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Tag: 5G

  • IBM and Nokia to Deliver Private 5G Environments

    IBM and Nokia to Deliver Private 5G Environments

    IBM and Nokia are working together to give customers the ability to design and deploy private 5G environments.

    While consumer tech often takes the 5G spotlight, the wireless tech is already revolutionizing industries, powering edge computing and delivering high-speed connectivity in under-served areas. Private networks are one area where 5G shines, giving companies a high-speed network they have complete control over.

    IBM and Nokia are working to deliver such a solution, one that will give customers the ability to manage their 5G environments using a unified management stack:

    IBM and Nokia have a history of collaborating to support enterprise customers. In 2020, we extended the collaboration to IBM Cloud technology and we now intend to build a seamless, simplified private 5G managed service offering to ultimately deliver private 5G solutions on IBM Cloud Satellite to enterprise customers. As clients innovate at the edge, IBM Cloud Satellite helps provide enhanced resiliency, performance, security and compliance capabilities.

    Additionally, we intend to explore ways to enable CSPs to design, automatically build, instantly connect, as well as operate and observe their private 5G environments using a unified management stack. Supported by IBM Consulting’s systems integration expertise Nokia intends to integrate IBM’s Cloud Pak for Network Automation solution into our current joint offering, which IBM has validated for the deployment of IBM Cloud Satellite. CSPs may be able to address new connectivity demands in a flexible, simplified, automated way that provides them with the ability to potentially offer enterprise connectivity solutions at scale. Enterprises may benefit from a secure, customized connectivity services enabled by a highly available 5G Cloud network.

    The collaboration between IBM and Nokia is good news for customers looking for strong 5G options.

  • Germany Poised to Ban Huawei and ZTE From 5G Networks

    Germany Poised to Ban Huawei and ZTE From 5G Networks

    Germany is poised to ban Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE from participating in its 5G networks, dealing another blow to the firms.

    The US has already banned Huawei and ZTE, and has been pressuring its allies to do the same. Intelligence agencies have long expressed concerns over the companies’ ties to Beijing and their obligation to assist China’s foreign surveillance efforts.

    According to Reuters, Germany is preparing to ban the two companies, prohibiting telecom operators from using their equipment. In addition, Germany may even require operators to remove existing equipment manufactured by Huawei and ZTE, similar to measures taken in the US.

    Interestingly, although Huawei would not publicly speculate on Germany’s actions, a spokesperson told Reuters that the company had a “very good security record.”

    Of course, that statement ignores the fact that Huawei had the ability to monitor calls on one of the largest Dutch wireless networks, even raising the possibility that it could have monitored the calls of then prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende.

  • Ericsson Mobility Report: 5G Subs Top One Billion in 2022

    Ericsson Mobility Report: 5G Subs Top One Billion in 2022

    5G subscriptions hit a major milestone in 2022, topping one billion globally and growing by 136 million in Q4.

    Ericsson just released its Ericsson Mobility Report Q4 2022 Update, detailing the state of the wireless industry around the world. Globally, mobile subscriptions hit 8.4 billion, with mobile broadband accounting for 86% of all mobile subscriptions.

    According to the report, 5G not tops one billion subscriptions globally. Some 235 service providers are now offering commercial 5G services, with 35 providers offering 5G standalone (SA) networks.

    Interestingly, while there are 8.4 billion mobile subscriptions, only 6.1 billion of them are unique mobile subscribers. Ericsson says the difference is attributed to some individuals having multiple devices, subscriptions that are optimized for different types of calls, as well as some inactive subscriptions.

    Overall, however, the report shows the speed with which 5G is being adopted, outpacing its predecessor.

  • T-Mobile Was 2022’s Undisputed Wireless and Broadband Winner

    T-Mobile Was 2022’s Undisputed Wireless and Broadband Winner

    T-Mobile has released its fourth quarter and year-end results, and it is abundantly clear the magenta carrier is the undisputed winner of 2022.

    T-Mobile reported 314,000 net account additions in Q4 2022, totaling 1.4 million for all of 2022. Net customer additions came in at 1.8 million for Q4 and 3.1 million for 2022. Notably, this makes T-Mobile the only operator to post year-over-year growth.

    The magenta carrier was also the only one to improve its churn rate — the rate of customers that switch from one carrier to another — posting a 0.92% churn rate for Q4 and 0.88% for the year.

    The company’s High Speed Internet was a major hit, adding 524,000 customers in Q4 and 2.0 million for the year, another industry-best.

    The company’s net income increased 250% year-over-year, hitting $1.5 billion in Q4. Net income for the year did decrease by 14% year-over-year, but that was attributed to merger-related costs, as well as loses related to the sale of the wireline business.

    “With record postpaid account and customer net adds that translated into industry-leading postpaid service revenue and cash flow growth, T-Mobile absolutely smashed 2022 by once again focusing on putting customers first,” said Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile. “In true Un-carrier fashion, we have no plans to slow down in 2023. Now that we are being recognized as not only the 5G leader but the clear overall network leader in the U.S., our differentiated and sustainable growth strategy is opening up even bigger pathways for our future!”

    T-Mobile’s turnaround, from a struggling fourth-place carrier to its current position, is truly remarkable and a testament to what can happen when a company puts its customers first.

  • Airlines Have Until 2024 to Mitigate 5G Issues

    Airlines Have Until 2024 to Mitigate 5G Issues

    The Federal Aviation Administration has given airlines until 2024 to install equipment to mitigate issues caused by 5G.

    Verizon and AT&T spent tens of billions to purchase mid-band spectrum for their 5G rollout. Unfortunately, the spectrum is very close to that used by aircraft altimeters, leading to concerns that 5G could cause dangerous interference with flights.

    After negotiations and multiple concessions, Verizon and AT&T agreed to limit their mid-band 5G deployment around airports for a limited time, but the airline industry was unable to meet the agreed upon deadline of July 2023.

    According to a notice of proposed rule making, the FAA wants to make February 1, 2024 the new deadline for aircraft to be retrofitted.

    Non-radio altimeter tolerant airplanes can operate under part 121 subject to the revised AFM limitations until February 1, 2024, without meeting the radio altimeter performance requirements proposed in this AD. If this AD is finalized as proposed, after February 1, 2024, airplanes operating under part 121 must meet the radio altimeter tolerant requirements specified.

    The FAA is also concerned that errors — even minor ones — occurring as a result of 5G interference could lead to “desensitization” of the crew to error messages, increasing the chance of something important being missed.

    The FAA has assessed the cumulative effects of increasing numbers of erroneous warnings across the fleet of transport and commuter airplanes. Although they may seem minor in isolation such that some may consider them a mere nuisance, these warnings have safety implications over time. The erroneous warnings increase flightcrew workload as they try to ascertain the validity of the warning. Repeated determinations that the warning occurred in error will lead to flightcrew desensitization to warnings from these safety systems. In other words, as the flightcrew becomes more desensitized to erroneous warnings, they are less likely to react to an accurate warning, negating the safety benefits of the warning altogether and likely leading to a catastrophic incident.

    The FAA is clearly ready to put the whole 5G fiasco behind it, while Verizon and AT&T are eager to use the spectrum they spent billions acquiring. It appears all parties may be satisfied early next year.

  • T-Mobile Delivers Record-Breaking Results in 2023

    T-Mobile Delivers Record-Breaking Results in 2023

    T-Mobile has given a glimpse into its full-year performance, handily beating both Verizon and AT&T while delivering record results.

    T-Mobile says it added 1.4 million postpaid net accounts and 6.4 million postpaid net customers over the course of 2023, both of which were a record high and best in industry results. The company also added 3.1 million postpaid phone net customers, its best performance since its merger with Sprint.

    Even more impressive, the company added 2 million net High Speed Internet customers, more than Charter, Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon combined.

    “2022 was definitely the year of the Un-carrier as T-Mobile just posted amazing results — our highest ever postpaid account net adds (the best measure of our industry-leading growth in customer relationships), both postpaid customer net adds and broadband customer growth that are expected to lead the industry, and our lowest-ever churn numbers,” said Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile. “It’s clear that T-Mobile’s ability to offer both the best network and value is bringing new customers to the Un-carrier and enticing those who join us to stay. And our momentum won’t stop as we continue to translate our long-established 5G lead into overall network leadership and execute on our unique growth strategy. We are perfectly positioned to profitably take further market share in 2023 and beyond!”

  • T-Mobile Is Still the 5G King With Its Latest Expansion

    T-Mobile Is Still the 5G King With Its Latest Expansion

    T-Mobile has expanded its 5G coverage yet again, helping the company remain firmly in first place in the US 5G wars.

    T-Mobile took an early lead in the 5G race thanks to the wealth of mid-band spectrum it gained with its Sprint acquisition. In contrast, AT&T and Verizon have had to pony up billions at FCC auctions to play catch-up. Despite their best efforts, however, T-Mobile keeps charging ahead, growing its lead.

    In its latest news, the magenta carrier said it now covers 323 million with its low-band Extended Range 5G and 260 million with its mid and high-band Ultra Capacity 5G. This puts the company weeks ahead of its year-end goal and positions it well for covering 300 million with Ultra Capacity 5G by the end of 2023.

    In contrast, Verizon recently announced its 5G Ultra Wideband, the equivalent of T-Mobile’s Ultra Capacity 5G, only covers 175 million.

    “We’re rapidly executing on our vision to deliver the highest capacity network this country has ever seen,” said Neville Ray, President of Technology at T-Mobile. “We’ve led in 5G coverage from the beginning, delivering a massive 5G footprint that continues to grow. And with Ultra Capacity 5G, it’s undeniable that T-Mobile customers have access to the most powerful 5G network around.”

  • Verizon Test Drive Lets Users Test Company’s 5G Network

    Verizon Test Drive Lets Users Test Company’s 5G Network

    Verizon is letting users test drive its 5G network without any commitment for 30 days

    Verizon is competing with T-Mobile and AT&T for the 5G market, although both it and AT&T still have quite a bit of ground to cover in their efforts to catch up. Verizon is hoping a free test drive will help, offering users 30 days to try “America’s Most Reliable 5G Network” with “no strings attached.”

    “There is no better time to switch to Verizon than right now and we are confident that once you take a test drive, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for one of the discount carriers,” said Chris Emmons, vice president of devices and accessories at Verizon. “So confident, in fact, that we’ve created Verizon Test Drive, a simple, seamless way for new customers to try out our network and services on an unlocked eSIM smartphone, for free, over a 30-day trial period without any contractual obligations.”

    The Verizon Test Drive will give users full access to the company’s fastest 5G Ultra Wideband network, its 5G Nationwide network, as well as its 4G LTE network. Potential customers will also have unlimited talk and text, as well as up to 100 GB of 4G and 5G data, and 480p streaming. Individuals can try Verizon’s service with no credit check, and without losing their existing service.

  • EU One-Ups the US, Plans to Install 5G Tech in Planes

    EU One-Ups the US, Plans to Install 5G Tech in Planes

    The EU is definitely winning the 5G race when it comes to the airline industry, with plans to give customers full 5G use while in-flight.

    US carriers and the airline industry have been at odds over deployment of mid-range C-band 5G around airports over safety concerns. After a protracted, and very public, battle over the future of 5G, the two sides came to an agreement that limits C-band 5G deployment around airports.

    The EU, on the other hand, has had no such issues and is preparing to deploy 5G in airplanes so users can use their smartphones in the air, according to The Brussels Times.

    “The sky is no longer the limit when it comes to high-speed, high-capacity connections,” said EU Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton. “5G will enable innovative services for people and growth opportunities for European companies.”

  • Airline Industry Wants an Extension on 5G Mitigation Efforts

    Airline Industry Wants an Extension on 5G Mitigation Efforts

    The US airline industry wants an extension on an impending deadline, saying it has not been able to retrofit all aircraft with 5G mitigation measures.

    Wireless carriers and the FCC engaged in a high-stakes battle with the airline industry, backed by the FAA, over 5G rollout in the US. The airline industry was concerned that C-band spectrum purchased by Verizon and AT&T would interfere with aircraft altimeters. After much wrangling back and forth, the parties reached an agreement to ban the deployment of C-band 5G in the immediate vicinity of airports until the industry could retrofit impacted altimeters.

    In October we reported that the aviation industry wanted to make some elements of the 5G ban permanent, but Reuters is now reporting that some airlines can’t even meet the initial July 2023 deadline that was established and are asking for an extension.

    “It is critical to extend these mitigations through the end of 2023 to allow airlines time to complete the retrofit,” reads a the letter sent to the White House by a coalition of aviation concerns. The letter blamed supply chain issues, saying “air carriers will likely be unable to fully meet either the December 2022 deadlines for smaller regional aircraft and many large transports nor the July 2023 retrofit deadline.”

    “Our aviation coalition strongly believes that instead of once again waiting until the eleventh hour, now is the time for the leadership at federal agencies and the White House to implement a solution that allows 5G to move forward and avoid further flight delays and cancellations,” the letter added.

    The last round of wrangling did not go well with Congress, with lawmakers criticizing the fact that two government agencies were on opposite sides of such an important issue as 5G deployment. All parties are no doubt anxious to avoid a repeat of that situation.

  • T-Mobile May Build Out a Fiber Internet Service

    T-Mobile May Build Out a Fiber Internet Service

    T-Mobile may be preparing to expand its Home Internet service, this time in the form of a major fiber investment.

    T-Mobile is already known for its 5G Home Internet, an internet services that uses its wireless network to serve homes in remote locations. According to a new report by Bloomberg, by way of The Verge, T-Mobile may be preparing to invest billions in a fiber network in an effort to expand its Home Internet service.

    The report says the magenta carrier is working with Citigroup to find a “commercial partnership” or to find other financial partnerships that could help it build out the network.

    As The Verge points out, if T-Mobile is successful, it would help the second-largest US wireless carrier better compete with Verizon and AT&T, both of whom already have their own fiber networks.

  • Aviation Advocates and Wireless Carriers Gear Up for Next 5G Fight

    Aviation Advocates and Wireless Carriers Gear Up for Next 5G Fight

    After a bruising fight between carriers and the aviation industry over 5G, an aviation coalition has laid the groundwork for the next round.

    Verizon and AT&T spent billions to purchase C-band spectrum at Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auctions. C-band is considered among the best spectrum for 5G, providing a good balance of speed, range, and building penetration.

    The Federal Aviation Administration and the airline industry objected to Verizon and AT&T deploying C-band around airports, sparking a major debate about the safety of 5G and the airlines. The concern revolved around potential interference with airplane altimeters, which operate on spectrum very close to C-band.

    The parties eventually agreed to limit C-band deployment around airports until July 2023, but aviation advocates want to make that ban permanent, especially for C-band in the 4,200-4,400MHz range. The advocates also want 5G transmitters restricted from pointing 90 degrees above the horizon.

    The aviation coalition outlined their wishes in a letter to the FCC:

    These concepts, such as preventing antennas pointing 90 degrees above the horizon and maintaining the wireless spurious emissions in the 4200-4400 MHz band consistent with current mitigations, would appear to not compromise wireless operators’ actual use cases while further assuring aviation safety and providing a workable RF environment against which future radio altimeters can be designed and built.

    Only time will tell if the aviation advocates will prevail, although Verizon and AT&T will likely strongly oppose any extension of the C-band limits. Whatever the outcome, all parties no doubt want to avoid the fallout they experienced from Round One.

  • Supreme Court Kills Apple’s Attempt to Overturn Qualcomm’s Patents

    Supreme Court Kills Apple’s Attempt to Overturn Qualcomm’s Patents

    The United States Supreme Court has killed Apple’s efforts to overturn Qualcomm’s patents, ending the iPhone maker’s long-standing legal battle.

    Apple relies on Qualcomm for the modems it includes in its iPhones and iPads. The two companies have a years-long history of legal disputes over Qualcomm’s patents. The battle began in 2017 when Qualcomm accused Apple of infringing patents, with the two companies reaching a settlement in 2019.

    As AppleInsider notes, the settlement allowed Apple to continue using Qualcomm’s modems but contained a provision that also allowed Apple to challenge the validity of two of Qualcomm’s patents. Apple has maintained that Qualcomm could, and likely would, sue it again once the current license agreement expires in 2025 or 2027 if the two companies extend the agreement.

    Unfortunately for Apple, the Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) ruled in Qualcomm’s favor. Apple appealed the decision, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit also sided with Qualcomm.

    The Supreme Court has now declined to hear Apple’s case, following the Biden Administration urging the court to deny Apple’s appeal.

    Only time will tell if Qualcomm will sue Apple once the current agreement expires, but the entire situation is no doubt lending impetus to Apple’s efforts to design and deploy its own modem stack.

  • T-Mobile Lands US Exclusive for OnePlus 10T

    T-Mobile Lands US Exclusive for OnePlus 10T

    T-Mobile will be the exclusive US carrier for the all-new OnePlut 10T.

    The 10T is OnePlus’ latest 5G smartphone and has received favorable reviews for the features and power it provides. The new phone has a 6.7-inch FHD+ display with 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system, and a 4800mAh battery. The phone is also powered by the Snapdragon 898, giving it plenty of power for even the most demanding tasks and games.

    The magenta carrier is touting the fact that it is the only US carrier to have the new phone, which will be paired with its industry-leading 5G.

    Hold the phone! T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) today announced the OnePlus 10T is coming to T-Mobile. The Un-carrier is the ONLY wireless provider in the U.S. to land the latest 5G smartphone from OnePlus. And new and existing T-Mobile and Sprint customers can pick it up at half off when they either add a line on most plans or trade in an eligible device. The OnePlus 10T will be available online and in T-Mobile stores on September 29.

    Customers can pick up the OnePlus 10T in Moonstone Black. They can either take advantage of the half-off offer or pay $27.09/month ($0 down, FRP: $649.99), subject to credit approval.

  • Most AT&T Customers Will Not Be Able to Access Faster 5G

    Most AT&T Customers Will Not Be Able to Access Faster 5G

    Many of AT&T’s customers are in for a major disappointment, with the carrier’s mid-band 5G not supporting the majority of recent phones.

    AT&T spent billions to purchase mid-band spectrum, considered the sweet spot for 5G. Mid-band offers much faster speeds than its low-band nationwide 5G network. While not quite as fast as the high-band mmWave, mid-band can still offer speeds in the gigabit range.

    Unfortunately for the company’s customers, however, only the very latest 2022 Apple and Samsung phones can support the company’s mid-band 3.45 GHz spectrum, according to Ars Technica.

    This is in direct contradiction to a CNET story in which AT&T told the outlet it planned to release a software update that would enable the mid-band spectrum on many more devices.

    AT&T spokesperson Jim Greer told Ars Technica that “only 2022 and newer devices can be certified by the FCC to use 3.45 GHz.” Greer also said the information provided to CNET was incorrect, saying: “We regret the error and apologized to the reporter and his readers for the mistake.”

    Unfortunately, many of AT&T’s customers are still left with phones that can’t benefit from the company’s most useful type of 5G.

  • 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.

  • 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 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.”

  • 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.”

  • 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.