabling tighter OS-level AI integration than Android or iOS. They review Q1 telecom earnings, highlighting Charter’s nearly 25% stock drop after losing over 100,000 broadband customers and adding fewer mobile lines than expected, sparking M&A speculation including a possible Verizon or T-Mobile bid and a rumored Deutsche Telekom move to fully acquire T-Mobile. They cover Intel’s earnings surge and Tesla naming Intel’s 14A node for “Terra Fab,” framed as a CHIPS Act-aligned U.S. manufacturing milestone relevant to 6G supply chains. The episode also summarizes a new direct-to-device satellite report showing about 0.5%–1% monthly unique usage across tracked countries, and Verizon’s Q1 return to positive postpaid phone net adds, alongside discussion of an AI data center proposal in Socorro, New Mexico and local opposition over power and water concerns. 00:00 Welcome to Six G 00:21 OpenAI Phone Rumors 03:21 AI OS and Ecosystem 05:35 Smartphone Market Shakeups 06:00 Telecom Earnings Shock 07:05 Charter Selloff Fallout 08:01 M&A Rumors Heat Up 09:48 Cable vs Fiber Reality 13:25 Intel and Tesla Surge 19:00 Direct to Device Satellites 21:27 Satellite Use vs Density 23:28 UK Scan Rate Insights 24:08 Hajj Network Challenges 26:01 Verizon Q1 Turnaround 30:19 Fixed Wireless Limits 32:31 Socorro Data Center Debate 36:47 Data Centers Case by Case 40:16 Wrap Up and Subscribe
S6 · E7
Apr 28, 2026
40:40
6G Podcast - Amazon's $11B Acquisition, Verizon & FIFA, AST SpaceMobile Launch, Ericsson's Struggles
Anshel Sag and Mike Dano open with discussion of watching a recent capsule splashdown and related footage, plus a personal connection to rocket-engine work. They then cover Amazon’s roughly $11B agreement to acquire Globalstar, maintaining Apple’s iPhone satellite emergency texting while planning an Amazon LEO direct-to-device service for mobile operators in 2028, with open questions around Apple’s planned constellation expansion, integration with other Amazon services, and pricing. Next, they discuss Ericsson’s Q1 sales decline and weaker North America outlook amid a broader 5G equipment spending trough before 6G. They review ULA Research findings showing Verizon’s continued millimeter wave expansion and relate it to US spectrum moves including NTIA’s 2.7 GHz release and longer-term 7 GHz interest. They preview AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 7 launch and debate edge/AI data-center hype, including a proposed Socorro, New Mexico project and backyard micro data centers, before closing on Verizon’s FIFA World Cup 5G partnership featuring private 5G, slicing, small cells, and stadium upgrades. 00:00 Podcast kickoff and intro 00:12 SpaceX splashdown stories 02:33 Rocket engineer bragging rights 03:25 Amazon buys Globalstar 07:37 What it means for Apple 11:28 Ericsson earnings warning 15:11 Verizon mmWave reality check 17:43 NTIA 2.7 GHz spectrum news 19:04 Real World mmWave Limits 20:27 Stadiums and Indoor Coverage 20:59 Why mmWave Still Matters 22:53 Will Verizon Bet Pay Off 23:37 AST SpaceMobile Launch Preview 25:47 Constellation Timelines Reality Check 28:48 Edge Computing Jumped Shark 33:09 Socorro Data Center Motives 34:48 Verizon FIFA World Cup Network 38:40 Wrap Up and Subscribe
S6 · E6
Apr 18, 2026
38:58
The 6G Podcast - NASA's Laser Links, Family Plan Fight, Starlink’s Spectrum Hunt, AI's Network Future, In-Depth on 3GPP's 6G Vision, and Space Fab Ventures
Artemis Optical Links, 3GPP Release 21 Timeline, Bundled Fiber+Wireless Plans, and the Satellite D2D Spectrum Scramble Anshel Sag and Mike Dano discuss Artemis mission connectivity and imagery, including NASA’s Orion optical laser link (O2O) enabling 4K streams, iPhone selfies, and radiation damage to sensors, alongside brand visibility like Omega watches. They then review outcomes from a recent 3GPP meeting in Japan: 6G will begin with Release 21, with a Stage 1 freeze targeted for March 2027, and 5G standalone selected as the architectural baseline, with continued work on non-terrestrial networks. The hosts cover new U.S. convergence bundles, including AT&T’s One Connect (fiber plus wireless with BYOD and deprioritization caveats) and T-Mobile’s Mint-branded 5G Home Internet bundle. They debate AI RAN and base-station GPUs, citing skepticism from AT&T leadership and Nvidia’s push into inference, then note Tesla/SpaceX’s announced chip-fab partnership with Intel. Finally, they examine Grain Management’s plan to potentially lease 800 MHz spectrum for direct-to-device satellite services and question the true scale of the D2D consumer market. 00:00 Podcast Welcome and Weekend Catchup 00:53 Artemis Mission Highlights 01:20 Laser Link 4K Streaming 03:06 Space Selfies and Radiation 05:06 Brands Watches and Hype 06:13 6G Standards Update from Japan 11:39 SA Only Path to 6G 14:02 AT&T One Connect Bundle 16:45 Cable vs Telco Bundle Wars 19:24 AI RAN GPUs at the Edge 23:23 Inference Takes Over 23:49 GPUs in Base Stations 26:00 Carrier Reality Check 27:19 Where Compute Belongs 29:56 Timing the Edge Bet 30:40 Terra Fab Reality 31:46 Fab Timeline and Costs 33:47 Austin Supply Chain Logic 36:01 Space Data Center Skepticism 38:29 D2D Spectrum Leasing 42:19 Airlines and Spectrum Swaps 43:32 D2D Market Limits 45:32 Consolidation and 2030 Outlook 46:06 Wrap Up and Thanks
S6 · E5
Apr 8, 2026
46:31
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