The G2 on 5G Podcast: Mavenir's Woes, Trump's Spectrum Plans, Rip and Replace Funding, MediaTek's Pixel Potential, 2024 Recap, and 2025 Predictions

Welcome and Introduction

- Will Townsend and Anshel Sag host the final episode of G2 and 5G for 2024

- Apology for delay due to travel commitments

- Brief discussion on upcoming CES expectations

Hot Takes on Recent News

- Mavenir's ongoing challenges and executive departure

- Potential Trump administration's plans for 3 GHz spectrum allocation

Mavenir's Struggles

- John Baker's departure and its implications

- Financial difficulties and failed expansion attempts

- Speculation on potential buyers and future prospects

Spectrum Allocation and FCC Changes

- Discussion on lower 3 GHz band allocation for 5G

- Challenges with FCC's ability to allocate spectrum

- Congressional issues affecting spectrum allocation

Rip and Replace Funding

- US Senate's approval of $3 billion for replacing Chinese infrastructure

- Debate on whether the allocated funds are sufficient

MediaTek's Potential Entry into Pixel Phones

- Rumors of MediaTek 5G modems in future Pixel devices

- Comparison with current Samsung modems in Pixel devices

- Speculation on Apple's modem strategy

2024 Retrospective and 2025 Predictions

- 2024 as a setup year for significant 5G developments in 2025

- Predictions for satellite integration in 5G networks

- AI's increasing role in network operations and device interfaces

The Year of LEO (Low Earth Orbit) Satellites

- 2025 projected as the "year of the fifth zodiac" (Leo)

- Anticipated developments in LEO satellite communications

- Potential scaling of direct-to-cell unmodified technology

Closing Thoughts

- Brief mention of upcoming phone reviews

- Expectations for 5G advancements and glimpses of 6G in 2025

- Invitation for audience engagement and feedback