We take a weekly look at mobile and tech stories from around the world. Headlines include… Italy in Talks with SpaceX for €1.5 Billion Encrypted Systems Deal Amid Security Concerns, Amazon’s Project Kuiper to Launch Broadband in UK by 2025, AI, 5G Convergence, and Smart City Growth Lead Connectivity Predictions for 2025 and more… Alternatively listen On MEF Radio.
Italy in Talks with SpaceX for €1.5 Billion Encrypted Systems Deal Amid Security Concerns
Bloomberg
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed Italy is in early talks with SpaceX to provide secure communications for the government.
Bloomberg reported that negotiations are focused on a €1.5 billion deal for encrypted systems, the largest of its kind in Europe.
Critics have raised concerns about potential security risks, but Meloni emphasized that the deal aims to secure sensitive data and communications.
SpaceX’s Starlink, which already provides broadband in Italy, is the only viable option, according to Meloni. The talks are still in the exploratory phase, with no agreement signed yet.
Read More…
Amazon’s Project Kuiper to Launch Broadband in UK by 2025, Competing with Starlink
Guardian
Amazon’s Project Kuiper is set to launch broadband in the UK by late 2025, competing with Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Pending Ofcom approval, Kuiper plans to provide high-speed internet to underserved areas, government services, and disaster relief operations.
It is also exploring mobile connectivity for remote locations. Meanwhile, Starlink, with 87,000 UK connections, faces surging demand, including a waiting list in southeast England.
Kuiper aims to challenge Starlink’s dominance in satellite internet despite delays.
Read more…
AI, 5G Convergence, and Smart City Growth Lead WBA’s 10 Connectivity Predictions for 2025
WBA
The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) has outlined 10 predictions for Wi-Fi in 2025, focusing on advancements to meet the growing demand for faster, more secure, and energy-efficient connectivity.
Key trends include the adoption of Wi-Fi 7 by industries, smart cities, and public venues, as well as the expansion of the 6 GHz band with Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) systems. AI-driven network optimization will enhance performance, and the convergence of Wi-Fi and 5G will provide seamless connectivity.
OpenRoaming will transform public Wi-Fi, while Wi-Fi HaLow will support IoT devices. Public Wi-Fi networks will grow, particularly in smart cities, and energy efficiency will be prioritized for IoT devices. The developments will drive innovation and create more connected, efficient environments, according to the WBA study.
Read more…
North American Telecom, Media, and Entertainment Embrace AI, Cloud, and 5G for Innovation: ISG 2024 Report
Businesswire
North American telecom, media, and entertainment companies are adopting emerging technologies like AI, cloud solutions, and 5G networks to enhance customer experience and drive innovation, according to ISG’s 2024 report summarized by Buisnesswire.
Despite economic challenges, firms are focusing on smaller, quick-win projects.
Telecom operators use AI for tasks like network optimization, while the media sector applies automation in content production.
The shift to as-a-service models and sustainability concerns are also reshaping the industry.
Accenture, HCLTech, and Tech Mahindra are named leaders, with Persistent Systems recognized as the ISG CX Star Performer for 2024.
Read more…
Telecom EMS Market to Hit $209.17B by 2027, Led by Asia-Pacific — Study
Allied Market Research
The telecom electronic manufacturing service market, valued at $137.37 billion in 2019, is projected to reach $209.17 billion by 2027, growing at 6.5% annually, according to a Study by Allied Market Research.
Asia-Pacific leads the market, driven by rising demand for telecom devices, fifth-generation wireless technology, and the Internet of Things.
High labor costs pose challenges, but supply chain management is the fastest-growing segment at 7.9% annually.
Major players include Flex, Jabil, and Foxconn.
Read more…
Nokia Ready for Moon, Set to Deploy 4G Connectivity on Athena Lander
Nokia
Nokia is ready for its Moon mobile mission, having completed the final steps for the IM-2 mission.
The Lunar Surface Communications System (LSCS) will be installed on the Athena lander, set to launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in late February.
After extensive testing by Nokia Bell Labs, the system is prepared for the harsh conditions of space travel and lunar surface operations.
Upon landing, a rover will establish 4G connectivity through Nokia’s network, demonstrating how mobile technology can support future lunar and Mars missions.
Read More…
Meta Ends U.S. Fact-Checking, Aligns with Trump’s Political Stance
FB
Meta Platforms Inc. has ended external fact-checking in the U.S., a move CEO Mark Zuckerberg says addresses political bias but signals a broader alignment with the Trump administration.
Announced on Fox and Friends TV show, a favorite of Trump’s, the decision to adopt an approach similar to Elon Musk’s Xs approach, reverses earlier efforts to curb misinformation and follows actions like appointing Trump ally Dana White to Meta’s board and publicly praising Trump.
Critics argue the shift prioritizes politics over policy, undermining trust and research supporting fact-checking.
With implications for content integrity on Facebook and Instagram, Meta’s pivot mirrors broader tech strategies, as leaders like Zuckerberg and Elon Musk navigate closer ties to Trump, balancing business interests with societal impact.
Read More…
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Expresses Support for Trump Administration Amid AI Advancements
Bloomberg
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang joined the pack. He expressed willingness to meet with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, offering support for the administration amid rapid advancements in AI technology.
After unveiling new AI-focused products at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas, Huang in A Bloomberg Television interview emphasized Nvidia’s role in driving the next industrial revolution, with innovations in chips powering robotics, autonomous vehicles, and factories.
Huang acknowledged potential challenges, including trade tariffs and restrictions on chip exports to China, but voiced confidence in the administration’s decision-making.
Nvidia, the world’s most valuable chipmaker, has seen its stock soar due to AI-driven growth. Huang also praised reduced regulation under Trump, highlighting the tech industry’s need for speed in innovation.
Read More…
US TikTok Ban Triggers Shift to Alternatives as Marketers, Creators, and Agencies Adjust
NY Times
The impending ban of TikTok in the United States has caused marketers, creators, and agencies to quickly pivot to alternatives.
Marketers are reallocating funds to Instagram and adjusting contracts with social media influencers to avoid paying for TikTok posts if the app disappears, the New York Times reports. Creators are urging fans to follow them on other platforms and collecting email addresses for future communication.
Talent agents are advising TikTok stars to hold off on major purchases. TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, is challenging a law that requires it to sell to a non-Chinese company by January 19 or face a ban.
Read More…
Apple Expands News App to More Countries, Enhances UK Coverage
FT
Apple is expanding its News app, planning to introduce it in more countries and enhance its UK coverage, the Financial Times reports citing people familiar with the matter.
The app, which reaches 125 million users in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, aims to boost revenues for publishers.
As part of its growing services business, Apple hopes the expansion, along with improved advertising, will solidify its role in the publishing industry.
Though not a producer of original journalism, Apple News influences millions of readers daily in major Western countries.
Read More…
