May 2020

The Federal Communications Commission took action to make six megahertz of low-band spectrum available for the development of critical wireless broadband technologies and services. The 900 MHz band is currently designated for narrowband land mobile radio communications and primarily used by land transportation, utility, manufacturing, and petrochemical companies. The item approved May 13 makes six megahertz available for broadband licenses on a county-by-county basis while reserving the remaining four megahertz of spectrum for continued narrowband operations.

The Federal Communications Commission took action to facilitate the continued deployment of earth stations used to provide satellite-based communications services on ships, airplanes, and vehicles. Satellite earth stations in motion (ESIMs) provide continuous and consistent broadband services to moving platforms by connecting them with satellites.

Even as major players like Verizon and AT&T are rushing to roll out 5G, a little-known company is looking to build its own alternative network using the wireless technology with the intent to connect the various devices in our lives. With so much hype around 5G, you'd expect a red carpet for this initiative. But the company, Ligado Networks, has run into some high-profile opposition: the US Defense Department. It's the latest twist in a long-running saga over the idea of an alternative cellular network.