greenbastard

MOCN is just a stop-gap solution while they figure out how to transfer everyone to the T-Mobile core network. MOCN cannot be used to combine two networks into one, but can be used to allow a group of users access to more than one network. T-Mobile already implements MOCN so Sprint users can roam on their network without any compatibility issues. There is no need to worry about VoLTE compatibility or eCSFB issues with MOCN unlike with traditional roaming. This is the reason why T-Mobile roaming comes back with a Clearwire PLMN instead of a T-Mobile PLMN

This doesn't sound right. Both networks will still be up and running separately. MOCN will just allow Sprint users to access T-Mobile LTE and vice versa.

I don't think anything specific has been said about T-Mobile users being able to use Sprint towers. Why give T-Mobile users extra coverage if you're just going to shut off most of the Sprint towers 3 years later? And since T-Mobile only plans to deploy the EBS/BRS band using the NR airlink from their network, I don't know that your one plus will ever connect to B41. It's possible, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

I assume that all MVNO deals transfer over to the new T-Mobile (unless they have specific language in their contracts that state otherwise). Either way all Sprint MVNO users are going to have to make a transition one way or another.

They still have to deal with the AGs lawsuit and California's Public Utilities Commission. They can't close on Monday.

Charles Gasparino just said that the DoJ presser is back on for tomorrow (as of right now). But of course, things can change from tonight to tomorrow morning. My guess is that the DoJ found a state AG (or two) to back down from the lawsuit. The merger has been nuts to follow after the FCC gave their blessing. If Delrahim pulls this off, then he deserves a ton of credit. He just created a 3rd true national carrier (one that can go toe to toe with Verizon/At&t), while ensuring that most Americans have access to 4 carriers in most cities. This is a good outcome for all of America.

The DoJ is just trying to flip a couple of states to walk away from the lawsuit. Their goal is to weaken it as much as possible. I'd be very surprised if the DoJ can convince anti-Trump states like California and New York to walk away. Those AGs are fully locked into a political pissing match.

They've actually done more upgrades and tower additions in Texas after the merger was announced.

Don't forget California's Public Utilities Commission.

You're lucky. Houston is getting monstrosities that look like this. They're popping up in the most random locations (in front of people's yards, businesses, schools). They're not even trying to be discreet by using better stealth set-ups. A few people are mad that they're showing up in historic neighborhoods. In some cases, they're putting two of these right next to each other; one facing one side of the street and the other facing the opposite. Heck, I've even seen a T-Mobile small cell get co-located with an At&t small cell! It's nice that T-Mobile is moving very quick in deploying these small cells. But at some point, they're going to piss off the wrong old lady that loves to show up to City council meetings 😂.

Now the announcement is being delayed until Friday by the DoJ according to Charles Gasparino. Something tells me there is either an issue with the states or the DoJ is trying to figure out how to handle the "Charter" leak.

Google Fiber in San Antonio was merely a tease.

He can probably weasel his way into the old One Plus Promo for free too if he asks nicely.

This is a terrible idea for various reasons. For starters B26 is mostly congested, so once you get to -118 to -119 RSRP, you're probably better off falling to PCS EVDO (which is slightly more robust than LTE 800 MHz and less congested). Second, VoLTE can start experiencing hiccups around -117 RSRP (a lot of it depends on the device). Once you get to -120, you're going to be screaming "can you here me now?" just like in the old days. UEs can't function properly with the parameters you've suggested.

Interestingly enough, T-Mobile has started to add B71 to a lot of towers around the Houston Metro area. I'm assuming a lot of their towers will have to be remodeled since the B71/B12 panels are beafy (4x4 MIMO). Most of their towers already have 4x4 PCS/AWS split sectors, so space and weight are probably an issue. Meanwhile, Sprint continues to disappoint me. Their towers are not spaced for the 2.5 GHz band around here. The massive MIMO panels didn't do much to improve their 2.5 GHz coverage. The network is still a Swiss cheese style network where speeds go from 100+ Mbps in one block to <1 Mbps in the next. If they aren't going to densify, then they need to split sectors and add 4x4 MIMO. The original NV radios and antennas are outdated by today's standards.