News of Note—Sprint’s spectrum, Swarm’s IoT satellites, Google’s rebranding and more

Here are the stories we’re chasing today:

> Google may rebrand Android Wear to just Wear OS. Engadget article

> Sprint announced it commenced an offer of up to $3.9 billion in wireless spectrum-backed notes in two tranches. Release

> As of early 2017, 10% of the 1,450 patents essential for 5G networks were in Chinese hands, according to analysts with Jefferies. NYT article

> It appears that startup Swarm launched satellites for IoT applications without FCC approval. IEEE article

> According to the CTIA, the FCC’s upcoming vote on small cells could save the industry up to $1.6 billion in additional deployment expenses. The Hill op-ed