The G2 on 5G: HPE's Private 5G Push, 3GPP Release 20, T-Mobile's Satellite Launch, AST's Defense Demo, EchoStar's Debt Dance, and 6G's AI Future

Welcome and Introduction

- Will Townsend hosts episode 229 of GTO and 5G podcast

- Anshel Sag joins as fellow analyst

HPE Aruba Networking's Private 5G Partner Program

- HPE's acquisition of Athonet and turnkey private 5G solution

- New competency program to train channel partners on cellular technology

- Focus on operational technology environments

3GPP Release 20 and the Path to 6G

- Release 20 as a primer for 6G's first release (Release 21)

- Key improvements: wireless AI, coverage, mobility, MIMO evolutions

- Setting the stage for 6G technical study items

T-Mobile's T Satellite Launch

- Commercial availability set for July 23rd

- Initial support for SMS, MMS, and short audio clips

- Data service launch planned for October 1st

- Free emergency 911 for all compatible devices

AST Space Mobile's Defense Communications Proof of Concept

- Collaboration with Fairwinds Technologies

- Field test including tactical assault kit connectivity and secure video calls

- Demonstration of military applications for satellite-to-phone technology

EchoStar's Financial Maneuvers

- $500 million debt interest payment made

- 30-day grace period elected for July 1 payment

- Ongoing "high-stakes game of chicken" with regulators

Cloudflare and Spectrum Discussions

- Concerns about EchoStar's spectrum usage

- Potential influence of political factors on regulatory decisions

The G2 on 5G Podcast by Moor Insights & Strategy