Send us a text Tomorrow’s Meter Up has the Wi‑Fi world buzzing, and we’re stepping into it with a full slate of stories reshaping how we connect. We set the stage with what we want to learn from Meter’s year of deployments—real outcomes, support models, and how Wi‑Fi 7 fits when most devices are still 6E—then fan out to the bigger map: carriers, cafes, satellites, and the stubborn problem of affordability. AT&T’s rapid mid‑band 5G rollout is a stakes‑raising move, accelerating downloads ...

Send us a text Headlines hit hard this week, and we stitched them into a practical roadmap you can use. We start with the fresh demos pointing toward Wi‑Fi 8’s multi‑AP future—coordinated radios, smarter spectral reuse, and AI‑assisted congestion control aimed squarely at dense campuses where roaming and contention burn time and budget. Some features may stay aspirational, but the signal is clear: access points are learning to cooperate, not compete. From there we ground the hype in what’s s...

Send us a text What if the best ISP on your block doesn’t own the tower—or even the access network? Drew sits down with Matt Larson, founder and CEO of VistaBeam and chair of WISPA, to explore how open access for fixed wireless and fiber could flip the broadband model from top to bottom. With radio platforms now supporting hundreds of subscribers per sector and multi‑operator IDs on the same AP, shared infrastructure is finally reliable enough to scale. We dig into the real-world friction be...

Send us a text A polo field, a VIP tent, and thousands of devices waiting to light up—this week we take you behind the scenes of building a festival‑grade network that had to stand up fast, survive wind and wobble, and still deliver when John Mayer took the stage. We share the practical playbook: dual circuits into a gateway, 60 GHz point‑to‑multipoint for distribution, clean PoE runs to access points, and the small field hacks—like orange flags on telescoping poles—that make line of sight an...

Send us a text The wireless world never stops evolving, and in this episode, Drew Lentz takes us on a journey through the latest developments across multiple technology frontiers. Starting with Apple's intriguing N1 chip introduction, Drew explores what this means for wireless communications and sparks a fascinating discussion about whether Apple might resurrect their once-popular Airport routers. Could this custom silicon be the foundation for Apple's return to networking hardware? Beyond A...

Send us a text The telecommunications landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as major players consolidate their hold on crucial spectrum assets. AT&T's stunning $23 billion acquisition of Echo Star's spectrum holdings grants them control of valuable 600 MHz low-band frequencies—airwaves that travel farther and penetrate buildings better than higher frequencies. Meanwhile, SpaceX's $17 billion purchase of Echo Star's satellite spectrum dramatically alters the competitive dynamics in space...

Send us a text Ever wonder what happens when you need to provide Wi-Fi for half a million surfing fans? Drew Lentz returns to the Waves Podcast after an exhilarating stint deploying 27 access points at the World Surf League's US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. Between coordinating connectivity for food trucks, security teams, merchants, and celebrity appearances, the wireless challenges were as massive as the waves. The regulatory landscape is shifting dramatically with the repeal of Ex...

Send us a text Fresh from his first trip to Australia, Drew Lentz dives into the evolving landscape of wireless networking with observations that span from down under to the stratosphere. The Melbourne adventure yielded more than just kangaroo sightings and chicken "parmies" – it showcased how different regions approach connectivity challenges with innovative solutions. The industry continues its dramatic reshuffling as major players reposition themselves. The HPE-Juniper merger leaves custo...

Send us a text The wireless networking landscape is witnessing a dramatic shift as revealed in the newly released 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure. Juniper Networks has emerged as the clear frontrunner, claiming the coveted top-right position with superior marks for both execution capability and strategic vision. Meanwhile, longtime industry leader Cisco shows signs of strategic drift despite maintaining strong execution abilities. Newcomers ar...

Send us a text The future of networking isn't about whether AI will transform our industry—it's about how quickly professionals will adapt to these inevitable changes. In this candid discussion, Drew Lentz unpacks the major developments from recent industry events, particularly Cisco Live, where AI dominated conversations across the vendor landscape. AI Canvas, Cisco's entry into agentic AI, signals a pivotal shift in how networks will be managed going forward. But rather than viewing these ...

Send us a text The wireless landscape is transforming before our eyes as major players consolidate, edge computing pushes boundaries, and questions of affordability continue to challenge our assumptions about connectivity. Charter's $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox Communications is reshaping the competitive landscape, combining Charter's 10+ million mobile subscribers with Cox's commercial fiber and managed IT operations. This merger represents just one piece of the ongoing consolidation puz...

Send us a text Recent funding cuts to digital equity programs threaten to deepen the digital divide in America, just as communities were preparing for infrastructure improvements that would bring connectivity to underserved areas. These decisions impact rural residents, small ISPs, and equipment manufacturers who were counting on these opportunities. • $2.5 billion in digital equity funding labeled "racist and illegal" and eliminated • Senate voted along party lines to kill FCC program distr...

Send us a text The Wi-Fi Now Conference in Mountain View showcased innovations in wireless technology while revealing insights about Wi-Fi 7's enterprise adoption challenges. AT&T's partnership with Helium Network for Wi-Fi offload utilizing Hotspot 2.0 and Passpoint technology marks a significant advancement in carrier-independent network collaboration. • Helium Network and AT&T partnering to provide Wi-Fi offload for AT&T customers using quality metrics to monitor connect...

Send us a text The digital world demands our attention as both wireless professionals and responsible individuals navigating increasingly complex technology landscapes. Drew Lentz dives into this fascinating territory, balancing nostalgic wireless technologies with cutting-edge innovations that challenge how we think about connectivity. The episode kicks off with exciting news about upcoming giveaways, including a professional-grade NetAlly AirCheck G3. Drew shares a powerful personal moment...

Send us a text After a brief hiatus to recalibrate and refocus, Waves makes its triumphant return with fresh energy and a clear vision for the future of wireless networking coverage. This restart episode lays the groundwork for an exciting year ahead, powered by new sponsorships and a commitment to delivering the most valuable wireless industry insights to our community. The podcast welcomes two major sponsors who are transforming connectivity in their own unique ways. Meter brings their inn...

Send us a text WLPC 2025 prepares to welcome wireless professionals for an exciting week of learning, networking, and technological exploration. Attendees will engage in bootcamps, insightful sessions, and community-building activities, making it a must-attend conference in the industry. • Overview of WLPC and its significance in the wireless community • Details on immersive bootcamps offered at the conference • Importance of networking and building connections • High...

Send us a textThe latest episode dives into the technological highlights and insights from CES and NRF, revealing how innovations in wireless technology and AI are shaping the future. Listeners can expect discussions on groundbreaking products, the impact of AI on retail, and the upcoming role of Wi-Fi HaLow technology.• Recap of key highlights from CES and NRF - What I saw and why I think it matters!• Introduction of new gaming devices and upcoming products • Exploration of AI advanceme...

Send us a textCES is a massive showcase of technology that can be intimidating for first-time attendees - luckily I've been going for over a decade! This episode dives into navigating the event with practical tips, insights on the layout, strategies for exploring various halls, and how to discover both big brands and innovative startups.• Exploring the CES layout and its main areas • Importance of the South Hall for innovation and sourcing • Highlights from the Central Hall: major e...

Send us a textReady to witness the wireless revolution of 2024? Join me, Drew Lentz, as I navigate through a year brimming with technological breakthroughs and pivotal industry shifts. You'll uncover how CBRS has transformed into a linchpin for full-stack solutions and the unstoppable rise of private wireless networks. This year, the tech world was buzzing with excitement at events like CES and the National Retail Federation, where IoT marvels and wireless convergence stole the spotlight. Plu...

Send us a textIs the future of wireless technology at risk of over-the-air hackers, or are we on the brink of a revolution that will outsmart them? Join us as we uncover how Wi-Fi is transforming communities, with a firsthand account of deploying network solutions in Occidental, California, to boost connectivity for first responders. As we look towards CES and NRF, explore how these innovations are setting the stage for a safer, more connected world. Plus, an upcoming project has us buzzing w...