The CBRS Alliance and Small Cell Forum agreed to “cooperate closely” on the citizens broadband radio service band rollout, on a "variety of initiatives related to the wide-scale adoption of small cells, network densification, and the development, commercialization and adoption of OnGo-certified solutions,” they said Wednesday. Collaboration areas “include investigating multi-operator solutions in the 3.5 GHz band, defining indoor solution architectures for densification, and exploring the international opportunity for Spectrum Access System-coordinated shared spectrum.”
The FCC Wireless Bureau refined policies for review of data on T-Mobile buying Sprint (see 1902130072). The bureau said Wednesday in docket 18-197 it will permit parties entitled to review highly confidential information under an earlier protective order to also review supplemental highly confidential information. Those who want access must agree that submission of the data “does not constitute a waiver, including but not limited to a subject matter waiver, of the Submitting Party’s claims of attorney-client privilege or work product protection with respect to any undisclosed communications, documents, or information,” the order said: “We find that allowing limited access to competitively sensitive materials that are claimed to be privileged pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Supplemental Protective Order allows the public (through appropriate representatives) to do so while also protecting this sensitive information from improper disclosure and use.”
Apple, Samsung and Fitbit dominated U.S. smartwatch sales, with 88 percent for the 12 months ended Nov. 30, reported NPD Tuesday, but traditional watchmakers including Fossil and fitness brand Garmin are adding share. The category gained 51 percent to nearly $5 billion, unit sales expanding 61 percent. Smartwatch sales have gained “strong momentum,” said analyst Weston Henderek, with built-in LTE the “tipping point” for consumers, freeing them from needing a smartphone nearby to receive notifications and messages and to access smart home controls. Sixteen percent of U.S. adults own a smartwatch, up from 12 percent two years ago. It's 23 percent among those 18-34 years old, and health features are expected to increasingly buoy sales of models such as Apple’s Watch 4 series among older consumers. Evolving uses will drive other demand, NPD said, noting 15 percent of smartwatch owners say they control home automation devices using their watch.
T-Mobile announced gasoline and concert deals for its latest Tuesday promotion, as foreshadowed by CEO John Legere Sunday (see 1902110046). Customers can save 10 cents per gallon on up to 20 gallons weekly via Shell's Fuel Rewards, and they can sign up for access to exclusive stage-front tickets to sold-out Ariana Grande concerts, said the carrier Tuesday.
Google Pixel in Q4 was the fastest-growing “major” smartphone brand in the U.S., outpacing its top-10 rivals, including the iPhone, Samsung and Lenovo’s Motorola, blogged Strategy Analytics Tuesday. Overall U.S. smartphone unit shipments declined 23 percent in the quarter from “a lack of wow designs,” but Pixel shipments “bucked the downtrend” and increased 43 percent, it said. The Pixel 3 “is starting to resonate” with American consumers “searching for something new,” such as eSIM connectivity or artificial intelligence, said SA: Questions abound how Google might exploit this year’s impending Pixel 4 introduction to tap into momentum.
Baltimore County said the FCC should protect microwave systems operating in 6 GHz spectrum, as the agency explores new rules for mid-band spectrum. The county said it uses 22 6 GHz microwave paths for public safety communications. “If unlicensed devices are allowed in these frequency bands, the County urges the FCC to consider a practical implementation of an automated frequency control/coordination system, registration of devices as well as an accurate and timely listing of all 6 GHz systems in use and those included in the Prior Coordination Notice process,” it said in docket 17-183. “It would be very unfortunate if ... a multimillion dollar microwave system providing critical life safety radio traffic, is dependent upon low cost devices and users following the registration process.”
Verizon representatives met FCC Public Safety Bureau staff on the carrier’s efforts to restore wireless service last year in the Florida Panhandle area following Hurricane Michael. “The discussion principally focused on Verizon’s challenges in repairing and maintaining fiber backhaul in the hardest-hit areas in Florida, coordination with electric utilities, roaming arrangements in the storm’s aftermath, and steps we are considering to address those issues,” Verizon said in docket 18-339.
R Street Institute officials met Rachael Bender, aide to Chairman Ajit Pai, about FCC work on the C band. It identified "strengths and weaknesses of alternative proposals the Commission is considering,” said a filing in docket 18-122. “Some commenters ... oppose certain reallocation plans on grounds related to their own interests rather than actual economic problems. We encouraged the Commission to focus its attention on productive allocation of spectrum, rather than any one private interest." The group called the C Band Alliance proposal "a helpful model for working toward a final Commission decision."
CTIA announced a voluntary, common industry standard for evaluating pre-owned wireless devices, established by its Reverse Logistics and Service Quality Working Group. “This collaboration by America’s wireless industry will make the grading of wireless devices more straightforward and consistent,” said Tom Sawanobori, CTIA chief technology officer, Monday. “The standard will help create uniformity.”
The FCC will take offline its antenna structure registration system for about four hours Thursday at 6 a.m. EST, as it puts in place a new process for reporting changes in such ownership, said a Monday public notice. “To increase the security of the ASR system and reduce the risk of unauthorized changes being made, going forward, both the current owner and the new owner of a structure will be required to approve any change in ownership registration,” the PN said.