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  2. November 2023

November 2023

Carriers Look to Offer Fast-Lane Access on 5G Networks

Network carriers are exploring nascent technology that would allow them to better and more quickly deliver certain apps and services on their network—but this technology, known as network slicing, could potentially run afoul of net-neutrality regulations. In the current model, all data traffic from phones is typically funneled through the same network. Carriers are able to prioritize the voice calls that they handle on that network, but they rarely have visibility into what else users are doing through other apps.

T-Mobile surpasses Verizon as biggest prepaid carrier

T-Mobile is now the carrier with the largest number of prepaid customers, surpassing Verizon. Based on its Q3 2023 earnings reports, T-Mobile had 21,595,000 customers and Verizon had 21,420,000. Wave7 Research flagged the change in a report distributed to subscribers. Before the third quarter, Verizon was the biggest US prepaid carrier, but that title was relatively new. The operator bought TracFone Wireless from América Móvil in 2021, instantly giving it more than 20 million prepaid customers, but it’s been steadily losing customers ever since. 

NDIA is Accepting Nominations for the 2024 Charles Benton Digital Equity Champion Awards

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) is now accepting applications for the 2024 Charles Benton Digital Equity Champion Awards. Named for Charles Benton, the founder of Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, NDIA created the awards to recognize leadership and dedication in advancing digital equity: from promoting the ideal of accessible and affordable communications technology for all Americans to crafting programs and policies that make it a reality.

Consumer Financial Protections Bureau Proposes New Federal Oversight of Big Tech Companies and Other Providers of Digital Wallets and Payment Apps

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is proposing to supervise larger nonbank companies that offer services like digital wallets and payment apps. Digital payment apps and wallets continue to grow in popularity, but many of the companies are not subject to CFPB supervisory examinations. Big Tech and other companies operating in consumer finance markets blur the traditional lines that have separated banking and payments from commercial activities.

AI Regulation is Not a Priority for Americans, According to Axios and Morning Consult

Americans rank the importance of regulating AI below government shutdowns, health care, gun reform, immigration and the war between Israel and Hamas, according to 

Charter Communications Announces $1.25 Billion Investment in Ohio

Charter Communications announced a nearly $1.25 billion investment in Ohio through its companywide network evolution project and broadband expansion commitments. The investment will enable the delivery of symmetrical gigabit and multi-gigabit speeds across the state, rural broadband expansion programs in Ohio and other customer-benefiting projects. Charter is investing nearly $500 million in a network evolution project in Ohio; the project is expected to be substantially complete across the company’s Ohio service area by the end of 2025. Charter is also expanding its fiber-optic network to

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