Wireless: Relatively few cell sites knocked out by Hurricane Idalia
See the FCC Report: DOC-396609A1.pdf (fcc.gov) About 2% were offline on August 30, rising to about 17% on Aug 31, and back down to about 5% on Sep 1. 9-1-1…
Mobile: T-Mobile rolls out ultra fast network
I have non-fast T-Mobile service at my house – my neighborhood is in a dead zone for their 5G Ultra service. I usually see just 5-20 Mbps downloads on Speedtest.net.…
Wireless: Apple’s iPhone 14 to support satellite-based text messaging
Source: Apple’s satellite plans just sent this stock on a wild ride The iPhone 14 will support text messaging via GlobalStar satellites, and the text service will be free during…
This is a very big deal: SpaceX and T-Mobile team up to use Starlink satellites
Existing T-Mobile phones should have access to text messaging capabilities in remote areas, routed via Starlink satellites. The satellites to support this capability will launch in 2023. SpaceX CEO Elon…
Good: Government sues HobbyKing over sale of illegal RC transmitters
The U.S. government Thursday filed a civil action in federal court in Portland against drone distributor HobbyKing to collect a $2.8 million fine for selling and marketing unauthorized communication devices…
Numerous “connected” cars will lose service due to 3G shutdown
Cell phone service providers are shutting down their older 3G services – which means a lot of devices that relied on 3G will lose service. Many dozens of car makes…
Geologists leveraging Amateur Radio networks in aftermath of large quakes
Early damage and “shake” reports help seismologists quickly understand the quake’s impact. But the loss of communications typical after a major quake has created a “donut hole” of missing information.…
ISS Astronauts communicate with school kids via ham radio
The conversations are a treat for the astronauts as well. “You’re talking to someone and looking right down at where they are,” NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold II said. Over the…
Communications: California loses cell phone service in power cut offs
Up to 1,000 cell sites dropped off line during PG&E's power shut offs in California, cutting off entire communities in an era when 80% of 911 calls are cellular/wireless based.…