Articles tagged with "5G"
US Air Force eyes compact drones for long-range special ops strikes
The U.S. Air Force is actively pursuing the development of compact, lightweight attack drones specifically designed for special operations forces (SOF). A recent Request for Information (RFI) highlights the need for portable first-person view (FPV) drone systems that can be carried by operators into complex, contested environments. Current capabilities are inadequate, prompting Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) to seek a system weighing under 30 pounds initially—comprising two drones and a control unit—with a long-term goal of a 10-pound setup operable by a single operator. These drones must be rapidly deployable, ideally launched within one to three minutes, to support high-risk missions where speed is critical. The drones are expected to carry a fragmentation warhead between 3.3 and 6.6 pounds, enabling strikes against personnel, light vehicles, and defensive positions at ranges of 6 to over 12 miles, with flight endurance of 15 to 30 minutes. A significant technical challenge is
robotdronesmilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-vehiclesIoT-connectivity5Gspecial-operationsFirst practical robot teleoperation achieved over commercial 5G
NTT DOCOMO and Keio University have successfully demonstrated the world’s first practical robot teleoperation over a commercial 5G standalone (SA) network using Configured Grant technology. This approach combines DOCOMO’s low-latency network slicing method with Keio’s Real Haptics system, which transmits tactile and force feedback between a human operator and a remote robot. The demonstration aimed to reduce wireless delay and jitter to enable stable, precise remote manipulation, which is critical for synchronized position, force, and speed control in teleoperated robotics. Configured Grant improves upon the standard Dynamic Grant by pre-allocating uplink communication resources to devices, eliminating the scheduling delay caused by the request-and-approval cycle. This reduction in latency and jitter was tested on DOCOMO’s commercial 5G SA network, with control packets routed through an edge server to enable real-time bidirectional force feedback. In experiments involving a hand-type robot performing a delicate grasp-and-transport task, Configured Grant increased force
robot5Gteleoperationlow-latencynetwork-slicingReal-Hapticsremote-controlAmazon’s new eero Signal keeps you connected to the internet when outages occur
Amazon has introduced the eero Signal, a new device designed to maintain internet connectivity during outages by automatically switching to cellular networks. The device plugs into any compatible USB-C powered eero router with Wi-Fi 6 or higher and activates cellular backup only when the primary internet service goes down, reverting to standby once restored. This feature is particularly beneficial for remote workers, security system users, and residents in outage-prone areas. The eero Signal operates on a subscription model that offers cost-effective cellular backup due to its intermittent use. At launch, customers can choose between a $99.99 annual eero Plus plan with 10 GB of backup data or a $199.99 plan providing 100 GB, both available at discounted rates when purchasing the device. Amazon also plans to release a 5G version later in the year priced at $199.99, with support extending to eero Business customers.
IoTWi-Fi-6eero-Signalcellular-backupinternet-connectivity5Gsmart-home-devicesPlanning to buy iPhone 18? Apple may delay the base model until 2027
Apple is reportedly planning to change its traditional annual iPhone release cycle by extending the lifecycle of its base iPhone models to 18 months. Starting with the iPhone 18, which may be delayed until spring 2027, Apple will split its iPhone launches into two phases: premium models will continue to debut in the fall, while standard and lower-cost models will arrive several months later. This shift marks the first time in over a decade that Apple might go a full year without releasing a new base iPhone generation, allowing more time for each model to remain relevant and reducing internal competition between Pro and non-Pro devices. In early 2026, Apple plans to introduce the iPhone 17e, a budget-friendly addition to the iPhone 17 family featuring upgrades like the A19 chip, Dynamic Island design, smaller bezels, and a front camera with Center Stage support, but retaining a single rear camera and lacking Pro-level display features. Meanwhile, the premium iPhone 18 Pro
IoTsmartphonesApplemobile-technology5Gchip-technologyfoldable-devicesWorld Mobile Stratospheric and Britten-Norman pioneer airborne 5G to connect the unconnected
World Mobile Stratospheric (WMS), a joint venture between World Mobile Group and Indonesia’s Protelindo, has partnered with aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman to pioneer airborne 5G connectivity aimed at bridging the global digital divide. The initiative will use a Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander aircraft as a test platform for a novel 5G communication system operating from the stratosphere. Flight trials are planned for mid-2026 from Britten-Norman’s UK test facilities, supported by BT’s research team, to validate the telecom payload and assess coverage and performance of 5G links delivered from aircraft altitude. This project represents a foundational step toward establishing a stratospheric connectivity platform. The airborne 5G system aims to provide reliable internet access to remote and underserved regions, particularly in parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, and rural Europe, where traditional ground-based infrastructure is economically unviable. By leveraging decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), the model distributes
IoT5Gairborne-connectivitydigital-infrastructuretelecommunicationsremote-internet-accessstratospheric-communicationEU considers law to phase out Huawei and ZTE equipment from bloc’s telecom networks
The European Commission is intensifying efforts to enhance the security of the EU’s telecommunications infrastructure by proposing legislation to phase out equipment from Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE in 5G and future networks. This move builds on a 2020 recommendation advising member states to avoid “high-risk” vendors, with EC Vice President Henna Virkkunen now seeking to make these guidelines legally binding. If adopted, EU countries that fail to comply could face infringement actions and financial penalties. The proposal also aims to restrict Chinese firms’ participation in fiber network projects, aligning with broader goals to accelerate broadband deployment while safeguarding critical infrastructure. This initiative reflects growing concerns within the EU about China’s influence amid deteriorating diplomatic relations. Several member states have already taken steps in this direction: Germany plans to ban key Huawei and ZTE components starting in 2026, and Finland is expanding its restrictions on Huawei’s 5G equipment. The EU’s stance parallels actions by the U.S. and other allies like the U.K.
IoTtelecommunications5Gnetwork-securityHuaweiZTEEU-regulationsGoogle partners with Ambani’s Reliance to offer free AI Pro access to millions of Jio users in India
Google has partnered with Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries to offer its AI Pro subscription free for 18 months to eligible Jio 5G users in India, initially targeting those aged 18 to 25 before expanding nationwide. This collaboration provides access to Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model, enhanced AI image and video generation tools, expanded study and research capabilities via Notebook LM, and 2 TB of cloud storage across Google services. Valued at approximately $396, the offer aims to accelerate AI adoption among India’s vast internet user base and reflects Google’s strategy to deepen its AI presence in emerging markets. Beyond consumer access, Reliance and Google Cloud are collaborating to expand AI infrastructure in India, with Reliance Intelligence becoming a strategic partner to promote Gemini Enterprise among Indian organizations and develop AI agents on the platform. This partnership complements Reliance’s broader AI initiatives, including a joint venture with Meta to strengthen AI infrastructure through a ₹8.55 billion ($100 million) investment.
IoTAI5Gcloud-computingtelecommunicationsartificial-intelligencetech-partnershipsAST SpaceMobile lands key Verizon deal amid growing competition with SpaceX and T-Mobile
AST SpaceMobile has secured a major new partnership with Verizon to deliver space-based cellular broadband across the United States, marking its most significant deal to date in the emerging satellite-to-cellular market. Verizon will integrate AST’s satellite network with its existing terrestrial infrastructure, utilizing Verizon’s 850 MHz spectrum to extend coverage in remote areas lacking traditional cell towers. This agreement builds on a prior $100 million commitment from Verizon made last year to support AST’s service rollout. Verizon becomes the second major carrier to partner with AST, following a 10-year deal with Vodafone. The deal comes as AST races to deploy its BlueBird satellite constellation, designed to connect directly with unmodified cell phones. The company has launched its initial five “Block 1” satellites into low Earth orbit, providing intermittent U.S. coverage, and is preparing to deploy 45-60 “Block 2” satellites by 2026. AST has demonstrated 4G and 5G connectivity, including voice and video calls, but faces
IoTsatellite-communication5Gspace-based-broadbandVerizonBlueBird-satellitescellular-network-integrationAndrew Yang took inspiration from Mark Cuban for his budget cell carrier Noble Mobile
Former presidential candidate Andrew Yang has launched Noble Mobile, a budget wireless service provider operating as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) using T-Mobile’s infrastructure. Noble Mobile offers a $50 monthly plan with unlimited talk, text, and 5G data, but with a unique twist: customers who use less than 20 GB of data in a month receive “Noble Cash” rewards, redeemable for goods or cash at roughly $1 per unused GB below the threshold. This model incentivizes reduced data usage, aligning with Yang’s goal of encouraging people to spend less time on their phones. Noble Mobile aims to provide a more affordable alternative to traditional carriers, whose average monthly bills are around $83, by leveraging wholesale network access to keep costs low. Yang drew inspiration from entrepreneur Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs model, which sells generic medications at a modest markup without relying on pharmacy benefit managers, thereby reducing prices for consumers while maintaining profitability. Similarly, Yang sees Noble Mobile as a “Cost Plus
IoTmobile-networks5Gwireless-serviceMVNOdata-usagetelecommunicationsNokia deploys world’s first commercial 5G rail network in Germany
Nokia and Deutsche Bahn (DB) have launched the world’s first commercial 5G rail network operating on the 1900 MHz (n101) band with a 5G Standalone (SA) core. This deployment, located on DB’s digital railway test field in Germany’s Ore Mountains, integrates Nokia AirScale radios and an optimized 5G SA core featuring failover, self-healing, and real-time monitoring to ensure high availability. The network supports Europe’s FP2-MORANE-2 tests of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), which is set to replace the legacy GSM-R system, enabling faster, safer, and more efficient railway communications. The collaboration builds on previous 5G trials and aims to standardize private mobile networks as a foundation for future pilots and broader rollouts. FRMCS leverages 5G technology to prioritize safety messages, reduce delays by providing real-time problem visibility, and enable closer train spacing without compromising safety. It also
IoT5Gsmart-transportationrailway-communicationFRMCSautomated-train-operationsdigital-infrastructureSpaceX strikes $17B deal to buy EchoStar’s spectrum for Starlink’s direct-to-phone service
SpaceX has reached a $17 billion agreement to acquire EchoStar’s AWS-4 and H-block spectrum licenses, paying $8.5 billion in cash and $8.5 billion in SpaceX stock. This acquisition is a strategic move to advance SpaceX’s “Direct to Cell” satellite constellation, enabling broadband-speed internet access directly to mobile phones worldwide. The deal also includes $2 billion in cash interest payments on EchoStar’s debt. By owning this spectrum, SpaceX aims to reduce its reliance on traditional network providers and plans to implement optimized 5G protocols in its direct-to-phone Starlink service once its next generation of satellites is operational. The transaction also benefits EchoStar’s Boost Mobile customers, granting them access to Starlink’s direct-to-phone service. EchoStar pursued the sale amid an FCC investigation into its spectrum usage, with reports indicating that former President Trump personally encouraged EchoStar CEO Charlie Ergen to sell the licenses. EchoStar believes that this sale, combined with a recent spectrum
IoTsatellite-internet5GStarlinkspectrum-licensesmobile-connectivitySpaceX