Mobile devices' "Wi-Fi first" approach means they often don't switch to cellular connections even when they should, resulting in dropped calls or stalled data connections, CableLabs' John Bahr wrote Wednesday. The R&D organization worked with member operators to conduct field-testing to characterize the poor user experience caused by such Wi-Fi "stickiness" and to understand how frequently it happens, said Bahr, director of its advanced technology group. He said the lack of seamless network transitions between Wi-Fi and cellular is exacerbating the problem. CableLabs is working with industry stakeholders in an attempt to find a common, streamlined solution, he added.
A representative of the International Bridge, Tunnel & Turnpike Association raised concerns on NextNav’s proposal for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) in the lower 900 MHz band (see 2506130010) during a meeting with aides to FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez. “NextNav’s proposed high-power operations in the Lower 900 MHz band pose a substantial risk of harmful interference to licensed electronic tolling systems, threatening to significantly undermine tolling operations and constrain future electronic tolling deployments,” said a filing posted Thursday in docket 24-240. The tolling industry “has engaged, and continues to engage, NextNav on the risk of interference.”
Gogo Business Aviation updated the FCC on delays it continues to face in removing unsecure gear from its network under the commission’s Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (see 2412130019). The update was heavily redacted. “Gogo’s requirements for replacing its network are not available off-the-shelf commercially,” said a filing Wednesday in docket 18-89. The company's vendor is still delivering equipment, it said. “Gogo expects deliveries to continue through December 2025. … Due to the nature of deploying networks and Gogo’s limited spectrum holdings, the vendor must deliver nearly all ordered equipment items and components in their entirety to allow Gogo to fully deploy the network before the ‘flash’ cutover.”
Alaska’s GCI Communications updated the FCC on its performance plan for mobile services under the agency's Alaska Plan order. The update reflects “new terrestrial middle mile facilities [that] became commercially available in an area previously served only by performance-limiting satellite middle mile” in Akutan, Deering, King Cove and Kivalina, said a filing posted Wednesday (docket 16-271). GCI will upgrade service in those communities to LTE over fiber middle mile, the filing said.
CTIA asked the FCC on Wednesday to extend a temporary waiver allowing use of the interim volume control testing method for hearing-aid compatibility (HAC) compliance (see 2410150024). Without further action, the waiver would expire Sept. 29. “CTIA seeks an interim waiver to extend current HAC compliance practices to allow stakeholders to finalize and gain approval of the new volume control test methodology as a consensus standard before requesting that the Commission allow its use going forward,” said a filing in docket 23-388. During this extension, “handsets will continue to be certified using the current interim standard for testing volume control for HAC purposes,” CTIA said.
The FCC signed off Tuesday on T-Mobile and SpaceX's requested waiver of agency equipment authorization rules related to handsets receiving supplemental coverage from space (SCS) service (see 2504090038). In the order (docket 23-65), the Office of Engineering and Technology and Space Bureau said applying the rules would stymie T-Mobile subscribers and first responders from accessing SCS "through no fault of their own, because the holders of equipment authorizations for certain devices have failed to submit requests for waivers to allow those devices to access SCS."
Integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) will be a critical part of 6G and is growing in sophistication, 5G Americas said in a new white paper. “ISAC introduces sensing as a native function of the communication network, allowing network nodes to perform both communication and sensing tasks while enabling efficient spectrum sharing,” the group said. “Unlike current location capabilities (e.g., for e911), ISAC can detect passive objects not connected to the network. ISAC’s value has been demonstrated in other communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, with applications such as security intrusion detection and remote patient monitoring.”
Citizens Against Government Waste on Tuesday supported Verizon's request that the FCC remove the unlocking commitment stipulated as a condition of approving the company’s purchase of Tracfone (see 2505200051). “The FCC should bring parity to the marketplace by granting Verizon’s request,” said a filing in docket 24-186. “The FCC should help mobile providers by eliminating the unlocking requirements that open the gate to cell phone trafficking, fraud and other illegal activities.”
AT&T on Tuesday announced the launch of a “Wireless Account Lock” feature for wireless customers, which disables key account changes, including billing updates and wireless number transfers, without enhanced verification. “The lock forces an extra step before important account changes can be made,” AT&T said. “It prevents anyone from buying a device on the account, for example, or conducting a SIM swap -- moving a phone number to a SIM in a different device.”
T-Mobile unveiled new pricing plans Tuesday for its Ultra Mobile brand, which it acquired last year (see 2405010035). The entry-level plan now offers 500 MB of data at $15 per month, up from 250 MB. The $39-a-month plan now includes 24 GB of data, up from 15. T-Mobile is also offering additional international calling features, it said. “Starting today, Ultra plans now include more data, more international coverage and customers have more ways to save with multi-month plans -- all while keeping the same affordable pricing launched over a decade ago.”