Issue #24 - June 21, 2024

I’m giving you more, with Issue #24!

Remember, Jason’s Industry Insights has moved!

Headlines of the week:

🎧 It’s the new Podcast you’ve been waiting for!

👩🏻‍🚀 The Ex-Disney Star Running a Space Company

🤖 Get ready for telco GenAI network operations

🍔 Bacon ice cream and nugget overload sees misfiring McDonald's AI withdrawn

And,

Learn About - Fiber Optic Sensing!

..and more!

Remember to subscribe, repost, share, like, and comment (good and bad).

Enjoy Issue #24!

Big News!

It’s the Podcast you’ve all been waiting for!

Coming soon to your favourite Podcast player

“Hey, That’s Pretty Cool” - the podcast where curiosity meets inspiration! Join us as we dive into casual, 30-minute conversations with a diverse array of guests who share one thing in common: they’re doing cool things. From artists to scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs to astronauts, each episode uncovers the unique and often unexpected reasons why they and their work are not just important - but genuinely cool. “

If you think you’re cool, you have a cool job, or you know you’re cool, and you want to spend 30 minutes with me, let me know!

Canada, Broadband and Stuff

Terrestar Solutions: Leading the Charge for Direct-to-Mobile Satellite Services Across Canada

Terrestar distinguishes itself from competitors through several key assets. These include sole ownership of the Canadian capacity of the geostationary Echostar T1 satellite, as well as licences for S-Band spectrum, granted by the Canadian government, coupled with robust ground network infrastructure. Furthermore, Terrestar has forged strategic partnerships to pioneer an innovative, open network architecture platform, aligned with the internationally adopted 3GPP NTN standards, facilitating seamless integration between cellular and satellite networks. 

Read the full press release

My Take: Terrestar joined my “Space: It shouldn’t be your option of last resort” panel at the recent CRRBC conference in Ontario. You may have the opportunity to see him again in Kelowna, BC in November.

Their message is solid. “Together, we must build alternatives for both mobile operators and Canadian end-users. As well we must reduce our dependency on foreign service providers and ensure robust, homegrown solutions.”

Telecommunications Sector Directly Contributes Nearly $81 Billion to Canadian Economy and Supports Nearly 782,000 Jobs Across Industries, New Report Shows

The report finds the telecommunications sector invested $11.4 billion in capital investments in 2023 to continue expanding, enhancing, and strengthening Canada's world-class wireless and broadband networks. This amounts to reinvestment of 42.6% more per subscriber, on average, than service provider peers in the U.S., Japan, Australia and Europe.

Notably, the report says these significant investments were made despite a steady decline in Canadian telecom prices, with cellular and internet access service prices falling 26.2% and 15.5%, respective, from March 2023 to March 2024.

Read the article (includes a link to the full report)

My Take: I wonder why the Satellite market wasn’t included? I know why. 

Global Broadband Connections Set to Reach 1.39 Billion by 2030

Point Topic's recent analysis forecasts global fixed broadband connections to reach 1.39 billion by 2030, a 15% increase from last year. This growth is primarily driven by the expansion of fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP), which will dominate with 1.12 billion connections. Fixed wireless access (FWA) will be the fastest-growing technology, with a 61% increase. Regional disparities persist, with Asia and Europe leading in FTTP adoption, while Africa lags behind despite investments.

Read the full story here.

Frontier Networks Inc. Becomes Authorized Starlink Reseller in Canada and the USA

TORONTO, June 19, 2024 /CNW/ - Frontier Networks Inc., a leader in providing seamless Broadband and Network Connectivity Solutions, proudly announces its new status as an Authorized Starlink Reseller. This strategic agreement enables Frontier Networks to offer Starlink's cutting-edge satellite internet services to customers across Canada and the USA.

Read the press release

My Take: Frontier says they stand out with “legitimate and direct authorization”. That would leave me to believe there are others who aren’t and don’t. Maybe I should stop reselling those “Starlinck” kits I’m buying overseas. Each one comes with a free Goggle watch.

Canada’s Largest Zoo deploys Everbridge Mass Notification Solution

Everbridge, Inc. (Nasdaq: EVBG), the global leader in critical event management (CEM) and national public warning solutions, today announced the Toronto Zoo selected Everbridge Mass Notification to safeguard its over 1,000 permanent, part-time, seasonal, and volunteer staff, as well as to be available to alert the Zoo’s approximately 1.3 million guests per year.

Read the full article

My Take: Never heard of these guys (https://www.everbridge.com/) before. Yea, shocking, I know. They have a pretty impressive portfolio of solutions. I imagine a notification at the Toronto Zoo could be something like “Uh, who left. the tiger cage open, and where’s Tonghua?”. Who lets the dogs out, and all that.

By the way, if you’re looking for a list of all the animals at the Toronto Zoo, and their names, check out this link

Learn About - Fiber Optic Sensing

Fiber optic sensing is an innovative technology that transforms ordinary fiber optic cables into a network of highly sensitive sensors. By using opto-electronic interrogators that inject laser light into the fibers, this technology detects a wide range of activities and environmental changes.

Types of Fiber Optic Sensing Technologies

1. Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS)

   • How It Works: DTS measures temperature along fiber-optic cables by analyzing the inelastic scattering of laser light. The backscattered light's characteristics vary with temperature, allowing for precise spatial temperature profiling.

   • Applications: DTS is used for fire detection in tunnels and buildings, power cable monitoring, and leak detection in pipelines and storage tanks. It excels in scenarios requiring temperature measurements across many locations or over long distances.

   • Benefits: DTS systems are immune to electromagnetic interference, require no electrical components along the sensing length, and can monitor thousands of points over distances up to 65 km.

2. Distributed Strain Sensing (DSS)

   • How It Works: DSS detects strain by measuring the inelastic backscatter of light caused by physical elongation of the fiber. This provides detailed strain profiles along the fiber, which can be used to monitor structural integrity.

   • Applications: DSS is critical for monitoring ground movements, subsea umbilicals, offshore power cables, bridges, and other civil engineering structures. It is also used in geotechnical investigations.

   • Benefits: DSS offers early warning signs of potential structural failures by detecting deformation and fatigue. It is immune to electromagnetic disturbances and can cover extensive distances similar to DTS.

3. Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS)

   • How It Works: DAS transforms optical fibers into arrays of virtual microphones by analyzing Rayleigh backscatter modulated by acoustic waves or vibrations. This allows for real-time detection of acoustic events.

   • Applications: DAS is used for monitoring pipelines, roads, railways, borders, and fences. It can detect activities like vehicle movements, digging, and pipeline leaks.

   • Benefits: DAS systems are easy to install, require minimal field power, and can cover up to 45 km. They can utilize existing fiber networks, making them cost-effective.

4. Distributed Strain and Temperature Sensing (DSTS)

   • How It Works: DSTS combines the principles of DSS and DTS to measure both strain and temperature along a single fiber. Techniques like Brillouin and Rayleigh scattering are employed to provide detailed data on environmental changes.

   • Applications: DSTS is ideal for monitoring large structures such as dams, bridges, tunnels, and pipelines, where both strain and temperature data are crucial for assessing integrity and safety.

   • Benefits: DSTS offers comprehensive monitoring capabilities over long distances, providing cost-effective solutions compared to traditional sensing methods.

Case Studies and Real-World Applications

The practical applications of fiber optic sensing technologies are vast and varied. For instance, DTS has been successfully used for fire detection in metro tunnels, ensuring early warning and rapid response to potential hazards.

DSS has proven invaluable in monitoring ground movement and structural health in civil engineering projects, preventing catastrophic failures. DAS has enhanced the security and monitoring of critical infrastructure, such as pipelines and borders, by providing real-time acoustic data.

One notable case study involves using DSTS to monitor offshore wind farms. By integrating fiber optic sensors into the power cables and structural components of the wind turbines, operators can continuously monitor both strain and temperature, ensuring the integrity and efficient operation of these renewable energy sources.

Other Real-World Applications and Positive Outcomes include:

1. Electric Grid and Power Utilities:

• Case Study: The monitoring of 400 kV power cable circuits by AP Sensing involves using fiber optic sensing to detect hot spots and prevent overheating, which enhances the reliability and safety of power supply​.

• Outcome: This application has significantly improved the maintenance and management of power cables, reducing downtime and preventing potential failures.

2. Fire Detection:

• Case Study: The Doha Metro Tunnel employs DTS for fire detection. The system provides continuous temperature monitoring, ensuring early detection of fires and prompt evacuation​​.

• Outcome: Enhanced safety and reduced risk of fire-related incidents in public transportation infrastructure.

3. Pipelines and Leak Detection:

• Case Study: OptaSense's fiber optic sensing technology is used in the Mangala Development Pipeline for real-time leak detection and ground movement monitoring. This system can detect and pinpoint the exact location of leaks, allowing for immediate response​.

• Outcome: Improved environmental safety and operational efficiency, with quicker response times to leaks and reduced environmental impact.

4. Infrastructure Monitoring:

• Case Study: The Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm utilizes DAS and DTS to monitor the temperature and acoustic signals along its power export cables, ensuring the reliability and safety of power transmission from offshore turbines to the grid​​.

• Outcome: Enhanced monitoring capabilities have led to better maintenance practices and increased reliability of renewable energy sources.

The Future of Fiber Optic Sensing

The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning with fiber optic sensing technologies is set to revolutionize the field further. These advancements will enhance predictive maintenance, real-time decision-making, and operational efficiency across various industries. As the world becomes more interconnected, the role of fiber optic sensing in ensuring the safety and integrity of critical infrastructure will become increasingly vital.

For more information, see the Fiber Optics Sensing Association

Space

What’s in Space Today?

The Ex-Disney Star Running a Space Company

“Bridgit Mendler, best known for her roles in Good Luck Charlie and Wizards of Waverley Place, decided to buck the child star trend and went to college. A lot of them. She studied at USC, completed a Masters in MIT and for good measure completed a law degree at Harvard.”

Northwood is building a data highway between Earth and space. To meet the needs of today’s space industry, the one-lane rickety road for space data needs to adapt to a ten-lane highway routing continuous traffic across the globe.

Learn about Northwood Space

My Take: I borrowed this content from “Half Baked”. As for Northwood, I think there are others building this in space who will negate the need for what they’re trying to build on Earth, but that’s just my opinion. Either way, the space-based innovation continues!

Is Amazon Kuiper Really Launching?

It sure seems like they are launching a couple of satellites as part of an operational network on June 21st, today.

Maybe this is what it’s for…

Vrio to use Amazon’s Kuiper for broadband in South America

Satellite TV operator Vrio has announced that it plans to use Amazon’s Project Kuiper Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide broadband internet service across seven countries in South America.

Those countries are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay.

Read the full article

SIA Releases 27th Annual State of the Satellite Industry Report

The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) today announced the release of its 27th annual State of the Satellite Industry Report (SSIR), a global summary of the commercial satellite industry. During 2023, the industry continued to grow at an unprecedented rate. For a sixth consecutive year, the commercial satellite industry launched a record number of commercial satellites into orbit. A total of 2,781 commercial satellites were deployed during 2023, an increase of 20 percent compared to the previous year, while the space industry once again conducted the most launches (190) in history. By the end of 2023, a total of 9,691 active satellites circled the earth, an increase of 361 percent over the past five years.

Read the Full Report

It’s Official — First Images of Starlink Mini Dish Appear, Musk Tips Lower Price. “High speed, low latency on the go”

For the first time, SpaceX has revealed some official images of the Starlink Mini dish, which is slated to start arriving in a few months, according to company CEO Elon Musk.

See the full article and the specifications (if even melts snow)

My Take: This really is a game-changer. Highly portable, and delivering a decent broadband experience (assuming it performs as expected). This is what happens when you design from the ground up - literally - ensuring the stuff in space has been designed to support the terrestrial vision.

SpaceX's dying Starlink satellites could be hurting the Earth's ozone layer

A new study from the University of Southern California published last week found that SpaceX’s Starlink satellites could be depleting the Earth’s ozone layer. Researchers estimated the potential damage caused by the internet service’s satellites burning up in the atmosphere and releasing aluminum oxides. With its growing artificial constellation, SpaceX could spew over 1,000 tons of aluminum oxide every year, a 646-percent increase relative to natural levels.

Read the full article

My Take: It’s not like mining to produce EV batteries is any better…

AI

Get ready for telco GenAI network operations

“The operations co-pilot aims to assist engineering and operations teams within [communication service providers] in analyzing the large volume of diverse data gathered from the network and ensure that personnel can quickly diagnose faults and provide appropriate fixes during failure events or when the network is operating sub-optimally,”

Read the full article

My Take: The trend will continue, and it should continue. Network automation has long been an area of discussion and concern, as well as a lack of real innovation. The real intelligence will come from learning of the collective - understanding how anomalies and data from other networks help to form a network posture or predictive position. This stuff is great as it relates to learning about a specific network, but the real learning comes from “market data” - what others saw, how their networks react and recover, and how I can use that data to predict - and plan - for my own network. Operations, resiliency, capacity planning, root cause failure analysis. Lights off at some point?

Meet Symphony Avatars: TikTok's New Creative AI Tool

Creativity thrives on TikTok. When brands truly lean into creative bravery and experimentation, they are able to speak directly to their community and invite them to join in the conversation. At TikTok World 2024 we launched Symphony, our suite of ad solutions powered by generative AI. Today, we are excited to unveil Symphony Digital Avatars, AI Dubbing for global translations, and our Symphony Collective to help creators and brands produce TikTok-first content that breaks through.

Read the whole story

My Take: TikTok is making it very easy for TikTok business customers to create very appropriate content. You can try it here.

Bacon ice cream and nugget overload sees misfiring McDonald's AI withdrawn

McDonald's is removing artificial intelligence (AI) powered ordering technology from its drive-through restaurants in the US, after customers shared its comical mishaps online.

It has not proved entirely reliable, however, resulting in viral videos of bizarre misinterpreted orders ranging from bacon-topped ice cream to hundreds of dollars' worth of chicken nuggets.

Read the whole McArticle

My McTake: It’s a McFunny story of a McFluury of AI gone bad or not yet ready for primetime. Yes, I would like fries with that.

Top 5 enterprise technology priorities: AI on the rise, but cybersecurity remains on top

Cybersecurity, process automation, and IT software were the top 3 enterprise technology priorities in 2024 and are expected to maintain these spots in 2025. AI is expected to rise to 4th place in 2025, and IoT is likely to remain the 5th-ranked priority.

Read the report here

Other TidBits

People Are Sharing The Worst Thing They’ve Witnessed An American Tourist Doing In A Foreign Country

"A woman off a yacht tied up in Chester, Nova Scotia, knocked her purse off a bar's table, and a gun rolled out of it and onto the floor. She claimed Canadian gun control laws didn't apply to her because she's American and protected by the Second Amendment."

Read the insanity here

My Take: Oh, you silly Americans…. 🙂 

The Titan Submersible Disaster Shocked the World. The Exclusive Inside Story Is More Disturbing Than Anyone Imagined

A year after OceanGate’s sub imploded, thousands of leaked documents and interviews with ex-employees reveal how the company’s CEO cut corners, ignored warnings, and lied in his fatal quest to reach the Titanic.

Read the full article

My Take: It’s been long enough, hasn’t it?

Infographic Of the Week

I think that may be incorrect based on some recent news from NVIDIA

Podcast Recommendation

Another (older) one from Jordan Harbinger is something I continue to struggle with. Can’t sleep. Won’t sleep. And it apparently will kill me before my time. Need more sleep.

You can listen here!

Movie/Streaming Recommendation

IMDb - 7.8/10

JMDb - 8/10

If you like the franchise, you’ll love this academy award-winning film. It’s pretty visually stunnng!

"Godzilla Minus One" is a thrilling and emotionally resonant addition to the Godzilla franchise. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, the film masterfully blends intense action sequences with a poignant exploration of post-war Japan and the psychological toll of war on its veterans.

The story follows a former kamikaze pilot struggling with PTSD as he faces the monstrous force of Godzilla, a creature born from the devastating power of the atomic bomb.

The film's visuals are stunning, with impressive special effects that bring Godzilla to life in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The cinematography is equally impressive, capturing Japan's gritty, post-war atmosphere. The score, incorporating the classic Godzilla theme, adds to the overall tension and drama. .

The film's critical acclaim culminated in a well-deserved Oscar win for Best Visual Effects at the 97th Academy Awards.

Until Next Time

Comments here are my own and do not represent the opinions, views or thoughts of any person, company or organization that I may be associated with.

Feedback, comments and ideas are welcomed. Message me on LinkedIn or contact me at [email protected]