It's no secret that Internet speeds vary wildly across the US and that 'high-speed' Internet access in some places isn't anywhere near actual high speeds. The FCC is working to collect 'comprehensive data' on broadband Internet availability across the United States and it needs the public's help to collect this information. How can you participate? All it takes is a mobile app.
Dish has accused T-Mobile of the sort of shady carrier behaviors that T-Mobile made a business out of accusing AT&T and Verizon of performing, demanding the FCC weigh in on the upcoming shutdown of the CDMA network many of its subscribers still rely upon. Dish and T-Mobile were meant to be collaborating closely in the aftermath of T-Mobile's merger with Sprint, but now the smaller carrier claims its erstwhile partner is now getting sneaky.
SpaceX's somewhat controversial Starlink satellite constellation aims to bring high-speed Internet to places that traditional cables and radio waves don't always reach. It seems that it doesn't just apply to remote areas but also to moving vehicles that don't always get the best Internet connectivity. In line with that grand goal, SpaceX is asking the FCC for permission to deploy Starlink even on trucks, aircraft, and trucks.
Low-income households in the US could qualify for up to $50 per month discounts on their broadband, with the FCC approving the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program today. The new scheme - which is not yet open to registrations, and will require provider support from cable and other ISPs - also covers larger reductions for those living on Tribal lands, and a one-time discount on the cost of a new computer or tablet.
The transition to the Biden administration may have sparked some hope in Huawei but, if recent news is any indication, it might still be fighting a losing battle. Biden's pick to lead the Commerce Department already indicated her stance on keeping the status quo. Huawei is now picking up another fight in a different arena, this time challenging once more the constitutionality of the FCC's recent decision to label Huawei as a threat to the national security of the US.
No matter what vehicle brand you own today, chances are you have to press a button on a keyfob or the door for it to unlock. Some vehicles still use a traditional metal key. What would be much more convenient for vehicle owners is car doors and ignitions that simply work without needing a fob or other type of physical key. A new FCC filing suggests that Tesla is eyeing a future model that will integrate UWB, eliminating the need for key fobs or keys altogether.
Amazon and SpaceX have found themselves in a space battle, with both companies accusing the other of trying to sabotage their satellite internet plans. The controversy began when Elon Musk's SpaceX proposed reducing some of its Starlink satellites' orbit altitude, with the goal of increasing connection speeds.
Every music and audio provider naturally wants to be anywhere it would be safe to listen. Cars are definitely one of those places, especially compared to watching videos or even looking at notifications. Thanks to automotive infotainment platforms like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it's almost too easy for these services to become available to drivers and passengers. Spotify, however, might be cooking up something a tad different but its "Car Thing" might end up looking more like a weird abomination than something like a Spotify for Cars.
The FCC has agreed to allow SpaceX to launch ten Starlink satellites into a polar orbit later this month. The FCC published the order on January 8 granting permission for the ten satellites to be placed into a 560 kilometers orbit with an inclination of 97.6 degrees. The satellites will be launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 no earlier than January 14.
It's not uncommon for the first hint that a product is getting ready to launch to come in the form of filings made with the FCC. Any new electronic device that launches publicly in the US must have FCC approvals for various components inside the device. A recent FCC filing for the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 suggests that the new PC could launch soon.
It looks like Google may be gearing up to launch another smart display, possibly a Nest Hub model joining its existing Hub and Hub Max offerings. The hints surfaced in some FCC documents, which don't reveal exactly what we can expect but do drop enough indications to give us a pretty good idea about what Google is working on.
The FCC is hoping to better crack down on persistent unwanted robocalls, with new rules putting more responsibility on phone companies to prevent them getting through. It's the latest escalation in an ongoing battle against unwanted and illegal robocalls, particularly those which aren't telemarketing, with new limitations being applied and extra tools for blocking repeat offenders.