Widespread Cellular Outages and the Benefits of Failover

In a surprising turn of events, major cellular carriers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon experienced widespread outages across the United States on Thursday morning. The disruptions left thousands of customers without cellular service and internet connectivity, sparking concerns, especially regarding emergency services. Details sourced from NBC News reveal the extent of the outages and the subsequent responses from the affected companies.

AT&T Takes the Brunt of Outages

AT&T faced the most severe impact, with over 32,000 outages reported at around 4 a.m. ET on Thursday. The number skyrocketed to more than 71,000 just before 8 a.m. ET. Downdetector indicated that major cities such as Houston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta were the epicenters of the reported issues. The exact cause of the service disruption remains unclear.

T-Mobile and Verizon Experience Lesser Outages

While T-Mobile and Verizon also experienced outages, their scale appeared less widespread compared to AT&T. Around 1,100 T-Mobile outages and approximately 3,000 Verizon outages were reported as of 7 a.m. Thursday. Both companies addressed the situation promptly, assuring customers that their networks were operating normally, and the reported outages may have been a result of customers attempting to connect to other affected carriers.

Company Responses

AT&T acknowledged the issue Thursday morning, stating, “Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning.” The company assured customers that they were working urgently to restore service and recommended the use of Wi-Fi calling until normal service was resumed. Similarly, Verizon clarified that the outages were not directly impacting their network but were affecting customers trying to reach other carriers experiencing issues. T-Mobile echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that their network was operational.

Emergency Concerns

One of the most alarming aspects of these outages is the potential impact on emergency services. Reports indicate that some customers, particularly those using AT&T, were unable to make or receive phone calls, including emergency calls to 911. The San Francisco Fire Department and various police departments across the country issued warnings, urging affected customers to seek alternative means to contact emergency services.

City Responses

Officials from various cities affected by the outages expressed concern and worked to mitigate the impact on emergency services. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens assured the public that Atlanta’s e-911 was operational, but acknowledged that AT&T customers were facing difficulties. Similar statements were issued by emergency management offices in Chicago, Virginia’s Prince William County, and North Carolina’s Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

The Importance of Failover

Problems like this make it apparent that having a backup in place is important. Network diversity via SD-WAN capable routers allow users to have more than one WAN connection available. While this is mainly used for failover purposes, it can also allow for smoother VoIP calls and video meetings, and faster uploads.

Unbreakable VPN and VoIP, faster speeds and smoother calls are possible via a feature typically known as Bonding or WAN Bonding, which combines multiple WAN connections together for one, more reliable connection. So whether you utilize more than one cellular connection, or one cellular and one wired connection (Cable, Satellite, DSL, etc), simple failover or Bonding may be what you need to keep your business running 24/7.

Peplink BR1 Mini 5G Router

Peplink introduces its latest innovation, the BR1 Mini 5G router, designed to redefine the possibilities of high-speed internet access for various applications. This compact powerhouse, now in stock and certified by major carriers, including Verizon (C-BAND), AT&T, FirstNet, and T-Mobile, redefines the way you connect and manage your network.

High-Speed Connectivity

The Peplink BR1 Mini 5G router boasts a 5G modem capable of reaching speeds up to 3.4 Gbps down and 900 Mbps up, ensuring blazing-fast internet access. In instances where 5G is not available, the router seamlessly switches to its 4G LTE Cat 20 modem, supporting speeds of up to 1.6 Gbps down and 200 Mbps up. The inclusion of redundant SIM slots in nano 4FF size ensures uninterrupted connectivity.

Versatile Ports and Connectivity Options

Equipped with two dedicated 10/100/1000 LAN ports and a third port that can function as both LAN and WAN, the BR1 Mini 5G offers flexibility in network configurations. The WAN port supports throughput up to 300 Mbps, providing reliable and high-speed connectivity. The device also supports SpeedFusion features, allowing for two to five VPN connections at speeds up to 80 Mbps with encryption off and up to 60 Mbps with encryption on, provided with a valid PrimeCare plan. 

The package includes the BR1 Mini 5G router, four cellular antennas, and a 12V 2A 4-pin power supply. Additionally, the device can be powered over Ethernet or 10-30V DC via the 4-pin connector, providing flexibility in deployment options. Note that there is no WiFi or GPS support on this model. 

Compact and Flexible Design

Despite its powerful capabilities, the BR1 Mini 5G maintains the compact and lightweight design synonymous with the BR1 Mini series. Weighing just under one pound and measuring under five inches in size, it is an ideal solution for diverse applications, from fixed office locations to vehicles traversing the globe. Suitable for one to sixty users, the BR1 Mini 5G adapts seamlessly to various networking environments. 

Advanced Features for Enhanced Management

The router includes GPIO and ignition sensing features, catering to a range of applications. It can be used as a 5G adapter with an existing network or as a gateway/router to create a new network. With extensive compatibility with 5G/LTE bands, including native 5G NSA and SA mode support, the BR1 Mini 5G ensures optimal performance across different network scenarios.

Efficient Remote Management

Peplink’s InControl2, a cloud-based endpoint management system, allows users to remotely access the BR1 Mini 5G router’s web admin. This feature enables administrators to generate reports, push configurations, and effectively manage connected devices, such as sensors and cameras, utilizing Peplink’s InTouch technology at 5G speeds.

Ready to get your hands on a BR1 Mini 5G? Check them out now at 5Gstore.com! In the meantime, here’s a closer look in our unboxing video!

Verizon and Axon Showcase 5G Network Slicing in Public Safety

Verizon Wireless has recently joined forces with Axon Enterprise Inc., a leader in public safety technology, to demonstrate the capabilities of 5G network slicing in public safety applications. The collaboration utilized Axon Fleet 3, an advanced in-car video system, and Axon Respond, a real-time situational awareness service.

Axon’s in-car video system provides live maps and streaming through mobile cameras to enhance safety officials’ awareness of their surroundings. During the demonstration, Verizon conducted two tests. In one scenario, they deployed a network-slicing-enabled commercial 5G Ultra-Wideband network, while in the other, they used the 5G Ultra-Wideband network without slicing.

Network slicing allows real-time resource allocation and customization of functionalities based on diverse requirements. 5G with network slicing can tailor its performance to various services such as IoT devices, AR/VR use cases, gaming, financial services, and more, each with different bandwidth and latency needs. This optimization not only improves network performance but also enhances cost efficiency and revenue potential.

Verizon’s test results revealed a remarkable 68% improvement in application responsiveness across the network with network-slicing-enabled 5G. Additionally, the reduction in Jitter and the time to the first frame signifies improved accessibility for law enforcement officers. Verizon’s network slicing technology, integrated with advanced AI-ML (Artificial Intelligence – Machine Learning), allows automated network configuration changes and scalability to meet evolving service demands. This dynamic provisioning enhances device efficiency and equips security personnel with heightened situational awareness in challenging environments.

This collaboration underscores Verizon’s commitment to innovation and the advancement of 5G use cases. In recent years, the company has developed a cloud-native architecture, an advanced 5G standalone core, acquired spectrum assets, and implemented network virtualization across its infrastructure.

Verizon is experiencing substantial 5G adoption and momentum in fixed wireless broadband. The telecom giant aims to expedite the availability of its 5G Ultra-Wideband network nationwide, focusing on 5G mobility, nationwide broadband, mobile edge compute, and business solutions.

Verizon is actively building a comprehensive network infrastructure and ecosystem to deliver an exceptional 5G experience. The company continues to deploy Home Internet service in select cities, offering users a maximum download speed of up to 1 Gbps.

Verizon’s 5G mobility service has a significant impact on various industries, including public safety, healthcare, retail, and sports. The success of its 5G network relies on three key drivers: extensive spectrum holdings, particularly in millimeter-wave bands for faster data transfer, end-to-end deep fiber resources, and the ability to deploy a large number of small cells.

How 5G Will Affect Future Meetings and More

The 5G Future Forum (5GFF) and MATSUKO have pioneered a groundbreaking event: the world’s first real-time transatlantic holographic collaborative meeting, uniting multiple individuals as holograms. This technological feat connected holograms from New York via Verizon’s 5G network, Toronto, through Bell Canada’s 5G network, and London, utilizing Vodafone’s 5G network. The innovative demonstration was showcased at the Mobile World Congress Las Vegas this week.

Michael Szakala, DevOps Leader at MATSUKO, enthusiastically remarks, “Edge Discovery Service APIs provide us a simple way to find the optimal Edge servers for our application. We’ve seamlessly connected visionary operators like Bell, Verizon, Vodafone, pioneering a monumental leap in communication through the holographic call. By incorporating the API into the deployment process, it is very simple to ensure interoperability and a steady connection among the operators.” Szakala also underscores the transformative impact of elevated network capabilities, stating, “it amplifies product performance, such as reduced latency, expanded bandwidth, which provides enhanced holographic experiences for our customers.”

John Nitti, SVP, Strategy, New Business, and Partner Development for Verizon, adds, “This demonstration shows how Verizon via the 5GFF continues to drive Open API industry momentum with real-life use cases while also accelerating ease of use for developers.”

Giorgio Migliarina, Vodafone Group Director of Business Products and Services, envisions the potential of multi-party holographic calling, noting that it can foster connectivity and productivity across various domains, from classrooms and offices to hospitals and homes. He underscores that the smooth and lifelike movement of these holograms will become more prevalent with the growing availability of 5G and edge computing technology.

Bell’s Costa Pantazopoulos, VP Product, emphasizes Bell’s commitment to supporting the developer community’s access to 5G MEC technologies and ensuring global interoperability. He describes the holographic video call demo as an illustration of Bell’s innovative efforts in enabling developers to harness 5G capabilities for their application goals, in collaboration with partners Vodafone and Verizon.

Human holograms, as opposed to avatars, offer the unique advantage of conveying a person’s full range of emotions, creating a sense of genuine presence in remote communication. Advances in connectivity driven by 5G and edge computing technology provided by telecom operators enable the smooth and natural movement of holograms, unlocking a multitude of potential use cases.

MATSUKO stands as the creator of the world’s first real-time software-only solution for holographic presence, requiring only a single camera to stream holograms in spatial computing (VR/AR). Their real-time hologram streaming technology bridges the gap in remote communication, making people feel physically together.

iPhone 15 Pro Receives Boost in 5G Speeds

The iPhone 15 Pro, set to be released this week, will offer significant enhancements to its 5G performance. This is thanks to its new Qualcomm modem, according to data from SpeedSmart. This new iPhone model will utilize Qualcomm’s X70 modem, offering three key improvements: notably lower power consumption, improved 5G carrier aggregation capabilities, and better connectivity even when the iPhone is far from a cell tower.

Speed test results indicate that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will deliver up to 24% faster 5G speeds compared to the previous iPhone 14 Pro models. Verizon users will experience the most substantial improvements, followed by T-Mobile and AT&T. These enhancements primarily manifest as boosted download speeds, although there are also minor improvements in upload speeds and ping times.

On average, all three major US networks saw significant gains in download speeds, with an impressive average of 255 Mbps over 5G. Verizon had the largest improvement at 24% faster, followed closely by T-Mobile at 22% faster, with an average download speed of 300 Mbps nationwide. AT&T experienced a 14.6% increase in average download speed. These findings highlight the iPhone 15 Pro’s impressive 5G performance across the country.

While Qualcomm’s X70 modem is also used in flagship Android smartphones, Apple is actively working on developing its own in-house 5G modems, which are expected to be several years away. Qualcomm recently announced that Apple will continue to use Qualcomm 5G modems for iPhones at least through 2026.

Verizon Brings Connectivity to Enterprise Users

NEW YORK – Verizon has unveiled a new vehicle that brings the full functionality of Verizon’s wireless network as well as connected emerging technologies right to enterprise customers’ front doors. Called Mobile Onsite Network-as-a-Service (NaaS), the solution delivers a private network, private mobile edge compute (MEC), SD-Wan, and satellite connectivity to customer locations. The 10-foot portable trailer was developed with dual-core network capabilities supporting both 4G and 5G standalone functionality. It also provides scalable, reliable 5G and edge compute that can be managed locally by enterprise and public sector customers for enhanced operational flexibility just about wherever they need it. The first deployment of Verizon’s Mobile Onsite NaaS is at Lockheed Martin’s Waterton, Colorado campus. In a matter of hours after arriving, the entire solution was set-up and had completed testing over a satellite communications connection, demonstrating its ease of use in almost any environment. The Mobile Onsite NaaS will be used to collect sensor data and video providing key performance indicators to assess network operations. Watch the video on Mobile Onsite NaaS here.

“By delivering the mission critical connectivity that our network provides to customer locations, we are demonstrating how 5G and edge computing can help customers address their strategic priorities and continue to develop advanced solutions,” said Srini Kalapala, Senior Vice President for Technology and Product Development at Verizon. “A private network on location delivers the high-speed, high-capacity, and low-latency needed for various applications as well as greater privacy and security.”

“As the first host of this advanced system, Lockheed Martin continues to demonstrate our commitment to harnessing the best of commercial technology to create 21st Century Security capabilities that keep our customers ahead of emerging threats,” said Dan Rice, vice president of 5G.MIL® Programs at Lockheed Martin. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Verizon on our 5G.MIL® Unified Network Solutions, which aim to provide cohesive communications, edge processing and advanced networking capabilities for interoperable, resilient and secure connectivity and data flow across all domains.”

Even with 5G technology more accessible than ever, in some situations there is still an opportunity to enhance the network and technological capabilities for enterprise and public sector customers in locations where network connections and coverage can be challenging. The asset offers opportunities for industries such as utilities, agriculture, manufacturing, and more to take advantage of the private network and compute service at a particular location without the costs entailed in a permanent installation allowing for a plug and play model for temporary or permanent use. Consider entertainment companies who need guaranteed 5G and edge compute for a concert, infrastructure providers who need to use drones to assess bridge repairs, or public safety professionals who need to set up a mobile command center at the site of a natural disaster.

Mobile Lab as a Service

The Mobile Onsite NaaS can also be used as a Mobile Lab as a Service, which is part of Verizon Innovation Labs’ offerings. Verizon has three Innovation Labs located in Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco that provide customers with integrated spaces with products and solutions for collaboration as well as an active lab environment for development and testing. These spaces include both commercial and private 5G networks, NSA and IMS cores, multiple RF shielded rooms and a full private MEC portfolio for developers. They support enterprise teams with real-world technical validation, designed to accelerate solution development and offer Verizon’s deep engineering expertise to help them get the most out of the Verizon network. If customers cannot come to the Labs and want to test their applications in the field, the Mobile Onsite NaaS allows them to test their solutions with Verizon engineers on their corporate campus or job site.  

Enhancing Public Safety Response with Cellular Routers

Reliable communication is paramount for public safety agencies to effectively respond to emergencies and ensure the well-being of communities. To meet these critical demands, specialized sections of cellular networks have been established exclusively for public safety use. Companies like AT&T with FirstNet, Verizon and its Frontline service, and T-Mobile’s Connecting Heroes program have pioneered this innovation, offering dedicated networks that empower first responders with seamless, prioritized, and resilient communication capabilities.

The Need for Dedicated Networks

Traditional cellular networks are designed to handle a multitude of users engaging in various activities, such as browsing the internet, streaming videos, and sending emails. However, during emergencies or large-scale events, the surge in network traffic can overload these systems, compromising communication channels for first responders and emergency personnel. Dedicated networks for public safety address this challenge by creating a separate, prioritized infrastructure that ensures consistent access to communication resources, even in the most demanding situations.

AT&T FirstNet: A Game-Changer in Public Safety

Launched by AT&T in partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), FirstNet is a dedicated cellular network designed exclusively for first responders. With its separate spectrum and specialized infrastructure, FirstNet ensures that public safety agencies have the bandwidth they need when it matters most. This means that firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other emergency personnel can communicate and coordinate effectively without facing network congestion.

One of the key features of FirstNet is its priority and preemption capabilities. During emergencies, FirstNet users are given top priority, ensuring that their communication takes precedence over regular network traffic. This ensures that critical information reaches first responders promptly, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions and respond swiftly to evolving situations.

Verizon Frontline: Elevating Public Safety Communications

Verizon Frontline is another exemplary initiative that caters to the unique communication needs of public safety agencies. By leveraging Verizon’s advanced network infrastructure, Frontline offers first responders reliable connectivity and dedicated network resources. This empowers them to share real-time data, videos, and other critical information without the risk of disruption.

Frontline’s emphasis on network resilience is particularly noteworthy. The network incorporates redundancy and backup solutions, ensuring that communication remains intact even in the face of network outages or congestion. This level of reliability is essential for public safety agencies operating in high-pressure scenarios where seamless communication can be a matter of life and death.

T-Mobile Connecting Heroes: Bridging the Gap

T-Mobile’s Connecting Heroes program is yet another testament to the commitment of cellular providers to support public safety efforts. Through this initiative, T-Mobile offers first responders and their agencies access to its powerful 5G network, enabling high-speed data transfer, video streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive applications. This is crucial for tasks such as remote medical consultations, live video feeds from the field, and data-driven decision-making.

In addition to reliable connectivity, Connecting Heroes also provides cost-saving benefits. Public safety agencies can access T-Mobile’s network at discounted rates, allowing them to allocate resources more efficiently and invest in other critical aspects of their operations.

Benefits of Using a Cellular Router for Public Safety

In the realm of public safety, effective communication plays a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and responding swiftly to emergencies. While traditional methods, such as public safety approved cell phones and tablets, have served as communication tools for first responders, the adoption of dedicated cellular routers brings a new dimension of advantages that significantly elevate their capabilities.

The enhanced coverage and extended range provided by cellular routers are particularly valuable in challenging public safety scenarios. Whether in remote locations, disaster sites, or densely populated urban areas, these routers, equipped with high-gain antennas and advanced signal optimization technology, deliver superior connectivity compared to standard public safety approved cell phones and tablets.

Security is paramount in public safety communication, and cellular routers excel in this aspect. With support for virtual private networks (VPNs) and advanced encryption protocols, these routers offer an added layer of protection for sensitive data transmitted over the network. This heightened security ensures the confidentiality of communications among first responders, safeguarding critical information from unauthorized access.

Centralized management capabilities streamline the deployment and maintenance of cellular routers. IT administrators can efficiently monitor and configure multiple devices from a single interface, simplifying updates and reducing the administrative burden on public safety agencies.

Reliability is further reinforced through backup and redundancy mechanisms integrated into cellular routers. These mechanisms automatically switch between different networks, such as cellular and Wi-Fi, in the event of network outages, ensuring continuous connectivity for first responders even in challenging situations.

Durable and rugged design is another hallmark of cellular routers, making them well-suited for the harsh conditions often encountered in public safety operations. Extreme temperatures, dust, moisture, and physical impacts pose no hindrance to the seamless operation of these routers, contributing to their reliability in demanding environments.

Public Safety Approved Devices 

Looking for a solution to use for your public safety needs? Check out the following supported devices from our vendors, and be sure to reach out to the 5Gstore team with any questions! 

Exploring Fixed Wireless Access Internet Service 

In the ever-evolving landscape of communication technology, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) has emerged as a game-changing solution, providing reliable internet connectivity to homes and businesses. FWA is offered by major telecom giants such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, allowing customers to enjoy high-speed internet without traditional wired connections. While FWA presents an exciting opportunity, it’s important to note that its availability is currently limited to select areas.

What is Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)?

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a broadband internet service that delivers high-speed connectivity using wireless technology, eliminating the need for physical cables and infrastructure. FWA operates by establishing a wireless connection between a customer’s location and a nearby cell tower. This technology allows users to access the internet from a fixed location, whether it’s a residential home or a business establishment.

Limited Availability and Slot Constraints

At present, Fixed Wireless Access is only available in specific geographic areas where the telecom companies have deployed the necessary infrastructure. Unlike traditional wired broadband, FWA service coverage is dependent on the proximity of a cell tower. Due to this limitation, not all regions have access to FWA, making it essential for potential customers to check whether their area is eligible for this service.

Moreover, FWA service has a unique constraint that sets it apart from traditional internet offerings: the number of available slots per cell tower. Telecom companies cannot oversell FWA connections beyond the capacity of a given tower. This ensures that users connected to the tower can experience more consistent and reliable speeds without experiencing significant slowdowns during peak usage times.

Fixed Location Verification

Unlike mobile broadband, Fixed Wireless Access requires users to have a verified fixed location. This means that customers cannot use FWA for on-the-go connectivity like they would with mobile data plans. The verification process is crucial for maintaining network stability and ensuring that the service is provided to the intended location.

Variable Speeds Depend on Time of Day and Signal Quality

Even with limited access, the speed of Fixed Wireless Access connections can vary based on factors such as time of day and signal quality. During peak usage hours, such as evenings when many users are online, the network may experience increased congestion, leading to potential slowdowns in internet speed. Additionally, the quality of the signal between the customer’s location and the cell tower can impact the overall speed and stability of the connection. Using an external antenna can typically help in cases where the signal and/or signal quality may be too weak inside. 

FWA Highlights

FWA has many benefits for home and business owners. If you have availability in your area, it’s best to take advantage of the service ASAP before all slots are taken. If you’re on the fence about it, take into consideration the following highlights that showcase FWA’s potential:

  • Rural and Underserved Areas: FWA has the potential to bridge the digital divide by providing high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas where laying traditional wired infrastructure is cost-prohibitive or logistically challenging. This can empower rural communities with improved educational, economic, and social opportunities.
  • Quick Deployment: FWA offers a faster deployment timeline compared to laying physical cables. This agility is particularly valuable in disaster-stricken areas where rapid connectivity is crucial for emergency response, relief efforts, and communication restoration.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: For both service providers and customers, FWA can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional wired broadband solutions. It eliminates the need for extensive underground cabling and associated infrastructure costs.
  • Reduced Environmental Impact: The absence of extensive physical infrastructure reduces the environmental impact associated with laying cables and digging trenches, contributing to a more sustainable approach to connectivity expansion.
  • Business Connectivity: FWA offers a reliable and high-speed internet option for small businesses and startups, enabling them to establish and maintain their online presence without the limitations of traditional wired connections.
  • Future-Proofing: As technology advances, FWA networks can be upgraded with minimal disruption, ensuring that users can benefit from evolving connectivity standards without major infrastructure overhauls.
  • Complementary Technology: FWA can complement existing wired and mobile networks, providing an additional layer of redundancy and network resilience, especially in areas prone to service disruptions.

Paving the Way for the Future of Fixed Connectivity

Fixed Wireless Access offered by telecom giants like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T represents a promising advancement in internet connectivity technology. By eliminating the need for physical cables and infrastructure, FWA brings the convenience of high-speed internet to more homes and businesses. However, its current limited availability and dependence on cell tower capacity mean that FWA is not yet accessible to everyone. As technology continues to evolve, it’s likely that FWA services will expand to cover more areas and improve the overall online experience for users in the future.

Verizon Speeds Up 5G Network

Verizon has gained early access to the entire 5G C-band spectrum it won at the March 2021 auction. This accelerates the expansion of their 5G Ultra Wideband network, doubling or even tripling bandwidth in some areas. This boosts capacity, data speeds, and allows for 5G Home broadband and Business Internet services. Joe Russo, EVP & President of Global Networks and Technology for Verizon, highlights this progress.

“Early access to the remainder of the C-band spectrum puts us another four months ahead of schedule from our original projections. This additional spectrum will make 5G Ultra Wideband available to even more Americans, and will open up more availability of our home and business broadband solutions. The more spectrum we deploy on our network, the more capacity we add for our customer’s to connect.”

Since deploying C-band 5G, over 222 million people in 359 markets now have access. 40 million households can use Verizon’s Home Internet, with 384,000 new customers this quarter. Verizon holds licenses for 140-200 MHz C-band in various markets, deploying 60 MHz in the first 46 areas in 2022. With final clearance, they’ll utilize the entire licensed spectrum for improved bandwidth.

Key Points:

  • Early access to full C-band spectrum speeds up Verizon’s 5G expansion.
  • Bandwidth doubles or triples in some areas, boosting capacity and speeds.
  • Verizon’s C-band deployment now covers 222 million people across 359 markets.
  • Over 40 million households have access to Verizon’s Home Internet.
  • Verizon holds licenses for 140-200 MHz C-band, deploying 60 MHz in the first 46 areas.
  • Full clearance enables use of the entire licensed spectrum for enhanced bandwidth.

For more details, check out the Verizon announcement.

Saying Farewell to BlueJeans: Verizon’s Video Collaboration Service

Verizon Wireless just sent out a note alerting users of BlueJeans, a video collaboration service, that it will no longer be supported.

Here’s What You Need to Know:

  • Service Termination Date: Your BlueJeans service will officially come to an end on December 31, 2023. Until then, you can continue to utilize the service for your virtual meetings and collaborations.
  • Early Termination Option: If you prefer to transition away from BlueJeans before the end of the year, you have the option to terminate your service sooner. To do this, simply access your account in Verizon My Business. Alternatively, you can reach out to Verizon’s dedicated Customer Support team at 800.922.0204 for assistance with making the necessary service changes.
  • Exploring Alternatives: Verizon understands that the right communication tools are essential for your business. In light of this change, they will be sending you a follow-up communication with information about alternative meeting options that may be suitable for your needs.
  • Bundled Services: If BlueJeans is currently bundled with other Verizon services you are utilizing, rest assured that those additional services will remain unaffected. Any discounts or promotional rates you’re enjoying on those services will continue even after your BlueJeans service is terminated.
  • Download Your Recordings: If you have any important recordings stored on the BlueJeans platform, they recommend that you download them prior to the service termination date. After this date, in accordance with the BlueJeans privacy policy, your content will be deleted.