Category: 5G
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When Will 3G Be Retired? Here are the Timelines for Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T
With more talk of 5G enabled devices and wireless companies expanding their coverage maps, it’s time to talk about 3G. 3G technology launched in 2002 with CNN asking “will it catch on?” 4G was introduced in 2009, and is still the current standard, though 5G has been in the works for some time. With the…
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Google Is Asking FCC to Approve 17-State 6GHz Network Test
In a recent request to the Federal Communications Commission, Google is apparently aiming to conduct a broadband network test in several US states. It’s not entirely clear exactly what Google’s up to, but FCC documents spotted by Business Insider indicate the company’s project involves tests centered on the 6GHz spectrum band. “Google proposes to conduct…
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T-Mobile Unveils Free ‘Scam Shield’ Features Against Robocalls
Today the Un-Carrier announced a set of comprehensive protections to combat unwanted scammers from targeting mobile phones. Scam Shield is a free service to T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and Sprint customers that provides enhanced caller ID features and more, including technology built into T-Mobile’s very network. Scammer calls have been on the rise lately, especially during…
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Verizon Will Pull Some 5G Ads Claiming Extensive Coverage
For years now Verizon has been touting it’s super fast 5G network capabilities, but it turns out not all of them are totally accurate. Now, BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division (NAD) is confronting Verizon on some of its claims that come across as misleading to consumers. NAD recommended that Verizon stop claiming to be…
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FCC Marks Completion of Repack Project, Clearing Way for Wireless
The Federal Communications Commission announced that the post-incentive auction transition successfully hit its July 13, 2020, deadline. While a few stations were granted deadline extensions, completing the transition means that key 600 MHz band spectrum is now open for wireless use, including emerging 5G networks. The 39-month effort was spread across 10 phases, the last…
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AT&T Expands 5G Coverage to 28 New Markets
AT&T has announced that its 5G wireless network is now available in 28 additional markets and now reaches 179 million people. With this launch, AT&T’s wireless plans for consumers and businesses are in 355 markets in the US. AT&T has also enabled dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) in some areas. The technology allows carriers to share…
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Dish’s Hopes of Building Fourth 5G Network Under Scrutiny
Concerns are mounting about Dish’s plans to build a 5G wireless network to compete with AT&T, Verizon, and the newly merged T-Mobile. Originally slated for a 2023 launch, Dish’s emergence as a fourth wireless competitor was a key component of the federal government’s approval of the recent T-Mobile/Sprint merger. However, the ongoing coronavirus and its…
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5G: How Much Do Consumers Know, How Much Do They Care?
The term “5G” has been floating around for some time now, with major telcos investing heavily into network upgrades and marketing campaigns focused on the next-gen wireless standard. And while a recent consumer survey suggests many are aware of the overall bullet points — faster speeds, better coverage — excitement levels haven’t exactly spiked so…
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Regional ISP WilloWeb Deploys its First 5G Fixed Wireless Access in San Jose
We’re well into 2020 and it’s clear 5G is set to have a big year, with several major companies continuing to tout their expansion efforts. But smaller, more regional companies are also getting in on the 5G game, including California’s WilloWeb. The company focuses on the San Jose area of the state and it recently…
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FCC Scores $4.5B in ‘Largest Ever’ Spectrum Auction
The Federal Communications Commission announced today it’s concluded bidding in what’s known as Auction 103, bringing in about $4.5 billion in net proceeds. The auction included over 14,000 licenses in the Upper 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz bands — part of the “high-band” spectrum the FCC has its eyes on for 5G expansion.…