Jun 6, 2019

FCC gets billions from 5G spectrum auction

Ina Fried, author of Login

AT&T and T-Mobile committed to spend a combined $1.8 billion in an auction for the high-frequency spectrum needed to deliver some of the fastest 5G speeds, per Ars Technica.

Why it matters: Spectrum is the foundation of any cellular network and delivering 5G requires higher frequency bandwidth than many carriers have in their possession.

  • US Cellular, Verizon and upstart Starry also agreed to plunk down significant cash at the auction.

The bottom line: Verizon already has a significant amount of high-bandwidth spectrum, while Sprint plans to tap its nationwide mid-band spectrum as the center of its 5G strategy.

Go deeper: The dangers of over-hyping 5G

Go deeper

Gigi Sukin
2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Robert Mueller speaks out on Roger Stone commutation

Former Special Counsel Robert Mueller testifies before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence on Capitol Hill on Wednesday July 24, 2019. Photo: The Washington Post / Contributor

Former special counsel Robert Mueller responded to claims from President Trump and his allies that Roger Stone was a "victim" in the Justice Department's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, writing in a Washington Post op-ed published Saturday: "He remains a convicted felon, and rightly so."

Why it matters: The rare public comments by Mueller come on the heels of President Trump's move to commute the sentence of his longtime associate, who was sentenced in February to 40 months in prison for crimes stemming from the Russia investigation. The controversial decision brought an abrupt end to the possibility of Stone spending time behind bars.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Jacob Knutson
4 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Trump dons face mask during Walter Reed visit

Trump wearing a face mask in Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on July 11. Photo: Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images

President Trump wore a face mask during his Saturday visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, according to AP.

Why it matters: This is the first known occasion the president has appeared publicly with a facial covering as recommended by health officials since the coronavirus pandemic began, AP writes.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow
Axios
Updated 4 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 5:30 p.m. ET: 12,607,510 — Total deaths: 562,338 — Total recoveries — 6,948,863 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 5:30 p.m. ET: 3,228,884 — Total deaths: 134,600 — Total recoveries: 983,185 — Total tested: 38,919,421 — Map.
  3. Public health: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter: "Please wear a mask to save lives" — Fauci hasn't briefed Trump on the coronavirus pandemic in at least two months — We're losing the war on the coronavirus.
  4. Food: How the coronavirus pandemic boosted alternative meat.
  5. Sports: Charge of "money grab" by college football.
  6. World: India reimposes lockdowns as coronavirus cases soar.
Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow