The best course for the 5.9 GHz band would be reallocating it for cellular vehicle to everything technology (C-V2X), the 5G Automotive Association said in a call with staff from the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology and Office of Economics and Analytics. 5GAA proposed two plans but preferred the one to allocate the band's upper portion for basic C-V2X direct services and the lower portion for advanced C-V2X. “Should the Commission choose to reallocate the lower portion of the band for unlicensed operations, the 5GAA representatives stressed the importance of adopting rules that allow for robust C-V2X Direct operations in the upper portion,” the group said. If the FCC opens the band for Wi-Fi, “identify 40 MHz of dedicated, mid-band spectrum elsewhere for Advanced C-V2X Direct,” the association asked. Representatives of major automakers and tech companies including Qualcomm, Nokia and Panasonic participated, said a filing posted Thursday in docket 19-138.

Verizon Media is introducing a free “Watch Together” feature enabling NFL fans to video chat on their phones while watching live games in the Yahoo Sports app, said the carrier. Yahoo Sports is launching an augmented reality enhancement, “Yahoo Sports PlayAR,” that will allow fans to view “graphical replays of key plays across all games in near real-time.” It will layer NFL “proprietary tracking data” on screen with “enhanced games stats for players."

CommScope and Google are working together to launch Orion Wifi, which targets carrier offload. “Carrier Wi-Fi offload in public venues can be frustrating for consumers and even more so for venue managers and owners as they negotiate rates and try to solve roaming,” said Pramod Badjate, senior vice president-CommScope’s Ruckus Tuesday.

APCO asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to stay the FCC’s April order allowing Wi-Fi and other unlicensed users to share the 6 GHz band (see 2004230059). “In adopting the Order establishing the new rules, the Commission sacrificed the reliability of the nation’s public safety systems to indulge the possibilities of faster WiFi routers and other devices,” APCO said in a Friday motion in docket 20-1272 (in Pacer). “Public safety agencies nationwide have used the 6 GHz band for decades to support mission-critical operations such as dispatching first responders and maintaining voice communications during emergencies,” APCO said: “Without immediate relief, untraceable and unrecallable unlicensed devices will flood the market before the holiday season. Interference from these devices will disrupt mission-critical public safety communications.”

The FCC heard differing advice on rules for the 70/80/90 GHz bands in replies, which were due Friday and posted through Tuesday. Most were consistent with initial comments last month in docket 20-133 (see 2008060036) in response to a June NPRM (see 2008050058). “There is broad consensus for moving quickly to allow lower gain antennas in the 70/80 GHz band,” Nokia said. Adopt “the NPRM’s lead proposal in the 70/80 GHz band to increase the maximum beamwidth 3 dB points from 1.2 degrees to 2.2 degrees and to reduce minimum antenna gain from 43 dBi to 38 dBi,” it said: “This simple rule change will allow needed flexibility to deploy smaller, lighter backhaul antennas to facilitate 5G deployments in urban settings.” Optimize the 70 and 80 GHz bands for wireless backhaul and 5G, T-Mobile said. “The current link registration system has proven to be effective,” the carrier said: “Contrary to the suggestion by the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance, there is no reason to substitute a dynamic spectrum access system.” As the record demonstrates, “the Commission should enhance the rules for the 70/80/90 GHz bands to promote additional wireless backhaul in furtherance of the Commission’s goals of expanding access to broadband and fostering the efficient use of millimeter-wave spectrum,” CTIA said. If the rules are right, the bands will offer the “critical high-speed backhaul needed to address our nation’s burgeoning demand for data in years to come,” the group said. “The record provides strong support for the adoption of updated antenna technical standards that encourage a broader range of fixed wireless uses,” the Wireless ISP Association said. The Dynamic Spectrum Alliance saw broad support for spectrum sharing. “Expeditiously authorize antennas in motion and stratospheric Internet platforms in the 70/80 GHz bands, adopt a comprehensive, technology-neutral link registration framework that accommodates all services in the bands, set a pathway toward dynamic spectrum sharing, and reject requests to delay or to restrict operation of these critical backhaul networks,” DSA said. “Expanding flexible use of the 70/80 GHz bands can benefit consumers by helping to satiate an increased demand for next-generation broadband and fixed wireless services,” Starry said. The company wants an improved link registration system “to ensure the band is put to use and not burdened by abandoned registrations.” The Satellite Industry Association disagreed, noting parts of the spectrum are allocated to fixed satellite service. “Fully consider the impact of any rule changes on FSS,” SIA said. “Address all relevant issues, including the potential impact on satellite services.” The National Radio Astronomy Observatory sought protections for radio astronomy, particularly at 81-86 GHz.

The Alcatel Apprise, made by TCL, is available on the Cricket Wireless network for $69, TCL said Friday. The Android Go edition phone has a dedicated Google Assistant button, face unlock, 5-megapixel front and rear cameras and a 3000-mAh battery with battery saver mode. There's a two-year warranty.

LG’s 5G Velvet smartphone will be available on T-Mobile Sept. 10, said the carrier Thursday. The Velvet will operate on the carrier’s 600 MHz and 2.5-GHz 5G bands, along with LTE. For a limited time, customers can get the $588 phone for half off, with 24 monthly bill credits, if they trade in an eligible device or add a line. T-Mobile's version of the Velvet has a MediaTek chipset.

T-Mobile launched Project 10Million, a $10.7 billion initiative that was one of the commitments the carrier made to regulators to win approval for its buy of Sprint. “Partnering with school districts across the country, the program offers free wireless hotspots, free high-speed data and access to laptops and tablets, at-cost,” T-Mobile said Thursday. It aims to reach 10 million households.

Parties have through Oct. 19 to comment on a petition by the Association of American Railroads and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association asking the Federal Railroad Administration for waiver of a requirement they file a request for amendment each time they make changes to their positive train control systems or safety plan. Petitioners said the modification process “is a time consuming and significant undertaking for both FRA and railroad staff, involving submission of a voluminous amount of information and likely a lengthy review and approval process,” said Wednesday's Federal Register. The docket is FRA-2020-0068.

T-Mobile told the FCC only four frequency reconfiguration agreements haven't been closed as part of the 800 MHz rebanding. One was closed in August. T-Mobile took over work on the long-standing effort after it bought Sprint. The holdouts are in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. The reconfiguration can’t close “until all affected incumbent licensees complete their individual retuning activities,” said a filing posted Wednesday in docket 02-55.