AT&T Fined $450,000 for Carrying Out Wireless Operations beyond License Parameters

The time does not seem to be good for AT&T.  The company has been fined for almost $450,000 by the FCC (The Federal Communications Commission). On last Friday, FCC carried out an investigation and found the cell phone service provider carrying out unauthorized operations of fixed wireless stations throughout the contiguous US and Puerto Rico in manners other than those mentioned on the stations’ licenses. AT&T had been doing so for more than four years. 

What are the Wireless Stations Used for by the Cell Phone Service Providers?

Understanding the use of wireless stations by the phone companies will help you understand the whole issue in a better way. Actually, the phone companies utilize the wireless stations for connecting phone calls as well as the television signals straightaways between the towers in specific areas where connection is not feasible using standard wire line or fiber optic cable. Mainly, cost and terrain can be held responsible for this. 

Coming Back to the Point:

According to the FCC, AT&T, the cell phone service provider has agreed to pay the fine of $450,000 in the process of resolving lengthy government investigation. In addition to it, the company has also agreed to not to repeat any such behavior, thing or the activity in future, confirms the statement released by the Federal Communication Commission’s announcing the agreement.  

As for Reasons of Fine: 

The Federal Communications Commission says that AT&T did not review the licenses timely. And the cellular phone service provider took these licenses as a part of its acquisition of CCC (The Central Communications Corporation). According to the FCC, almost 240 licenses were under question. Out of these 240 licenses, AT&T required almost 59 licenses needed filling for MMA (Major Modifications Applications) whereas 190 licenses needed minor modification applications, confirmed the Federal Communications Commission.

AT&T Says:

On the other hand, AT&T, the cellular service provider, also released a statement in this regard. It seems that the statement was directed towards saving company’s market reputation. According to this statement released by the AT&T, some minor discrepancies were discovered during the investigation carried out by the Federal Communications Commissions as the result of review of the licenses recently acquired. Company’s cellular phone service users and other carriers have not been affected by this, said AT&T. in addition to it, the agreement to pay the fine has resolved the fine first proposed by the Federal Communications Commission in the year 2015.

Finally, the company has agreed to implement a compliance plan for reviewing all of the wireless fixed microwave stations acquired in future transactions for ensuring license compliance. Moreover, the cell phone service carrier will also file periodic progress reports directed towards displaying AT*T’s compliance efforts as well as correct any kind of noncompliance found or noticed during the review process within the timeframe of 60 days of discovery. Now it will be very interesting to whether the company lives up to its promise to save its market reputation and takes all of the steps suggested by the FCC or not.

Mobile Data Roaming Charges Fall by 50pc in EU

On Tuesday, the European Union, an economic and political union of 28 member states that are primarily located in Europe, cut mobile phone roaming charges across the region by 50 percent to revamp the mode of communication across the 28-country bloc. In simple terms, people with mobile contracts from European providers will be charged less to send text messages, make calls, and browse the internet when using their mobile phones in countries within the European Union.

 

European companies have already raised roaming charges for European customers traveling outside the union as a way to counterbalance the lost revenue. The main goal of Europe’s policy makers is to transform the region’s telecommunication network into a pan-regional or geographic network in which customers are not charged extra for using their mobile phones when traveling in other European Union countries.

“The new ruling won’t have a massive impact on the market,” said Jessica Ekholm, an analyst with the technology research firm Gartner, who added that 40 percent of Britons did not use roaming services while traveling overseas. “People still haven’t got used to using roaming abroad.”

The reductions in roaming charges will only affect people who have contracts with local operators like Deutsche Telekom of Germany and Vodafone of Britain. International carriers, American giants like AT&T and Verizon Wireless, will still have control to set their own roaming charges for their customers traveling in the European Union. Europe’s policy makers are attempting to phase out all mobile roaming charges in the region by the end of the 2015.

“This huge drop in data roaming prices will make a big difference to all of us this summer,” Neelie Kroes, the European commissioner in charge of the region’s digital agenda, said recently in a statement. “But it is not enough.”

While mobile data users are set to benefit from the price cuts, telecom operators warn that they will not be able to make costly investments to upgrade their mobile infrastructure.

No-Contract Cell Phone Plans in the USA

Many things are responsible for the popularity of mobile phones in today’s time. How we shop, listen to music, send messages, and surf the internet all on our mobile devices. Mobile phones allow you to stay in contact and provide a sense of security and propinquity. But, these days the prices of mobile phones are so much that it is becoming increasingly prohibitive to purchase a mobile phone for each member of the family.  

You could alleviate some of that expense by taking advantage of the government free cell phone plan under which the eligible person can get a cell plan and some valuable services absolutely free of cost. This free cell phone program is available in almost every state of the U.S.A, but different states have different qualifying criteria. Under this free government plan, you can receive some additional features like making long distance calls, text messages, voice mail, and directory assistance. 

This free cell phone program gives a concession on phone service to make it cheaper, or free, for the people of Arkansas, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Kansas, Rhode Island, Iowa, Texas, Georgia and more. By availing this plan, you can save a considerable amount of money since most cellular plans can cost $50 to $120 per month. Moreover, you can add minutes by buying them as needed at low rates. 

With just a few simple clicks of your mouse, you will be able to apply for a free government cell phone plan at www.governmentcellphone.com. With this amazing plan, you will never have to worry about the long monthly bills. Apply now and grab the chance!

Role of Cell Phones in Business

No matter what type of business you run, a cell phone can effectively connect you with your customers and business partners anywhere in the world. Using a mobile phone in business allows greater flexibility during working hours. The more flexible you feel, the greater your chances are to have an effective growth of your business with your customers and clients.

Wireless technology has made it possible for businessmen to communicate internally and externally regardless of where they are. Many cell phones today have the capability of performing tasks that your computer, laptop, and iPad can perform. You can access the internet, write emails, and send documents anywhere, anytime. For example, if your client needs a proposal and you have already left the office for the day, you can still upload and send the document from your cell phone.

Free Government Cell Phone Plan

Considering the fact that cell phones are an indispensable part of today’s life, the government extended its Lifeline assistance plan to wireless service which can provide low income individuals with a free government cell phone plan. According to this plan, people who are eligible for this service will receive Free Government cell phone minutes each month. Under this cellular plan, most providers will give eligible customers a free handset and a fixed number of talking minutes, free of cost. By availing this free cellular phone service, you can save a considerable amount of money. With this free cell phone, you can send and receive text messages. You can even add minutes by buying them at low, reasonable rates.

Visit mygovernmentcellphone and apply for a free Government Cell Phone plan in Arizona, Kansas, Missouri and other states. With just a few simple clicks, you will be able to apply for the free government cell phone plan. With this amazing plan, you will never have to worry about the high bills and hidden charges. Apply now!