Edward C. Baig USA TODAY Published 12:40 PM EDT Apr 12, 2019 The Trump Administration is looking to lead in the global race for 5G supremacy, with an eye on rural America. Ahead of a scheduled event at the White House on Friday with President Trump, Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai, announced plans to hold a 5G-spectrum auction on Dec. 10, further opening up the airwaves that can be deployed by commercial 5G wireless operators. This would be the largest spectrum auction in U.S. history and covers three radio frequency bands, all part of the government’s ongoing “5G Fast Plan” strategy. The U.S. also plans to establish a $20.4-billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to build out high-speed broadband networks in underserved parts of the country over the next decade and connect up to 4 million homes and small businesses. The hope is that the fund, which will launch later this year, will help close the digital … [Read more...] about When will 5G wireless come to your hometown? Trump, FCC establish fund
T mobile new plans coming
T-Mobile, Sprint execs defend $26.5 billion deal to lawmakers
Top executives of T-Mobile and Sprint are taking their case to Congress, arguing that joining their companies won't hurt competition or jack up consumer prices for wireless services if their $26.5 billion merger is allowed to proceed. But they're likely to face a skeptical audience at a hearing Wednesday. The deal, which must win approval from federal regulators, would combine the nation's third- and fourth-largest wireless companies, creating a new behemoth roughly the size of industry giants Verizon and AT&T.Complicating their task is the fact that urban consumers are paying 22 percent less for cellphone service following AT&T's failed bid to acquire T-Mobile in 2011, a combination rejected by federal regulators as anticompetitive. That data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics price index for wireless telephone service.T-Mobile subsequently launched aggressive promotions and made consumer-friendly changes such as ditching two-year contracts and bringing back … [Read more...] about T-Mobile, Sprint execs defend $26.5 billion deal to lawmakers
T-Mobile vows not to raise rates for 3 years if Sprint merger approved
Mike Snider USA TODAY Published 9:22 AM EST Feb 5, 2019 T-Mobile CEO John Legere typically proposes deals to wireless consumers. Now he is offering one to the Federal Communications Commission. If the FCC approves the telecom company's $26 billion merger with competitor Sprint, T-Mobile will put price increases on hold for three years, Legere said in note sent this week to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. Some critics have opposed the deal, announced in April, saying the elimination of one of the four largest wireless providers – Sprint is the No. 4, behind Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile – will lead to higher prices and harm consumers. "To remove any remaining doubt or concerns about New T-Mobile’s prices while we are combining our networks over the next three years, T-Mobile today is submitting to the Commission a commitment that I stand behind – a commitment that New T-Mobile will make available the same or better rate plans … [Read more...] about T-Mobile vows not to raise rates for 3 years if Sprint merger approved
19 big changes to wages, benefits, pensions, tax rules & more coming in 2019
As things stand there are at least 19 major changes slated for next year - affecting everything from the price of a glass of wine to tax rates, benefits and pensions. The new rules will see people pay less income tax, but more council tax. State pensions and minimum wage are rising, but more tax is due on some flights - and while train prices are up there's also a new railcard that will let millions of people get a third of travel. There are new rights coming affecting mobile phones and broadband - but you'll be blocked from applying for PPI compensation. Oh - and all that's before we even get to Brexit. Sarah Coles, Hargreaves Lansdown personal finance analyst, said: "By the end of 2019, we could have an emergency Budget, another raft of new ministers, or even another election. “However, even this level of uncertainty doesn’t throw a spanner in the financial planning works entirely. There are key dates we can look forward to and sensibly plan for – from the … [Read more...] about 19 big changes to wages, benefits, pensions, tax rules & more coming in 2019
An expert guide to 2019’s new food trends
With every new year comes a host of new flavours and products – from CBD oil (a chemical compound extracted from hemp) to drinking vinegars – but thanks to the cyclical pattern of culinary trends a clutch of age-old ingredients will find themselves back in favour in 2019. Stout and mead will make the mainstream, while ox liver and sweetbreads creep back into the home cook’s repertoire, joined by laver bread and rabbit on restaurant menus. Those who wish to eat better, drink less, and save the planet as they do so, will be aided by developments in eco-friendly food packaging – single-use plastics are on their way out, and there are more alternatives than ever. The growth in veganism, meanwhile, makes the plant-based sector one of the most innovative – so add aquafaba and jackfruit to your lexicon, sprinkle pul biber over your breakfast, and, for goodness sake, ditch the phone at dinner time. It’s time to eat… A...for aquafaba Draining chickpeas … [Read more...] about An expert guide to 2019’s new food trends