Amazon just made a massive $11B move in satellite connectivity, and it could reshape the future of mobile networks.
In this episode of The 6G Podcast, Anshel Sag and Mike Dano break down the biggest developments in telecom, from Amazon’s GlobalStar acquisition to Verizon’s aggressive FIFA World Cup strategy and the evolving role of millimeter wave and edge computing.
Key Topics & Takeaways:
- Amazon acquires GlobalStar (~$11B):
- Positions Amazon to compete directly in satellite-to-phone connectivity
- D2D services expected by 2028, targeting mobile operators
- Raises major questions around pricing, Apple partnerships, and ecosystem integration
- Satellite connectivity is the new telecom battleground:
- Competition intensifies between Amazon Kuiper, Starlink, and AST SpaceMobile
- Enterprise use cases (aviation, infrastructure, AWS integration) may drive real revenue
- Verizon doubles down on FIFA World Cup:
- Deploying 5G, private networks, and network slicing across venues
- Massive infrastructure build—comparable to “100+ Super Bowls in weeks”
- Strategic play to strengthen brand + network leadership
- Millimeter wave isn’t dead—far from it:
- Verizon continues expanding mmWave across 90+ markets
- Delivers massive speed gains in dense urban areas
- Still limited by range and indoor performance
- Ericsson and Nokia facing a 5G slowdown:
- Market entering a “trough” between 5G and 6G cycles
- Growth shifting toward emerging markets and new spectrum opportunities
- Edge computing & AI inference—overhyped?
- Data centers expanding into unexpected locations
- Push driven largely by power distribution challenges
- Debate: real demand vs. industry hype
- AST SpaceMobile’s next launch:
- Competing directly in satellite broadband with large-scale D2D satellites
- Still facing timeline and deployment challenges common across the industry
Watch the full episode here:
Disclaimer: This show is for information and entertainment purposes only. While we will discuss publicly traded companies on this show, its contents should not be taken as investment advice.
