The FCC has proposed new rules to protect consumers from SIM swappers who aim to take control of their cell phone accounts. The regulations would require wireless providers to adopt secure methods of authenticating customers during SIM card swaps or porting phone numbers to another carrier. Providers would also need to notify customers of any SIM changes or port-out requests. SIM swapping allows attackers to gain control of victims' information and online accounts secured with SMS verification codes. The FCC's Privacy and Data Protection Task Force aims to get the rules approved to combat phone hijacking fraud.
Wireless providers are set to activate new 5G systems near major airports, potentially causing disruptions to airline flights. Concerns have been raised that 5G signals could interfere with aircraft equipment, particularly devices that use radio waves to measure distance above the ground during low visibility landings. While most major US airlines claim to be prepared for this, Delta Air Lines has 190 planes that lack upgraded altimeters due to supply chain issues. The airline does not anticipate canceling flights but plans to carefully route these planes to minimize risks. The Federal Communications Commission granted wireless carriers licenses for the C-Band spectrum, which is close to frequencies used by radio altimeters, but a compromise was reached to delay the rollout of 5G signals near 50 busy airports. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warned of potential delays and cancellations due to the issue, urging airlines to adjust their schedules accordingly.
Wireless providers are set to activate new 5G systems near major airports, potentially causing disruptions to airline flights. Aviation groups have expressed concerns about interference with aircraft equipment, particularly radio altimeters used for landing in low visibility. Most major US airlines claim to be prepared, except for Delta Air Lines, which has 190 planes lacking upgraded altimeters due to supply chain issues. The Federal Communications Commission granted wireless carriers licenses for the C-Band spectrum, dismissing interference risks, but a compromise delayed the rollout near 50 busy airports until now. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warned of potential flight disruptions for planes without retrofitted altimeters, urging airlines to adjust schedules.
AT&T has surpassed T-Mobile and Verizon in customer satisfaction, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index's latest study on wireless providers and smartphones. AT&T scored 75 out of 100, one point ahead of T-Mobile and two points ahead of Verizon. The results are surprising as T-Mobile has been winning top awards for performance and 5G availability, while Verizon has been expanding its 5G network quickly. However, all three major US carriers ranked very close in the study.
Ryan Reynolds is set to earn over $270 million from the sale of Mint Mobile to T-Mobile, but experts warn that the consolidation of wireless providers could lead to higher prices for lower-income customers. Mint Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator that piggybacks on T-Mobile's infrastructure. The acquisition of MVNOs by larger carriers instead of competing with them could lead to less competition and higher prices for customers. Mint's revenue reportedly increased by 50,000% between November 2017 and November 2020. Neither Reynolds nor T-Mobile have commented on the sale.
