AT&T’s new ‘Turbo’ charge raises net neutrality concerns

AT&T is now charging mobile customers an additional $7 per month for faster wireless data speeds with a new "Turbo" add-on. AT&T says the add-on is "built to support high-performance mobile applications, like gaming, social video broadcasting, and live video conferencing, with optimised data while customers are on the go."

The new fee comes just a week after the FCC voted to restore net neutrality rules that prohibit internet service providers from blocking, throttling, or...

3 May 2024 | 5G

T-Mobile closes acquisition of Mint owner

T-Mobile has completed its acquisition of Ka'ena Corporation, the parent company of the direct-to-consumer prepaid wireless brands Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile, as well as the wholesale wireless provider Plum.

The Un-carrier announced the completion of the transaction on Thursday, stating that the combination creates a "win-win" situation by pairing the complementary brands with T-Mobile's industry-leading 5G network. T-Mobile plans to maintain the distinct brands' entrepreneurial...

2 May 2024 | 5G

Glance eyes full US expansion with telco partnerships

Glance, a Google-backed Indian startup known for its smartphone lockscreen platform, is intensifying its efforts to penetrate the US market. This follows a recent pilot program with Verizon and Motorola.

Glance's platform offers customised content such as news feeds, local events, sports updates, media content, and interactive games without requiring additional app installations. The company has already made significant strides in the Indian market, Southeast Asia, and Japan after...

24 April 2024 | Operators

FCC to decide on net neutrality’s future

The FCC is gearing up for a vote aimed at regaining regulatory power over ISPs and reinstating federal net neutrality rules discarded by the Trump administration in 2017. Net neutrality is designed to ensure that the choices of internet users, not ISPs, dictate online activities.

Early in April, the FCC revealed its draft rules, which have since garnered praise for various reasons. Notably, the rules demand an end to the practice by mobile carriers such as T-Mobile, AT&T, and...

17 April 2024 | Broadband

US ISPs must display broadband ‘nutrition’ labels from today

US internet service providers with over 100,000 subscribers must now display standardised broadband labels that lay out the true costs, speeds, and data caps for their services.

The new rules from the Federal Communications Commission take effect today in response to widespread complaints about hidden fees and misleading marketing tactics used by broadband companies.

"For too long, the ISP industry has gotten away with burying the true cost of their services in fine...

10 April 2024 | Broadband

CMA launches in-depth probe into Vodafone-Three UK merger

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed it will conduct an in-depth Phase 2 investigation into the proposed merger between mobile operators Vodafone and Three. 

The competition watchdog had previously expressed concerns that the £11 billion ($13.92 billion) deal could lead to higher prices for consumers and reduced investment in Britain's mobile networks.

Last month, the CMA told Vodafone and Three they had five working days to respond with...

4 April 2024 | 5G

AT&T will display brand logos on calls from verified numbers

AT&T has partnered with TransUnion to display brand names and logos for outgoing business calls, providing an extra layer of authentication and trust for customers.

The companies are offering two industry-first features: allowing brand logos to appear without a special app installed on the receiver's phone, and verifying the calls through STIR/SHAKEN standards to confirm the number has not been illegally spoofed.

This new ‘TruContact Branded Call Display’ service...

31 January 2024 | AT&T

Verizon will maintain controversial surcharge despite lawsuit

Verizon customers may soon receive payments up to $100 each as part of a $100 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit over its monthly "Administrative and Telco Recovery Charge." However, Verizon plans to continue charging the fee and may raise it further.

The settlement comes after a lawsuit alleged Verizon failed to properly disclose the nature and basis of the administrative surcharge, which helps fund regulatory compliance, taxes, and network operation costs. The fee...

16 January 2024 | Operators

Global operators to lose $3B to OTT channels

A study by Juniper Research has revealed a substantial surge in Over-the-Top (OTT) business messaging.

The report forecasts a staggering increase from 100 billion messages in 2023 to a projected 375 billion messages in 2028. The driving force behind this shift is the diminishing quality of SMS networks, prompting enterprises to explore alternative channels.

The study suggests that the decline in SMS network quality is attributed to the growing prevalence of fraud,...

13 November 2023 | Operators

Groundbreaking trial aims to bring 5G to the Baltic Sea

LMT, in conjunction with technical port services provider LVR Fleet, has successfully completed a trial that aims to bring 5G to the Baltic Sea.

The trial – conducted on the Daugava River in Riga, Latvia – showcased seamless 5G communication from shore-to-ship and ship-to-ship. The maritime concept shows how 5G connectivity can be achieved over open waters.

The concept operates on the multi-hop principle, where the 5G network signal is relayed from one ship to...

9 November 2023 | 5G