fcc

The FCC makes the rules for the government's Lifeline program, a program in which millions of Americans receive subsidized phone and internet service. Each person receiving a subsidy for phone/internet service must subscribe to a specific minimum plan with a local phone/data carrier. Over the past couple of years, the amount of cash in this subsidy has decreased, while the minimum data plan has increased - toward the inevitable breaking point we're approaching now.

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A new Google thermostat has been spotted at the FCC, with indications that it could include Google Soli gesture control using a new sensor. It's been several years since Google last updated the Nest Thermostat, with competition in the smart HVAC space arriving in the intervening years to fill that gap.

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The FCC has done the math on just how much it might cost to remove Huawei and ZTE equipment and services from US carriers, and it's bad news if you thought it might be as simple and cheap as unplugging a few routers and switches. Last year, the FCC warned carriers getting government funding that they would no longer be able to order network tech from the two Chinese companies.

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Tesla has developed a new system that could help warn parents if they're about to leave their children in the car, potentially helping avoid situations where kids have died due to extreme temperatures. The proposal, currently being considered by the US FCC, wouldn't be the first "forgotten child" system on the market, but the electric car company argues that it's more nuanced than what's currently available.

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It appears that T-Mobile is working on yet another set-top box of some variety, this one sporting Android TV. The device has appeared at the FCC alongside a few images, indicating that T-Mobile will soon introduce a new device for use with its T-Vision home television service. Though this isn't the first time we've seen a T-Mobile box appear at the FCC, it seems the company may be stepping away from its proprietary platform.

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Samsung may not be quite ready to show us the new Galaxy Note 20, but that hasn't stopped the upcoming phablet flagship from already breaking cover as it wriggles its way through regulators. Expected to be the headline at Unpacked 2020 - the virtual launch being held on August 5 - all signs are pointing to a rapid release for the Note 20 after that.

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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has dealt a new blow to Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE, alleging that they are both national security threats. With an official proclamation established, the FCC says that its Universal Service Fund cannot be used to purchase or otherwise support any services or hardware from either company. The move follows years of US government concern over potential espionage and security issues related to hardware from Chinese companies.

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The successor to one of the most major competitors to the Apple Watch was revealed today - in part - by the FCC. That is the Galaxy Watch, successor to the device with the same title. This Samsung device looks largely similar to the original, with a new stainless steel case and a new Gorilla Glass DX topside pane of protective glass.

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This week the FCC opened up 6GHz band to Wi-fi for the everyday average user, and for other unlicensed uses. This was the next big step - the biggest step, from a regulatory standpoint - toward the biggest upgrade in Wi-fi since 1989. The FCC vote opens up more space on which data can transmit over the internet, to cut down on congestion for everyday citizens. There'll be more space on which data can move, and with 6Ghz, that data can be transmitted a whole lot faster, too.

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Despite all the delays and cancellations happening around the world due to the COVID-19 situation, companies still try to push through with planned products and releases, as difficult as those may be. Apple has, for example, launched the 2020 generation of iPad Pros and is believed to be on the verge of announcing the 2020 iPhone SE. Microsoft may also be preparing to announce products that may be coming soon and one of them, a suspected Surface Go 2, has made its way to the US FCC.

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We live in very uncertain times and while it sounds revolting, there are always those who will take advantage of that fear and uncertainty to make a quick profit. Fraudulent calls, especially the automated ones called "robocalls", have always been a menace, especially in the US, costing Americans billions per year on both wasted time as well as fraudulent transactions. There have been many proposed solutions to this problem but now the FCC is putting its foot down and is making the STIR/SHAKEN a requirement by June next year.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to phone scammer schemes and malicious attempts to capitalize on panic. The FCC expanded their list of scam and hoax test messages, phone calls, and related media with new coronavirus-related instances that've appeared over the last couple of weeks. These scams range from offers for "free test kits" to a rumor that President Trump will be issuing a "mandatory quarantine" for the entire USA for a 2-week period (he hasn't.)

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