AT&T
Motorola Refreshes moto g power for 2026
Motorola has revealed a new version of its moto g power, the company's $300 Android phone for the US. The new 2026 model is very similar to last year's model, with just a handful of changes. The battery size has increased from 5,000 to 5,200 mAh, at the expense of wireless charging. The display glass has been upgraded to Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for added protection. Finally, the front camera has been upgraded from 16 megapixel to a 32 megapixel sensor (pixel-binned to output 8 megapixel photos.) Other specs and features are unchanged, including a 6.8-inch FHD+ display with 120 Hz refresh, MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip, 8 / 128 GB memory, and a 50 megapixel main camera sensor (again, pixel-binned to output 12.5 megapixel images.) It also has as IP68/IP69 rating for water, military ratings for durability, expandable storage, headset jack, NFC, and a fingerprint reader. It will be offered in two Pantone colors: Pure Cashmere (beige) and Evening Blue. It will be available starting January 8, from Verizon and unlocked. Later, it will come to Cricket, Tracfone, Visible, Total, Straight Talk, Simple Mobile, and AT&T.
AT&T Sues T-Mobile Over "Easy Switch" Tool
AT&T has taken T-Mobile to court over its "Easy Switch" tool that uses AT&T or Verizon account data to recommend an equivalent T-Mobile plan and streamline the process of switching to T-Mobile. Originally, the tool asked users to log in to their AT&T or Verizon account from within the T-Life app, and a T-Mobile bot would then extract (or "scrape") account data on the user's behalf. AT&T claims that "more than 100 categories of private information" were extracted, and that this process violated its web site terms and conditions. T-Mobile has since modified the process, but AT&T is still pursuing temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction "to stop T-Mobile from taking customer data from secure, password-protected websites on AT&T's computer systems without AT&T's consent."
AT&T Rolls Out New Spectrum for Faster 5G
AT&T has quickly deployed 30 MHz of nearly-nationwide radio spectrum that it agreed to buy from EchoStar in August. This significantly adds to the mid-band capacity (3.45 GHz, part of band 77) that is already key to AT&T's 5G network. AT&T says mobile users should see download speeds boosted by "up to 80 percent, coast to coast" (meaning Hawaii and Alaska are not included). AT&T's deal with EchoStar is not expected to officially close until mid-2026, but the companies agreed to an interim lease deal that allows AT&T to use the spectrum now. The $23 billion deal includes another 20 MHz of lower-frequency spectrum, but that will take longer to deploy as AT&T does not currently use that band.
FCC Flips, Won't Require Carriers to Secure Networks
The FCC is preparing to rescind a ruling that set basic cybersecurity standards for telecom providers, including mobile carriers. Just this January, the FCC passed the new ruling in response to recent attacks by China, including the "Salt Typhoon" attack where Chinese hackers accessed the wire-tap systems of most major US telecom companies, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. The ruling was based on language of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), the 1994 law that requires wire-tapping systems in the first place. The January ruling found that section 105 of the law "affirmatively requires telecommunications carriers to secure their networks from unlawful access or interception of communications." The FCC was still in the process of crafting more specific rules. Instead, on November 20, the Commission is expected to vote to rescind the January ruling. Carriers have lobbied against the new ruling and rules, and now appear to have been successful.
Cricket, AT&T Update Entry-Level 5G Phones
AT&T and Cricket (which is owned by AT&T) have updated their own-brand entry-level 5G phones with minor changes and a somewhat new branding strategy for Cricket. The new Cricket Icon 2026 and Cricket Icon Pro 2026 join the Cricket Icon Plus 2026 that was launched a few weeks ago. This unifies most of Cricket's own-brand entry-level 5G phones under the "Icon" brand, similar to how T-Mobile has its REVVL series. All of the new Icon models are powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip, but running at 2.4 GHz instead of 2.2 GHz on the models they replace. The new models also gain dual-SIM support via eSIM, Android 15, and support for 5G SA, ensuring the best network experience. Most other specs and features are similar to the models they replace, with the Icon 2026 replacing the Magic 2 5G and the Icon Pro 2026 replacing the Outlast 5G. The Icon 2026 does replace a 5 megapixel wide-angle camera with a 2-megapixel macro camera. The Icon has modest specs such as 4/64 GB memory and a 13 megapixel main camera. The Icon Pro steps up to 6/128 GB memory and a 50 megapixel main camera. All models have an HD-resolution display with 90 Hz refresh, as well as fingerprint reader, NFC, expandable storage, and a headset jack. Cricket is selling the Icon 2026 for $50 and the Icon Pro 2026 for $70 (promos for new lines can make the phone free.) The Cricket Icon Pro 2026 is also sold by AT&T as the Motivate Pro 2 5G, while the Cricket Icon 2026 is sold in select channels as the AT&T Propel 3 5G. The Icon / Propel 3 is manufactured by Tinno, while the Icon Pro / Motivate Pro 2 is manufactured by Coosea, just like the Icon Plus. Both companies have a long history of making white-label phones like this for AT&T / Cricket.
AT&T Launches More Capable 5G Nationwide
AT&T has officially launched 5G SA (Stand-Alone) network technology nationwide. Like most US carriers, AT&T initially launched 5G using the NSA (Non-Stand-Alone) version of the technology, which relied on the existing 4G LTE network for some functions. Aside from not needing the 4G network, 5G SA unlocks several advanced capabilities of 5G, including faster upload speeds, ultra-low latency, ultra-high reliability, and edge functions. T-Mobile made the same announcement in 2020. Verizon has yet to formally announce nationwide 5G SA, although observers have spotted Verizon 5G SA running in several parts of the country. The launch of 5G SA is related to the launch of 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability), a simpler version of 5G designed for less powerful (and less demanding) devices, including smartwatches. AT&T confirmed that Apple's newest smartwatches use 5G RedCap, which is likely spurring the current rollouts of 5G RedCap and 5G SA by AT&T and Verizon.
AT&T Buys $23 Billion Worth of Spectrum from EchoStar
AT&T and EchoStar (parent company of Boost Mobile) have reached a deal for AT&T to acquire 50 MHz of nationwide radio spectrum licenses from EchoStar for approximately $23 billion. 30 MHz of that bandwidth is in the 3.45 GHz band, prime mid-band spectrum that AT&T already uses for 5G (part of band 77). "AT&T intends to begin deploying these mid-band licenses, which are compatible with its 5G network, as soon as possible." The other 20 MHz is in the 600 MHz band (band 71). AT&T does not currently operate in that band (T-Mobile does) so it will take longer to deploy that spectrum. The licenses cover "virtually every market across the U.S.". The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026, but EchoStar has agreed to a leasing option that should allow AT&T to begin using the spectrum sooner.
AT&T Finally Offers Protection Against SIM Swap Attacks
AT&T now offers an Account Lock feature that can protect customers from attacks that intercept messages and security codes. It's a setting available for post- and pre-paid consumers in the myAT&T app. Business customers can access Account Lock from their account controls on the web site. Other carriers already offer similar tools.
Sonim XP Pro Launches on AT&T
After initially launching with Verizon in November, Sonim's XP Pro is now available from AT&T as well. The XP Pro is a rugged Android smartphone with a much sleeker profile than the company's previous rugged smartphones. It has a good upper-mid-range specs, a large portfolio of available accessories, and is manufactured in Taiwan. Sonim recently announced a version of the XP Pro with an integrated FLIR thermal camera, that will come to the US later this year. Sonim also recently launched the XP3plus 5G on T-Mobile, which also adds 5G — among other upgrades — to its main flip-phone model.
Consumer Cellular Launches White-Label Service for MVNOs
Consumer Cellular is launching "Enabler IQ", a turnkey service for brands wishing to launch their own mobile service as an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). AT&T will provide the 5G and 4G network for the service, while Consumer Cellular will provide billing, provisioning, logistics, and US-based customer care. Consumer Cellular will also provide web and mobile apps, "configurable to reflect the partner's brand identity." Consumer Cellular says it envisions potential partners that include "retailers, cable operators, device manufacturers, financial institutions, and celebrity endorsers."
Moto Intros razr Ultra, its New Flagship Foldable
Motorola has introduced a fully flagship-level foldable phone with the new razr Ultra. It borrows its design from the existing razr+, with the only obvious external difference being a new AI button on the side, and new finish options including brushed metal sides and real wood (shown) or Alcantara synthetic suede on the back. The specs have all been bumped up compared to the razr+, including the top-end Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 16 GB of RAM, up to 1 TB of storage, brighter and sharper (Super HD) main display, larger 4,700 mAh battery, faster 68W wired charging, faster 30W wireless charging, and triple 50 megapixel cameras (including a main with a top-end Sony sensor, a wide-angle, and the inner camera). Motorola also introduced 2025 versions of the razr and razr+, although they have minimal changes compared to the 2024 models. The razr has a slightly updated processor, and all three models have new titanium hinge mechanism that Motorola claims is 4x stronger. On the software side, Motorola has updated its Moto AI to include multiple chatbots, including Meta Llama, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and Microsoft Copilot. Meta's Llama can run on-device to power privacy-sensitive AI features of Moto AI, like "Catch Me Up", which summarizes your notifications. The new razr models launch in mid-May. Both T-Mobile and AT&T will offer the new razr+ and razr Ultra. Just about every US carrier except AT&T will offer the more-affordable razr 2025. The razr Ultra will retail for $1300, the razr+ for $1000, and the razr for $700.
AT&T Offers Free Pixel Buds with Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a is available starting today from all three major national carriers, as well as US Cellular and Xfinity Mobile. Existing AT&T customers can snag a free pair of Google Pixel Buds A-Series Bluetooth earbuds with their new Pixel 9a when purchased online. New customers can also get the free earbuds, provided they sign up for a postpaid service plan of at least $60.99/month (before Autopay and Paperless Bill discounts). However, AT&T is charging $520 for the Pixel 9a, while Google and all other carriers are charging the originally-announced price of $500. The free earbuds offer is available through April 24.
AT&T Ending Email-to-SMS Service
AT&T has put up a new support page stating that the company will switch off its email-to-text and text-to-email gateway. Currently, people can send an email to an address such as 5551234567@txt.att.net or 5551234567@mms.att.net to send a text message or MMS to any AT&T customer. After June 17, that service will no longer work. AT&T will also be shutting down the corresponding service for Cricket customers. Verizon and T-Mobile offer similar services, and have not announced plans to discontinue them.
This Year's moto g stylus is a Better Value
Motorola has revealed the 2025 edition of the $400 phone in its lineup: the moto g stylus. This year's model supports super-fast 68W charging, up from 30W last year (the 68W charger is sold separately). Motorola claims the 68W charging can give the phone a day's worth of power in just 15 minutes. The 2025 model also adds IP68 waterproofing and military-grade ruggedness ratings. The display is also sharper, with a unique resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels, which Motorola calls "Super HD". The processor has been upgraded to a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, and the Wi-Fi is faster with support for Wi-Fi 6E. Naturally, it has a built-in stylus, which Motorola claims is now 6.4x more responsive. Like last year's model, it has a 50 megapixel main camera with OIS, 13 megapixel wide-angle camera, and 32 megapixel front camera. What looks like a third camera is actually a 3-in-1 light sensor for the camera system. The phone comes with 8 GB RAM and either 128 or 256 GB of storage, with a memory card slot for adding up to 1 TB of storage. It also has a 5,000 mAh battery, wireless charging (15W), and a 3.5mm headset jack. This year's color options are PANTONE Gibraltar Sea (navy) and PANTONE Surf the Web (bright purple). The moto g stylus (2025) will be available unlocked starting at $400 on April 17th. It will also be offered by Metro, Verizon, Visible, Total Wireless, Straight Talk, AT&T, Cricket, Spectrum, Consumer Cellular, UScellular, Xfinity Mobile, Google Fi, Optimum, and Boost.
Google Intros Pixel 9a
Google has announced its newest mid-range Pixel phone, the Pixel 9a. At $499, it's significantly more affordable than $799 Pixel 9. Upgrades over last year's Pixel 8a include a display that's 35% brighter, an IP68 water-resistance rating (improved from IP67), macro camera mode, and a the same new Google Tensor G4 chip as the Pixel 9, bringing with it a full suite of Gemini Nano and Gemini Live AI features. It also comes with hallmark Pixel features like Car Crash Detection, a free VPN service, and seven years of software updates. Google also offers Family Link for parental controls and now Google Wallet For Kids with parental controls. The Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch display with 120 Hz refresh, 48 megapixel main camera, 13 megapixel wide-angle camera, and 128 GB storage. A version with 256 GB storage is also available for $100 more. It will be available in April in Obsidian (black) or Iris (purple). Google, Verizon, and AT&T will sell it. Google is also the selling exclusive colors Porcelain (white) and Peony (pink), but only with 128 GB storage.
FCC to Explore Opening up More Mid-Band Spectrum
The FCC has announced proceedings to explore opening up more of the C Band to "more intensive use", possibly including lucrative mid-band 5G service. This large swath of spectrum spans 3.98 – 4.2 GHz, also known as the Upper C Band. The Lower C Band (3.45 – 3.55 GHz and 3.7 – 3.98 GHz) was auctioned off to mobile carriers starting in 2020, and is already a critical part of major 5G networks in the US. Phones and networks using band 77 use Lower C Band spectrum, and band 77 already covers this new Upper C Band as well. Mid-band radio frequencies such as these offer an excellent balance of high-speed data capacity and reach (coverage). The 4.0 – 4.2 GHz band is currently used in the US by satellite operators, including SES, Intelsat, and others, for space-to-earth (downlink) communication. Separately, the FCC is starting the process to re-auction some AWS-3 licenses that were returned to it when certain winning bidders (from Auction 97, in 2014) defaulted on their payment obligations. AWS-3 falls within band 66 and is already used for 5G by companies like AT&T, Boost, and Verizon. The frequencies of AWS-3 include 1695 – 1710 MHz, 1755 – 1780 MHz, and 2155 – 2180 MHz.
AT&T, Verizon Successfully Test Video Calls Via Satellite
AT&T and Verizon have announced successful tests of AST SpaceMobile's growing fleet of commercial satellites that will offer broadband cellular coverage in current "dead zones". Both AT&T and Verizon successfully tested video calls using one of AST's new BlueBird satellites, the same satellites that will eventually power satellite coverage across the entire continental US, compatible with existing phones. AT&T previously completed a similar video call test in June 2023 via BlueWalker 3, a prototype AST satellite used strictly for testing; these new tests are the first using commercial AST satellites. The initial fleet of five BlueBird satellites was launched in September. AST was just given clearance by the FCC a few weeks ago to begin this testing. The five BlueBird satellites currently in orbit can only provide intermittent service. It will take some time for AST to launch the full 45–60 satellites necessary for 24/7 continuous coverage.
AT&T Intros Bill-Splitting Option
AT&T has introduced SplitPay, a new, industry-first option to let post-paid customers who share a multi-line account split the bill. When using SplitPay, there is still a single "account owner" who is ultimately responsible for the whole amount. But the account owner can designate a different payor for each line. "Each month thereafter each of the designated lines is sent a text message with a secure link to pay their portion of the bill." SplitPay can also be used with AutoPay. Account owners will be notified — before the due date — if someone on the account hasn't paid their share. AT&T has patented the feature, but expects competitors to offer something similar soon.
T-Mobile Opens Up Satellite Service to Non-T-Mobile Customers
T-Mobile has opened up its new satellite coverage service to everyone in the US as the next phase of its beta testing program. The service is free for anyone who signs up (even Verizon and AT&T customers), until July. The company also announced pricing for the service when it fully launches this July. T-Mobile's satellite coverage is unique as the first to launch that works with existing phones. Starting in July, T-Mobile will include the service with its most premium plans. Other T-Mobile customers will be able to add it for $15/month. Customers of other carriers will be able to sign up for $20/month. T-Mobile has partnered with SpaceX on the service, which is a recent upgrade to its Starlink network. AT&T and Verizon are beginning to test a similar service that works with existing phones, in partnership with AST SpaceMobile, but full launch could be up two years away.
AST SpaceMobile Cleared to Test Satellite Coverage with AT&T, Verizon
The FCC has given its blessing for AST SpaceMobile to begin testing its commercial satellites that provide cellular coverage to existing, off-the-shelf cell phones anywhere in the US. AST has deals in place with both AT&T and Verizon to provide this service, and will soon commence testing with both providers. AST currently has five of its BlueBird satellites in orbit, with deals in place to expand the constellation to 60 satellites over the next two years. At least 45 satellites are required for continuous service, so the current testing starting with just five satellites will "support non-continuous cellular broadband service". T-Mobile is working with SpaceX on a similar service. The FCC granted those companies authorization for service in November. While T-Mobile is using software updates to limit the service to specific phone models as it tests, AST promises its service will work with "unmodified smartphones ... without the need of any specialized software or device support or updates."
T-Mobile Racks Up Wins in Latest Opensignal Report
Opensignal has put out its January 2025 mobile network rankings based on its widely-crowdsourced performance data. In many categories, the big three US carrier networks performed similarly, with scores differing by just a few percentage points. But in several key categories, T-Mobile pulled far ahead, while Verizon performed notably better in one key category. In "Overall Experience" (including 4G and 5G), T-Mobile scored almost triple the other networks in download speed, and around double in upload speed. Focusing on just 5G, T-Mobile performed around 65% better on download speed, while for upload speed, Verizon performed 11% better than T-Mobile and 48% better than AT&T. On coverage, all three carriers were a near-tie when considering both 4G and 5G. But looking at just 5G, T-Mobile had a commanding lead in both "Coverage Experience" and "Availability". Opensignal found that T-Mobile customers with a 5G plan were able to connect to the 5G network about 72% of the time, while AT&T customers connected to 5G around 15% of the time, and for Verizon it was just under 11%. Opensignal collects its data from the phones of people who have the Opensignal app installed on their phone.
AT&T Will Automatically Credit Customers for Outages
AT&T has announced a new policy of automatically crediting customers a full day of service when the company is at fault for wireless outages of an hour or more. The new "AT&T Guarantee" is similar to the company's ad hoc response to a major outage almost a year ago. For an outage lasting more than 24 hours, customers will be credited for each additional day of the outage. The new policy has plenty of fine print, however. It only applies to postpaid customers with accounts in good standing and excludes FirstNet customers. Outages beyond the control of AT&T are excluded, including "natural disasters, weather-related events, or outages caused by third parties." An "outage" means at least ten towers out for 60 or more minutes "resulting from a single incident". To qualify, the customer must have been connected to an affected tower right before the outage, and lose service for at least 60 consecutive minutes as a result of the outage. The credit will be calculated based on the customer's base service plan price, excluding device payments, add-on services, taxes, and fees. Bill credits will be applied within 1–2 billing cycles. The company is also announcing a similar policy for its fiber customers that kicks in at 20 minutes instead of 60.
RedMagic 10 Pro Pushes Specs to Extreme
Nubia subsidiary RedMagic has announced its newest flagship gaming phone. The RedMagic 10 Pro has specs that, on paper, exceed most current flagship phones, while starting at just $649. RedMagic claims that advanced battery technology offers 25% better energy density, enabling a huge 7,050 mAh battery, and up to 100W fast charging. It's powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. It's available with 12, 16, or 24 GB of LPDDR5x Ultra RAM and 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of UFS 4.1 Pro storage. While most gaming phones top out at an FHD+ display, the 10 Pro has a "1.5K" 6.85-inch AMOLED display with 2688 x 1216 pixels. As for gaming, the 10 Pro features an active cooling system with a fan and a unique "liquid metal" layer. It also includes a "Red Core R3" gaming co-processor chip, co-developed with Qualcomm, that uses AI to enhance visuals; this includes frame rate doubling and upscaling for the higher-resolution display. The phone also has glass shoulder buttons. Dual 50 megapixel cameras on the back (standard and wide) sit flush with the back of the phone (no camera bump). The 16 megapixel front camera is hidden under the display. The RedMagic 10 Pro has decent support for T-Mobile and AT&T 5G and 4G networks, although it won't support T-Mobile's forthcoming satellite coverage. Four variants are available, with different color schemes and memory options: "Shadow" has a simple black design and comes with 12 GB RAM / 256 GB storage for $649. For $799, you get 16 GB RAM / 512 GB storage and a "transparent" design, in one of two colors: "Moonlight" (silver) or "Dusk" (black). There is also a "Dusk Ultra" option with 24 GB RAM / 1 TB storage for $999. Open sales begin December 18, with "early access" beginning December 12. RedMagic also announced power bank just for the US market. The RedMagic Go Power Bank offers 5,000 mAh capacity and 65W fast charging for $80.
AST SpaceMobile Secures Rocket Launches for Complete Satellite Constellation
AST SpaceMobile has signed new launch deals that will put a total of 60 new satellites into orbit over the next two years. This will complete its commercial network and enable the company to provide continuous cellular coverage from space over the whole United States, Europe, Japan, and other strategic markets globally. Blue Origin joins SpaceX and India's ISRO in providing launch services for AST. Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket will be able carry up to eight of AST's Block 2 BlueBird satellites per launch. New Glenn is an all-new rocket with a reusable first stage that is expected to have its first flight in the next few months. Both AT&T and Verizon have contracted with AST to provide satellite coverage in "dead zones" for their customers. AST's technology works with essentially all existing cell phones.
US Cellular Sheds More Spectrum, This Time to AT&T
US Cellular has reached an agreement with AT&T to sell a large chunk of its low- and mid-band radio frequency licenses to AT&T for just over $1 billion. The largest bundle of licenses is mid-band spectrum at 3.45 GHz, ideal for 5G and part of band 77. The remainder is 700 MHz spectrum ideal for broad coverage, part of band 12. AT&T already uses both bands in its network and phones. US Cellular also recently made deals with T-Mobile and Verizon, selling some spectrum to both, but also most of its mobile business to T-Mobile. Despite having sold significant radio spectrum licenses to all three national carriers, US Cellular is keeping some mmWave and C-band licenses.
AT&T Finally Offering 30-Day Free Trial via eSIM
AT&T is now offering a 30-day free trial of its network via the eSIM capability of iPhones. T-Mobile has offered this option since mid-2021, and Verizon has offered it since late 2022. Prospective customers can take advantage of the offer without cancelling their current service on another network. Both their primary SIM and the secondary eSIM are available at the same time, so users can switch back and forth to compare networks. AT&T says it is the only carrier to include 25 GB of personal hotspot data in its free trial. AT&T's offer also includes unlimited talk & text, 100 GB of data (5G included), and international texting. AT&T plans to extend the program to compatible Android phones in 2025.
Carriers Weigh in on FCC's Proposed Phone Unlocking Rule
T-Mobile and AT&T have submitted formal objections to the FCC over its proposed rule requiring carriers to unlock new phones after 60 days, regardless of whether the phone is fully paid off. (This type of unlocking would let customers use their phone with a different network.) T-Mobile and AT&T argue that — for their prepaid brands in particular — longer locking periods are necessary to ensure that phone subsidies are recovered. Prepaid phones sold by Metro by T-Mobile and Cricket (an AT&T brand) are typically subsidized so they can be sold far below their actual retail price. For example, Metro currently offers the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G — A $200 phone — for free. Metro currently locks phones for a full year to ensure the phone subsidy is recovered in monthly service charges. T-Mobile says that the FCC's proposed 60-day rule "would see subsidies reduced by 40% to 70% for both its lower and higher-end devices", and that a "handset unlocking mandate would also leave providers little choice but to limit their handset offers to lower cost and often lesser performing handsets." AT&T agrees, saying the proposed rule would create "upward pressure on handset prices and disincentives to finance handsets on flexible terms." Verizon is already subject to stricter phone unlocking rules as a condition of its FCC license for band 13, a core frequency band for its network. Verizon therefore voiced its support for the new rule, since it would create "a uniform unlocking policy that applies to all providers", effectively ending Verizon's current competitive disadvantage. However Verizon still acknowledged the need for longer locking periods in the prepaid market, saying "a longer, 180-day locking period for prepaid is necessary to enable wireless providers to continue offering subsidies that make phones affordable".
T-Mobile Enables Text Via Satellite as Carriers Prepare for Hurricane Milton
T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T have put out detailed information on how they're preparing for Hurricane Milton and responding to Hurricane Helene. For the first time, T-Mobile is activating Starlink Direct-to-Cellular satellite SMS service for its customers, including the ability to text 911. This experimental service is being deployed on a temporary, emergency basis in Florida as well as the areas previously impacted by Hurricane Helene. This service enables any ordinary T-Mobile phone to receive service via satellite (at this time, for texting only) when land-based networks are unavailable. Engadget reports that phones will display a network name of "T-Mobile SpaceX" when connected to the service. SpaceX advises that the service works best outdoors or, if necessary, near a window. Because the Starlink Direct-to-Cellular fleet is only partially deployed, service may be intermittent. Separately, Verizon announced that it's waiving all "domestic call, text, and data usage for postpaid consumer and Verizon Small Business customers most impacted by the storm in parts of Florida from Oct. 9th – Oct. 23rd, 2024."
OpenSignal Rates Carrier's 5G Performance
OpenSignal has released its latest annual ranking of 5G networks worldwide. T-Mobile USA and Puerto Rico came in first in 5G availability among all 5G networks on the planet. In other key categories — like 5G download speed — no US carrier cracks the top-20 list globally. However, AT&T and Verizon did both place in the top 5 worldwide for "most improved" year-over-year in 5G download speed. In a similar report focusing on the US released in July, T-Mobile came in first for "average overall download and upload speeds" as well as "consistent quality". However Verizon came in first for video and gaming "experience" and 5G upload speed. AT&T, meanwhile, came in first for overall "availability" (regardless of technology).
AST SpaceMobile Successfully Launches First Five Commercial Sats
This morning, a SpaceX rocket successfully took five new satellites into orbit that will eventually provide satellite service (including 5G data) for existing AT&T and Verizon cell phones in places without cellular coverage. The launch of these "BlueBird" satellites operated by AST SpaceMobile follows a successful testing campaign using "BlueWalker" test satellites (already in orbit) to validate the technology. This "Block 1" group of five satellites will be enough to cover the whole United States, but not continuously; service will be available intermittently, as the satellites pass overhead. This will enable a beta testing campaign by AT&T and Verizon. AST is already manufacturing the next 17 "Block 2" satellites. By the time AST has launched around 45–60 BlueBird satellites, they will be able to offer 24/7 continuous service throughout the US, Europe, Japan, and more. SpaceX is currently working on a competing system by upgrading its Starlink network, which will be used by T-Mobile. Both the AST and SpaceX systems rely on massive antenna arrays that are large enough to emulate a cell phone tower from space.
Verizon, T-Mobile Protest Allocation of 4.9 GHz Band to AT&T's FirstNet
The FCC has proposed that the 4.9 GHz band be managed by FirstNet, a 5G network dedicated to public safety and operated by AT&T. The 4.9 GHz band (4,940–4,990 MHz) has been set aside for local public safety use since 2002, but local agencies have found it challenging to make full use of it with modern technologies. Meanwhile FirstNet and AT&T have years of experience operating a nationwide 4G/5G network dedicated to public safety. AT&T's agreement with FirstNet gives public safety users priority, but allows AT&T to use excess capacity on FirstNet for its own commercial network at times. For this reason, Verizon and T-Mobile have filed complaints against the FCC's plan, calling it a $14 billion giveaway to AT&T.
AT&T Discloses New Data Breach
AT&T has disclosed a data breach involving nearly all call and text records from its wireless network covering a period of several months in mid-2022. This includes both AT&T customers and customers of other carriers that use the AT&T network. The records only include phone numbers (from both ends), the number of times contacted, and call duration. The records do not include customer names nor any other personal info. They also do not include the content of texts or calls, nor do they include timestamps. For a subset of the breached data, cell tower IDs are also included, providing rough location data. AT&T does not believe the data is publicly available. Wired reports that a security researcher involved in the incident claims AT&T paid the hacker $370,000 for the only copy to be deleted. AT&T first discovered the breach in April, but was asked by the US Department of Justice to delay disclosure. At least one person has been arrested relating to the incident. 404 Media reports that the hacker arrested is John Binns, an American living in Turkey. Binns claimed responsibility for a large hack of T-Mobile in 2021. AT&T will notify affected customers directly.
Motorola Upgrades its razr Foldables Across the Board
Motorola has revealed its new razr and razr+ foldable phones for 2024. While the price points are unchanged at $700 and $1,000, both models get important upgrades. The most obvious and important is that the cheaper model now has the same large (3.6-inch) OLED touch display on the outside as last year's plus model, offering extensive functionality while closed. Both models also get the same new and improved main camera with 50 megapixel resolution and OIS, and much better waterproofing (IPx8 to withstand full immersion). Both also share a new hinge design that's 30% smaller while offering better reliability, stability, dust resistance, and "crease" resistance. Both have Gorilla Glass Victus protecting the outer display and a similar 6000-series aluminum frame. Both have a 6.9-inch flexible main display inside with FHD+ resolution, and HDR10+. Other features in common include Google Gemini AI pre-installed, 256 GB of storage, 15-watt wireless charging, Bluetooth 5.4, and a 32 megapixel internal camera.
- The razr (2024) has a 3.6-inch outer touch display and both displays have 120 Hz refresh. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300X chip and 8 GB of RAM. The battery is 4,200 mAh and it fast-charges at up to 30 watts. The second camera remains a 13-megapixel wide-angle one. Wi-Fi is version 6E. Color options include grey, sand, and orange. (Grey will be most common in the US.) The back is a smooth "vegan suede" texture.
- The razr+ (2024) has an even larger 4-inch outer display and both displays have up to 165 Hz refresh. It's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip and 12 GB of RAM. Both the RAM and storage are faster than on the base model (LPDDR5x and UFS 4.0). The battery is 4,000 mAh (larger than last year), it fast-charges at up to 45 watts, and the wireless charging is two-way. The second camera is a 2x telephoto instead of wide-angle, with 50 megapixel resolution but no OIS. Wi-Fi 7 is supported. Color options include blue, green, peach, and pink. (Blue will be most common in the US, with a vertical "racing stripe" of smoother texture in the "vegan leather".)
AT&T Raises Prices on Most Old Plans
AT&T is raising prices on most of its older service plans by up to $10 per line per month starting this August. This includes most legacy "Unlimited" plans, as well as Mobile Share, FamilyTalk, and Nation plans. Unlimited plans will get a $10/month hike for a single line, or an extra $20/month (total) for family plans. Some plans get additional high-speed data as part of the deal. "AT&T Unlimited Choice, Choice II, Choice Enhanced, Unlimited &More, and Unlimited Value plans will now include 75GB of high-speed data and 30GB of hotspot data. AT&T Unlimited Plus, Plus Enhanced, Unlimited &More Premium, and AT&T Unlimited (with TV) plans will now include 100GB of high-speed data and 60GB of hotspot data." Mobile Share plans gain access to 5G, but also see a price hike. Plans with 6 GB or more of data will see a $10 hike, while plans with less data get a $5 hike. FamilyTalk and Nation plans that are currently $45/month (before taxes and fees) or less will see an increase of $5. More expensive plans will see a $10 bump. These plans will not gain any new benefits. All of these changes go into effect August 2024. Verizon and T-Mobile have also raised rates on older plans in the past year, and AT&T has already done two small increases before this.
FCC, Navy Expand Commercial Access to 3.5 GHz Band
The FCC, US Navy, and NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration) this week announced new rules for the 3.5 GHz band, also known as block A of band 77, band 77-A, or the 3.45 GHz band. The new rules dramatically expand the "unencumbered service area" where wireless carriers can freely use this band for commercial 5G service. The US Navy maintains priority access to this band along coastlines and around federal facilities throughout the country, via a dynamic spectrum sharing system. However the geographic area where this system is required is being reduced by an area covering 72 million people. This mid-band spectrum is ideal for good 5G service. AT&T is one of the largest users of this band. States most affected by this change include Texas, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia.
AT&T Commits to Space-Based Coverage for Dead Zones
After a series of successful tests, AT&T has signed a firm contract with AST SpaceMobile to provide space-based cellular service in all parts of the US where its terrestrial network does not reach. AST's solution involves launching huge new satellites that can connect directly to existing, off-the-shelf cell phones. T-Mobile is working with SpaceX on a similar system. (Most other services providing satellite connectivity for phones require special support in new phones.) AST conducted a series of tests in 2023 with its test satellite successfully proving voice calls, 4G data, and 5G data. The initial commercial network will consist of five new satellites in low-earth orbit, which will be delivered to SpaceX this summer for launch.
Carriers Fined for Misleading "Unlimited" Plans and "Free" Phones
All three big national carriers — Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T — have been fined a total of $10.2 million for misleading advertising and have agreed to change the way they market "unlimited" data plans and "free" phones. The agreement was reached between the carriers and 50 attorneys general, including New York Attorney General Letitia James who led the charge for the fines. According to the agreement, "'Unlimited' mobile data plans can only be marketed if there are no limits on the quantity of data allowed during a billing cycle".
Motorola Gives its Stylus Phone a Spec Bump
Motorola has revealed the 2024 edition of its moto g stylus 5G, a model that typically sits near the upper end of its moto g series of affordable phones. The new model addresses most shortcomings of last year's model, adding wireless charging and boosting the wide-angle camera resolution from 8 megapixel to a more-useful 13 megapixel. The selfie camera also gets a boost, from 16 megapixel to 32, and RAM gets a nice bump to a generous 8 GB. Wired charging is also faster at up to 30 watts instead of 20. Other specs remain similar, including the large AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh, pop-out stylus, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, and 5,000 mAh battery. There's also NFC, expandable storage, and a headset jack. The body is water repellent with an IP52 rating, slightly thinner than last year's model, and has a "vegan leather" finish on the back. Motorola will sell it unlocked for $400 starting May 30th. It will also be offered by AT&T, Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket, Boost, Consumer Cellular, US Cellular, Spectrum, Xfinity Mobile, Google Fi, Optimum Mobile, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, and Visible.
AT&T Will Now Charge for "Turbo" 5G
AT&T has introduced a new add-on plan called Turbo for $7/month that promises "enhanced data connectivity for real-time responsiveness and improved stability". AT&T says the feature is ideal for "gaming, social video broadcasting and live video conferencing". AT&T confirmed to The Verge that it has technically lowered the network priority level (QCI) for existing plans and this new offering lets users buy their way back into the priority level they had previously. However AT&T claims that existing plans should not notice any degradation without Turbo, and Turbo is more like a new, faster service, due to "increased network resources and relative weighting". Turbo can be added or removed at any time. It is only available to customers already on premium unlimited plans (Unlimited Premium PL, Unlimited Extra EL, and Unlimited Elite).
FCC Fines Carriers for Selling Your Location Data Without Consent
The FCC today announced fines totaling nearly $200 million against T-Mobile (and Sprint), AT&T, and Verizon, for illegally selling real-time customer location data to third parties without consent and without "reasonable safeguards". The fines follow a multi-year investigation started under the previous administration. Today's fines were first proposed in early 2020. T-Mobile and Verizon objected and were able to reduce their fines, to over $92 million (including Sprint) and almost $47 million, respectively. AT&T is fined more than $57 million.
