News of Note—SON spending to hit $5.5B by 2022; Germany’s 5G auction and more

Here are some other stories we’re following today:

> The growing complexity of mobile networks and 5G New Radio (5G NR) infrastructure rollouts will drive self-organizing network (SON) spending to $5.5 billion by 2022, according to SNS Telecom & IT. Release

> Germany’s Federal Networks Agency has presented the draft terms for the 5G auction planned for early 2019, which includes the 2 GHz and 3.6 GHz band. RCR Wireless News article

> Qualcomm Technologies, in association with Qianxun Spatial Intelligence and Quectel Wireless Solutions, announced a high-precision positioning global navigation satellite system (GNSS) solution for China’s automotive industry. Release

> Insurance company John Hancock said it would only sell policies that track health data through wearable devices and smartphones. Reuters article

> Amazon appears poised to introduce more Alexa devices. Verge article

> Wireless dealer association NWIDA said it's not against the merger of Sprint and T-Mobile but that it wants "a solid commitment that no matter what happens with the merger, the owners of the Boost Mobile and Metro PCS brands will keep and continue to utilize the indirect dealer channel." Release

> Mint Mobile said its Wi-Fi calling service now works on iOS devices. Prepaid Phone News article

> Verizon is now selling a watch, called the GizmoWatch, designed for children. PhoneScoop article

> Vodafone said it completed a holographic 5G phone call. Total Telecom article

> Despite increased availability of key spectrum bands in many countries, panelists at 5G Asia 2018 highlighted access to sufficient bandwidth on standard bands as the main challenge facing 5G rollouts. Mobile World Live article

> Google-owned Nest has been secretly laying the groundwork for a move into digital health products. GeekWire article

> Nokia and Altran are launching a jointly developed solution to optimize and streamline the maintenance of rolling stock for railway operators. Release