Topic: Verizon

A massive Verizon network outage left millions of customers across the United States unable to call, text, or use data, with major impacts in New York, Houston, and Miami. The outage, attributed to a software glitch in New Jersey, prompted emergency officials to advise citizens to use landlines or visit firehouses for 911 services. The incident sparked a discussion on the fragility of centralized networks and the utility of digital Baofeng ham radios.

Senator Chuck Grassley provided an update on the "Arctic Frost" investigation, alleging that Special Counsel Jack Smith secretly obtained phone record data from eight senators and one congressman. Verizon reportedly complied with the data requests, while AT&T challenged the legal basis for the subpoenas. Grassley claims the investigation targeted 92 Republican organizations or individuals.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan is investigating claims that Special Counsel Jack Smith secretly subpoenaed the financial and phone records of GOP lawmakers. Jordan discovered that his own personal phone data from Verizon was released to the DOJ as part of the "Arctic Frost" investigation. The probe seeks to determine if Attorney General Merrick Garland or FBI Director Christopher Wray authorized the surveillance of political opponents.

Verizon informed Senator Ted Cruz that his office's hardline was affected by a surveillance effort led by Special Counsel Jack Smith. While AT&T reportedly challenged the legal basis for the data requests, Verizon complied. The incident has sparked outrage among members of Congress regarding privacy and executive overreach.

A House committee hearing details the ongoing cyber threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party against American infrastructure. Intelligence officials report that hackers have gained access to telecommunications networks, water treatment plants, and power grids. Ranking member Krishnamoorthi calls for imposing real costs on the CCP to deter future state-sponsored attacks.

The claim that Verizon throttled Santa Clara firefighters during a wildfire is revisited. While used by the FCC to justify net neutrality, the incident is described as a data plan limit issue rather than a violation of open internet principles.

The hosts test new "In Search Of" (ISO) soundbites, including a clip of Richard Dreyfuss saying "they make me vomit." One host recounts a frustrating 20-minute ordeal trying to cancel Spectrum cable service, contrasting it with a positive, five-minute experience canceling a Verizon dongle. They criticize the "shameful" retention questionnaires used by cable companies.

AT&T and Verizon agreed to temporarily delay 5G deployment near major airports following warnings from airlines about potential "catastrophic" disruptions. The concern centers on 5G signals interfering with aircraft radio altimeters used during low-visibility landings. The FAA and wireless carriers remain at odds over the safety of the C-band spectrum rollout.

Verizon and AT&T have agreed to a two-week delay in their 5G rollout following concerns from the FAA that the signals could interfere with aircraft radio altimeters. Experts suggest the issue stems from older airline equipment lacking proper frequency filters, a problem that has been resolved in Europe. The delay is viewed by some as a maneuver by airlines to secure government subsidies for equipment upgrades.

Major corporations including Verizon, Coca-Cola, and Unilever have joined the "Stop Hate for Profit" campaign, pausing their advertising spend on Facebook. The boycott aims to pressure the social network into more aggressive moderation of "hate speech" and political misinformation, particularly regarding President Trump's posts. Facebook, which earned $70 billion in ad revenue last year, is facing a significant revolt from media buyers seeking "brand-safe" environments.

Super Bowl LIV advertisements are criticized for over-reliance on 1960s and 70s nostalgia and creepy creative choices, specifically citing a Google ad. A trend in 5G marketing is identified where telecommunications companies like Verizon or T-Mobile are incorrectly labeling 5G as "ultra wideband." This branding is noted as technically inaccurate since ultra wideband is a distinct spread-spectrum protocol often used for ground-penetrating radar.

Yahoo Groups announced it will shut down on October 28, 2019, ending a service that has existed since 2001. The shutdown affects thousands of niche communities, from sewing clubs to ham radio enthusiasts. Users are warned against simply porting their data to another big tech platform like Groups.io, and are instead encouraged to host their own independent servers.

Cal Fire issued a directive to amateur radio repeater owners demanding high application and leasing fees to remain on state-owned mountain sites, citing technological advances as a reason to end financial support for ham operators. The "No Agenda Hams" (NAMs) are organizing in response to these restrictions, which critics argue undermine a vital public service during emergencies.

The New York Times is criticized for a "puff piece" claiming Russia is using RT to spread 5G health fears as economic warfare. The hosts point out a conflict of interest, noting the Times' partnership with Verizon to build a 5G journalism lab and the presence of former Verizon executives on the Times' board. They characterize the reporting as a "native ad" designed to protect corporate interests.

Mainstream media giants like NBCUniversal and Verizon are reportedly writing off hundreds of millions of dollars in investments in digital competitors like BuzzFeed and Vice. These investments were originally intended to reach younger audiences as traditional television revenue declined. The segment argues that the digital advertising model is failing, leading to a contraction in the industry as venture capital dries up.

The economic feasibility of 5G is questioned due to the requirement for transmitters every 250 feet, necessitating massive "truck rolls" and infrastructure costs. While AT&T is accused of "faking" 5G with software updates, Verizon is moving forward with real deployment. The concept of "network slicing" is introduced as a way for telecoms to offer tiered speed services on the new network.

A CBS report from a Verizon 5G lab showcases augmented reality tools for construction sites, while acknowledging the need for "small cell" towers to be installed every few houses. In Montgomery County, Maryland, residents like Donna Barron have protested the installation of these sites on neighborhood light poles, citing concerns about untested radiation effects on children. The industry maintains that the equipment is safe, though 5G-enabled devices are not yet widely available.

CNBC and CNET coverage of the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) emphasizes 5G as a foundational platform for self-driving cars. Critics argue that the "cellular vehicle to everything" technology is overhyped and that current 5G logos on phones are misleading marketing. Gary Shapiro and Silicon Valley investors are described as desperate for 5G to justify autonomous vehicle investments for companies like Uber and Ford.

Tumblr announced a total ban on adult content following its acquisition by Verizon and a child pornography incident that led to its temporary removal from the Apple App Store. This decision marks a significant shift for the platform, which had become a primary destination for adult communities after similar bans on LiveJournal. The move is viewed as part of a broader "purge" by tech giants to sanitize their platforms.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Verizon is struggling to monetize its digital media acquisitions, including AOL and Huffington Post. The hosts argue that traditional advertising models are failing online and that forced subscription models are unlikely to succeed. They contrast these failures with their own voluntary donation model, which relies on direct listener support rather than corporate ad revenue.