Dean Bubley is on point, as always, and there’s an important lesson in his EchoStar coverage about the value of shared spectrum – which might be considered in light of the jeopardy around CBRS spectrum in the US at the moment. Point is: exclusive spectrum is only valuable if actively deployed – just as shared spectrum only works if it is properly marshalled. But CBRS-style spectrum sharing can help to avoid wasted capacity, and dynamic spectrum management can also balance innovation, coverage, and Treasury revenues.
Bubley has been banging this drum forever, of course; but RCR is entirely sympathetic. He is right: spectrum sharing is a practical approach, which is innovation‑friendly and desperately required by enterprises – versus forcing all spectrum via an exclusive licensing regime. The U.S. should defend and extend the CBRS shared model rather than replacing it with exclusive carrier spectrum. FCC auction plans should avoid disrupting existing shared bands, and even scrutinise under-utilised holdings like EchoStar’s.
James Blackman
Editor
RCR Wireless News
RCR Top Stories
EchoStar implications: EchoStar’s $40 billion spectrum sell-off to AT&T and SpaceX ends its own ambitions to be a fourth operator in the U.S., and also complicates FCC auction plans under the OBBBA. Read Dean Bubley’s column.
The neocloud moment: JLL says AI infrastructure is reshaping data centers, driving higher power densities, premium lease rates and rapid growth for neocloud providers as hyperscalers partner rather than compete.
Telefónica Chile sale? Millicom is evaluating a potential acquisition of Telefónica Chile as the Spanish firm continues to exit non-core markets. The move could reshape competition while preserving Chile’s four-player mobile market structure.
Mobile capex trap: In the latest episode of Unmuted, MobileX chief Peter Adderton says U.S. carriers spend billions yearly yet under-innovate, relying on price cuts and 5G hype while consumers see little improvement.
5G amid conflict: Ukraine’s Kyivstar is advancing 5G pilots despite ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure, signaling a broader push to modernize national connectivity even under wartime constraints.
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Beyond the Headlines
LitePoint Wi-Fi 8 tests: LitePoint has successfully tested Qualcomm’s upcoming Wi‑Fi 8 hardware using its IQxel‑MX test platform at CES 2026, marking an early validation step for the next Wi‑Fi generation focused on reliability and performance.
NTN, back to Earth: Satellites provide global coverage but suffer latency and bandwidth limits. US free-space optical telecoms firm Taara argues that wireless optical links offer targeted, lower-latency, higher-capacity backhaul.
AI pub talk at CES: Drinking and thinking on the Vegas strip; Sean Kinney says CES shifted from gadgets to silicon, with AI infra front and center. Nvidia, Intel, and Qualcomm showcased next-gen chips, underscoring AI’s foundational role.
UK 6 GHz split: Ofcom is prioritizing near-term Wi-Fi capacity while keeping the door open for mobile and 6G. The regulator’s split-priority approach gives Wi-Fi early and broader access to the upper 6 GHz band.
Wi-Fi power-up: The FCC will vote to create a new category of ‘geofenced variable power’ (GVP) devices that can use the 6 GHz band under specific rules; the idea is to enable outdoor and longer-range Wi‑Fi, plus new innovations.
What We're Reading
Vodafone multiplier: Vodafone has reportedly invested $15 million in Cohere Technologies, reflecting its enthusiasm for the US firm’s spectrum multiplier to boost 5G capacity more efficiently than new spectrum – via Light Reading.
Pakistan 5G prices: Pakistan has approved base prices for its upcoming 5G spectrum auction, covering multiple frequencies, as authorities seek to meet surging demand for mobile broadband and next-generation digital services.
Telus Health check: Telus has hired advisers to evaluate strategic options for its Telus Health division – valued by the operator as a growth asset – to explore partnerships or monetisation amid broader capital discipline and deleveraging.
MVNO boom box: Juniper Research forecasts that MVNO subscribers will rise from 333 million in 2026 to 438 million by 2030 – driven by so-called ‘MVNO-in-a-box‘ platforms. Success depends on differentiation, personalisation, and loyalty.
Telia to axe 600: NIB: Swedish carrier Telia has said it could cut 600 jobs during the first quarter, including 200 in Sweden and 300 in Finland. The idea is to make “easier to work with, faster to meet customer needs and more efficient”, it explained.
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