July 2024

Wireless Network Keeping Up with Demand as Customer Problems Decrease, J.D. Power Finds

With the increase of 5G phones and network technology, wireless customers are experiencing fewer problems according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study—Volume 2. The reduction of problems has led to improved consumer perception of reliability and increased network quality satisfaction. Highlights from the study include:

Biden-Harris Administration Opens Applications for $1 Billion Digital Inclusion Grant Program

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the 

T-Mobile and KKR Launch JV to Acquire Metronet

T Mobile said it entered into a definitive agreement to establish a joint venture (JV) with the investment firm KKR to acquire Metronet as the company aims to increase its fiber solution offer to U.S. consumers. The wireless broadband provider expects to invest around $4.9 billion to acquire a 50% equity stake in the joint venture and 100% of Metronet’s residential fiber retail operations and customers. The JV will also acquire Oak Hill Capital’s existing stake.

Where Vice President Kamala Harris stands on tech policy

Democratic frontrunner Kamala Harris is a long-time friend to the tech industry. For those in Silicon Valley, some of whom have vocally supported former President Trump and Sen. J.D. Vance, Harris' California bona fides may make them think twice. Though Harris would continue President Biden's tech policy agenda, she'd likely be more hesitant to break up Big Tech and strip platforms of their liability shield. As San Francisco's top prosecutor, California's attorney general and the state's U.S.

An Engineer Shortage?

SAE International, a professional organization for wireless engineers,  sponsored a report at the end of 2023 that says that the U.S. is already facing a shortage of engineers, and that the problem is going to get worse. According to the report, the U.S. needs 400,000 new engineers every year, but one-third of engineering jobs go unfilled, a trend expected to last through 2030. The SAE report lists some of the reasons for the engineering shortfall.