News of Note—T-Mobile’s $3.5B deal with Ericsson; Verizon’s new 5G labs and more

Here are some other stories we're following today:

> Ericsson and T-Mobile announced a multiyear, $3.5 billion contract to support T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G network deployment. Release

> Verizon plans to open new 5G Labs in Washington, D.C.; Palo Alto, California; Waltham Massachusetts; and Los Angeles. Release

> Global Wireless Solutions released the findings of a study showing that AT&T has won the top accolade of “Best Network OneScore” for its overall national wireless network performance. Release

> CCS Insight projects 5G connections will hit 340 million in 2021 and surpass 1 billion in 2023, before reaching 2.7 billion in 2025. TechRadar article

> Zipwhip announced a partnership with the Sacramento Kings to roll out an RCS-enabled communication channel on its toll-free business phone number. Release

> Five operators participating in Italy's auction of 5G spectrum have submitted initial bids worth about $2.9 billion. Light Reading article