CCA and carrier member T-Mobile talked 5G, IoT, VoLTE and policy, showing such topics are not the exclusive domain of large operators
As expected, the recently completed Competitive Carriers Association Annual Convention showed a heavy focus on policy, “5G” and the “internet of things,” with at least one of those three main topics actually something CCA’s majority member base seemed willing to discuss.
While the event caters to the domestic market’s smaller wireless players, most keynote addresses, educational sessions and conversations were on topics that are increasingly on the minds of all operators.
To kick off this look back at the event, we start with an onsite interview with CCA President and CEO Steve Berry, who touched on a number of topics impacting the organization’s members. These included data roaming, business data services and the ongoing 600 MHz incentive auction process.
In terms of the movement toward 5G, T-Mobile US CTO Neville Ray took to the stage for a keynote presentation where he provided an update on the carrier’s 5G plans as well as offered up LTE roaming and voice-over-LTE support for CCA’s carrier members.
In its latest work with Ericsson, T-Mobile US said it completed trials of voice calls between “4G” and 5G networks using Ericsson’s 5G radio prototype system and the carrier’s LTE network and devices. Network speed testing, which is one of the hallmarks of 5G trials, also showed that download speeds of more than 12 gigabits per second were possible with latency of less than two milliseconds.
In attempting to downplay work on 5G ahead of the standards process, Ray did note that the carrier’s recent work to bolster its LTE network is laying the foundation for its 5G plans, with expectation that the current LTE technology will be its primary competitive position for the next five to 10 years.
“5G will come on top of that,” Ray told CCA attendees. “We are going to push the envelope and make sure we are ready for 5G.”
Ray also took a jab at rival Verizon Wireless, which has been one of the more vocal operators in terms of its 5G work, noting plans to begin fixed wireless commercial services as early as next year. Ray noted there is probably a financial incentive for Verizon Wireless to target a fixed mobile deployment, but if that is all 5G is about, “then we might as well pack our bags and go home.”
More in tune with the CCA audience, Ray also talked up the benefits of work between T-Mobile US and CCA members on LTE roaming, noting such agreements are beneficial for all parties.
“We want to be the best damn roaming partner you can ever wish for,” Ray exclaimed, but added the carrier “needed LTE.”
“We want LTE across the entire nation … from both roaming and organic footprint growth,” Ray said. “We don’t need to build all of this network ourselves … and we will be the best damn partner you have ever had, guaranteed.”
Ray also noted the move toward VoLTE services would allow the carrier and CCA members to get past the voice challenge of roaming deals between the Global System for Mobile Communications-based nationwide operator and many of CCA’s members that rely on code division multiple access-based networks for voice support.
“We don’t care about the old CDMA vs. GSM as we have VoLTE now,” Ray said. “No one understands VoLTE better than us and we can help in launching VoLTE. … It’s an open door from T-Mobile on that front.”
Make sure to check us out again next week when we speak with Dan Hays from PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Strategy& division to discuss IoT network, deployment and regulatory challenges.
Bored? Why not follow me on Twitter
