DISH Network will not begin building its 5G network this year, Charlie Ergen, the company's chairman, told analysts, saying that most of the company's capital budget allocated for wireless will go toward permitting and planning for radio frequencies. Ergen also said DISH will deploy open radio access network infrastructure to allow the company to "use some providers that maybe aren't household names that have done great things in the lab or great things in other parts of the world."

The National Football League will likely make few changes in its next round of TV contracts that take effect in 2023 except for DIRECTV's Sunday Ticket package following AT&T's declaration that the $1.5 billion annual fee was too pricey, sources told CNBC. Streaming providers may opt to bid on the DIRECTV package, which the NFL could elect to split among several entities.

Better rural broadband service would work hand-in-hand with the United States Department of Agriculture's new Agriculture Innovation Agenda, of which one component involves "integrating innovative technologies and practices into USDA programs." The program calls for a 40% increase in US agricultural output and a 50% decrease in the industry's environmental footprint by 2050.

AT&T praised most of the Federal Communications Commission's proposed plan to auction 3.5 GHz C-Band spectrum to boost 5G service but called on regulators to tie compensation rewards for satellite companies who own the frequencies to an early clearing of the spectrum. The remaining two members of the C-Band Alliance, which represents the satellite companies, have split over Intelsat's complaint that the FCC's allocation shortchanges the company.

Sony has unveiled its Xperia 1 II smartphone, which features full 5G capabilities, a large display screen, high-end photographic sensors and the return of the 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. It will be released this spring, with pricing not yet known.

Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X60 5G modem, saying it will release the third-generation gear in late 2020 or in 2021, as well as a QTM535 module for antennas that is designed to improve millimeter-wave spectrum performance and support sleeker handset designs. The X60 will boost smartphones' average speeds and reduce power consumption but will do little to raise peak speeds.

Smart speakers, smart displays and iPhones now work with Google Assistant. This extensive list of voice commands can help users tap into Assistant's potential.

Wyze is preparing to roll out a new lock and outdoor camera, as well as a fitness band with Alexa capabilities that will enable users to control home security devices. Pricing and a launch date have not yet been released.

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