SpaceX has revealed additional details about its plan to launch a satellite network in space to support broadband Internet service. In a Tuesday filing with the FCC, the company requested permission to launch 4,425 satellites into a low-Earth orbit, including an initial launch of 800 satellites to expand internet coverage in the United States. The remainder of the satellites would follow over an undisclosed timeline to provide global internet coverage. SpaceX said the system would provide speeds of up to 1 gbps with latency of between 25 and 25 milliseconds.
Mint SIM, a prepaid mobile service from Ultra Mobile that rides on T-Mobile’s network, announced major price cuts and savings on its unlimited talk, text, and data plans.
The company said it is reducing prices by 20 percent, making its 12-month unlimited talk, text, and 2GB 4G LTE data plan $16.58 a month. Additionally, first-time Mint SIM buyers can get a trial offer—a three-month 2GB plan—for $11.67 a month.
FreedomPop, a free wireless service provider, announced the opening of FreedomShop.com, a new arm focused exclusively on offering refurbished certified pre-owned phones at up to 80 percent less than MSRP. The company said FreedomShop will offer more than 100 smartphone models from popular brands like Apple, Samsung, LG, and more, as well as a 30-day “no questions asked” money back guarantee. The shop will also provide a 90-day warranty against any manufacturer defects.
Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) announced a strategic partnership with DeviceBits to bring DeviceBits’ software platform to CCA carrier members. The strategic relationship provides an online platform of interactive device tutorials, guides, FAQs, and videos designed to help carriers reduce calls to customer care, churn, and return rates, and drive higher adoption rates of new products and services.
Arkados Group Inc., a software developer and system integrator enabling Internet of Things (IoT) applications, announced the company has signed an agreement with Airfi Networks to integrate Airfi’s advanced cellular connectivity solutions via SIMs, connected network, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication platform, into customer devices and systems that require around the clock communication, monitoring, and data gathering.
Airfi’s M2M platform has simple APIs and a web based portal for the management of devices and SIM cards worldwide. Network access is managed centrally and SIMs are updated over the air for seamless network access. Once a SIM is integrated into a system, the customers’ mobile devices will then be able to establish communication between the system and the customers’ chosen central application servers using Airfi’s SIM and connected networks, and transmit data on the system almost immediately, the company said.
The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) announced winners of its annual Industry Awards. The WBA Industry Awards 2016, presented at the San Jose Wireless Global Congress, recognize and celebrate excellence in wireless innovation.
The winners of the 2016 WBA Industry Awards are:
- Best Next Gen Wi-Fi Operator Deployment: Telstra for Telstra Air
- Best Converged Operator Deployment: Boingo Wireless for Boingo DAS
- Best Next Gen Wi-Fi Network Infrastructure: Affirmed Networks for its fully virtualized, Wi-Fi Gateway
- Best Converged Network Infrastructure: Ruckus Wireless for OpenG
- Best Consumer Centric Wireless Service Innovation: KT for Olleh TV Air
- Best Industrial Wireless Service Innovation: AT&T for AT&T Foundry for Connected Health at Texas Medical Center
- Best Connected City Deployment: The City of New York for LinkNYC
- Best Wireless Deployment in Rural or Remote Areas: SK Telecom for its Smart Wireless Backhaul Solution
- Best Wireless Innovation and Excellence in Social Impact: Left for its YO! Connectivity to the Unconnected
- WBA Wireless Leadership Award: Jessica Rosenworcel, FCC commissioner
- Distinguished Member Award (Non-Operator): Ruckus Wireless
- Distinguished Member Award (Operator): AT&T
