Articles by Jeff Kagan

Last week, AT&T held a meeting for investment analysts. It will increase capital spending by about 16 percent to US$22 billion a year over the next three years to upgrade its wireless and wireline networks. As executives discussed the company's plans, I had an idea. This would be a perfect advertising campaign AT&T should consider creating an enti...

Last week, AT&T held a meeting for investment analysts. It will increase capital spending by about 16 percent to US$22 billion a year over the next three years to upgrade its wireless and wireline networks. As executives discussed the company's plans, I had an idea. This would be a perfect advertising campaign AT&T should consider creating an enti...

Perhaps the United States was not the first to get into the 4G LTE wireless data game, but today it may be the most aggressive in rolling it out. The U.S. has more miles of network, more devices, and more subscribers than any other place on Earth If you listen to the advertising, it seems every carrier offers 4G, and every customer uses it. Do you...

Why is Verizon Wireless telling half-truths in its latest advertising campaign? It does make the company look better than its competitors, but here's the problem: When customers realize what they're led to believe is only a half-truth, they will be very upset with Verizon. So why risk that damage to the brand and the customer relationship?...

If Sprint Nextel closes its deal with Japan-based Softbank, then more of the good old-fashioned American wireless telephone industry will be subject to foreign control -- three out of the top four wireless carriers in the U.S., in fact, will have their headquarters overseas. Is that a good thing or bad thing? It's all about branding. I'm not sure ...

The global PC market has a new leader. Lenovo has quietly been fighting and winning and is now officially No.1 in the PC industry, edging out HP. You would think things look great for Lenovo. This is a big victory, right? The problem is the traditional PC industry is transforming itself. Can Lenovo remain No. 1 with smartphones and tablet computer...

It's official. Sprint Nextel and Softbank are getting together. If the deal is approved, Softbank will own 70 percent of Sprint Nextel. That means this is not really an acquisition. Rather it is an investment. However, as a majority owner you can expect Softbank to steer the Sprint ship. That could be great news for the No. 3 U.S. wireless player. We can expect some changes going forward...

What's next for Sprint Nextel? It has been pondering its future for years and that is its problem. It doesn't seem to realize it has to take the next step and act. Pondering is good. You want to make sure you don't make mistakes. However acting is the next step to realize your dreams, and Sprint doesn't act. It appears that is one of its big problems...

The FCC has weighed in on the looming wireless spectrum shortage. The good news is it looks like it is going to step in with a plan for auctioning off unused television spectrum to various wireless carriers in the United States. The bad news is that even though it's only a bandage, it will take years to accomplish. My Pick of the Week is Apple CEO...

Comcast has grown and changed so much over the last 15 years that many expect this wave to continue. It may, but for that to happen Comcast must realize the marketplace is changing and steer through the upcoming rapids. Can it do that? My Pick of the Week is AT&T's plan to stop texting while driving.

So, now that you're getting a new Apple iPhone, which network is best? Yesterday you didn't have to think about it, since it was only available on AT&T. Today, however, it's harder to decide. It's offered by Verizon, Sprint, C Spire and even a few prepaid carriers. So which carrier is really the best choice for you? My Pick of the Week is AT&T for...

Cablevision recently invested in upgrading its cable television network to improve the quality of service. Now it is launching a curious marketing and advertising campaign to let customers know about it. It wants to shine up its Optimum brand. Good idea, but the funny part is, it is poking fun at itself in the process. Why -- and will it work?...

Labor Day has come and gone, and now it's time for the big end-of-year season to begin. Expect lots of new product announcements, starting with the new Apple iPhone next week. It's all about what's new and what's coming next in wireless, telecom, television and technology. So here's a look at where several top companies stand on the growth Wave --...

C Spire Wireless vs. Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility sounds a lot like David vs. Goliath. Except this time Goliath holds all the cards, making it difficult for David to compete in the new 4G world. So why do Verizon and AT&T get smartphones before other carriers, anyway? This system is broken. And if it's not fixed, all smaller companies and con...

Why did Verizon Wireless just get regulator OK to acquire wireless spectrum from cable television companies, whereas AT&T got turned down in its attempt to acquire T-Mobile for the same reason? And why is it still important for regulators to solve the growing wireless data spectrum crunch? The truth is, we are running out of available wireless data...

Why did Verizon Wireless just get regulator OK to acquire wireless spectrum from cable television companies, whereas AT&T got turned down in its attempt to acquire T-Mobile for the same reason? And why is it still important for regulators to solve the growing wireless data spectrum crunch? The truth is, we are running out of available wireless data...

Why does Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak think cloud-based computing will bring "horrible problems" over the next few years? Apple is one of many companies driving the cloud revolution with its iCloud. Sounds crazy, but to tell you the truth I think Woz is correct -- to a point My Pick of the Week is AT&T Wireless Home Phone, a new AT&T Mobility wire...

As both Verizon and AT&T rapidly build out their 4G LTE networks in preparation for Apple's launch of the next iPhone this fall, Sprint Nextel is in a very distant third place. The big question is can it keep up? The answer depends on a number of items, including what its customers want most. Do they want 4G LTE speed? Or do they want Sprint, even...

Last week, Google started selling a very high-speed Internet and television service in Kansas City. This service stands a good chance of blowing customers' minds and changing expectations. The question is, will Google get into this business and compete with cable television and phone companies? Or is it doing this just to make a point? Only time will tell. Even Google doesn't know yet...

After watching Verizon and Verizon Wireless over the last few decades I have developed a respect and admiration for the company. Some of you, however, have noticed how Verizon is starting to act, well, differently lately. Is something starting to change? I am writing a book called The Future of Verizon and Verizon Wireless and have been exploring ...