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Home - Kagan: Thank you for including me on list of top 200 most influential
Opinion

Kagan: Thank you for including me on list of top 200 most influential

by Jeff Kagan January 6, 2021
written by Jeff Kagan January 6, 2021 Share
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Thank you. I was delighted to learn my voice was selected as one of the most influential in our industry, worldwide. Last week Engati https://www.engati.com/blog/influencers included me as number 32 of the top 200 voices in the world. This is one of many lists that I have been featured in over the last few years of top analysts, thought leaders, opinion leaders, influencers and more in our industry. Quite an honor indeed.

Other lists which have honored me by including me include well known and respected companies Onalytica Top 5 5G voices, Thinkers360, AI Time Journal, Enterprise Management 360, Social Media Research Foundation, Verdict, symplur, TrustInsights, kcore analytics, TweetBinder and more.

I take these honors very seriously as I continue to share my thoughts on our changing industry, products and services with you.

As an industry analyst, wireless analyst, telecom analyst, pay TV analyst and more over the last three decades, I like to talk about important topics we need to be focused on. Sure, I write about new products, services, industry challenges and more. They all sweep us off our feet with amazement.

However, there are also larger concerns we should all be aware of so we stay on the highway and not end up stalled on the shoulder of this amazing and fast changing world we all live in

So, I am a columnist as well as a guest expert in the media sharing my opinion on the changing industry, companies, products and services, and looking ahead at where we are going and the benefits and hazards, which we need to be aware of.

I follow the continually expanding world of new technology including many new areas like 5G, AI, IoT, cloud and so much more. These technologies are transforming everything and because of that, things are getting even more interesting with plenty of upside. That being said, we need to make sure we don’t lose control.

Like everything else, this amazing world we live in has two sides, good and bad. While I think it is important to explore all the good these new technologies will bring and the changes that we will see, I also think it is wise to discuss the threats and protect ourselves.

We need to prepare for them rather than have them jump up and bite us at some point, like what always seems to happen.

Qualcomm, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Xfinity, Spectrum, Altice

Often, I write about products and services of leading companies like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, Altice, Qualcomm, Huawei, Nokia, Ericsson, Apple, Google, Samsung, Microsoft, and so many others.

2020 has been a challenging year for many with COVID-19. It has impacted nearly every company in every industry, worldwide. However, it is important to understand that is not always bad.

Some companies and industries have really slowed down. However, others are as busy as ever. In fact, some are busier than ever.

Fortunately, wireless, telecom, pay TV, Internet, communications and entertainment technologies are busier than ever. However, change is impacting these industries as well.

HBO Max, Peacock, Apple TV+, Disney+ streaming TV services

Streaming TV services are one example. Services like HBO Max, Peacock, Apple TV+ and Disney+ are new and rapidly growing. Not only that, but these may be starting to impact and change Hollywood. Let me explain how.

AT&T acquired Time Warner, now called WarnerMedia. That includes Warner Brothers, CNN and more. They introduced one of the four new streaming services several months ago called HBO Max.

Since Hollywood and theaters have been impacted by COVID-19, AT&T is trying something new. They have decided to release 2021 movies both at the theaters and on HBO Max.

How WarnerMedia is changing Hollywood

This will let more users watch and it will take advantage of their entry into the movie business with their HBO Max service.

This move will put increasing pressure on Hollywood. If successful, I see others moving in the same direction.

Using HBO Max for new movies along with theaters is a brand-new idea brought to us by new thinking. As other competitors react, Hollywood will transform going forward.

This is the kind of excitement I follow and comment on right here with you every week.

I see my job as following and commenting on interesting technologies, products, services, companies, competition and change as the industry continues to move forward.

Fortunately, the industries and sectors we follow will continue to be the center of the universe going forward. That means they will continue to be strong growth companies, products and services.

5G, wireless, telecom, pay TV, Internet, AI, IoT and more

New services in 5G, wireless, telecom, pay TV, Internet, AI, IoT industries are moving forward at record breaking speed in 2020. I see this only continuing through 2021 and beyond.

Over the last several decades, we have generated mountains of data. Too much for the human brain to comprehend. However, new technology can sort through these mountains of data quickly and accurately.

IBM Watson, quantum computing and more

Remember the IBM Watson computer system? This is AI. That what this giant does. It digests mountains of important data. Watson is just the first step into AI. Quantum Computing is next in line.

I expect the COVID-19 impact to continue through 2021. However, the vaccinations should finally help us shake this pandemic. That will begin as we move toward mid-2021. Other countries will follow if they are as aggressive rolling out their vaccinations.

That being said, these industries show continued strong growth through 2021 and will only continue moving forward.

Growth wave continues from 2020 to 2021

Today, it is the end of 2020. This is a great time to take stock of the changing industry, what is coming next and make sure we are riding the growth wave, so we don’t get left behind.

2021 is coming on fast and the transformation wave we are seeing in all these industries will only continue and in fact grow and expand.

The industries of 5G wireless, telecom, pay TV, internet along with AI, IoT, cloud and more are continuing to blend and transform age old industries.

This is a very exciting time to be alive, following this amazing digital transformation.  

Thank you for reading my columns, sharing my thoughts, debating with me and spreading the world on our ever-changing industry.

With all our participation, we’ll keep this industry growing and succeeding, safely and without losing control. All of our voices and ideas are an important piece of this puzzle.

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Table of Contents

  • Qualcomm, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Xfinity, Spectrum, Altice
  • HBO Max, Peacock, Apple TV+, Disney+ streaming TV services
  • How WarnerMedia is changing Hollywood
  • 5G, wireless, telecom, pay TV, Internet, AI, IoT and more
  • IBM Watson, quantum computing and more
  • Growth wave continues from 2020 to 2021
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Jeff Kagan

Jeff is a RCR Wireless News Columnist, Industry Analyst, Consultant, Influencer Marketing specialist and Keynote Speaker. He shares his colorful perspectives and opinions on the companies and technologies that are transforming the industry he has followed for 35 years. Jeff follows wireless, private wireless, 5G, AI, IoT, wire line telecom, Internet, Wi-Fi, broadband, FWA, DOCSIS wireless broadband, Pay TV, cable TV, streaming and technology.

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