Google Fi has launched its first tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 5G, featuring an 11-inch display, 5G connectivity, and a range of upgraded specs, available for $279.99 or $199.99 for existing subscribers.
Verizon and AT&T reported Q3 results with Verizon focusing on wireless pricing and customer retention, raising its dividend for the 19th year, while AT&T emphasized fiber broadband growth and a major spectrum purchase to expand 5G, highlighting their different strategic paths in the telecom industry.
Nvidia has taken a $1 billion stake in Nokia, leading to an 18% rise in Nokia's shares, and the companies will collaborate on developing 6G technology and integrating Nvidia's chips into Nokia's 5G and 6G software, signaling a strategic move in AI and telecommunications.
Mint Mobile offers a very affordable 5G home internet plan starting at $30 per month for new customers who also have a Mint phone plan and pay upfront for at least three months, but the actual cost can vary up to $50 depending on the plan details. The service provides comparable speeds to T-Mobile's 5G home internet, with some limitations like data throttling after 1-1.2 TB and fewer perks. The pricing structure is complex, requiring upfront payments and specific plan combinations, making it a potentially good option depending on location and user needs.
TCL has launched the TCL Tab 8 NXTPAPER 5G, an 8.7-inch Android tablet featuring its NXTPAPER display technology designed for eye comfort, available exclusively through Verizon for $199.99, with modest hardware specs including an octa-core processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage.
Upcoming iPhone models, including the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold, are expected to feature the new A20 chip made with 2nm technology and a C2 modem supporting faster mobile data, potentially offering improved performance and 5G speeds. These upgrades highlight Apple's focus on advancing processing power and connectivity in future devices.
Verizon is now offering the new iPhone 17 lineup, including the iPhone Air, with pre-orders starting September 12 and availability from September 19, featuring 5G connectivity, trade-in deals up to $1,100, and exclusive bundles with Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 3, all on Verizon's reliable network with flexible plans and added perks.
Apple introduced new custom-designed wireless chips, the C1X and N1, in the iPhone Air, enhancing 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6 capabilities while improving power efficiency, supporting a thinner design and greater control over its hardware components.
Apple announced the Series 11 Apple Watch, featuring 5G connectivity, stronger ceramic-coated glass, and health monitoring capabilities for conditions like hypertension, along with new software features in watchOS 26. It is the slimmest model yet, with a battery life of up to 24 hours, available starting at $399 from September 19th.
SpaceX is purchasing $17 billion worth of wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar to expand its Starlink satellite network and enable direct-to-cell service, aiming to improve global coverage and address mobile dead zones, with the deal also facilitating access for EchoStar's Boost Mobile subscribers to Starlink's services.
Congress has pulled back funding for the U.S. Open RAN initiative, citing concerns over technical vulnerabilities and the risk of entrenching existing telecom giants, which may hinder innovation and pose security threats amid rising cyber risks.
Dish has given up on becoming the fourth major wireless carrier in the US, selling its spectrum licenses to AT&T and shifting Boost Mobile to operate primarily on AT&T’s network, marking the end of its efforts to build a standalone 5G network and effectively ending its pursuit of becoming a major carrier.
AT&T is set to acquire EchoStar's spectrum licenses for about $23 billion to expand its 5G network and address regulatory concerns, with the deal expected to close by mid-2026 pending approval, while EchoStar continues to operate in the US market under its Boost brand.
AT&T is set to acquire spectrum licenses from EchoStar for approximately $23 billion, enhancing its 5G and broadband capabilities across over 400 U.S. markets, with the goal of strengthening its leadership in connectivity and supporting future AI and IoT applications. The deal is expected to close in mid-2026 and will help AT&T expand its home internet and wireless services, improve network efficiency, and support long-term growth.
Researchers from ASSET developed a 5G sniffer and injector using software-defined radios, enabling real-time data capture and potential exploitation of 5G vulnerabilities, including downgrading connections and causing device failures, providing insights into 5G security challenges.