Jason's Industry Insights - Issue #31

Author

Jason Presement
August 09, 2024

Your Weekly Broadband, Space and AI Market Insights

Issue #31 - August 9, 2024

Welcome to Issue #31!

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Some headlines of the week:

💰 SpaceX’s Gwynne Shotwell says Starlink is very interested in BEAD

🇹🇴 Musk's Starlink connects remote Tonga villages still cut off after tsunami.

👻 Microsoft Losing A Staggering Amount Of Money On AI

😷 Injectable goo could fix joints without surgery, early study suggests

💡 Learn About - Radiation In Space!

.and more.. inside with the complete What’s Inside This Week below

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

Enjoy Issue #31!

What's Inside This Week!

Canada Broadband and Some US Stuff

Discussion Paper: Consultation on a Governance Framework for a Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network

The Canadian government is seeking public input on the governance framework for the Public Safety Broadband Network (PSBN), a national initiative designed to provide reliable and secure communications for emergency responders. The consultation focuses on developing a robust governance structure to ensure the network meets the needs of public safety agencies across the country. Feedback from this process will shape the future of the PSBN and its implementation.

For more details, you can view the full discussion paper and provide your input here.

My Take: There are many examples of where coordinated emergency communications have been essential to save lives and property. It’s certainly quite the undertaking on a national level, which is likely why the initiative has been open for so many years.

A 22-Year-Old Science Entrepreneur Wants To Bring His Broadband Device To Market

A 22-year-old science entrepreneur is working to bring a new broadband device to market, aiming to enhance internet connectivity. The device, still in its early stages, promises to offer a unique approach to addressing broadband access challenges. The young innovator's project underscores the growing role of startups in the tech industry, particularly in tackling the global digital divide.

For more details, check out the full story here.

My Take: Good for him. Just needs someone to jump on board and try it out. If it’s that good, someone would buy it, I would think?

Swisscom deploys Nokia drone fleet for public safety and industrial monitoring

Swisscom Broadcast is working with Nokia to deploy a nationwide drone network of 300 drones for the emergency services, public safety, and private industrial sectors. It follows the same model as Nokia’s drone rollout in Belgium with Citymesh, and is expected to pass it in terms of its volume and scope as the “largest drone network in the world”, said the Finnish vendor.

Read the full article

My Take: Who knew Nokia had a drone division? This is actually a pretty cool application.

SpaceX’s Gwynne Shotwell says Starlink is very interested in BEAD

SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell announced that Starlink is "very interested" in participating in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This initiative, aimed at expanding broadband access in underserved areas across the U.S., aligns with Starlink's mission to provide global internet coverage via its satellite constellation. Shotwell highlighted the potential for collaboration with state and federal governments to help close the digital divide.

For more details, read the full article here.

My Take: As they should be, although some of the rules and conditions may make it challenging for them. The FCC made a mistake with RDOF and Starlink. Lessons learned, I hope.

The U.S. needs 58k more workers to deploy broadband

The U.S. is currently facing a shortage of about 58,000 skilled tradespeople needed to deploy broadband infrastructure effectively. This gap presents a significant challenge as the country pushes to expand internet access, especially in rural and underserved areas. The shortage could delay key broadband projects aimed at closing the digital divide, highlighting the urgent need for workforce development in this sector.

For more information, read the full article here.

My Take: Seems like an opportunity. Seems like a low number, too.

Foliage won't stop this ISP from connecting Cleveland

The nonprofit DigitalC is making significant progress in bringing fixed wireless broadband to Cleveland’s urban areas, often referred to as the "concrete jungle." By focusing on communities that have been historically underserved by traditional internet service providers, DigitalC is helping to bridge the digital divide in the city. The organization’s efforts highlight the importance of alternative broadband solutions in ensuring that all residents have access to reliable internet.

For further information, you can read the full article here.

My Take: Meh. The US seems to have this fascination with urban FWA for now. Long term? Not sustainable IMHO.

IoT security risks on the rise, finds Verizon Business

Verizon Business's recent report highlights a growing concern over the security risks associated with Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The study found that as IoT adoption increases, so do the vulnerabilities, with cyberattacks targeting these devices on the rise. The report emphasizes the need for stronger security measures to protect against these threats as businesses increasingly rely on connected devices.

For more insights, read the full article here.

My Take: Hint: “password” is not a good password to use.

Learn About - Radiation In Space

Types of Radiation in Space

Space exploration presents numerous challenges, among which radiation stands out as a significant concern. Radiation in space is not uniform; it varies in type, energy, and source. Understanding these variations is crucial for the safety of astronauts and the integrity of spacecraft. Let’s explore the different types of radiation encountered in space, their sources, and their potential impacts on space missions.

Ionizing Radiation

Ionizing radiation is a type of radiation that carries enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules by detaching electrons from them. This category of radiation is particularly hazardous due to its high energy and penetrating power, making it a primary concern for space missions.

Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR)

Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) are high-energy particles originating from outside our solar system, primarily from supernovae and other high-energy astrophysical phenomena. These cosmic rays are composed mainly of high-energy protons and heavy ions. Due to their high energy, GCRs can penetrate spacecraft and human tissue, posing significant risks. For astronauts, exposure to GCRs can lead to acute radiation sickness, increased cancer risk, and potential damage to the central nervous system. For spacecraft, GCRs can cause electronic malfunctions and degrade materials over time.

The intensity of GCRs varies with the solar cycle, being higher during periods of low solar activity. This variation must be considered when planning long-duration missions, such as those to Mars, where shielding and protective measures become critical.

Solar Particles

Solar particles are emitted during solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs - we talked about those last week) from the Sun. These events, known as Solar Particle Events (SPEs), release large amounts of protons and other particles into space. SPEs can significantly increase radiation levels in space, posing acute risks to astronauts and spacecraft.

During intense solar activity, SPEs can cause sudden and severe radiation exposure. For astronauts, this can lead to acute radiation sickness, skin burns, and increased long-term cancer risk. For spacecraft, SPEs can disrupt electronic systems, degrade solar panels, and damage other sensitive components. Effective monitoring of solar activity and timely protective measures, such as seeking shelter in shielded areas of the spacecraft, is essential to mitigate these risks.

Trapped Radiation

Trapped radiation refers to particles captured by Earth's magnetic field, primarily within the Van Allen radiation belts. These belts contain high-energy protons and electrons, which pose significant risks to spacecraft and astronauts passing through them.

The Van Allen belts consist of two main regions: the inner belt, which is composed mainly of high-energy protons, and the outer belt, which contains high-energy electrons. Spacecraft travelling through these belts, such as those on missions to geostationary orbit or beyond, must be designed with adequate shielding to protect against this trapped radiation. For astronauts, exposure to trapped radiation can increase the risk of cancer and other health issues, necessitating careful mission planning and protective measures.

Non-Ionizing Radiation

Non-ionizing radiation has lower energy compared to ionizing radiation and does not have enough power to ionize atoms or molecules. However, it can still cause significant biological effects, particularly on the skin and eyes.

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of non-ionizing radiation that is divided into three categories based on its energy levels: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

- UVA: UVA is the least energetic form of UV radiation. It can penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging and long-term skin damage. Although less harmful than UVB and UVC, prolonged exposure to UVA can still pose health risks to astronauts.

- UVB: UVB radiation has more energy than UVA and is responsible for causing sunburn. It can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer. In space, where there is no atmospheric protection, astronauts are more vulnerable to UVB radiation, making protective measures essential.

- UVC: UVC is the most energetic form of UV radiation. On Earth, UVC is absorbed by the atmosphere and does not reach the surface. However, in space, UVC can be a significant threat. It can cause severe skin burns and eye damage, necessitating the use of protective suits and visors for astronauts during spacewalks.

Impact on Space Exploration

Understanding the types of radiation in space is crucial for ensuring the safety and health of astronauts as well as the integrity of spacecraft. The impact of radiation on space exploration can be summarized in several key areas:

Health Risks

Ionizing radiation poses the most significant health risks to astronauts. Acute exposure can lead to radiation sickness, characterized by nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and, in severe cases, death. Long-term exposure increases the risk of cancer, cataracts, and potential genetic damage. Non-ionizing radiation, particularly UV radiation, can cause skin damage, sunburn, and eye injuries. Protecting astronauts from these risks requires comprehensive radiation shielding, careful mission planning, and real-time monitoring of radiation levels.

Spacecraft Design

Radiation can damage electronic systems and materials used in spacecraft. Ionizing radiation, such as GCRs and SPEs, can cause single-event upsets (SEUs) in electronic components, leading to malfunctions or failures. Over time, radiation can degrade materials, reducing the lifespan of spacecraft. To mitigate these effects, spacecraft must be designed with radiation-hardened components and adequate shielding. This includes using materials that can absorb or deflect radiation and implementing redundant systems to ensure mission success even in the event of radiation-induced failures.

Mission Planning

Effective mission planning is critical to minimize radiation exposure. This includes selecting optimal launch windows to avoid periods of high solar activity, planning trajectories that minimize time spent in high-radiation areas, and incorporating real-time monitoring of space weather. For long-duration missions, such as those to Mars or beyond, understanding the radiation environment and implementing protective measures are essential to ensure the safety of astronauts and the success of the mission.

Radiation in space presents a complex and multifaceted challenge for space exploration. Both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation pose significant risks to astronauts and spacecraft, necessitating comprehensive understanding and mitigation strategies. By studying the sources and effects of space radiation, developing advanced protective technologies, and carefully planning missions, space agencies can better protect astronauts and ensure the success of future space endeavours. The ongoing research and technological advancements in this field are critical to overcoming the challenges posed by space radiation and enabling the safe and sustainable exploration of the cosmos.

Space

What’s in Space This Week?

I don’t think VLEO is being tracked. Numbers seem odd.

Non-Earth Imaging (NEI) Brings a Clearer Picture to SDA

As the number of satellites and other objects orbiting the Earth grew, and other nations began to launch increasingly sophisticated satellites and spacecraft into orbit, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) realized it needed a better way to identify objects in space and determine if they were threats.

To meet this requirement, in 2010, the DoD successfully launched the first satellites in its Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) system. This system has a mission similar to that of the Earth Observation (EO) satellites operated by the military, but with one major difference—instead of surveilling the Earth from space; it was designed to surveil space from space.

Read the full article

My Take: This is fascinating and scary at the same time. Fascinating in that space-based espionage is a real thing and scary in that there are so many ways to impact the space ecosystem. Clearly a couple of “space cameras” are necessary to keep tabs on things.

Fireside Chat with SpaceX President & COO Gwynne Shotwell

From the recent Mountain Connect conference in Denver. It’s worth the time to watch. Some cool videos as well.

Click on the video to watch.

My Take: Insofar as they chatted prior to the interview, I would have asked so many more questions related to the business of the attendees at the conference, but also around the “space race” in general and SpaceX dominance, competitors, the future, dealing with capacity in space, multi-orbit, space junk, D2C, etc.. so many questions.. IMHO, a squandered opportunity with an exceptional guest, assuming she would have dug into some of the deeper issues.

VLEO D2D: SpaceX expands its proposed direct-to-cellular system from ~500 km to ~300km shells

As reported by Space.com, SpaceX requested the FCC authorization to operate Gen2 direct-to-cell (D2C / D2D direct-to-device) satellites in VLEO orbital altitudes, specifically 340 to 360 kilometers.

Read the full article

My Take: There was a discussion about this on a LinkedIn space group, as I thought the FCC said “No” to VLEO for Starlink due to ISS positioning.

Elon Musk's satellite venture has launched a free high-speed internet service to connect remote villages in Tonga that have been cut off since a devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami in January.

Tonga's prime minister, Siaosi Sovaleni, said in a ceremony on Wednesday in the capital, Nuku'alofa, that 50 VSAT terminals provided free of charge by Musk's SpaceX would be distributed to the outlying islands worst hit by the tsunami.

Read the full article

My Take: Good thing that Jonah will now have reliable Internet

FCC Approves AST SpaceMobile Launch of First Commercial Satellites, Each the Largest-Ever Communications Array to be Deployed Commercially in Low Earth Orbit

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (“AST SpaceMobile”) (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, today announced that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted an initial license for space-based operations in the United States. With this initial license, AST SpaceMobile is now authorized to launch and operate V, S and UHF frequencies to support gateway, feeder link and telemetry, tracking, and control operations for the first five commercial BlueBird satellites.

Read the full release

My Take: Let’s see where this goes.. Lots of competition in this space, excuse the pun. I own ASTS, so I’m happy about this, of course. Maybe I’ll share my space portfolio one day..

NASA considering returning Starliner astronauts on Crew Dragon

At a Aug. 7 briefing, NASA officials said they expect to decide around the middle of August if it is too risky to have astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who arrived at the station two months ago on Starliner, to return on the same spacecraft. That would require them to stay on the station while Starliner performs an automated undocking and return to Earth.

Read the full story

My Take: “A three-hour tour. A three-hour tour”…

How Car Manufacturers and the Satellite Industry Create Connected Vehicles

Although they were once deemed a futuristic fantasy, fully connected vehicles are now rapidly approaching thanks to constant advancements in automotive technology.

Read the full story

My Take: Great that people can be connected 24/7, wherever they go.. :/

A Chinese state-owned enterprise has launched the first batch of satellites for a mega-constellation designed to rival US company Space X’s Starlink’s near-global internet network.

Read the full article

My Take: u60 or something. I bought one on AliExprerss. Should be here next week. Call me crazy, but somehow, I don’t think they’ll be getting a lot of North American subs in a Chinese state-owned service. Having said that, companies like Huawei and others have a strong history of building decent products with low associated costs.

AI

OpenAI-backed startup Figure teases new humanoid robot ‘Figure 02’

The race to get AI-driven humanoid robots into homes and workplaces around the world took a new twist today when Figure, a company backed by OpenAI among others to the tune of $675 million in its last round in February, today published a trailer video for its newest model: Figure 02, along with the date of August 6, 2024.

Read the full article

My Take: I’m in no rush to get a robot.

AI ‘scribes’ aim to rescue doctors from paperwork avalanches, despite privacy concerns

AI medical scribes have burst onto the scene promising to turn appointment transcripts into nicely summarized notes for physicians to revise, not spend hours writing from scratch

The tools overwhelmingly rely on cloud computing, and some require data to be sent outside Canada to be crunched with large language models, raising concerns about what happens with all that personal information

Read the full story

My Take: Uh, Oh. Sovereign data issues. Somehow I don’t think the data is really any more secure inside of Canada as opposed to in the US. Only difference is the US Homeland Security’s ability to intervene in the US. And then there’s Bill C-27,.

Gemini intelligence is coming to Google Home

Ahead of its fall hardware event next week, Google announced three new Gemini intelligence-powered experiences it plans to bring to its Google Home smart home platform later this year. There’s a new camera intelligence feature that generates descriptive captions for video footage from Nest cameras, a natural language input for creating Google Home routines, and a smarter Google Assistant for Nest smart speakers and displays with an all-new voice. 

Read the full article

My Take: “there is a dog walking on the lawn. Wait! It looks like he may be taking a pee.. no.. hold on.. she’s actually just looking for a place to roll around in goose shit”. Is that what we’re n for?

Microsoft Losing A Staggering Amount Of Money On AI

Microsoft has spent a staggering amount of money on AI — and serious profits likely remain many years out, if they're ever realized.

The tech giant revealed that during the quarter ending in June, it spent an astonishing $19 billion in cash capital expenditures and equipment, the Wall Street Journal reports — the equivalent of what it used to spend in a whole year a mere five years ago.

Read the full article

My Take: Solution, meet the elusive problem.

Tidbits

Public Health Experts Want Coca-Cola and the Olympics to Break Up

Public health experts are urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to cut ties with Coca-Cola, its oldest sponsor, due to concerns about the company's role in promoting unhealthy sugary drinks, which contribute to global health issues like obesity and diabetes. The experts argue that such sponsorships are at odds with the Olympic Games' mission to promote health and fitness.

For more details, read the full article here.

My Take: Yea, but training like an animal for an Olympic event is good for your physical and mental health.

AI Is Heating the Olympic Pool

In the suburbs of northeast Paris, there is a giant terra-cotta-colored warehouse with a labyrinth of windowless corridors inside. A deafening whir emanates from behind rows and rows of anonymous gray doors, and under white striplights, disposable earbuds are available to protect passersby from the noise.

These are the uncanny innards of one of France’s newest data centers, completed earlier this year, which is now being used to heat the new Olympic Aquatics Center—visible from the data center’s roof. When US swimming star Katie Ledecky won her ninth Olympic gold medal last week, she did it by speeding through water heated, at least in part, by the data center’s machinery.

Read the full article here.

My Take: Good thing it isn’t nuclear powered. Another sustainability example from the Paris Olympics. Pools heated by Data Centres and plant-based foods and cardboard beds that drove Olympians out of the village to nearby hotels.

'Crazy idea' memory device could slash AI energy consumption by up to 2,500 times

Researchers have developed a new type of memory device that they say could reduce the energy consumption of artificial intelligence (AI) by at least 1,000.

Called computational random-access memory (CRAM), the new device performs computations directly within its memory cells, eliminating the need to transfer data across different parts of a computer.

Read the full story

My Take: CRAM.. Energy consumption with AI would be great. So much power needed to support data centre builds and expansions these days. Funny how Solar and Wind just don’t cut it. Modular Nuclear solutions.. that’s the ticket.

Injectable goo could fix joints without surgery, early study suggests

Scientists have invented an injectable "goo" that can regrow cartilage in the body. For now, they've only tested it in sheep, but it could someday be used to repair joint damage in humans, the researchers say.

Read the full article

My Take: Well, if it worked on sheep, it can’t be that baaaaaaad.

Infographic Of The Week

According to the Energy Institute, around 750 million people worldwide, or 1 out of every 10 people do not have access to electricity.

Podcast Recommendation

We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast

The road to success is littered with speed bumps. Every celebrated actor, writer, musician, artist, inventor and entrepreneur has faced debilitating career rejection on their journey to the top. We tell their fascinating stories and break down exactly how they achieved their remarkable goals. Because hidden inside each rejection is a unique insight. And we’re here to find it.

Now is Season 7. See the episodes here

Movie/Streaming Recommendation

The Mother - Netflix

IMDb: 5.6/10

JMDb: 7/10

"The Mother" seems to have taken the action genre's well-worn playbook and decided to play it safe—perhaps too safe. Jennifer Lopez stars as a former assassin who emerges from her Alaskan hideaway to protect her daughter from a cadre of bad guys. The plot sounds thrilling on paper but unfolds with all the surprise of a Tuesday afternoon nap.

The film's action sequences are competently shot, and Lopez, ever the consummate professional, delivers her lines with the kind of steely resolve you'd expect from a seasoned action hero. However, the script seems to have been written with a checklist of clichés: brooding protagonist, check; shadowy villains, check; a child in peril, double-check. It's as if the writers were playing a game of action movie bingo.

Director Niki Caro tries to inject some visual flair with wide-angle shots and scenic backdrops, but even the Alaskan wilderness can't distract from the film's predictability. The villains, played by Joseph Fiennes and Gael García Bernal, are as menacing as a damp sponge, their motivations as clear as mud.

In the end, "The Mother" is a film that might entertain if you're in the mood for some mindless action (when aren’t you?), but don't expect to remember much about it once the credits roll. It's a movie that feels like a missed opportunity, a star vehicle that runs out of gas before it reaches its destination.

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]

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