Telecom Trends USA offers a comprehensive weekly update on the strategic moves, competitive context, and market positioning within the US Telecom industry. This podcast is designed to keep you informed on the latest developments, providing insights into regulatory changes, market dynamics, and technological advancements. Our focus is on delivering factual, concise, and critical analysis for professionals navigating the Telecom sector.Featuring targeted discussions for company executives, consultants, regulators, sales personnel, investors, analysts, and other stakeholders in the Telecom industry, Telecom Trends USA serves as an essential resource for understanding the fast-evolving landscape. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives that could inform decision-making, strategic planning, and competitive analysis. Discover the depth and breadth of the US Telecom industry through our weekly briefings.Powered by Apisod.com
Carriers are doubling down on AI and software just as the FCC rewrites the rules, and Verizon is at the center of this collision. CEO Dan Schulman projects rapid advances—possibly reaching artificial general intelligence within 18 months—and is betting big with a $70 million employee AI training blitz. The stakes are high: if new automation can streamline network planning, customer care, and field operations, Verizon could see real savings and productivity jumps this fiscal year, all while shifting to a more agile, cross-functional workforce.
But here’s the catch: while Verizon pushes for transformation, the FCC is shaking up the compliance landscape. The agency just scrapped the long-standing 39% national broadcast ownership cap (potentially fueling an M&A spree for groups like Nexstar and Sinclair), yet tightened consumer contact rules and held firm on Verizon’s deadline to answer a speed-throttling complaint. Add in conditional device approvals and an ongoing pause on copper retirements, and it’s clear—regulators want proof that new tech actually delivers for consumers, not just the bottom line.
Featuring insights from Verizon CEO Dan Schulman and reporting on FCC moves, this episode unpacks the high-stakes chess match between industry ambition and regulatory scrutiny.
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29 Sept 2026
FCC Pauses Verizon Copper Exit
Verizon’s plan to pull the plug on old copper phone lines just hit a regulatory speed bump. The FCC paused automatic approval, raising tough questions about how—and when—millions of legacy lines will be retired across nine states. While only 2.7% of those 28 million locations still use copper, rural officials are sounding alarms that new fiber and wireless options don’t always deliver reliable service, especially during long power outages. Billions could be freed up for new network investments, but the stakes are huge for small towns, first responders, and anyone relying on a landline when the lights go out.
But here’s the catch: the FCC could slow Verizon’s plans with stricter rules, like mandating longer backup power or proof of coverage before shutting off copper. That puts leverage in the hands of regulators and local officials, making Verizon’s network upgrades—and cost savings—dependent on showing that alternatives are truly “adequate.” Meanwhile, T-Mobile is racing ahead, eyeing new 6G airwaves with early experiments. Whoever shapes the rules, and tests first, could set the terms for the next era of wireless, while Verizon’s billions hang in the balance.
Based on reporting from Fierce Network, Law360, Mid Hudson News, and Radio Catskill.
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22 Sept 2026
Big Three Split on AI-RAN
AI is shaking up the telecom landscape, but the big three—AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon—aren’t singing from the same hymn sheet. Each is betting on AI for different reasons, from smarter network management to energy savings, but the results are more promise than proof so far. Vendors have the upper hand, with carriers shelling out for software and integration, while the real test will be how quickly these “AI-first” ambitions actually cut costs or boost capacity. Keep your eyes on Verizon’s multibillion-dollar Corning fiber deal and AT&T’s tactical focus on energy and interference: these moves aim to clear the path for closed-loop automation, but real gains depend on execution, not just pilots and PowerPoints.
AT&T is also making a gamble on fixed wireless access (FWA) through Cricket, rolling out $45 home internet in markets where fiber isn’t an option and cable’s grip is slipping. The company’s $23 billion spectrum acquisition and fresh mid-band leases are fueling this push, but the economics are tight—prepaid FWA needs to offset higher network investment, and heavy users could see throttled speeds. The big question: can Cricket’s low-cost, bundled approach attract enough households to justify the spend, without overloading the network?
Meanwhile, cable is feeling the squeeze. Comcast and Charter are bleeding broadband subscribers and leaning on wireless bundles and aggressive promos to stanch the flow, but margins are under pressure and stock prices reflect it. Featuring insights from Fierce Network, Broadband Breakfast, and earnings data from Comcast.
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