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Google is excited about the FCC opening 6GHz band to more devices
The 6GHz band could enable improved peer-to-peer data transfers and novel AR and VR applications
6GHz networks have been available for a while now, with the FCC only opening the band for Wi-Fi and other unlicensed use cases in 2020. The regulatory body is now opening another 850 megahertz of spectrum to low-power devices, enabling fast and largely interference-free wireless transmissions at short distances. Google is excited about this change, as it may allow the company to add some enhanced peer-to-peer data transfer capabilities to its devices.
New FCC rules are here to ensure carriers block scam texts
New rules should make it more difficult for scammers to robotext you
We’ve all been spammed by sketchy text messages warning us that our debit card has been locked due to suspicious activity or telling us that we have a package waiting for us. Most of these messages include links that reroute users to shady webpages asking for personal information — a common tactic used by cyber criminals to steal their identity or, worse, empty their bank accounts. Now, the Federal Communications Commission is finally doing something about it with new rules meant to protect consumers from scam texts.
The FCC looks to space for a world with no more dropped calls
Your phone might use satellites in the future to avoid dead zones
For as robust as modern mobile networks are, dropped calls and lost signal are still very much a reality for way too many of us. Recently, chipmakers like Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Samsung have all been working towards a connectivity target that could prevent dropped calls once and for all: satellites. Now the FCC is getting involved, and the group proposed a new regulatory framework today that would allow wireless companies to use satellites to provide cell service in areas where traditional networks might not be up for the challenge.
The FCC is snuffing out Huawei and ZTE's American comeback hopes
More Chinese firms join the commission's 'naughty list'
In June of 2020, the United States officially declared Chinese telecom firms Huawei and ZTE as national security threats because of the amount of data they handle and their close proximity to the Chinese government. In the time since, American wireless carriers have been busy using public funds appropriated by Congress to "rip and replace" Huawei and ZTE equipment from their respective grids. Then, just last week, FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel sent out a proposal to ban approvals for telecommunications equipment made by companies deemed to be a national security risk, including Huawei and ZTE. The proposal was also sent to the three FCC commissioners and it now seems like a complete ban on equipment approvals is imminent.
Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro may have just passed through the FCC, ahead of fall launch
Ultra-wideband could be limited to the Pixel 7 Pro models
Google is going to announce the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro later this year, and back at I/O it teased plans for a fall release. After that official preview, we've picked up on a few rumors about what to expect from the hardware that will be succeeding the Pixel 6 series, but have been craving additional official information. Prior to a new phone arriving, we always look forward to seeing the publication of its FCC certification paperwork, and it sure looks like that's just what we're getting now for the Pixel 7 family.
Broadband internet should bring 100Mbps downloads, FCC chairwoman proposes
20Mbps sounds a little low for uploads, but this is just the start
If you were online in the 1990's, you remember the cacophonous shriek of your modem as you logged into AOL, then having to wait minutes to download a song from Napster. The stakes were low and it didn’t really matter if you had an ISP or not. Today, still in the long shadow of COVID, the internet has become a pillar of our lives, and living without a broadband connection means you are literally cut off from many opportunities. Thankfully, the FCC says most Americans have access to broadband (warning: PDF download) these days, but what "broadband" means could change if the commission chairwoman has her way.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is now live
The new shortcode will exist alongside the current 10-digit number
1-800-273-TALK (8255) probably might be the most important phone eleven-digit phone number to exist in North America. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline links callers to one of more than 200 groups and call centers run by the likes of The Samaritans and helps get them through some of their lowest moments. Mental health advocates have been pushing to get the service onto a shortcode for a long time, though, and we're only now seeing the fruits of years of work to bring the Lifeline to 988.
The FCC, having done almost nothing about spam calls, wishes it could do more about spam calls
The agency wants to slap a $116 million fine on a robocalling operation, but it only has the power to propose it
Robocallers, and spam operations in general, are a big issue that seems to plague almost everyone in the US these days one way or another. They can be a nuisance, or they can be downright dangerous. Luckily, it's a problem that government agencies are aware of, but the FCC is in a surprisingly limited capacity to take action. The agency has, for a long time, been after robocallers, and right now it wants to fine a big robocalling operation. It also wishes to be able to take stronger actions by itself, though.
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 FCC docs hint at one super-charged upgrade
The Watch5 could last longer and charge faster
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 series is edging closer to release, and this time around we're expecting to get three distinct models. Before new electronics can go up for sale, that hardware needs to pick up the proper certifications, and that's just what we're seeing now: Samsung's smartwatch trio has passed through the halls of the FCC, emerging with news of a nice little surprise in the charging department.
The FCC might let your carrier notify you sooner about its next big data breach
But will there be any bite to its bark?
Data breaches are an inevitable facet of modern life. There is no security so robust that a hacker can’t penetrate it. What matters is how we mitigate that risk. Unfortunately, we can’t mitigate the risks that we aren’t aware of. That’s why it’s crucial for businesses that regularly handle sensitive information (like telecom carriers) to inform customers when their data's been involved in a breach as early as possible. The FCC is now signaling that it wants to make sure carriers are doing all they can to keep customers informed, and is considering some new rules for making that happen.
All passengers flying Verizon and AT&T to C-band 5G, your arrival's been delayed due to aircraft interference
Now scheduled for 2022
For nearly two years, we've waited as the FCC had worked to free up underutilized spectrum for telecoms, all in an effort to expand 5G. This "C-band" was previously used primarily by satellite companies, auctioned off to carriers earlier this year. Verizon and AT&T had planned to launch their newly-bought spectrum next month, but following some potential safety concerns, they have postponed the plans into 2022.
The FCC may finally do something — anything — about phone number theft
But the commission has only announced that it's started making rules to combat SIM swapping
The FCC is poised to tackle some of the most common threats in modern identity theft as it begins drafting rules against SIM swapping and port-out fraud.
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 stops by the FCC before its debut later this week
This time the phone is more of, you know, a phone
Microsoft has a press event scheduled for this Wednesday, September 22nd. The Surface Duo 2 is expected to attend, among other less mobile Surface-branded hardware. In apparent preparation for a rapid release, the successor to the unique dual-screen folding phone stopped by the Federal Communications Commission for the usual round of testing and certification.
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A pile of new Google devices just hit the FCC, and based on the details included, it looks like they are probably versions of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. All are "phones" according to the FCC, and some models have mmWave 5G paired with Wi-Fi 6E support, while other models make do with sub-6 GHz 5G and 6E.
The FCC shows you where the data's at with new nationwide LTE map
"Nationwide" unless you're a T-Mobile user in Nebraska, apparently
Carriers and phone manufacturers might be talking about nothing but 5G lately, but when it comes to the infrastructure that keeps most of us online, day-in and day-out, the US still very much runs on LTE. While such 4G coverage is fantastically strong in many places, that's still far from the case everywhere, and it hasn't always been easy to get straight answers from the carriers about exactly what kind of reception you can expect, and where. Thankfully, the FCC has just taken a big step towards fixing that, publishing its first standardized nationwide map of 4G coverage.
Every so often, a mysterious new device passes through the FCC that piques our attention. Sometimes the listing outright says what we're looking at, even giving us information on unannounced phones. Other times — such as today — the gadget remains an enigma. A new device from Google has made its way through the FCC, but only time will tell what it truly is.
Here's your first peek at Bose's successor to the QuietComfort 35 II
Just don't expect it to show up any time soon
In the admittedly limited scope of high-end noise-canceling cans, Sony and Bose are locked in a knock-down, drag-out fight. The consensus seems to be that Sony's had a slight edge over the last few years, but Bose is eager to come back. Today we get to see its next-gen Quiet Comfort design, courtesy of the FCC.
Pixel 5a makes a stop at the FCC before heading to your pocket
Three models with two very different sets of frequencies supported
Google's anticipated Pixel 5a 5G has just been spotted at the FCC, revealing a few key details as well as some anticipated timing. In addition to confirming three specific model numbers for the phone with varied carrier band support, the timing quite clearly indicates that a launch for the new mid-ranger should be happening soon.
A successor to the Lenovo Smart Clock may be inbound, according to a recent FCC filing. The new device calls itself a "Lenovo Smart Clock 2" and may also support a wireless charging dock accessory. As seemingly the world's only super-fan of the original model, let me tell you: I am psyched.
New Google product passes through the FCC — could it be a new Nest Cam?
It's a 'Wireless Streaming Device' with a battery, that much we know
We often find out about new Google hardware products in cryptic fashion when they arrive at the Federal Communications Commission. Due to confidentially agreements, the regulator only discloses the bare minimum in these listings, but we can usually make an educated guess at what to expect. The latest example appears to be a new Nest Cam.