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Category: 5GRevolution

5GRevolution

  • T-Mobile Tops J.D. Power Study for Wireless Customer Care for 10th Consecutive Time

    T-Mobile Tops J.D. Power Study for Wireless Customer Care for 10th Consecutive Time

    T-Mobile has taken the top honors in J.D. Power’s 022 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Mobile Network Operator Performance Study – Volume 2 for the 10th consecutive time.

    T-Mobile has long branded itself the “Un-carrier,” eschewing traditional contracts, agreements, and general bad wireless industry practices in favor of putting the customer first. The approach is what helped the company begin turning things around when it was in fourth place in the industry and led to a long-term period of growth that has never stopped.

    The company appears to be continuing in its efforts to put customers first, winning J.D. Power’s top honors for the 10th consecutive time.

    “T-Mobile’s 10th consecutive first place finish is a testament to our focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences, and this win only motivates our team to aim even higher!” said Jon Freier, President of T-Mobile Consumer Group. “At T-Mobile, we’re committed to giving our customers the best network, the best value AND the best experience. Because people have enough to worry about these days – their wireless service and support they get with it should be easy, and even a bright spot in their day.”

  • T-Mobile 5G Home Internet Adds 64 New Cities in US Northeast

    T-Mobile 5G Home Internet Adds 64 New Cities in US Northeast

    T-Mobile continues to expand its 5G Home Internet service, adding coverage for 64 new cities and towns in the US Northeast.

    T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet uses the company’s wealth of 5G spectrum to provide broadband internet to home users. The service is a good option for those that don’t have access to traditional broadband options. According to the company, the service has expanded to cover the Northeast, including areas in that region still that don’t have reliable internet access.

    Fast, reliable home broadband has never been more important, but for families across the country, access to home broadband is still out of reach. In Connecticut alone, more than 320,000 households – approximately 23% of total homes across the state – and more than 100,000 children lack high-speed internet. And in Pennsylvania, more than 800,000 residents lack access, with more than 500,000 of those living in rural areas. And it doesn’t stop there, a 2021 study by BroadbandNow confirms that more than 42 million people nationwide do not have access to broadband. That’s a disaster. Luckily, T-Mobile is here to help clean up the mess.

    This latest expansion covers areas across Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. More than 9 million homes in those states are now covered by T-Mobile’s service.

    “Here in Connecticut, our administration has made expanding access to broadband internet a top priority because until we tackle our underserved broadband challenges in our urban, suburban, and rural areas, we will not have equitable access for all and achieve the economic recovery that we need,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “As we continue our focus to ensure Connecticut residents are connected, I am glad that we have partners like T-Mobile that are working to address this need, as well.”

  • T-Mobile Is the Big Winner of the FCC’s Latest Spectrum Auction

    T-Mobile Is the Big Winner of the FCC’s Latest Spectrum Auction

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has concluded another spectrum auction, and T-Mobile was the hands-down winner.

    The FCC was auctioning 2.5 Ghz spectrum, in the same range T-Mobile uses for its mid-band 5G. T-Mobile spent $304,325,290 for 7,156 licenses, spending orders of magnitude more than the other top four buyers combined. Buyers two through five spent a combined total of $58,860,700. The top buyers by license volume only bought a combined total of 249 licenses.

    T-Mobile acquired its previous wealth of 2.5 GHz spectrum through its merger with Sprint. Sprint had a treasure trove of spectrum but lacked the ability to use it. T-Mobile immediately began deploying the spectrum to power its mid-band network, bridging the gap between its slower nationwide 5G and its high-speed, short-range mmWave 5G.

    While Verizon and AT&T bet on the 3.7 to 3.98 GHz C-Band spectrum for their 5G network, their rollout has been plagued with problems because of the potential for that spectrum to interfere with aircraft altimeters. T-Mobile’s mid-band is the only one not impacted because it relies on 2.5 GHz spectrum, which is far enough away from the spectrum altimeters use to not be an issue.

    Given the success T-Mobile has already enjoyed with its mid-band 5G, it’s not surprising it doubled down and bought so many more licenses.

  • Users Can Test Drive T-Mobile’s Network for Free for Three Months

    Users Can Test Drive T-Mobile’s Network for Free for Three Months

    T-Mobile is upping the ante once again, giving users the ability to test its network for free for up to three months.

    T-Mobile has long billed itself as the “Un-carrier,” thanks to its tendency to do things that go against standard practices in the wireless industry. The company was the first to bring back unlimited data and bundle taxes and fees in the final price customers pay.

    The company is once again making an Un-carrier move, giving users the ability to test drive its network for free for up to three months via its Network Pass service.

    “Switching is another insane artifact left over from a stupid, broken, arrogant industry … and it’s hard on purpose. As the industry juggernauts in the 3G and 4G era, Verizon and AT&T designed switching to be difficult, keeping their hordes of customers from leaving to protect their billions in revenues,” said Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile. “At the Un-carrier, we’re laser-focused on being the wireless provider you want to stay with, not the one you’re stuck with. Now through digital innovation we’re making it easier than ever to switch with no worry, less hassle and tons more value than ever before with T-Mobile.”

    Should a customer decide they want to permanently switch to T-Mobile, the company’s Easy Switch makes it a cinch for customers to do so via the T-Mobile app, thanks to eSIMs. An eSIM is a hardware component in a modern phone that can be programmed with SIM card information, allowing it to act in the same capacity as a traditional SIM card. This makes it much easier for users to change carriers, not even needing to go to a T-Mobile store with Easy Switch.

    The company is so confident customers will be happy with the coverage and speed of its network, that it is including Network Scorecard in the T-Mobile app so individuals can gauge the quality of the service they’re getting.

    “Every wireless network has spots where the signal fades, but the difference between T-Mobile and everyone else is that we’ll actually let you experience the country’s leading 5G network BEFORE you switch. That’s how confident we are in T-Mobile’s network,” said Neville Ray, President of Technology at T-Mobile. “There’s a reason that experts in nearly 30 reports have given T-Mobile 5G top marks for speed and availability. The Un-carrier is THE leader in the 5G era, and we want people to see it for themselves!”

  • Ericsson: 5G Subscriptions Hit 690 Million in Q2 2022

    Ericsson: 5G Subscriptions Hit 690 Million in Q2 2022

    The growth of 5G continues unabated, with global subscriptions reaching 690 million in Q2 2022.

    Despite challenges and hiccups, 5G adoption is progressing at a faster rate than 4G. According to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report, total mobile subscriptions grew by 52 million, reaching 8.3 billion. 5G subscriptions grew by 70 million, reaching 690 million.

    Ericsson’s report also shows how people are using their mobile phones, with mobile data use climbing dramatically year over-year. Between Q2 2021 and Q2 2022, network data traffic increased by 39%. Even the growth from Q1 2022 to Q2 2022 was an impressive 8%.

    Ericsson attributes the growth to the increased consumption of media on mobile devices, no doubt driven by the faster speeds 5G provides.

    Over the long term, traffic5 growth is driven by both the rising number of smartphone subscriptions and an increasing average data volume per subscription, fueled primarily by increased viewing of video content. There are large differences in traffic levels between markets, regions and service providers. The graph below shows the total global monthly network data traffic from Q2 2015 to Q2 2022, along with the year-on year percentage growth for mobile network data traffic.

    5G has long been touted as a revolutionary advancement in wireless technology, thanks to the speed it offers. It appears that 5G adoption is finally reaching the point where it is beginning to have a tangible impact on the wireless industry.

  • T-Mobile Partners With SpaceX to Provide Coast-to-Coast Coverage

    T-Mobile Partners With SpaceX to Provide Coast-to-Coast Coverage

    T-Mobile and SpaceX are working together to take coverage to the next level, leveraging SpaceX’s Starlink service and T-Mobile’s 5G.

    T-Mobile is already the second-largest wireless carrier in the US and is widely considered to be the leader in 5G. Despite significant advances in coverage over the past several years, there are still parts of the US that have no wireless coverage from any provider.

    The magenta carrier wants to fix that problem and is working with SpaceX to do so. The two companies will leverage the power of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, in combination with T-Mobile’s wealth of mid-band spectrum, to provide true coast-to-coast coverage. Best of all, T-Mobile wants to ensure the new network works with existing phones, meaning most phones will be compatible with the service.

    “We’ve always thought differently about what it means to keep customers connected, and that’s why we’re working with the best to deliver coverage above and beyond anything customers have ever seen before,” said Mike Sievert, CEO and president of T-Mobile. “More than just a groundbreaking alliance, this represents two industry-shaking innovators challenging the old ways of doing things to create something entirely new that will further connect customers and scare competitors.”

    “The important thing about this is that it means there are no dead zones anywhere in the world for your cell phone,” said SpaceX Chief Engineer Elon Musk. “We’re incredibly excited to do this with T-Mobile.”

    The two companies’ new network will provide customers with connectivity virtually anywhere they can see the sky. Initial plans include coverage for “the continental US, Hawaii, parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico and territorial waters,” and the companies have invited carriers around the world to participate, opening the door to truly global coverage.

  • AWS Private 5G Launches With 4G Service

    AWS Private 5G Launches With 4G Service

    AWS has launched its Private 5G service, although it currently only supports the older 4G LTE.

    Private 5G networks are an important application of the next-gen wireless technology, giving customers improved speed, latency, and security over traditional options. The leading cloud platform is deploying AWS Private 5G to enable its customers to set up their own networks.

    “Today I would like to introduce you to AWS Private 5G, the modern, corporate version of that very powerful box of hardware and software,” writes Jeff Barr, AWS Chief Evangelist. “This cool new service lets you design and deploy your own private mobile network in a matter of days. It is easy to install, operate, and scale, and does not require any specialized expertise. You can use the network to communicate with the sensors & actuators in your smart factory, or to provide better connectivity for handheld devices, scanners, and tablets for process automation.”

    Unfortunately, at launch, the service only supports 4G LTE, with 5G planned for a later date.

    “The private mobile network makes use of CBRS spectrum,” Barr continues. “It supports 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) today, and will support 5G in the future, both of which give you a consistent, predictable level of throughput with ultra low latency. You get long range coverage, indoors and out, and fine-grained access control.”

    Regardless of what protocol the service uses, Barr says it will offer customers the scalability they need in terms of geographic coverage, throughput, and device count.

    Customers looking to get started can find out more here.

  • FCC Denies Nearly $1 Billion in Subsidies for Starlink

    FCC Denies Nearly $1 Billion in Subsidies for Starlink

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) dealt a major blow to SpaceX’s Starlink, rejecting its application for nearly $1 billion in subsidies.

    Starlink is the low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet constellation SpaceX has been racing to deploy. The company was seeking subsidies to assist in its expansion, but the FCC has ruled against it.

    FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel acknowledged Starlink’s potential, but questioned the steep price point.

    “Starlink’s technology has real promise,” said Rosenworcel. “But the question before us was whether to publicly subsidize its still developing technology for consumer broadband—which requires that users purchase a $600 dish—with nearly $900 million in universal service funds until 2032.”

    The decision also impacted LTD Broadband, a Las Vegas-based company. The FCC had previously awarded LTD $1,320,920,718, alongside the $885,509,638 to Starlink. In the case of LTD, the company failed to expand aggressively enough to qualify for the funds.

    Interestingly, not all FCC commissioners agree with the decision. Commissioner Brendan Carr issued the following statement regarding the Starlink decision:

    “I am surprised to find out via a press release—while I am on a work trip to remote parts of Alaska—that the FCC has made this significant decision. I will have more to say because we should be making it easier for unserved communities to get service, not rejecting a proven satellite technology that is delivering robust, high-speed service today. To be clear, this is a decision that tells families in states across the country that they should just keep waiting on the wrong side of the digital divide even though we have the technology to improve their lives now.”

  • Apple Claims Human Rights Violation in Colombian Ban, Uses Similar Tactic as Epic Games

    Apple Claims Human Rights Violation in Colombian Ban, Uses Similar Tactic as Epic Games

    Apple is using an unexpected argument to protest its Colombian ban, claiming its human rights have been violated.

    Apple and Ericsson are locked in a legal battle over 5G patents. Apple stopped paying Ericsson’s licensing fees, claiming the company’s patents should fall under friendly, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. Ericsson won a major victory in Colombia, with the country banning Apple’s 5G iPhones and iPads, despite the country not having a 5G network.

    Apple is now resorting to an unusual argument, saying that the Colombian ruling violates its human rights, according to FOSS Patents. Apple claims the ruling violates its rights under Article 8 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

    “Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.”

    Apple is seeking emergency relief from:

    • Ericsson
    • Its Colombian law firm (OlarteMoure)
    • Carlos R. Olarte (a name partner of that firm and Ericsson’s lead counsel in the Colombian case)
    • Civil Court No. 43 of the Bogotá Circuit

    Apple filed an emergency motion in the Eastern District of Texas in an effort to recoup its losses in Colombia, but Judge Rodney S. Gilstrap had a stark warning (via FOSS Patents) for the iPhone maker.

    “Emergency motions are to be filed only in truly extenuating circumstances and should not be used as a means to secure an expedited briefing schedule and hearing before the Court,” Judge Gilstrap writes, and “finds that Apple has misused and misapplied the rules for emergency motion practice in this Court.”

    Judge Gilstrap put Apple “on notice that further such conduct will warrant, and likely result in, sanctions against it.”

    What’s more, Judge Gilstrap declined to interfere in the Colombian court’s decision.

    “Here, Apple invites this Court to inject itself into an ongoing proceeding in Colombia. The Court declines Apple’s invitation,” reads his ruling.

    Apple Is Running the Epic Games Playbook

    The fact remains that Apple intentionally stopped paying Ericsson’s licensing fees because it felt they were too expensive and then cried foul when it suffered a legal and financial setback as a result. The situation is very similar to the one Epic Games created when it decided to circumvent Apple’s App Store commission and then sued over the financial losses it suffered when Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store.

    As the judge in that case commented, a company can’t knowingly take action that is contrary to applicable agreements and/or laws and then cry foul and ask for emergency relief when it suffers the results of its own actions.

    “In my view you cannot have irreparable harm when you create a harm yourself,” U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said in that case.

    Apple, of all companies, should no better after having the very same tactic used against it by Epic. Just as the judge in that case admonished Epic, Apple should have abided by the agreement while taking their case to court. Had they won, they could have been awarded damages.

    Instead, because of the way it has handled the case, Apple comes across as looking like a bully that is grasping for straws when it hasn’t been able to get its way.

  • T-Mobile Posts Major Subscriber Growth on Cheaper Plans

    T-Mobile Posts Major Subscriber Growth on Cheaper Plans

    T-Mobile released its Q2 2022 results, turning in huge subscriber growth as a result of cheaper plans.

    Once dead last among US carriers, T-Mobile has become a juggernaut in the industry. The company was already climbing fast before its acquisition of Sprint, but the merger gave it the subscriber growth and spectrum to truly become the powerhouse it currently is. If the company’s latest quarterly results are any indication, that trend isn’t changing anytime soon.

    T-Mobile posted a gain of 723,000 postpaid phone subscribers and beat Verizon’s churn rate for the first time ever. “Churn” is the term for turnover within the wireless industry as customers switch from one carrier to another.

    The company’s High Speed Internet division added 560,000 customers, the best in the industry for the third consecutive quarter. Meanwhile, overall net postpaid customer additions came in at 1.7 million, beating AT&T and Verizon combined and setting a company best for Q2.

    The company’s services revenue grew 6% year-over-year, coming in at $15.3 billion.

    T-Mobile posted an overall net loss of $108 million, or $0.09 per share, driven largely by the write-down related to a wired network the company inherited from its merger with Spring, as well as its recent settlement over the 2021 data breach. These factors combined to account for nearly $1 billion in higher operating costs.

    Despite the additional costs, T-Mobile raised its 2022 guidance across the board, including raising its postpaid net customer additions guidance from 5.3 to 5.8 million for the year to between 6.0 million and 6.3 million.

    “Our relentless focus on putting customers first delivered yet another outstanding quarter for T-Mobile with industry-leading postpaid and broadband customer growth, including our highest ever postpaid account adds in company history,” said Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile. “This momentum fueled our growth strategy and allowed us to raise guidance across the board yet again — further proof that our commitment to addressing customer pain points in this challenging macro-economic environment is working.”

  • FBI: Huawei Equipment on Cell Towers Could Disrupt US Nuclear Capability

    FBI: Huawei Equipment on Cell Towers Could Disrupt US Nuclear Capability

    The FBI has accused Huawei of spying for China and installing equipment that could disrupt nuclear operations communications.

    The US and its allies have accused Huawei of spying for China for years and banned the company from participating in their wireless networks. While all Chinese companies are required to cooperate with Beijing, Huawei has long been seen as having a much closer relationship with the Chinese government than most.

    According to a CNN exclusive, the FBI discovered evidence that Huawei installed equipment in locations where it could monitor and disrupt Department of Defense (DOD) communications, including those of US Strategic Command, which is tasked with oversight of the US nuclear arsenal.

    Read more: Canada Is the Last ‘Five Eyes’ Country to Ban Huawei

    According to the report, the FBI has known of the issue at least as far back as the Obama administration and has been investigating the risks. Huawei has, per usual, denied it is or has the capacity to engage in the spying it’s being accused of. The FBI insists the company is capable of capturing commercial traffic, as well as the restricted airwaves used by the DOD.

    “This gets into some of the most sensitive things we do,” said one former FBI official with knowledge of the investigation. “It would impact our ability for essentially command and control with the nuclear triad. “That goes into the ‘BFD’ category.”      

    “If it is possible for that to be disrupted, then that is a very bad day,” the person added.

    Huawei has continuously maintained it is being framed by US intelligence agencies and is innocent of the accusations against it. With these bombshell revelations, however, the company is going to have a hard time maintaining that stance.

  • T-Mobile Teams Up With Apple to Introduce Wireless Plan for Small Businesses

    T-Mobile Teams Up With Apple to Introduce Wireless Plan for Small Businesses

    T-Mobile and Apple are joining forces to offer a wireless plan that combines T-Mobile’s 5G and Apple’s Business Essentials.

    T-Mobile consistently wins recognition for its 5G network, far outpacing both Verizon and AT&T. The company has increasingly unveiled a number of services and plans aimed at businesses, but its latest joint venture with Apple may be its most ambitious yet.

    The two companies are teaming up to provide a plan exclusively for small businesses. The plan will include unlimited talk, text, and premium smartphone data, as well as 200GB of high-speed hotspot data per month, and cost just $50 per month, for six lines or more. The plans will also include Apple Business Essentials with AppleCare+ for Business Essentials. Each new line is also eligible for a new iPhone 13.

    “Teaming up with Apple is just one more way we can support small businesses as they continue to be the source of countless jobs and innovations across America,” said Callie Field, President, T-Mobile Business Group. “We’re always looking for ways to provide more value to our customers and working with Apple gives us the opportunity to tackle a whole new pain point for small businesses — IT management.”

    “Apple is committed to helping small businesses thrive, and we’re proud of the longstanding relationships we’ve built with this community,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Enterprise Product Marketing. “Apple Business Essentials helps small businesses manage the entire lifecycle of their Apple products — from device management and storage, to support and repairs — so they can focus on running and growing their business. The new Business Unlimited Ultimate+ for iPhone plan from T-Mobile will combine Business Essentials with blazing fast 5G service, a powerful new iPhone 13, and more — making IT even easier for small businesses, so they can do their best work.”

  • FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Wants More Info on Mobile Carrier Data Practices

    FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Wants More Info on Mobile Carrier Data Practices

    FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wants more information from mobile carriers on their data practices.

    While many consumers are beginning to pay attention to the privacy offered by their web browsers, email accounts, and the apps installed on their phones, few think about the risk their wireless carrier poses. Wireless carriers have access to customers’ geolocation data and can link that data to specific users.

    Rosenworcel wants to know exactly how carries are using that data, as well as their safeguards and retention policies.

    “Accordingly, given the highly sensitive nature of this data—especially when location data is combined with other types of data, the ways in which this data is stored and shared with third parties is of utmost importance to consumer safety and privacy,” wrote Rosenworcel to T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert. “I kindly ask that T-Mobile respond to the following questions regarding T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile’s consumer data retention policies for geolocation data and its policies regarding sharing of that data with third parties. Accordingly, given the highly sensitive nature of this data—especially when location data is combined with other types of data, the ways in which this data is stored and shared with third parties is of utmost importance to consumer safety and privacy. I kindly ask that T-Mobile respond to the following questions regarding T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile’s consumer data retention policies for geolocation data and its policies regarding sharing of that data with third parties.”

    Rosenworcel sent similar letters to AT&T, Best Buy Health, Charter, Comcast, Consumer Cellular, C-Spire, Dish Network, Google, H20 Wireless, Lycaobile, Mint Mobile, Red Pocket, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon.

  • DirecTV Joins SpaceX, OneWeb in Objecting to Dish Network’s 5G Plans

    DirecTV Joins SpaceX, OneWeb in Objecting to Dish Network’s 5G Plans

    The hits keep on coming for Dish Network’s 5G plans, with rival DirecTV contacting the FCC with concerns about the impact on satellite TV.

    Dish Network is working to roll out its 5G network. Once known almost exclusively for satellite TV, US regulators want Dish to be the nation’s fourth nationwide carrier, replacing Sprint. In order to achieve that, the company is looking to utilize 12GHz spectrum for its 5G network.

    Unfortunately, SpaceX has raised concerns about Dish’s use of 12GHz spectrum since it falls in the same range as that used by SpaceX to downlink its Starlink satellites with their corresponding ground base stations. SpaceX has warned that its customers will see outages 74% of the time. OneWeb, SpaceX’s British rival, has backed up those claims, saying Dish’s plans would cause significant disruptions.

    DirecTV is now joining the chorus, according to SpaceNews, warning that Dish’s plans would exceed limits designed to protect Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) systems by 100 to 100,000x.

    “Unlike broadband systems, which can replace lost [data] packets through two-way communications, DBS packets lost to interference result in frozen video screens—and canceled subscriptions,” wrote Stacy Fuller, DirecTV’s senior vice president of external affairs, in a letter to the FCC.

    “Accordingly, the Commission should terminate this proceeding and give incumbent satellite operators in the band the certainty they need to continue to invest in developing and delivering advanced services for American consumers.”

    Dish has denied SpaceX’s claims, but the growing chorus of objections is bound to raise concerns at the FCC, especially given the agency’s emphasis on closing the digital divide in the US. Starlink is already proving an invaluable part of that effort, lending weight to concerns it raises about interference.

  • Huawei and ZTE Equipment Removal Will Cost Billions More

    Huawei and ZTE Equipment Removal Will Cost Billions More

    FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has informed lawmakers that removing equipment from Huawei and ZTE will cost billions more than anticipated.

    The United States banned Huawei and ZTE networking and telecoms equipment over national security concerns. Both companies were deemed a threat over their ties to the Chinese government. As a result, telecom operators were tasked with removing equipment made by the two companies from their networks. It appears the cost is significantly higher than anticipated.

    According to Reuters, in a letter to Senator Maria Cantwell, head of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Rosenworcel outlined the massive shortfall in the available funding:

    “To fund all reasonable and supported cost estimates…, the Reimbursement Program will require $4.98 billion, reflecting a current shortfall of $3.08 billion,” Rosenworcel wrote.

    Without further funding, the FCC will allocate the original $1.9 billion according to Congress’ instructions.

    “Absent an additional appropriation, the Commission will apply the prioritization scheme Congress specified,” Rosenworcel added.

    The latest estimate appears to be slightly less than what the agency expected in February 2022, when it estimated the total cost to be $5.6 billion.

  • Colombia Bans 5G iPhones

    Colombia Bans 5G iPhones

    Apple has been dealt a major blow in Colombia as the country bans the sale of 5G iPhones.

    Apple and Ericsson have been locked in a patent dispute over 5G technology. According to Digital Trends, a judge in Bogotá has sided with Ericsson and imposed a strict ban on the iPhone.

    Under the terms of the ruling, Apple is not allowed to sell or import any iPhone containing 5G technology. The ban is in effect despite the fact that Colombia has no 5G network. What’s more, Apple cannot advertise or promote its 5G phones in-country, which includes the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, as well as the iPad Pro with 5G.

    The judge also restricted Apple’s ability to seek an antisuit injunction. As a result, Apple is suing Ericsson in Texas for the economic damage it’s suffering in Colombia, meaning this is a complicated mess of a legal situation.

    Apple and Ericsson have been at odds since Apple failed to renew its licensing agreement with Ericsson over the latter’s patents. Apple maintains that, since Ericsson’s patents are standards-essential, they fall under friendly, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms, which limit a company’s ability to charge an exorbitant price for licensing.

    Only time will tell which company will prevail in the long-term, but the Colombian ruling is a significant early loss for Apple.

  • OneWeb Throws Its Weight Behind SpaceX in Dish Network Dispute

    OneWeb Throws Its Weight Behind SpaceX in Dish Network Dispute

    SpaceX received some help from satellite internet competitor OneWeb, with the latter sending its own study to the FCC in support of SpaceX.

    OneWeb is a British satellite internet company and SpaceX’s main competitor. Despite being rivals, OneWeb has sent its own study to the FCC supporting SpaceX’s claims that Dish Network’s 5G plans will harm satellite internet.

    The issue stems from Dish’s plans to use 12GHz spectrum to roll out its 5G network. The spectrum is the same as that used by SpaceX and OneWeb for the downlink between their satellites and ground-based relays. SpaceX claims Dish’s 5G network will significantly interfere with that downlink, leading to outages for its customers 74% of the time.

    Despite Dish claiming that SpaceX is engaging in a “misinformation campaign,” OneWeb agrees with SpaceX, according to their filing with the FCC:

    As demonstrated by the record and reinforced herein, the answer to the Commission’s question is: Yes, there will be harmful interference to the satellite operators providing critical connectivity to communities across the United States. Yet, those hoping to change the rules for this critical spectrum band continue to ignore the people and communities OneWeb can and will help.

    OneWeb goes on to make similar statements as SpaceX, saying that the studies that Dish was a part of fail to look at the complete picture and “blatantly ignore” other critical factors.

    The OneWeb study reaches the same unavoidable conclusion as every other study that precedes it in the record: regardless of the assumptions made with respect to NGSO FSS and two-way terrestrial deployments, harmful interference from the proposed terrestrial service will not only exceed the existing interference envelope for MVDDS in the 12 GHz band, but will cause additional harmful interference.

    It remains to be seen how the FCC will rule, but the evidence appears to be mounting in favor of SpaceX and OneWeb.

  • Dish Network Fires Back at SpaceX ‘Misinformation Campaign’ on 12GHz 5G

    Dish Network Fires Back at SpaceX ‘Misinformation Campaign’ on 12GHz 5G

    Dish Network has helped publish a lengthy response to what it calls a “misinformation campaign” by SpaceX regarding Dish’s plans to use 12GHz spectrum for 5G.

    Dish is in the process of building out its 5G network in an effort to become the fourth nationwide carrier in the US. SpaceX has taken issues with Dish’s plans to use 12GHz spectrum, saying it will interfere with the downlink connection between Starlink satellites and ground-based relays. SpaceX has even recruited more than 95,000 of its Starlink customers to petition the FCC to block Dish’s plans and even accused the latter of trying to mislead the FCC with studies showing the technologies could coexist.

    According to Dish, however, SpaceX is the one that has used misleading data to make its point. A post by the 5Gfor12GHz Coalition, of which Dish is a member, makes the case that Starlink cherry-picked its data points and grossly exaggerated others.

    For example, when discussing how much Dish’s use of 12GHz spectrum could interfere with its downlink, SpaceX used Las Vegas, Nevada, as its data point. According to Dish, Las Vegas was a “cherry-picked partial economic area (PEA” as a result of unique factors.

    Given its unique topology and morphology, Las Vegas is among the most unfavorable geographies to analyze for co-existence (nearly ten times as unfavorable for 5G/satellite coexistence as the national average).

    Similarly, Dish accuses SpaceX of ‘grossly distorting’ 5G network configuration to make its point.

    If the assumptions SpaceX uses in Las Vegas are extrapolated nationwide, they would necessitate the deployment of over 600,000 macro 12 GHz sites across the country. This is wholly unrealistic, as leading nationwide carrier AT&T currently uses only 67,000 macrocells to provide coverage across the entire country to its 81 million subscribers, and with its entire portfolio of spectrum spanning 600 MHz-39 GHz.

    Dish and the 5Gfor12GHz Coalition’s response demonstrates this 5G scuffle is far from over, and the FCC will clearly have its hands full trying to untangle the matter.

  • Nearly 100,000 Starlink Users Petition FCC to Block Dish’s 12GHz 5G

    Nearly 100,000 Starlink Users Petition FCC to Block Dish’s 12GHz 5G

    Starlink’s objections to Dish Network’s 5G plans have received a major boost, with nearly 100,000 users petitioning the FCC in support of Starlink.

    SpaceX sounded the alarm over Dish’s plans to use spectrum in the 12GHz band for its 5G rollout. Since SpaceX relies on that spectrum for the downlink from satellite to ground-based terminals, the company says Dish’s plans will result in outages 74% of the time for Starlink customers in the US. Those customers appear to be genuinely concerned, with 95,703 petitioning the FCC at the time of writing.

    SpaceX minced no words in its letter to the FCC, saying Dish and wireless firm RS Access were flawed and questioned whether the two companies intentionally misled the FCC with their findings.

    As such, SpaceX urges the Commission to investigate whether DISH and RS Access filed intentionally misleading reports. These reports simply cannot be squared with DISH’s own correct representations in December 2019 that “concurrent sharing of spectrum between co-primary 5G and NGSO FSS operations is not viable in the 12 GHz Band.

    SpaceX actively recruited its users to petition the FCC, even providing a couple of pre-written forms for users. These forms are why most of the petitions appear to start with one of two opening lines.

    Given how hard the FCC has been working to help close the “digital divide” in the US – the gap between the availability and quality of internet access in urban and rural areas – the agency is sure to take note of these petitions.

  • T-Mobile 5G Home Internet Covers An Additional 5 Million Homes

    T-Mobile 5G Home Internet Covers An Additional 5 Million Homes

    T-Mobile has added coverage for approximately 5 million homes for its 5G Home Internet in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

    T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is the company’s internet service that’s designed to challenge traditional broadband. In our review of the service, we found it to be an excellent option, especially for homes that may not have access to high-speed internet. An additional five million homes are now eligible in a region of the US that includes the type of rural areas where traditional broadband is often lacking.

    “Bravo! Extremely pleased that T-Mobile is committed to increasing home internet service to remove barriers throughout the Denver-Aurora metro area and beyond,” said Colorado Senator Rhonda Fields – District 29 Assistant Majority Leader. “Affordability and cost should never be a barrier to internet access. Diverse communities can achieve the vision of universal, abundant and affordable broadband with this T Mobile service.”

    “Residents across Iowa now have a new option when it comes to reliable home broadband thanks to T-Mobile Home Internet,” said State Rep. Brian Lohse, chair of the Iowa House Information Technology committee. “Access to home broadband is not a luxury, it is a necessity and I look forward to this continued partnership with T-Mobile as we continue to expand broadband access across our state.”

    With this latest update, 40 million households now have access to the service, with a third of those homes in rural America. The service $50 per month with Autopay enabled, or $30 per month when paired with Magenta MAX.

  • Apple’s 5G Modem Efforts ‘May Have Failed’ and Qualcomm Benefits

    Apple’s 5G Modem Efforts ‘May Have Failed’ and Qualcomm Benefits

    Apple may be dealing with an uncharacteristic failure, with its 5G modem development efforts not going according to plans.

    Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo tweeted the news early Tuesday afternoon. Kuo is well-respected for his track record of being right far more often than not in his Apple predictions.

    Apple purchased Intel’s 5G modem business after the latter failed to make significant headway against Qualcomm’s market dominance. At the time, it was believed that Apple was hoping to use the purchase to create its own modems for the 2022 iPhones. When that didn’t happen, some believed Apple would make the change in the 2023 lineup.

    Kuo believes Qualcomm is now on target to exceed revenue expectations for the second half of 2023 and the first half of 2024, thanks to being the iPhone’s sole modem supplier.

    While the company still needs to diversify beyond its reliance on Apple, Kuo says, “by the time Apple succeeds and can replace Qualcomm, Qualcomm’s other new businesses should have grown enough to significantly offset the negative impacts caused by the order loss of iPhone 5G chips.”