Partner content SpaceX makes first social-media post using Starlink direct-to-cell satellites 29th February 2024 SpaceX has posted its first status on X (formerly Twitter) using Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite network in space. “This post was sent through a SpaceX Direct to Cell satellite in space,” the company wrote on X. Musk re-shared the post, adding that no special equipment was used to make the status. Only a mobile phone and […]
News AT&T filing with SEC outlines new payment schedule to FirstNet Authority 29th February 2024 AT&T will pay more than $5.1 billion during the next five years to the FirstNet Authority, which plans to use this money to help fund the $8 billion commitment to enhance the nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN) that is being built and maintained by AT&T, according to the carrier’s recent filing with the SEC. AT&T […]
News AT&T CEO on outage: “We let down many” 28th February 2024 AT&T CEO John Stankey addressed the carrier’s massive Feb. 22 outage that impacted FirstNet and commercial service, stating in a letter to company employees that “we let down many of our customers” and apologizing, but the exact cause of the hours-long disruption remains murky. In the letter released on Sunday, Stankey noted that AT&T’s restoration […]
Partner content Counting the cost of AT&T’s outage 27th February 2024 AT&T said it will offer customers a $5 credit to apologize for its recent outage. According to one estimate, that could cost the company up to $140 million. That figure puts AT&T roughly in line with other mobile network operators struggling with similar issues. For example, Australian operator Optus said its 2023 outage cost the company around $40 […]
Partner content AT&T suffers extended nationwide outage, prioritizes FirstNet restoration 22nd February 2024 AT&T today suffered a nationwide outage of its wireless services that included interruption to the FirstNet nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN), which the carrier giant has been building and maintaining for almost seven years. During the early hours this morning, AT&T customers began reporting what the carrier giant referenced as a “nationwide outage” that also […]
Partner content In private wireless 5G, reality is strangling hype 22nd February 2024 The hype around private wireless started around five years ago, in the early days of 5G, when vendors like Nokia suggested the market opportunity could span up to 14 million sites worldwide. That would be double the 7 million macro basestations devoted to commercial wireless networks. That outlook sparked a race among vendors. Startups like Celona, networking giants […]
Partner content Satellite association launch aims to enhance global connectivity 21st February 2024 A new association to advance direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communication ecosystems has been launched. The Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) is made up of several satellite operators including Viasat, Terrestar Solutions, Ligado Networks, Omnispace and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC. Combined, the companies have more than 100 megahertz of L- and S-band spectrum which could […]
News Two law-enforcement groups express support for nationwide FirstNet Authority role at 4.9 GHz 16th February 2024 Multiple public-safety organizations recently have submitted filings to the FCC about the 4.9 GHz, including two key law-enforcement organizations that expressed support for a proposal that would grant the FirstNet Authority with a nationwide license to the mid-band spectrum. In a letter dated Feb. 13, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) said that […]
News FirstNet Authority commits to investing more than $8 billion into FirstNet NPSBN 14th February 2024 Officials representing the FirstNet Authority and network partner AT&T today announced plans to invest more than $8 billion during the next decade that is earmarked to fund 5G evolution, expanded mission-critical services and coverage enhancements to the FirstNet nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN). “Today definitely marks a milestone in the evolution of FirstNet,” FirstNet Authority […]
Audio NATE: Todd Schlekeway discusses changing market, organization’s 2024 initiatives 12th February 2024 NATE President and CEO Todd Schlekeway talks about the 2023 slowdown in cellular wireless deployment, the impact that has had on the organization’s traditionally tower-centric membership, and how members’ technical skills can be valuable in other areas. In addition, Schlekeway highlights NATE’s continued efforts to promote safety and training among its users. These topics […]
FirstNet Authority reauthorization needed as public-safety-driven network evolution proceeds 16th March 2024