All articles tagged with #mobile carriers
The Vergecast discusses the launch of Trump Mobile, a questionable new mobile carrier with a flagship phone likely to be a poor deal, and explores the rapid decline of traditional TV in favor of streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube, along with other tech and policy updates.
SIM-swapping is a rising form of identity theft where criminals take over your phone number to access personal and financial accounts. To protect yourself, use strong, unique passwords, enable multifactor authentication methods that don't rely on texts, set up a unique passcode with your carrier, and be vigilant against phishing schemes. If you fall victim, report the fraud to your carrier, the FTC, and credit agencies, and take steps to secure your financial accounts.
Google and major mobile carriers are urging European regulators to impose regulations on Apple's iMessage platform, claiming that it gives Apple an unfair advantage in the messaging market. They argue that iMessage's default status on iPhones makes it difficult for users to switch to other messaging apps, stifling competition and innovation. The companies are calling for measures to ensure a level playing field and promote fair competition in the messaging space.
A new report from CIRP reveals that Apple's direct iPhone sales in the US have reached a new low, with carriers now accounting for almost 80% of iPhone purchases. During the pandemic, Apple experienced a surge in customers buying iPhones directly from the company, but the trend has since reversed. The shift is attributed to consumers returning to retail stores and the aggressive incentives offered by carriers, including free iPhones and attractive trade-in offers. This decline in direct sales means lower revenue for Apple, as customers are less likely to purchase AppleCare and other high-profit margin accessories from wireless carriers.
A study by background check company BeenVerified revealed that scammers prefer using VoIP providers Onvoy and TextNow, along with mobile carriers AT&T and T-Mobile, for their mobile scams. Non-fixed VoIP numbers were used for 60.59% of scam calls, followed by 24.11% using mobile carrier networks. Text scams and impersonating credit card and banking firms were identified as popular scam techniques. BeenVerified advises caution, including checking incoming phone numbers, thinking before acting, and not providing personal information to protect against scams.
Verizon will increase the price of many of its older Unlimited plans by $2 per month per phone line starting April 10. New customers won’t be affected by this change. The lines with tablets, smartwatches, and other devices won’t be affected by the price increase. Verizon suggests that those who want to avoid the price increase can move to a current Unlimited plan or switch to a Verizon prepaid plan. Each Unlimited line is eligible for a $10/month discount for using Auto Pay and paper-free billing.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has finalized rules requiring mobile carriers to block illegal robotext messages. Carriers must block texts from invalid, unallocated, or unused numbers, as well as numbers that the subscriber has self-identified as never sending text messages. The FCC is also seeking public comment on further proposals to require providers to block texts from entities the FCC has cited as illegal robotexters. The FCC is proposing to close the "lead generator loophole" and take further public comment on text authentication measures and other proposals to continue to fight illegal scam robotexts.