Satellite
FCC Grants AST SpaceMobile’s Direct-to-Cell Request
The satellite company can offer service with AT&T and Verizon spectrum, and operate up to 248 satellites.
universal service
Analysts Call for Public Broadband as Thousands Remain Offline in NYC
New York City’s reliance on companies like Spectrum and Verizon has not delivered affordable or universal service, analysts say.
Wireless
FCC’s Carr Concerned About Verizon-Contractor Commitments
Wireless Estimator reported some contractors said they weren’t seeing transparent pricing that the carrier agreed to.
5G Wireless
Ookla Report: mmWave 5G Networks are Growing
Ookla’s speed test surveys indicate that wireless providers are adding mmWave5G capacity around the country.
enforcement
AT&T, Verizon Insist to Supreme Court FCC Fine Orders are Binding
The companies want a $100 million refund ‘at the very least.’ Oral arguments are scheduled for April 21.
Drones
Georgia AG Chris Carr Ready to Shoot at Drones to Stop Prison Cellphone Smuggling
Prison contraband crackdown effort expands beyond jamming as drones draw scrutiny.
Rural
Ookla: U.S. Digital Divide Narrows in 43 States
Aggressive broadband expansion in late 2025 extended fiber access to 60 percent of U.S. homes.
mergers
California Hearings on Charter-Cox Deal Approaching
Evidentiary hearings are set for April 20-24 on the $34.5 billion deal.
Wireless
Prepaid Carrier Planning to Bundle Plans with Starlink Home Broadband
US Mobile CEO Ahmed Khattak said Starlink Mobile would be included ‘eventually.’
Wireless
T-Mobile’s Mint Launches New Bundles Targeting Cable
AT&T did the same last week.
Public Safety
FAA Proposes $70K Fine Against Verizon Over Battery Shipments
The aviation regulator claims Verizon failed to disclose shipment of hazardous materials.
Digital Inclusion
Lack of Data Makes Evaluating NY Affordability Law Difficult: Benton
The act went into effect a year ago, but participation rates are unclear.
Wireless
AT&T Launches Bundled Internet and Wireless Plan, Intensifying Competition
The new offering targets Comcast and Charter, while pressuring rivals Verizon and T-Mobile.
Spectrum
Grain Looking to Market 800 MHz for Direct-to-Cell
The investment firm is buying the spectrum from T-Mobile.
Wireless
Judge Grants Verizon Request to Block T-Mobile Ads Targeting Switchers
AT&T and T-Mobile are engaged in a separate lawsuit over the issue.
enforcement
Two Former FCC Chairs Defend Agency’s Fine Powers
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on the issue on April 21.
