The content team at Channel Partners tracks stories of interest to the technology advisor and wider channel communities. Anyone selling communication and connectivity solutions will want to stay abreast of these developing stories or catch up on ones they have missed. All links are valid as of July 8.
T-Mobile Hires Former AT&T Exec Sambar for B2B Push, Katz Exits
T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan made a slew of changes to his leadership team, including the appointment of former AT&T executive Chris Sambar to lead the carrier's enterprise business and the departure of Mike Katz, chief business and product officer. Sambar left AT&T in October 2024 after 22 years to take the job of chief operating officer at self-storage company Public Storage. Now, after two years in storage, Sambar is coming back to telecom. He will start as T-Mobile's chief enterprise officer no later than October 14, reporting to Gopalan. Read the Light Reading story.
Amazon Leo Pushes its Commercial Service Deadline Again
Previously, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said the company was on the verge of launching commercial Amazon Leo broadband service in mid-2026. But on July 2, Melissa Wuerl, Amazon Leo director of Launch Systems, spoke of “an initial service rollout later this year." Wuerl’s statement came after Amazon said Leo has successfully deployed 29 more satellites into low-Earth-orbit (LEO), using United Launch Alliance’s (ULA’s) Atlas V rocket. Amazon now has 396 LEO satellites in orbit but still no commercial broadband service. Read the Fierce Network story.
Should SpaceX Buy T-Mobile and Build a Direct-to-Device Global Internet Giant?
The Motley Fool looks at the pros and cons of a theoretical SpaceX acquisition of T-Mobile. It says the two companies’ technological capabilities are complementary but most consumers don’t necessarily want or need both combined in a single service, and the deal may invite more costly challenges and risks than it resolves. But it’s fun to think about. Read the The Motley Fool story.
Lumen Just Closed its Alkira Deal – Here’s What Happens Next
Lumen’s acquisition of multi-cloud networking company Alkira is now a done deal, and the company is wasting no time integrating its new software holdings. Jim Fowler, Lumen’s chief technology and product officer, said Lumen will immediately begin selling Alkira’s connectivity platform to customers to provide connectivity between data centers and clouds. Read the Fierce Network story.
Microsoft Cuts 4,800 across Xbox, Sales Divisions, Redeploys Hundreds More
Microsoft’s hometown Seattle Times reports the tech giant is laying off 605 Washington-based employees as part of its 4,800 companywide cuts. The Redmond-based tech giant told employees Monday morning that it would cut roles across the Xbox gaming division as well as sales teams. See the Seattle Times story.
Colleges Prepare Students for Job Market That Doesn't Exist
Russ Reeder, CEO of strategic advisor firm KeyDelta, offers thoughtful insights for executives hiring interns. Read his Forbes story.
T-Mobile, Grain Win FCC Approval for Spectrum Swap
T-Mobile looks set to offload its 800MHz spectrum and acquire more 600MHz frequencies after the FCC approved its spectrum swap deal with private investment firm Grain Management, along with conditions that could also pave the way to more direct-to-device (D2D) services in the US. The proposed transaction, announced in March last year, will see T-Mobile transfer its 800MHz licenses to Grain in exchange for $2.9 billion in cash and the investor's 600MHz licenses. Read the Light Reading story.