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Tag: 5G

  • AT&T Installing 5G Small Cell Towers on Street Lights

    AT&T Installing 5G Small Cell Towers on Street Lights

    AT&T is addressing one of the biggest challenges to 5G deployment, installing small cell towers on street lights.

    5G promises to revolutionize a range of industries, delivering speeds once thought impossible. Unfortunately, the fastest varieties of 5G are limited by extremely short range and poor building penetration. AT&T’s solution is to install small cell radios on top of street lamps, significantly improving coverage.

    AT&T is using Ericsson’s Street Radio small cell, a convenient option that can be plugged directly into existing streetlights and has a relatively small profile — an important factor in not making streets look like something from a Frankenstein’d cyberpunk future. The installation can also be done in a mere 15 minutes.

    “Streetlights are also the perfect deployment point for meeting network infrastructure densification needs because they are typically 8 to 10 meters high, spaced 50 meters apart, have an existing power supply and are within close proximity to fiber,” writes AT&T’s Gordon Mansfield, VP Mobility Access & Architecture. “By using existing infrastructure, this solution reduces costs, streamlines site approval and permitting, and speeds installation. These radios also have smart sensors that allow us to detect failed or downed streetlights in the event of a storm, blackout, or other disruptive event. This helps us in quickly assessing damage and dispatching crews for repairs or alerting the power provider of an issue.”

    AT&T’s option is an elegant solution to the problem and may just be what’s needed to make the fastest flavor of 5G more widely available.

  • Dish Network Is Bleeding Customers, But Counting on 5G to Save It

    Dish Network Is Bleeding Customers, But Counting on 5G to Save It

    Dish Network reported its fourth-quarter results, and the numbers weren’t pretty as the company races to deploy its 5G network.

    Best-known for its satellite TV service, Dish is poised to become the fourth nationwide carrier in the US, replacing Sprint. Although US regulators cleared T-Mobile to purchase Sprint, there was concern about the wireless market consolidating to three major players, instead of four. As a result, as terms for the merger, regulators demanded T-Mobile and Sprint turn over some assets to Dish in an effort to establish it as a successful fourth carrier.

    The company has been making major headway in its efforts to roll out its 5G network, and told investors it plans to cover 20% of the US by June, according to CNET. Regulators had previously set June as the deadline for Dish to reach that milestone.

    Getting that large a portion of its 5G network up and running can’t happen fast enough for the company. In its latest quarter, Dish reported $522 million in revenue, down from $733 million a year ago. Similarly, EPS came in at $0.87 a share, down from $1.24. The company also lost a net total of 245,000 wireless subscribers and 237,000 pay-TV subscribers.

    According to The Wall Street Journal, Chairman Charlie Ergen took responsibility for the delays in the company’s 5G rollout, saying they “just didn’t anticipate that we’d have to do as much on the technical side.”

    For Dish’s sake, hopefully the company doesn’t run into any further delays as it pivots to 5G.

  • FAA: Boeing 737 Fleet Still Susceptible to 5G Interference

    FAA: Boeing 737 Fleet Still Susceptible to 5G Interference

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned the existing fleet of Boeing 737s are still susceptible to 5G interference.

    Verizon and AT&T spent billions buying C-band spectrum for their 5G networks at a recent FCC auction, only to have the FAA and airline industry raise concerns about 5G interference. Because C-band spectrum is so close to the spectrum aircraft altimeters use, there were concerns 5G could interfere with those altimeters, leading to significant dangers during flights, and especially when taking off and landing.

    Despite eventually coming to terms that allowed Verizon and AT&T to continue with their deployment, the FAA has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD), indicating that Boeing 737s are still particularly susceptible to interference.

    This AD was prompted by a determination that radio altimeters cannot be relied upon to perform their intended function if they experience interference from wireless broadband operations in the 3.7-3.98 GHz frequency band (5G C-Band), and a recent determination that, during approach, landings, and go-arounds, as a result of this interference, certain airplane systems may not properly function, resulting in increased flightcrew workload while on approach with the flight director, autothrottle, or autopilot engaged, which could result in reduced ability of the flightcrew to maintain safe flight and landing of the airplane.

    It’s currently unclear what, if any, mitigation efforts may be taken.

  • The 5G Blackberry Dream Is Over As OnwardMobility Loses Blackberry Rights

    The 5G Blackberry Dream Is Over As OnwardMobility Loses Blackberry Rights

    Just a month after OnwardMobility reassured prospective customers it was still working on a revived Blackberry, new reports indicate the project is vaporware.

    OnwardMobility acquired the rights to make Blackberry phones in August 2020, after TCL lost the license. Since then, the company has teased a 5G-equipped Blackberry phone, complete with a physical keyboard, the likes of which made the brand famous.

    Unfortunately, months passed with no visible progress being made, prompting the company to reassure prospective buyers that it was still making progress.

    To all of you who have patiently waited so long for updates from OnwardMobility, we are humbly aware that we owe you some form of communication as we enter 2022. And to misquote Mark Twain, as so many do, “Contrary to popular belief, we are not dead.”

    It would appear, however, the above statement is not true. According to CrackBerry, multiple sources have confirmed the project is dead. Android Police was also able to confirm the rumors.

    Interestingly, at the end of January, Blackberry sold off roughly $600 million in patents related to its legacy phone business. It’s unclear what role this may have played in the demise of the OnwardMobility project, but it seems likely the two events are related. It’s possible Blackberry pulled OnwardMobility’s license so they could offload the patents, or they may have decided to sell the patents once it became apparent OnwardMobility couldn’t deliver.

    This wouldn’t the first time the company has ended a contract with a third-party maker of Blackberry-branded phones. Perhaps the company just decided the whole endeavor was more trouble than it was worth, and took multiple steps to permanently end its involvement in the phone industry.

  • Mazda Drivers Stuck on Public Radio, 5G Blamed

    Mazda Drivers Stuck on Public Radio, 5G Blamed

    Mazda drivers in Western Washington are getting a major dose of public radio, unable to change the station from public radio KUOW 94.9.

    According to GeekWire, some Mazdas made between 2014 and 2017 are experiencing issues with their vehicles radios and infotainment systems. In some cases the vehicles are stuck on KUOW, while in other cases the system has quit working altogether. The one common denominator is that everyone who’s had the problem was listening to KUOW when it started.

    Some dealerships believe the issue has to do with 5G, but KUOW disputes that assertion.

    “5G is just a cell standard,” Operations Director Dane Johnson told GeekWire. “When they talk about cars and a 5G vs. 3G issue it’s cars that have an actual cell receiver in them and are on a service like AT&T that may have problems if that provider sunsets 3G. It has nothing to do with broadcast terrestrial service.”

    Mazda is evidently aware of the issue, has figured out the cause, and is working on a fix.

  • Congress Is Not Impressed With FCC/FAA 5G Controversy

    Congress Is Not Impressed With FCC/FAA 5G Controversy

    Congress is weighing in on the botched rollout of 5G C-band spectrum — a rollout that put the FCC and FAA at odds — and they’re not impressed.

    Verizon and AT&T spent more than $68 billion to license mid-band 5G spectrum, called C-band. C-band is considered the ideal compromise between speed and coverage, and is essential to wireless carriers’ attempts to deploy the next-generation network.

    Unfortunately, the spectrum in question is dangerously close the spectrum used by aircraft altimeters, leading airlines and the FAA to object to its use. Eventually a compromise was reached, with Verizon and AT&T agreeing to exclusion zones around airports. The agreement was not reached without a number of delays, threats, negotiations, and appeals to the White House.

    Congress is now reviewing the situation and has had some tough words for the two agencies, according to NASDAQ.

    Representative Garret Graves, of the Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee, said the two agencies played “chicken with one another – or whatever ridiculousness happened – and now we ended up threatening aviation safety. We had flights canceled. … It’s embarrassing.”

    Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio said “the current interagency process for auctioning off spectrum is completely broken.”

    “Having a dropped call is way less serious than having a dropped airplane out of the sky,” DeFazio said.

  • T-Mobile ‘Remains Firmly in First Place’ in the US 5G Wars

    T-Mobile ‘Remains Firmly in First Place’ in the US 5G Wars

    T-Mobile is continuing to dominate the US 5G market, beating both Verizon and AT&T, in OpenSignal’s latest report.

    T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T are racing to switch their networks over to 5G, rolling out new spectrum as fast as they can. T-Mobile gained a huge advantage with its purchase of Sprint, taking over Sprint’s wealth of mid-band spectrum, which is ideal for 5G deployment. Verizon and AT&T, on the other hand, spent some $68 billion at a single FCC auction to bolster their mid-band spectrum, only to run into issues with the airline industry that have impeded their ability to fully use their spectrum.

    Between the early lead T-Mobile was able to take, and its spectrum not being subject to the same concerns as Verizon and AT&T, in terms of the airline industry, T-Mobile has cemented itself as the 5G company to beat in the US.

    According to OpenSignal’s January 2022 5G Experience Report, T-Mobile now wins in four of six categories: 5G Availability, 5G Reach, Upload Speed, and Download Speed. Verizon won the other two categories, 5G Games Experience and 5G Voice App Experience, while AT&T did not win any categories.

    “The experts have spoken: T-Mobile 5G is number one in speed and coverage, and we’re continuing to pull away from the pack,” said Neville Ray, President of Technology at T-Mobile. “We have the largest 5G network covering 310 million people – 210 million of whom are covered by Ultra Capacity 5G. That’s more than double Verizon’s Ultra Wideband and light years ahead of AT&T’s 5G+. Our competitors are trying desperately to convince consumers and businesses otherwise, but there’s no denying T-Mobile is THE leader in 5G and in a position to deliver the best network performance and capabilities to customers throughout the 5G era.”

  • FAA: 78% of US Commercial Aircraft Safe Amid 5G Concerns

    FAA: 78% of US Commercial Aircraft Safe Amid 5G Concerns

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has cleared roughly 78% of the US commercial aircraft fleet for low-visibility approaches near C-band 5G.

    The airline industry has been at odds with Verizon and AT&T over the rollout of C-band 5G. C-band is in the mid-band range of frequencies that are very close to those used by aircraft altimeters. The airline industry and FAA have been concerned that C-band could interfere with altimeters, putting aircraft at risk in low-visibility conditions.

    After delays and negotiations, Verizon and AT&T began rolling out their new spectrum on January 19, and the FAA has now cleared a large portion of the US aircraft fleet for low-visibility approaches.

    “The FAA issued new approvals Thursday that allow an estimated 78 percent of the U.S. commercial fleet to perform low-visibility landings at airports where wireless companies deployed 5G C-band,” the FAA’s statement reads. “This now includes some regional jets. 

    “Airplane models with one of the 13 cleared altimeters include all Boeing 717, 737, 747, 757, 767, 777, 787, MD-10/-11; all Airbus A300, A310, A319, A320, A330, A340, A350 and A380 models; and some Embraer 170 and 190 regional jets.

    “The FAA is working diligently to determine which altimeters are reliable and accurate where 5G is deployed in the United States. We anticipate some altimeters will be too susceptible to 5G interference. To preserve safety, aircraft with those altimeters will be prohibited from performing low-visibility landings where 5G is deployed because the altimeter could provide inaccurate information.”

    The FAA says altimeters that are not deemed safe will need to be retrofitted or replaced.

  • Verizon Home Internet Now Covers 20 Million Households

    Verizon Home Internet Now Covers 20 Million Households

    Verizon is continuing to expand its 5G Home Internet, with 20 million households now covered by Home Internet.

    Cellular-based home internet is poised to be a game-changer for the “digital divide,” the difference in internet speeds available to urban vs rural Americans. Unlike traditional options, that may need expensive fiber or wiring upgrades, or may be impeded by geographical obstacles, cellular home internet can blanket an area with coverage.

    Verizon has been rolling out its 5G Home Internet, as well as its 5G Business Internet service.

    Now that America’s most reliable network1 is going Ultra, it’s time to get the most out of Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network,2 which will be available to 100 million more people this month in over 1,700 cities around the nation. More than 20 million households now have access to game-changing home wireless broadband, and more than 2 million businesses are covered with 5G Business Internet service.

    While Verizon’s 20 million household threshold is a significant milestone, it still lags behind T-Mobile’s 30 million.

  • AT&T, Dish, and T-Mobile Top Spenders at FCC’s 5G Auction

    AT&T, Dish, and T-Mobile Top Spenders at FCC’s 5G Auction

    AT&T, Dish, and T-Mobile were the biggest spenders at the latest auction for 5G spectrum. 

    Wireless carriers are racing to deploy their 5G networks, with mid-band spectrum being the most desirable for speed, range, and penetration. AT&T and Verizon, in particular, have had to spend big to acquire mid-band, while T-Mobile inherited a wealth of it as a result of buying Sprint. 

    According toThe Verge, AT&T and Dish — which is building out its own 5G network — spent the most for the 3.45GHz band. AT&T spent $9 billion, while Dish spent $7.3 billion. T-Mobile rounded out the top three at $2.9 billion. 

    Although the spectrum is close to the C-band spectrum that has caused a major issue with the airline industry, experts believe it is less likely to cause interference with aircraft altimeters as C-band.

    Interestingly, Verizon did not participate in the auction.

  • Here’s the 50 Airports Excluded From Verizon and AT&T’s 5G

    Here’s the 50 Airports Excluded From Verizon and AT&T’s 5G

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released a list of the 50 airports where Verizon and AT&T have agreed to enact 5G exclusion zones.

    After false starts and negotiations, Verizon and AT&T’s C-band 5G will finally go live on January 19. As part of their concessions addressing concerns about possible interference with aircraft altimeters, both carriers have agreed to exclusion zones around airports.

    By not deploying in the immediate vicinity of airports, it’s hoped any possible interference will be mitigated. These zones are specifically around airports where low-visibility landings occur.

    The FAA released a statement regarding the zones:

    Many airports are not currently affected by the new 5G deployment, even though they are not on this list. These include airports not in the 46 markets where the new service will be deployed and airports that do not currently have the ability to allow low-visibility landings.

    The wireless companies agreed to turn off transmitters and make other adjustments near these airports for six months to minimize potential 5G interference with sensitive aircraft instruments used in low-visibility landings.

    T-Mobile, of course, uses spectrum that poses no risks to altimeters. As a result, T-Mobile’s 5G is unaffected and the company does not need to use exclusion zones. Below is a list of the airports that will have the Verizon and AT&T exclusion zones. 

    Facility – Name

    AUS – AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTL

    BED – LAURENCE G HANSCOM FLD

    BFI – BOEING FLD/KING COUNTY INTL

    BHM – BIRMINGHAM-SHUTTLESWORTH INTL

    BNA – NASHVILLE INTL

    BUR – BOB HOPE

    CAK – AKRON-CANTON

    CLT – CHARLOTTE/DOUGLAS INTL

    DAL – DALLAS LOVE FLD

    DFW – DALLAS-FORT WORTH INTL

    DTW – DETROIT METRO WAYNE COUNTY

    EFD – ELLINGTON

    EWR – NEWARK LIBERTY INTL

    FAT – FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL

    FLL – FORT LAUDERDALE/HOLLYWOOD INTL

    FNT – FLINT MICHIGAN

    HOU – WILLIAM P HOBBY

    HVN – NEW HAVEN

    IAH – GEORGE BUSH INTCNTL/HOUSTON

    IND – INDIANAPOLIS INTL

    ISP – LONG ISLAND MAC ARTHUR

    JFK – JOHN F KENNEDY INTL

    LAS – HARRY REID INTL

    LAX – LOS ANGELES INTL

    LGA – LAGUARDIA

    LGB – LONG BEACH (DAUGHERTY FLD)

    MCI – KANSAS CITY INTL

    MCO – ORLANDO INTL

    MDT – HARRISBURG INTL

    MDW – CHICAGO MIDWAY INTL

    MFE – MCALLEN INTL

    MIA – MIAMI INTL

    MSP – MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL INTL/WOLD-CHAMBERLAIN

    ONT – ONTARIO INTL

    ORD – CHICAGO O’HARE INTL

    PAE – SNOHOMISH COUNTY (PAINE FLD)

    PBI – PALM BEACH INTL

    PHL – PHILADELPHIA INTL

    PHX – PHOENIX SKY HARBOR INTL

    PIE – ST PETE-CLEARWATER INTL

    PIT – PITTSBURGH INTL

    RDU – RALEIGH-DURHAM INTL

    ROC – FREDERICK DOUGLASS/GREATER ROCHESTER INTL

    SEA – SEATTLE-TACOMA INTL

    SFO – SAN FRANCISCO INTL

    SJC – NORMAN Y MINETA SAN JOSE INTL

    SNA – JOHN WAYNE/ORANGE COUNTY

    STL – ST LOUIS LAMBERT INTL

    SYR – SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL

    TEB – TETERBORO

  • FAA Will Not Seek Further 5G Rollout Delays From Verizon and AT&T

    FAA Will Not Seek Further 5G Rollout Delays From Verizon and AT&T

    The Federal Aviation Administration has said it will not seek any more delays from Verizon and AT&T in regard to their 5G rollout.

    Verizon and AT&T have twice delayed their rollout of C-band spectrum, from December 5 to January 5, and now from January 5 to January 19. As we have covered extensively, the delays were sparked by concerns that C-band spectrum could interfere with aircraft altimeters.

    Verizon made it clear it was planning on proceeding with deployment after this last delay, even issuing a press release promising customers they would have access to the faster 5G later this month.

    “This massive launch will put incredible speeds, reliability and security in the hands of our customers and amplifies our offering of reliable home and business broadband options to more places around the country, well ahead of the commitment we made last year,” said Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon. “As 5G Ultra Wideband becomes available to more and more people and businesses, it will allow our customers to do more amazing things.”

    In a letter to the carriers, US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, signaled there would be no further requests for a delay.

    Thank you for your willingness to work with the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce the impact of 5G C-Band deployment on the national airspace.

    Your voluntary agreement both to delay initial deployment by two weeks, and to subsequently adopt some additional mitigations, will give us additional time and space to reduce the impacts to commercial flights. We look forward to working with you to implement the steps in the attached term sheet. We understand you will work with the Federal Communications Commission to further memorialize the additional mitigations you are putting in place.

    Thank you again for taking this meaningful step. We are confident that your voluntary steps will support the safe coexistence of 5G C-Band deployment and aviation activities, helping to retain America’s economic strength and leadership role around the world.

    This appears to end a long, drawn-out saga for Verizon and AT&T, as well as the airline industry.

  • Verizon and AT&T Agree to New 5G Delay, President Biden Weighs In

    Verizon and AT&T Agree to New 5G Delay, President Biden Weighs In

    Verizon and AT&T have backed down from their previous stance, agreeing to a new two-week delay for their C-band 5G rollout.

    As we have previously written about extensively, Verizon and AT&T have been at odds with the airline industry over their C-band 5G. The airline industry and the FAA are concerned about possible interference with aircraft altimeters, but the two carriers are eager to use spectrum they spent $68 billion to acquire.

    In the last chapter of this saga, both companies refused to delay any further past their January 5 deployment date, which was already a month delay from their initial plans. In response, the aviation industry appealed to the White House.

    According to CNET, both wireless carriers have now agreed to a new two-week delay, potentially avoiding a long and costly legal battle.

    “We’ve agreed to a two-week delay which promises the certainty of bringing this nation our game-changing 5G network in January delivered over America’s best and most reliable network,” Verizon spokesperson Rich Young said in a statement emailed to CNET.

    President Joe Biden voiced his support for the agreement, while also reiterating his administrations commitment to advancing 5G in the US.

    My Administration is committed to rapid 5G deployment, while minimizing disruptions to air operations and continuing to maintain the world’s safest airspace. Last night’s agreement is a significant step in the right direction, and we’re grateful to all parties for their cooperation and good faith. This agreement ensures that there will be no disruptions to air operations over the next two weeks and puts us on track to substantially reduce disruptions to air operations when AT&T and Verizon launch 5G on January 19th.

  • No More Delays: Verizon and AT&T Reject US Request to Delay 5G

    No More Delays: Verizon and AT&T Reject US Request to Delay 5G

    Verizon and AT&T’s CEOs have rejected a request from the FAA and US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to delay mid-band 5G.

    Verizon and AT&T have been at odds with the airline industry over the C-band spectrum the companies plan to use for 5G. The two companies spent over $68 billion on the spectrum at a recent FCC auction, since C-band is squarely in the mid-band range, making it ideal for 5G. 

    Unfortunately, the spectrum is very close to the frequencies used by airline altimeters, sparking concerns by the airline industry and the FAA. Secretary Buttigieg had asked the two carriers to delay rollout for no more than two weeks past their January 5 deployment date, already a month later than the two companies originally planned.

    It seems neither company is willing to comply, with Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg and AT&T CEO John Stankey penning a joint letter saying they will not delay deployment any longer. According to CNBC, the two companies are willing to delay deployment around airports for another six months, but they will not delay general deployment.

    The two companies plan to follow an “exclusion zone” plan, similar to what companies in France are doing. Adjustments would be made to account for the stronger 5G signals used in the US versus France, but the goal would be to limit potential interference in the proximity of airports and helipads.

    “The laws of physics are the same in the United States and France,” the CEOs wrote. “If U.S. airlines are permitted to operate flights every day in France, then the same operating conditions should allow them to do so in the United States.”

  • Airlines File Emergency FCC Request to Block 5G Near Airports

    Airlines File Emergency FCC Request to Block 5G Near Airports

    The Airlines for America (A4A) association representing US airlines has filed an emergency request with the FCC to block 5G rollouts near airports.

    Wireless carriers and the FCC are at odds with airlines and the FAA over the rollout of C-band 5G. Verizon and AT&T spent more than $68 billion at an FCC auction to purchase the mid-band spectrum, considered the sweet spot for 5G. Unfortunately, the spectrum is so close to the frequencies used for airline altimeters that the airline industry has been worried the C-band rollout could interfere.

    The two carriers initially delayed the rollout of their C-band spectrum, and then agreed to limit the strength of the signal in an effort to address concerns. Meanwhile, the FAA issued new guidance for the use of altimeters in low-visibility conditions, and the airlines have continued to raise the alarm.

    The A4A’s emergency filing is once again asking the FCC to force the carriers to delay rollout.

    “Although the wireless carriers postponed the inauguration of service from December 5, 2021, to January 5, 2022, there has still not been a resolution of this issue,” reads the request. “The FAA – the federal agency principally responsible for aviation safety – has now issued an Airworthiness Directive that concluded that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop in transport and commuter category airplane because of the interference impact of new 3.7 GHz license service on radio altimeters. Aircraft will not be able to rely on radio altimeters for numerous flight procedures and thus will not be able to land at certain airports.”

    The A4A believes irreparable harm will come to the industry if the delay is not granted.

    “Absent the grant of a stay, the airline industry will suffer irreparable harm,” the filing continues. “In addition, the traveling public and the American economy, which depends on the air transportation system, will incur significant financial losses amounting to billions of dollars. Moreover, this does not include the downstream effects that the disruption in commercial air service will have on customers and the U.S. economy as a whole that is still recovering from supply chain disruptions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

    It appears the issues surrounding C-band spectrum are far from over.

  • T-Mobile’s Magenta MAX 5G Users Are Using Less WiFi

    T-Mobile’s Magenta MAX 5G Users Are Using Less WiFi

    Users of T-Mobile’s high-end Magenta MAX plans are using less WiFi, in favor of 5G.

    5G has long been touted as a revolutionary upgrade to cellular networks, one that would provide the speed and bandwidth to replace traditional internet. T-Mobile’s customers seem to be supporting that theory, so much so that Light Reading’s Mike Dano declared that “5G is winning the war against Wi-Fi.”

    Much of the reason for T-Mobile’s MAX customers choosing 5G over WiFi is because that plan provides truly unlimited data, with no speed throttling after a set amount of data has been used. Combined with T-Mobile’s rollout of its mid-band spectrum, considered the sweet spot for 5G, the company clearly has a winning combination. According to the company, that has led to users not only using WiFi less, but also providing hotspot access to others.

    Today, 13% fewer MAX users are connecting to WiFi, 80% more are hosting a WiFi hotspot and their hotspot usage is up 20% on average during the weekends. These hotspots are cooking, with MAX users consuming 3X more hotspot data per month compared to other T-Mobile customers.

    T-Mobile’s data is an interesting chapter in the 5G rollout, and shows the wireless technology is finally starting to live up to the expectation.

  • Boeing, Airbus Join Chorus of Airlines Calling for Halt to 5G Rollout

    Boeing, Airbus Join Chorus of Airlines Calling for Halt to 5G Rollout

    Executives from both Boeing and Airbus have joined the chorus of airline executives calling for a halt to the rollout of C-band 5G.

    As WebProNews has covered extensively, C-band is in the mid-band range of available spectrum for 5G, and is considered the sweet spot for speed, coverage, and penetration. Verizon and AT&T coughed up more than $68 billion for C-band spectrum, only to have the airline industry raise concerns the spectrum is too close to that used by aircraft altimeters.

    The FAA weighed in with new guidance limiting the use of those altimeters in low visibility conditions over fear of interference. Those efforts only raised more concerns, with United Airlines CEO saying continued rollout of the spectrum “would be a catastrophic failure of government.”

    According to Reuters, Boeing and Airbus executives are weighing in, sending a joint letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

    “5G interference could adversely affect the ability of aircraft to safely operate,” the letter said, adding the rollout could have “an enormous negative impact on the aviation industry.”

  • United Airlines CEO: 5G Rollout ‘Would Be Catastrophic’

    United Airlines CEO: 5G Rollout ‘Would Be Catastrophic’

    United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby is warning that Verizon and AT&T’s 5G rollout would be catastrophic for the airline industry.

    Verizon and AT&T spent over $68 billion on C-band spectrum for their 5G networks. C-band spectrum is squarely in the mid-band range, making it ideal for 5G. Unfortunately, the spectrum is very close to the same frequencies airline altimeters use. Although T-Mobile spent $9 billion, it was largely to fill out its existing spectrum, spectrum that poses no danger to the airline industry. Verizon and AT&T, in contrast, delayed their rollout of the new spectrum before agreeing to throttle back the power in an effort to avoid issues.

    Unfortunately, Kirby doesn’t think that will be enough. According to The Independent, Kirby warned Congress in a US Senate Commerce Committee meeting, that the C-band rollout “would be a catastrophic failure of government.”

    Not everyone agrees Kirby’s fears are warranted, with the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CITA) saying concerns about interference amount to fear-mongering.

    “The aviation industry’s fear-mongering relies on completely discredited information and deliberate distortions of fact,” says CTIA.

    At the same time, Kirby was quick to point out the consequences of the FAA’s new directive aimed at addressing the 5G issue, in which the agency prohibits the use of altimeters in low-visibility conditions.

    “Unless something changes – we will not be able to use radio altimeters at 40-something of the largest airports in the country,” Mr Kirby said. “It is a certainty. This is not a debate.”

    The debate between 5G and the airline safety looks to be far from over, but one thing is clear: Until the issue is resolved, airline passengers will likely experience more delays as the industry accommodates the FAA’s new directive.

  • Verizon and Google Cloud Team Up to Deliver 5G Mobile Edge Computing

    Verizon and Google Cloud Team Up to Deliver 5G Mobile Edge Computing

    Verizon and Google Cloud are teaming up to deliver 5G mobile edge computing to customers.

    Edge computing is one of the areas 5G is poised to have a major impact on. Thanks to the speed of 5G, devices will be able to process data more efficiently, in real-time. This will help power a new generation of autonomous vehicles, robotics, factory automation, and more.

    Verizon and Google Cloud are working together to combine Google’s compute and storage services with Verizon’s On Site 5G and 5G Edge services.

    “By working with partners like Google Cloud and Ericsson, we’re building the 5G edge compute ecosystem that will enable enterprises in many industries to benefit from having a completely dedicated private network and edge compute infrastructure on premise,” said Rima Qureshi, Chief Strategy Officer at Verizon. “5G Edge with Google Distributed Cloud Edge will give our customers the ability to connect and manage a broad range of devices at scale and speed while also providing highly secure, near real-time connectivity. This will allow companies to unlock greater value from data and enable innovative applications involving computer vision, augmented and virtual reality, and machine learning.” 

    “Through our planet-scale infrastructure and expertise in data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, Google Cloud is enabling the rapid development and deployment of new services and applications,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud. “By bringing intelligence from data centers to the network edge, Verizon 5G Edge with Google Distributed Cloud Edge will allow customers to build new cross-industry edge solutions, unlock new revenue models, and transform the next generation of customer experiences – from AI-driven in-store operations to live inventory management on the factory floor, the possibilities span multiple industries.”

  • J.P. Morgan: 5G iPhone SE Could Attract More Than One Billion Android Users

    J.P. Morgan: 5G iPhone SE Could Attract More Than One Billion Android Users

    Apple may be poised for a breakout hit with its upcoming 5G iPhone SE, potentially attracting more than a billion Android switchers.

    Apple has been rumored to be preparing to release an update to the less expensive iPhone SE, an update that brings 5G to the model. According to J.P. Morgan, via Reuters, the combination of lower price point and 5G could be a winning ticket for Apple, and lead to substantial defections from the Android community.

    “Apple’s trade-in program for non-iPhones is admittedly not as attractive as the iPhone trade-in values, it could nonetheless lead to an average starting price range of $269 to $399 for the 5G iPhone SE, which is still very competitive,” said analyst Samik Chatterjee. Notably, Chatterjee is rated five stars on Refinitiv Eikon for his estimate accuracy. 

    Apple is well known for its premium, high-end devices, a corner of the market the company has a virtual stranglehold on. If J.P. Morgan is correct, the 5G iPhone SE could help the company make major inroads in the cheaper Android market.

    In the meantime, J.P. Morgan has raised its target for Apple stock from $180 to a Street high of $210.

  • 5G May Still Interfere With Aircraft in Low Visibility Conditions

    5G May Still Interfere With Aircraft in Low Visibility Conditions

    Despite a deal being reached between Verizon, AT&T and the FAA, the carriers’ 5G may still cause problems with aircraft in low-visibility conditions.

    Verizon and AT&T spent billions purchasing mid-band spectrum for their 5G rollouts, only to have the FAA raise concerns about the spectrum interfering with aircraft altimeters. The issue stems from the spectrum being in the 3.7 to 3.98 GHz range, considered a sweet spot for 5G, but relatively close to the spectrum altimeters use in the 4.2 to 4.4 GHz range.

    Verizon and AT&T came to an agreement with the FAA to limit the power of their 5G signals, but the FAA is warning pilots that may not be enough. In a statement on 5G, in which the FAA declares its belief that 5G and aviation can safely coexist, the agency does provide a warning about possible interference.

    The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all transport and commuter category airplanes equipped with a radio (also known as radar) altimeter. This AD was prompted by a determination that radio altimeters cannot be relied upon to perform their intended function if they experience interference from wireless broadband operations in the 3.7-3.98 GHz frequency band (5G C-Band).

    The interference will especially be a concern in low visibility situations.

    This AD requires revising the limitations section of the existing AFM to incorporate limitations prohibiting certain operations requiring radio altimeter data when in the presence of 5G C-Band wireless broadband signals as identified by NOTAM. These limitations could prevent dispatch of flights to certain locations with low visibility, and could also result in flight diversions.

    The only carrier unaffected by the FAA’s concerns is T-Mobile. The magenta carrier’s mid-band 5G spectrum falls in the 2.5 GHz range, a range that is no threat to altimeters.