Pioneer Telecom used to be a mainstay at the CP Expo. They would bring in boxers and other sports celebs to their booth and have a line around the door. Then POOF!
Now they are back as a member of the AT&T APEX program. They are showcasing 4G/LTE backup powered by AT&T Mobility. 4G/LTE backup is becoming popular. It is a driving force behind ISPs and CLECs joining the AT&T APEX program. They get to resell AT&T 4G through this program along with ASE and MIS.
Sierra Wireless is in the 4G/LTE game – even as a primary circuit, not just as backup. The special sauce with Sierra (as I mentioned here) is the hardware, the Maestro antenna and the ability to use all 4 cellcos.
TPX is utilizing 4G/LTE as a primary connection for customer connectivity with their SD-WAN technology. Listen to the podcast with Jared Martin, VP of ITx at TPX Communications as we discuss SD-WAN and LTE.
Verizon Wireless is beating the channel bushes to get partners selling 4G/LTE, Cradlepoint routers, tablets and One Talk (mobile UC). The one catching point is the lack of MRR. We like recurring commissions.
4G is growing as we see more 5G Hype. SD-WAN is assisting that hype as rural and retail look to cheaper access alternatives than fiber. Telcos are already losing the DSL battle to cable; now they are losing subscribers to cellular. Not good for the ILECs.