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Rival carriers plan a satellite-based venture aimed at expanding mobile coverage in rural and underserved areas

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon plan to form a joint venture aimed at eliminating wireless dead zones across the U.S.

• The companies say the partnership will use satellite-based direct-to-device technology to improve coverage in rural and underserved areas.

• The agreement would allow the rival carriers to pool spectrum resources while maintaining their separate wireless businesses and existing satellite partnerships.

There may soon be fewer wireless dead spots in the U.S. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are setting aside years of fierce competition to launch a joint venture designed to eliminate wireless dead zones in the United States, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

Earlier this month, the companies announced an agreement in principle to create the new venture, which would combine spectrum resources and invest in satellite-based direct-to-device (D2D) technology to expand mobile coverage where traditional cell towers provide weak or no service.

The proposed partnership represents a rare collaboration among the nations three largest wireless carriers. The companies said the effort is intended to strengthen U.S. leadership in wireless communications while improving connectivity for consumers traveling through remote highways, national parks and other hard-to-reach locations. It may also improve service in some suburban areas where homeowner associations have blocked new cell towers.

Our goal is to make staying connected simple, no matter where you are, AT&T CEO John Stankey said in the announcement.

Common technical standards

Under the proposal, the joint venture would develop common technical standards and create a unified platform that satellite providers could use to serve more customers. The carriers said the approach would improve customer experience and expand consumer choice by making satellite-based connectivity more seamless across networks.

The companies emphasized that their existing satellite partnerships would remain intact and that each carrier could continue pursuing separate connectivity initiatives independently.

Industry analysts view the agreement as a significant step toward broader adoption of satellite-to-phone services, which are increasingly seen as the next frontier in wireless coverage. The move also comes as companies such as SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile and Amazon invest heavily in satellite communications technology.

Financial terms of the proposed venture were not disclosed, and the agreement remains subject to final negotiations and closing conditions.

NHTSA is warning consumers to make sure any ticket is legit before paying

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• NHTSA is warning drivers about a surge in scam text messages falsely claiming recipients owe unpaid traffic tickets or tolls.

• The use fake court notices, urgent threats and QR codes to steal financial and personal information.

• Federal officials say consumers should never pay traffic fines through unsolicited text messages and should verify any notice directly with local courts or state agencies.

The upcoming Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer driving season. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is taking that opportunity to warn consumers nationwide about a growing wave of impersonation targeting drivers through text messages that appear to come from courts, DMVs or traffic agencies.

According to the agency, scammers are sending fake notices claiming recipients owe money for unpaid tolls, parking tickets or traffic violations. The messages often threaten immediate consequences including suspended licenses, court action, damaged credit or additional fines unless payment is made quickly.

Many of the include QR codes or links directing consumers to fraudulent payment websites designed to capture credit card numbers, banking information and other personal data. Cybersecurity experts say the use of QR codes makes the more convincing and harder for automated security systems to detect.

Surfacing in multiple states

The scam campaign appears to be spreading rapidly across the country. Reports have surfaced in multiple states, including Virginia, New York, Texas, California and New Jersey. In Richmond, Va., earlier this year, local prosecutors warned residents about fake court notices demanding payment for supposed toll or parking violations.

Federal and state officials stress that legitimate courts and motor vehicle agencies generally do not request payments through unsolicited text messages. Consumers who receive suspicious notices are urged not to click links, scan QR codes or respond to the sender. Instead, they should independently contact the appropriate court or agency using verified phone numbers or official government websites.

The Federal Trade Commission recently said it has seen a spike in reports involving fake traffic violation notices. In some versions, scammers use official-looking seals, case numbers and judge names to create a sense of urgency and legitimacy.

Consumers who believe they may have provided financial information to scammers should immediately contact their bank or credit card issuer, monitor their accounts for fraudulent activity and report the incident to the FTC or FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Some offer up to 5% cash back on a fill-up

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Several credit cards now offer up to 5% cash back or equivalent rewards on gasoline purchases.

• Financial experts say flexible cash-back cards often provide more value than gas-station-branded cards.

• Some rewards programs also include benefits for groceries, dining, travel and EV charging.

Gas prices are through the roof. Fortunately, there are credit cards that give you a discount or cash back on each gallon of gas. Some are more generous than others.

A growing number of cards now provide between 3% and 5% rewards on fuel purchases, with some also offering benefits on groceries, travel and dining. Financial analysts say consumers who regularly commute or travel by car can save hundreds of dollars a year by pairing fuel purchases with the right rewards program.

Among the most popular options in 2026 is the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, which offers up to 5% cash back on gasoline purchases at Costco stations and competitive rewards at other gas retailers. The card also includes rewards on restaurant spending and travel purchases, making it attractive for families and road travelers. Consumers must maintain a Costco membership to qualify.

5% cash back

Another strong option is the Citi Custom Cash Card, which automatically applies 5% cash back to a cardholders top eligible spending category each billing cycle, including gas stations. Analysts say the card appeals to consumers who want flexibility instead of being tied to a specific fuel brand or retailer.

For drivers with high monthly fuel expenses, the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature remains a favorite among consumer finance experts. The card offers points equivalent to roughly 5% back on gas purchases and carries no annual fee. PenFed membership requirements have also become less restrictive in recent years, broadening eligibility for consumers.

Consumers looking for a no-annual-fee general rewards card often choose the American Express Blue Cash Everyday. The card provides 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations while also rewarding grocery shopping and online retail purchases.

Read the fine print

Financial experts caution consumers to review program details carefully before applying. Some cards cap the amount of gasoline spending eligible for bonus rewards, while others limit higher reward rates to specific stations or warehouse clubs.

Analysts also note that many general cash-back cards now outperform traditional gas-company-branded cards because they allow consumers to earn rewards regardless of where they fill up.

Another emerging trend is the inclusion of electric vehicle charging as an eligible rewards category. Several issuers have expanded gas station categories to include EV charging networks as automakers continue shifting toward electrification.

Consumer advocates recommend comparing annual fees, interest rates and redemption policies in addition to gasoline rewards. Carrying a balance can quickly offset the value of any fuel discounts earned through rewards programs.

For consumers who pay their balances in full each month, however, gas rewards cards can provide meaningful savings at a time when transportation costs remain a major household expense.

Some brands will actually mail grads free stuff too

• Restaurants like Krispy Kreme, Golden Corral, and Chick-fil-A are offering grads free doughnuts, chicken sandwiches, desserts, and buffet meals.

• Many graduation freebies are local promotions, so checking restaurant apps, Facebook pages, or calling ahead can pay off.

• Some grads are also mailing graduation announcements to popular brands and getting free merch, coupons, or gift cards back.

Youve put in the hard work and made it to graduation day.

Congrats!

Now its time to go get some free food and even some free merchandise from many popular brands.

From free doughnuts, to free swag, to free buffet meals, here are some of the best grad deals happening right now.

Krispy Kreme

Only on May 21, grads wearing a cap, gown, or any Class of 2026 gear can score a free three-pack of original glazed doughnuts, with no purchase necessary.

May 21seems to be the day of consensus, but it appears some locations are running the promotion on different days in May, so calling ahead is smart before driving over.

Golden Corral

Some participating locations are offering graduates a free buffet meal and beverage when they show up in cap and gown on graduation night.

Keep in mind that the offer does vary by franchise, so its best to ask at your local Golden Corral what theyre offering. The offer is valid through June 30,which is generous.

Pro tip: Ive noticed that smaller-town Golden Corral locations often participate more aggressively in local graduation promotions than busy metro stores.

Pluckers Wing Bar

Graduates can get a free meal with the purchase of an adult entree on graduation day withproof of graduation. Accepted proof may include a diploma, graduation program, or a Student ID.

TGI Fridays

Graduates can receive a free appetizer or dessert with an entree purchase through mid-June witha student ID.

This is one of the longer-running graduation offers available right now.

Brio Italian Grille

If youre hosting a grad party, you might want to consider Brio as you can score a free tray of cannoli when placing a catering order of $100 or more. Just place your order online and use promo code GRAD2026 during checkout. The offer expires on June 30.

This works especially well for larger family gatherings where catering costs can get expensive quickly. You get a free dessert which is pretty sweet.

Buca di Beppo

Graduates dining-in at Buca di Beppo can get a free cannoli during graduation celebrations.

Catering customers spending at least $100 can also receive a half tray of cannoli for parties and family gatherings.

Raising Cane's

Grads are encouragedto visit their giveaway pageto winone of 2,026 Grad Gift Boxes.

The box will include a Canes branded hat, a card to redeem a Box Combo, and a letter from Raising Canes owner and founder Todd Graves.

You actually have the option to upload a photo of your graduation announcement if you want. They give gradsuntil May 29th to enter.

Chick-fil-A

Several locations around the country are offering graduates free chicken sandwiches, nuggets, or meals withgraduation gear or proof of graduation.

For example:

• One location is offering grads a free Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich for wearing cap and gown.
• Another offered a free meal for graduating seniors with proof of graduation.
• Some locations are giving away free nuggets instead.

Many local franchises are offering cool grad promotions, so your best bet is to check your local Chick-fil-as Facebook page, as most are promoting there.

Many brands will mail grads something, too

One trend getting a lot of attention right now is grads mailing graduation announcements to brands and companies. Surprisingly, many have actually responded with some pretty cool free stuff.

Graduates have reported hearing back from companies with things like gift cards, coupons, stickers, cool merch, free food vouchers, and even small gifts.

Here are the main brands that grads have been writing toand getting Congratulations Graduate! gifts:

• Lego:Small random Lego set and a congrats card.
• Chick-fil-A:Theyll often send you a plush cow, branded hat, and even a possible sweatshirt.
• SunBum:Sunscreen, lip balm, stickers, and sometimes branded merchandise.
• Crumbl Cookies:Gift card, stickers, and a hand-written note.
• Takis:Congrats letter, bag of their new chips, and even some branded swag.

There is obviously no guarantee companies will respond, but many grads are trying it because it costs almost nothing besides postage and a little effort. Just do a quick Google search for their corporate address (or PR department), and mail them one of your graduation cards.

Pro tip: The grads getting the best responses usually include a short personal note instead of simply asking for free stuff. Its no surprise that funny or heartfelt messages tend to stand out more than generic graduation announcements.