5 things to know today ….
1. A former T-Mobile US customer is trying to bring a class action lawsuit against the “Un-carrier.” A man who bought four handsets from T-Mobile US and was paying for them in monthly installments claims the carrier’s advertising campaign did not explain that he would have to pay for the phones in full if he cancelled service. The claimant is saying T-Mobile US bills itself as the “Un-carrier” based on the fact it does not have contracts and early termination fees. He says that’s deceptive because requiring customers to pay the balance due on their phones is like an ETF. T-Mobile US will almost certainly counter the claims by pointing out its fees are stated in the phone purchase agreements.
2. Apple’s plans to build an iCar were stalled by a debate over data, according to a German media report. Handelsblatt reports Apple was in talks with automakers BMW and Daimler, but the companies could not agree on who would own the data collected from drivers of the connected electric car Apple reportedly wants to build. Apple is said to be looking for a new manufacturing partner, while continuing to source engineering talent from Germany.
3. China Telecom has a new CEO. Yang Jie will take on the position after serving as interim CEO for the last few months. Jie stepped in after the carrier’s former CEO, Chang Xiaobing, resigned under a cloud of suspicion. Xiaobing came to China Telecom from China Unicom, where he served as chairman, and served at China Telecom for less than six months. China Unicom is China’s No. 2 carrier in terms of subscriber base, and China Telecom is No. 3. China Mobile is the largest wireless service provider in China and the world.
4. AT&T said it will connect elevators, equipment and people to its network, in partnership with Otis Elevator Company. Otis companies will use AT&T’s “Internet of Things” technology to connect elevators and aggregate data, and AT&T will become the primary mobile service provider for Otis. The elevator company wants to use IoT to expand into smart security solutions for business.
5. The National Association of Tower Erectors praised U.S. Senators for backing drone safety measures. Recently passed legislation reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration includes language specific to drone safety and education. NATE said in a statement that unmanned aerial systems can “complement and enhance the safety and well being of communication tower workers by minimizing the risks associated with climber fatigue, weather and distractions, while reducing repetitive stress injuries.” Drones are also claimed to offer significant cost savings to infrastructure service providers.
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