The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Switzerland Federal Office of Civil Aviation reached an agreement on harmonizing domestic and international safety standards for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The agreement builds on U.S and Swiss efforts to ensure the fastest growing and broadest segment of aviation is integrated safely, efficiently and seamlessly around the world.

As mandated by Congress, the FCC released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to auction the T-band 470 – 512 MHz spectrum. The notice outlines licensing and operating rules, along with a band plan and technical rules, although the NPRM seeks comments on many issues such as where T-band licensees might move and what to do about industrial/business (I/B) licensees also operating in the spectrum.

The FCC formally designated two companies — Huawei Technologies Co. and ZTE, as well as their parents, affiliates and subsidiaries — as covered companies for purposes of the agency’s November 2019 ban on the use of universal service support to purchase equipment or services from companies posing a national security threat. Money from the FCC’s $8.3 billion a year Universal Service Fund (USF) may no longer be used to purchase, obtain, maintain, improve, modify or otherwise support any equipment or services produced or provided by these suppliers.

The FCC qualified 271 entities to participate in the 3.5 GHz auction of Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) priority access licenses (PALs). Seventy-seven applications did not qualify to participate in the auction, set to begin July 23.

S&T AG signed contracts to acquire Iskratel Group, a European information, communications and technology (ICT) provider for the telecommunications, transport, public-safety and energy industries. S&T AG is a supplier of IT systems in Central and Eastern Europe, employing some 4,900 people in 32 countries around the world.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) published a road map for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) standards and assessment programs.

CTIA announced David Christopher, executive vice president and general manager – AT&T Mobility, as its new board chairman.

Motorola Solutions named Jason Winkler executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO). Winkler succeeds Gino Bonanotte, who will retire from Motorola Solutions at the end of the year. Bonanotte will work closely with Winkler through the remainder of 2020 to ensure a smooth transition.

Geoverse announced a partnership with Orion Labs. When integrated with Geoverse’s private LTE/5G network, the Orion Voice Platform helps enterprises transform how and where jobs are performed, enabling a mobile-first workforce for industry verticals such as hospitality, facilities services and energy.

GRID Communications launched GRIDTalk, a new push-to-talk (PTT) service plan that provides high-priority dedicated service on Singapore's largest telco network.