Monthly Archives: July 2019

Where 5G’s Impact Is Already Being Felt

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Source: Statista

Even though the global rollout of 5G remains in its early stages, some networks are active and people are connected. Billed as a revolution over the 4G network it is replacing, 5G is already fulfilling some of its potential. That’s according to wireless coverage mapping company OpenSignal who measured 5G and 4G speeds in eight different countries. They found that some 5G users are already experiencing the dramatically higher speeds promised ahead of 5G’s arrival. 

The highest maximum 5G speed were experienced by U.S. users with 1,816 Mbps, 2.7 times as fast as 4G users’ fastest speed. Switzerland came second with its early 5G adopters seeing speeds up to 1,145 Mbps, 2.6 times as fast as regular 4G users. South Korea came third with its 5G speeds reaching 1,071 Mbps while its fastest 4G speed was 619 Mbps. Elsewhere, the fact that the technology is not fully mature is certainly evident in some countries such as Australia where 4G outperformed 5G in download speed. 

OpenSignal states that this will change as networks continue to expand. The U.S. is so far ahead of the pack because its operators are already able to use millimeter wave for 5G which is a very high capacity and fast spectrum. However, it has very limited coverage compared to the 3.4-3.8GHz 5G mid-band spectrum used in most other countries. The analysis adds that 5G speeds will improve further once the technology evolves to combine the performance of multiple bands and channels in order to boost maximum and average download speeds.

Infographic: Where 5G's Impact Is Already Being Felt | Statista

NAR’s Strategic Investment Fund Opens Applications for iOi Pitch Battle

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Washington, D.C. – June 26, 2019 (nar.realtor) Second Century Ventures, the National Association of Realtors®’ strategic investment arm, is proud to present the opening of applications for the second annual Innovation, Opportunity and Investment Summit Pitch Battle. A select group of technology startups focused on real estate will compete with live presentations in front of the iOi Summit audience on Wednesday, August 21 in Seattle, Washington. 

“We are pleased to announce that Chris Smith, Co-Founder of Curaytor will once again emcee the event. The goal of the iOi Pitch Battle is to highlight how some of the most cutting edge and impactful startups are helping to define the future of real estate. All iOi Summit registrants are welcome to attend the live iOi Pitch Battle,” said Glenn Shimkus, NAR VP of Strategy and Innovation.

The Pitch Battle is a unique opportunity for tech startups focused on the real estate industry to provide a live demonstration in front of the iOi Summit 2019 audience. Selected startups will have the chance to have their product or service viewed by key influencers and venture investors, receive free press mentions, obtain an all-access pass to iOi Summit 2019, and the opportunity to receive personalized presentation coaching by Chris Smith of Curaytor. First place winner will also walk away with $15K cash and other valuable benefits.

“If you consider yourself an innovator, entrepreneur, investor, or executive seeking to lead change, I encourage you to join the conversation. It’s one you won’t want to miss,” said NAR CEO Bob Goldberg.

Please visit https://www.nar.realtor/ioi/Pitch-Battle for more information.

The National Association of Realtors® annual Innovation, Opportunity & Investment (iOi) Summit brings together the industry’s top tech companies, investors and Realtors® to collaborate, network, and drive the industry forward. The two-day conference will take place in Seattle, Washington with a welcome reception beginning on Tuesday, August 20 at 5 p.m. and ending late afternoon on Thursday, August 22. 

The iOi Summit attracts attendees who are looking to embrace, leverage, and be part of the change that currently surrounds real estate. Hear the latest from entrepreneurs and global tech companies such as Amazon, Google, Facebook, Microsoft and others. Find out what products and services are poised to make a major impact on the industry. Learn how you can tap into these breakthroughs to better your business.

The National Association of Realtors® is the world’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Realtor® Support for Association Health Plans Grows Nationally

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Washington, D.C. – June 27, 2019 (nar.realtor) Over 200 state and local Realtor® associations from across the country have proclaimed their support for the National Association of Realtors®’ effort to protect access to association health plans. Earlier this year, a federal court held that provisions of the Department of Labor’s AHP rule were unlawful, a ruling which is currently being appealed by the Department of Justice. NAR recently filed an amicus brief in support of the DOJ’s appeal as it continues to work to increase and improve health care options for America’s independent contractors.

“We’re encouraged to see so many associations from across the country demonstrate their public support of association health plans,” said NAR President John Smaby, a second generation Realtor® and broker at Edina Realty in Edina, Minnesota. “The DOL’s rule opens the door for Realtors® to access affordable, high-quality health care options that can be so difficult for independent contractors to find. Moving forward, we’re hopeful that our work alongside these local partners will help secure the health care solutions that our members and their families deserve.”

US Map Showing the National Support of State and Local Associations for Association Health Plans

Over 1.15 million Realtors® are represented by these 200 plus associations offering their support of AHPs. While some regulatory changes stemming from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act have benefited Realtors®, others have led to increased health care costs, leaving many individuals to drop insurance coverage and jeopardize the health, safety and financial stability of their families. Representing one of the best possible solutions to this hurdle, AHPs have proven to generate more affordable and better overall coverage.

To date, over 3,000 Realtors® and their families have found cost-effective health insurance solutions through the AHPs currently operated by a handful of local Realtor® associations across the country. Countless additional associations are also exploring AHP options but have been delayed due to uncertainty surrounding federal litigation. The more than 200 associations which have proclaimed their support of AHPs are illustrated here, along with an official, comprehensive list which will be updated as new supporters are added.

“Thanks to this overwhelming outspoken support of association health plans, the court and opposing states are beginning to recognize how truly valuable the Department of Labor’s rule is to America’s Realtors® and to independent contractors across the nation,” Smaby continued. “We thank these Realtor® associations for their support and will continue to do whatever possible to ensure affordable, high-quality options are available to our members and their families.”

The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

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