Juniper Research forecast Tuesday that the total number of 5G connections will hit 3.2 billion by 2026, up from 310 million this year. Juniper predicted increasing investments in stand-alone 5G networks, which “leverage next-generation technologies, such as network orchestration tools, to enable operators to monetize data‑intensive use cases, like remote healthcare and mobile gaming.” By 2026, the average revenue per 5G smartphone connection will decline to $17 worldwide, from $29 this year, “significantly impacting operator revenue,” Juniper said. The Asia Pacific region will have 60% of the 5G connections, it said: “Operators in China, Japan and South Korea have all implemented lower subscription costs, which have accelerated 5G adoption, thus enabling these subscribers to explore novel services that require 5G connectivity.”

Microsoft urged the FCC to reject a petition for reconsideration by Shure of amended white spaces rules. Shure sought recon of the 16-watt effective isotropic radiated power level for mobile white spaces devices and the nationwide scope of the authorization for narrowband devices. Shure “impermissibly raises arguments and introduces studies for the first time,” Microsoft said in a filing posted Tuesday in docket 20-36. The petition is “substantively flawed because it fails to raise any credible grounds for reconsideration,” the company said: “The Commission’s rules were cautious, well-reasoned, evidence-based, clearly articulated, in line with precedent, and within the scope of the proceeding.”

The FirstNet board meets Aug. 18 at 11 a.m. at the W Hotel, 515 15th St. NW, Washington. Public attendance is limited, says Monday Federal Register.

NTIA, reflecting a letter from the Coast Guard, told the FCC the use of radio devices for the automatic identification system should be limited to their intended use “which does not currently include marking fishing equipment.” A June NPRM asked to what extent the 1900-2000 KHz band is used “to support fishing operations, and what obstacles prevent heavier spectrum usage.” The FCC sought comment at the direction of Congress. “Based on the existing international standards, when these devices are used they appear as ships rather than fishing equipment, which can cause dangerous confusion,” NTIA said in a filing posted Friday in docket 21-230.

Grant the Connect America Fund Phase II Coalition petition to waive FCC rules that reduce CAF-II support where the estimated number of eligible locations is less than the estimate for the CAF-II auction, Microsoft asked, posted in docket 10-90 Thursday. The RDOF process for locations requested will better ensure broadband is timely deployed in unserved rural areas, align the location count process in the CAF-II and RDOF programs for better efficiency, and spare CAF-II recipients “unnecessary economic harm,” the company said.

Qualcomm representatives spoke with aides to FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks about the company’s push for sharing the 37 GHz band (see 2104280038), said a Wednesday filing in docket 14-177. “The simple rule" Qualcomm proposes "would allow multiple licensees, each using any air interface, to share on a licensed basis the entire 600 MHz wide Lower 37 GHz band in the same location, on the same frequencies, and at the same time, by taking advantage of the highly directional nature of millimeter wave communications.”

The FCC Wireless Bureau OK'd three 900 MHz broadband segment licenses Wednesday to use a 6 MHz swath for broadband, in keeping with an order approved last year (see 2005130057). Licenses went to PDV Spectrum for markets in Illinois.

S&P Global Ratings raised T-Mobile’s issuer credit and senior unsecured debt scores to BB+ from BB but said ratings could be hurt if the carrier makes “material” investments in the upcoming 3.45 GHz auction. S&P cited T-Mobile updates last week as it reported Q2 (see 2107290071), including higher than expected synergies from buying Sprint. “Notwithstanding the challenges of a massive integration,” T-Mobile’s “operating and financial performance remains strong,” said Tuesday night's note to investors.

Ligado expects major wireless carriers to have continuing mid-band spectrum needs after last year’s C-band and the upcoming 3.45 GHz auction, CEO Doug Smith said during a Wireless Infrastructure Association webinar Wednesday. Part of that will be addressed by Ligado’s L band, he said. “There will be a shortage of uplink spectrum,” he predicted. “Not all spectrum works the same,” he said, noting 3.45 and C band are “great for capacity … and downlink speeds,” but the 1.6 GHz L band is better for uplink. Smith said that based on current trends, uplink traffic will continue to increase relative to downlink. “Where we are headed as an industry is to get the most out of every megahertz of spectrum that we have,” he said. Ligado has largely gotten past regulatory challenges, Smith said. “It was a long and thorough process” at the FCC, he said. “That was all necessary. It all led to last year’s 5-0 unanimous vote. … It’s unfortunate that some continue to question it.” If any new issue emerges, “we’ll address that too,” he said. Smith also sees a growing market for private networks. “We’re just getting started,” he said: “We have a good amount of spectrum and we are willing to put it to use specifically for a customer.” Some companies want full control of a network “and we can provide that,” he said. Ligado plans investments in infrastructure, including tower leases, fiber and backhaul, he said. “As we deploy our spectrum, it has to get on the infrastructures,” he said. The L band will play a role in reaching unserved areas, Smith said. He sees both “a tremendous amount” of collocations and new builds. “We have to play in all geographies,” he said. “A new carrier is music to the ears of my members who own infrastructure,” said WIA President Jonathan Adelstein, who interviewed Smith.

Disagreements continued in replies on Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI) and 5G Automotive Association petitions for reconsideration of reallocating the 5.9 GHz band (see 2106030075), in filings posted through Tuesday in docket 19-138. The change in administrations since the order was adopted last year “coupled with significant concerns about the Commission’s decision raised by stakeholders … both necessitate reconsideration of the decision,” AAI said: Oppositions to its petition “mischaracterize the amount of spectrum needed for life-saving [vehicle-to-everything] applications that can support automated vehicle technologies.” 5GAA claimed “broad support for the one issue on which 5GAA seeks partial reconsideration,” that the FCC should provide cellular-V2X an additional 20 dB of protection from out-of-band emissions in the Wi-Fi part of the band. “Opponents of this position largely contest the requested relief on procedural grounds in the hope of persuading the Commission to ignore 5GAA’s well-founded concerns,” the group said. T-Mobile said 5GAA raises questions worth considering. “Responses to the 5GAA Petition highlight that there are serious questions regarding whether the OOBE limits adopted … are appropriate,” the carrier said: “Whatever emissions limits the Commission adopts, T-Mobile strongly agrees that C-V2X operations must be protected from harmful interference by unlicensed devices.” NCTA targeted supporters of the 5GAA petition: “If the Commission were to undo its Order and adopt the 5GAA OOBE mask, it would delay the long-awaited benefits of gigabit-Wi-Fi." The AAI petition “should be granted because the Commission did not properly evaluate record evidence,” said Continental Automotive Systems. The part of the order reallocating most of the band for Wi-Fi is “unlawfully arbitrary and capricious,” the company said.