This is a critical time to ensure state public safety needs are met by FirstNet’s plans for the nationwide public safety broadband Network (NPSBN). Wireless 20/20 has published a new White Paper designed to help state officials and governors evaluate the available information, and understand the benefits of issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to ensure that states get the best FirstNet deal meeting their public safety needs.

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Despite calls for harmonized 5G spectrum at MWC, the U.S. and EU seem to be on different paths at least in the near term. Several spectrum bands were identified by the ITU WRC-15 for future 5G services, including three bands above 6GHz in the 24 GHz, 31 GHz and 40 GHz bands. Europe is currently focusing on sub-6GHz spectrum for initial 5G trials and deployments, including C-Band (3.4 – 3.8GHz), to be allocated for 5G across multiple markets. The EU Council recently adopted a decision which calls for the coordinated use of the 700 MHz band to drive the roll-out of 5G wireless technology and boost mobile broadband connectivity in all EU member states. As a result of this decision, European mobile operators will obtain exclusive access to the 700 MHz band (694-790 MHz) by June 2020, a timeframe that coincides with the expected deployment of 5G networks in Europe.

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Approximately 30% of U.S. households in remote and rural communities still lack access to high speed broadband, and availability of fixed terrestrial broadband services in rural America continues to lag behind urban and suburban areas at all speeds. High speed internet access via DSL, cable and fiber is still cost prohibitive in rural and remote areas, and is available is only where providers can deploy these networks profitably.

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We have seen a significant uptick in interest and investment in fixed wireless broadband over the past few months. Approximately 30% of US households in remote and rural communities still lack access to high speed broadband, and availability of fixed terrestrial broadband services in rural America continues to lag behind urban and suburban areas at all speeds.

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At CTIA Super Mobility 2016, the entire expo floor was transformed into a fully connected smart city with the entire wireless ecosystem assembled under one roof. On the Thursday keynote stage, Verizon Communications’ John Stratton and New Cities Foundation Founder and Chairman John Rossant explained what needs to happen to make smart cities a reality.

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Shaw Communications agreed to acquire Wind Mobile in a deal worth approximately C$1.6 billion (around $1.16 billion USD). Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Shaw competes most directly with Telus and serves about 2.6 million cable TV, 2 million broadband Internet and 1.2 million digital telephone customers in British Columbia and Alberta, with smaller systems in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northern Ontario. While the acquisition awaits approval by Industry Canada and the Competition Bureau, Shaw has been working to arrange the financing necessary to complete the acquisition.

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