Ookla: AT&T beats Verizon in 4G speeds, T-Mobile is the 5G leader

The latest report from Ookla finds AT&T beating Verizon in average 4G speeds and T-Mobile blazing ahead in 5G.

Ookla’s 4G “speed score” for AT&T is 41.23 with T-Mobile quite far behind in second place with a score of 33.69. The other two major operators, Sprint and Verizon, are clumped close to T-Mobile with scores of 31.53 and 30.77 respectively.

All the providers now have high 4G availability scores. Sprint and Verizon lead with a joint 99% 4G...

By | 10 July 2020 | 5G

UK report suggests US sanctions have increased Huawei security risk

A leaked UK report suggests that US sanctions on Huawei have increased the vendor's security risk, which may lead to an earlier ban.

The UK decided earlier this year to permit Huawei’s equipment in a limited role – a decision which received significant backlash from allies, several MPs, and even human rights groups.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reportedly ordered ministers to create plans to end the use of Huawei’s equipment in national 5G networks entirely by...

By | 6 July 2020 | 5G

T-Mobile switches off Sprint’s 5G network following $26.5 billion merger

T-Mobile is switching off Sprint’s legacy 5G network following the merger of the companies which finally closed on April 1st.

Sprint’s 5G, which uses 2.5GHz mid-band spectrum, has been taken offline while T-Mobile works to re-deploy it across its own network.

Most existing Sprint customers won’t be able to use their current devices going forward to access 5G, with Galaxy S20 users being the exception. T-Mobile is offering credits for affected customers to lease a...

By | 3 July 2020 | 5G

The FCC officially designates Huawei and ZTE as national security threats

The FCC has officially designated Huawei and ZTE as national security threats in a further escalation of disputes between Washington and Beijing.

Successive US administrations have been wary of Chinese telecoms vendors and advised operators against the use of their equipment, but have never outright designated them a national security threat until now.

In a statement, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said:

“With today's Orders, and based on the overwhelming weight of...

By | 1 July 2020 | China

Twitter admits it was overzealous on ‘5G causes COVID-19’ fact-checking

Twitter stepped up to call out the "5G causes COVID-19" conspiracy theories, but admits it was a bit overzealous in doing so.

Most conspiracy theories are relatively harmless and you can just roll your eyes and scroll on. However, the fear around COVID-19 has led to people taking some truly stupid actions.

If you're immersed in the wonderful world of social media, then you've probably seen the videos of people burning cell towers – many of which aren't even 5G. You can...

By | 29 June 2020 | 5G

How to meet global connectivity demands with fiber post-Covid-19

With countries across the globe still in lockdowns, one thing has become abundantly clear- telecom network infrastructure is critical to ensuring societies can function. People are no longer placing value on cars, fancy clothes, exotic trips, or other luxuries, but are prioritising internet connectivity to the home and throughout the house. Without Wi-Fi, working from home, streaming movies, talking to family members, and many other activities are impossible. This has put two technologies...

By | 26 June 2020 | Cabling

T-Mobile wants to adjust Sprint merger terms like jobs promises, 5G speeds

T-Mobile is seeking to adjust some of the agreements it made in return for the authorisation of its Sprint merger.

The "uncarrier" has asked California’s Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to ease three conditions in particular. 

One of the key arguments made by T-Mobile in favour of its merger was that it would create jobs. Former CEO John Legere even said in a blog post last year that a combined T-Mobile/Sprint would employ 11,000 more workers by 2024 than what the...

By | 24 June 2020 | 5G

Nokia’s new AirScale Cloud RAN solution helps deliver 5G’s promises

Nokia has unveiled a "next-generation" Cloud RAN (Radio Access Network) solution which will help to deliver on 5G's promises.

The Finnish telecoms giant believes that its latest solution will help operators to generate revenue from 5G services, enable "flexible" end-to-end network slicing, and take full advantage of IoT opportunities.

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said:

“The next-generation Nokia 5G AirScale Cloud RAN is a true...

By | 23 June 2020 | 5G

Ex-officials claim cyber attack on Australia was revenge for Huawei ban

Former Australian officials claim a “state-based” cyber attack was launched on the country in revenge for banning Huawei’s telecoms equipment.

Australian PM Scott Morrison announced last week that a suspected state-sponsored cyber attack targeted critical infrastructure and the government.

"We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting," Morrison said at a press briefing.

Morrison stopped at...

By | 22 June 2020 | 5G