New standard approves unlicensed 5GHz Wi-Fi spectrum use

T-Mobile has told its loyal customers that with the FCC’s authorization of unlicensed spectrum in its “LTE-U” specification, it will now be able to give users access to the first 20MHz of underutilized spectrum in the 5GHz band and boost LTE network frequencies into the gigabit speed range later this spring.

Allows reception of emergency broadcasts in spotty coverage areas

Most smartphones sold in the United States contain a built-in FM receiver inside of their SoCs and LTE modems, but unlike their counterpart models sold in developing countries, most of them remain disabled or inactive.

Mega mergers will not provide low-access areas affordable rates

The Federal Communications Commission underwent a change in administration just two weeks ago and is already seeking to change the landscape of provisions from prior terms that could end up stifling efforts to assist low-access areas and upend net neutrality provisions for smaller mom-and-pop websites.

Collected viewing data

Telly maker Vizio has agreed to pay out $2.2 million to make a case claiming it unlawfully collected viewing data on its customers go away.

First open meeting reveals committment to building digital divide

The most recent Federal Communications Chairman, Ajit Pai, who took office earlier last week, has made a commitment to reduce regulatory barriers to growth and innovation and prioritize building the digital divide, a national social inequality measurement on access to internet services.

Unaffiliated mobile video operators end up footing the bill

A few weeks ago, Verizon and AT&T came under fire by the FCC for violating principles of net neutrality through the use of “zero-rating” data promotions.

Title II reclassification became signature achievement

The current chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Tom Wheeler, said that he will resign at the end of the current presidential administration in January, during a tenure driven by increasing consumer protection in the satellite and cable industies while overseeing an escalating court battle over Title II broadband reclassification policy.

Nvidia’s tablet gets FCC thumbs up

A new unannounced NVIDIA tablet passed has passed through the FCC process.

Scores 134,000 in AnTuTu benchmark, over 3x higher than Tegra K1

On Wednesday, a new Nvidia filing with the FCC surfaced online that shows a new 8-inch device closely resembling the current Shield and Shield K1 tablets based on Kepler GK20A GPUs. The tablet was filed as an application for “SHIELD Tablet” and is expected to feature Nvidia’s newer Maxwell-based GM20B GPU and is based on the Tegra X1 chip, complete with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

Violated FCC's Open Internet Transparency Rule

In 2014 and 2015, Verizon was found secretly inserting a small piece of web code into all mobile web traffic to track its customers for advertisement purposes. The so-called “supercookies” were unavoidable, with no way to opt-out, even if customers opted out of advertisements. As of this week, the wireless giant finally had the case settled in court at the tune of a rather small $1.35 million fine by the FCC.