ABL Space Systems, a startup that makes inexpensive launch vehicles for small satellites, raised $200 million in a funding round that gave it a $2.4 billion valuation. The company will use the new capital to fund research and development, and to scale production of its RS1 launch vehicle.

A diverse array of advocacy groups are pushing congressional leaders to pass the infrastructure package that the House has approved by Oct. 31. The lobbyists, which include both the IMCOMPAS networking trade group and the U.S. Canola Association, say the $65 billion allocated for broadband projects is necessary for closing the digital divide.

T-Mobile will give DISH Network another three months -- until March 31 next year -- to move its Boost Mobile users off Sprint's 3G code-division multiple access infrastructure. DISH responded that it needs until the summer of 2023 to complete the move, citing supply chain problems and the COVID-19 pandemic for the delays.

The Federal Communications Commission's 3.45 GHz spectrum auction surpassed its reserve price of $14.77 billion after concerns mounted last week that it would fall short following a slow start to the bidding process. AT&T is expected to be an active bidder in the mid-band auction, which began on Oct. 5, as of the end of Wednesday had hit $16.43 billion in gross proceeds.

Samsung is highlighting the customization options for its Flip 3 smartphone, allowing customers to pick from color and pattern options for the device's panels. The phones can be designed in the Bespoke Studio on Samsung's website, with prices starting at $1,100.

Infineon Technologies brought out software for the Matter smart-home protocol, originally developed by the Zigbee Alliance organization. The chip company's Airoc Wi-Fi, Airoc Bluetooth and PSoC 6 microcontroller products are said to be useful in smart-home systems.

Amazon is expanding a pilot program using its Echo devices and Alexa in hospitals and senior living facilities to communicate with patients remotely. Patients can use the devices to send messages and requests to health care staff, who can "drop in" on patients; hospitals can build their own customized features; and residents at senior living facilities can get medication reminders and set up call lists.

Facebook is making several changes to help advertisers adapt to Apple's data privacy protections, including making view-through attribution a campaign default for web events, which will give a better view into those who see a platform ad and later make a conversion. Other changes deal with expanding Aggregated Event Measurement and rolling out Aggregated Event Measurement for Apps.