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  2. March 2025

March 2025

Chairman Carr Letter to Senators Cruz, Cantwell, and Representatives Guthrie, Pallone on Spectrum Legislation

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr wrote to members of the Senate Commerce Committee and House Energy and Commerce Committee about reinstating the FCC's spectrum auction authority, which lapsed in 2023. He wrote, "Passing legislation that establishes a new pipeline of mid-band spectrum is vital to our economy and national security. If Congress accomplishes this goal, the FCC will implement Congress’s decision. Specifically, the FCC will make any and all of the spectrum allocation and license changes necessary to comply with the law passed by Congress."

European Commission provides guidance under Digital Markets Act to facilitate development of innovative products on Apple's platforms

The European Commission adopted two decisions under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) specifying the measures that Apple has to take to comply with certain aspects of its interoperability obligation. Interoperability enables a deeper and more seamless integration of third-party products with Apple's ecosystem. Interoperability is therefore key to opening up new possibilities for third parties to develop innovative products and services on Apple's gatekeeper platforms.

European Commission sends preliminary findings to Alphabet under the Digital Markets Act

The European Commission sent two sets of preliminary findings to Alphabet for failing to comply with the Digital Markets Act, regarding two services for which it has been designated as a gatekeeper. Firstly, the Commission has informed Alphabet of its preliminary view that certain features and functionalities of Google Search treat Alphabet's own services more favorably compared to rival ones, thus not ensuring the transparent, fair and non-discriminatory treatment of third-party services as required by the DMA.

T-Mobile Upheld by National Advertising Division on Starlink Claim

T-Mobile has won a BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by Verizon, related to T-Mobile’s claim to be the “first and only” U.S. wireless provider to work with Starlink to provide satellite-powered text messaging. Fast-Track SWIFT challenges enable NAD to review single-issue advertising issues.  In this case, a statement, made at T-Mobile’s website and in a LinkedIn post, said that  “T-Mobile is the first and only U.S.

Social Security requiring in-office visits for millions of recipients, applicants

The Social Security Administration said it will no longer allow individuals to verify their identity over the phone but instead require online authentication or in-person visits for those seeking benefit claims and direct deposit changes. Changes are set to go into full effect March 31, impacting more than 72 million Americans who rely on the platform amid a slew of planned office closures across the country. The Department of Government Efficiency’s website says it plans to shut down at least 47 Social Securit

Starks' departure sparks new questions about FCC

With Democratic Federal Communications Commissioner Geoffrey Starks announcing his plans to leave the agency this spring, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is that much closer to having a Republican majority on board. How much he needs that majority is another question.

T-Mobile Reaches 6.3 Gbps Download Speed

T-Mobile demonstrations using a commercial Samsung Galaxy S25 and a non-commercial mobile test device achieved a 6.3 Gbps “record-breaking” downlink speed in a recent trial. The Galaxy S25 test featured Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF System running text software on T-Mobile’s 5G network. It reached a download speed of 4.3 Gbps in real-world conditions. The second test featured Qualcomm’s X85 5G Modem-RF on a mobile test device.

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