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- Jason's Industry Insights - Issue #34
Jason's Industry Insights - Issue #34
Jason Presement
August 30, 2024
Your Weekly Broadband, Space and AI Market Insights
Issue #34 - August 30, 2024
Welcome to Issue #34!
If you would like to receive this newsletter by email weekly, simply click the “Subscribe” button below and enter your email address.
But a sample of this knowledge-packed issue:
🛰️ Satellite broadband joins the party for BEAD: What you need to know
💸 Towers, data centres, Maple Leafs: What Canada's telecoms could sell to pare debt
🕵️ FCC signs information-sharing and enforcement agreement with Canada
🧑🏽🚀 Astronaut Salary: How Much Do They Get Paid in 2024?
🤖 Build your own AI-powered robot: Hugging Face’s LeRobot tutorial is a game-changer
😭 Anger after strangers lock toddler in plane toilet
🔌 New invention harvests ambient Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals to power small devices
💡 Learn About - Free Space Optics
In this Issue
..and more.. inside.
Remember to repost, share, like, and comment (good and bad).
Enjoy Issue #34!
Canada Broadband and Some US Stuff
Satellite broadband joins the party for BEAD: What you need to know
Satellite broadband providers are set to join the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, expanding options for delivering high-speed internet in underserved areas. This inclusion aims to bridge the digital divide by leveraging satellite technology to provide broadband where traditional infrastructure is challenging to deploy.
For more details, check out the full article here.
My Take: There’s a lot here, and only because I’m a believer in LEO-based solutions to provide viable solutions to real digital divide problems. The FCC, in my opinion, made a mistake in disallowing Starlink to participate in RDOF. More people would be connected had they been allowed to participate.
The Analysis
The full document outlines specific provisions for including Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology in the BEAD program. These provisions acknowledge the unique characteristics and capabilities of LEO technology in delivering broadband services, particularly in remote and underserved areas where traditional broadband deployment is prohibitively expensive. Here’s a detailed analysis of these special provisions:
1. Capacity Reservation and Period of Performance:
Ten-Year Performance Period: The NTIA proposes a ten-year performance period for subgrants involving LEO technology. This extended period is longer than the standard four-year build-out deadline for other broadband projects. It allows LEO providers to stabilize and optimize their service offerings while ensuring compliance with BEAD program requirements over a longer time frame.
Capacity Reservation Flexibility: LEO providers can reserve network capacity to meet the program’s capacity requirement (5 Mbps per location or 2 TBs of usage per month). This flexibility acknowledges the shared and dynamic nature of satellite capacity, allowing providers to allocate resources efficiently while meeting the service needs of the covered areas.
2. Reimbursement Based on Capacity Usage:
Reimbursement Mechanisms: The NTIA suggests that reimbursement to LEO providers be tied to the actual usage of network capacity, as measured by subscription rates within a project area. This approach ensures that BEAD funds are used effectively, directly correlating financial support with service delivery to actual subscribers.
Supplemental Reimbursement: Recognizing the potential variability in early subscription rates, the NTIA is considering allowing supplemental reimbursement payments in the project's initial years. This provision aims to help LEO providers manage the initial costs of capacity reservation and ensure they can maintain network readiness for new subscribers.
3. Tiered Subscription Reimbursement Structure:
The NTIA is considering implementing a tiered reimbursement structure to account for the need to reserve a small amount of network capacity for future subscribers. For example, reimbursement could be based on increments of 25 broadband serviceable locations (BSLs), ensuring that providers are compensated for maintaining the ability to serve new customers as demand grows.
4. Cost-Effectiveness and Reasonableness of Capacity Costs:
Reasonable Cost Estimates: The NTIA requires Eligible Entities to provide clear and reasonable estimates of the costs associated with LEO capacity. This measure ensures that public funds are spent judiciously, focusing on transparency and accountability.
Prohibition of Profit Margins: The NTIA explicitly states that any profit, fee, or incremental charge above the actual cost of capacity reservation is not allowable under the BEAD program. This restriction ensures that funds are used solely for service delivery and not for generating profit, aligning with the program's public interest nature.
5. LEO Provider Obligations:
Service Continuity: LEO providers receiving BEAD funding must maintain service availability to all locations in the project area throughout the period of performance. This obligation includes offering service to any new subscriber within ten business days without additional charges for service extension.
Federal Interest and Compliance: LEO projects are subject to the same Federal interest provisions as other broadband projects, with specific requirements for monitoring and ensuring compliance with BEAD standards. This includes maintaining service quality, latency, and availability metrics.
6. Consideration for Future Capacity Needs:
The NTIA acknowledges that reserving capacity for future use presents a unique challenge for LEO providers, as they must balance current usage with the potential need for expansion. This foresight indicates an understanding of the dynamic nature of satellite capacity and aims to prevent service shortfalls in the future.
Analysis and Implications
Advantages of Including LEO Technology:
Rapid Deployment: LEO satellites can provide coverage quickly and cost-effectively, especially in remote and underserved areas. The ability to deploy services without extensive terrestrial infrastructure makes LEO a viable option for meeting urgent broadband needs.
Scalability and Flexibility: The use of capacity reservation allows LEO providers to scale their services according to demand, ensuring that they can meet both current and future needs.
Challenges and Considerations:
Financial and Operational Risk: LEO providers face high upfront costs for capacity reservation and ongoing operational costs. The NTIA’s proposed reimbursement structures aim to mitigate these risks but require careful management to ensure sustainability.
Service Quality and Reliability: LEO technology, while promising, may have variability in service quality, particularly in terms of latency and bandwidth availability. Continuous monitoring and strict compliance requirements are necessary to ensure that service standards are met.
Transient Solution: LEO solutions have an inherent portability component. If a recipient subscriber relocates with the terminal device, a service gap could result at the origination site.
Overall…
The inclusion of special provisions for LEO technology in the BEAD program reflects a strategic effort to leverage innovative solutions to address the digital divide. By offering flexibility in capacity management and ensuring robust oversight, the NTIA aims to balance the benefits of LEO technology with the need for consistent, reliable service. These provisions are essential for integrating LEO into the broader goal of achieving universal broadband coverage while safeguarding public investment and maintaining service standards.
U.S. Data Center Report - Midyear 2024
The U.S. colocation data center market has doubled in size in just four years. Yet vacancy is at a new record low of 3% amid insatiable demand. Occupancy has increased at a 30% CAGR since 2020. Construction is at extraordinary levels, increasing more than sevenfold in just two years. Preleasing stands at 84% and asking rents have increased between 13% and 37% year-over-year depending on the lease size.
Request the full report
My Take: Big business for now. What happens when the AI bubble bursts and/or the trend back to private networks shifts real estate requirements?
Can laser technology transcend fiber? This startup thinks so
A startup is exploring the potential of laser technology to outperform traditional fiber optic cables in delivering high-speed internet. By utilizing laser-based free-space optical communications, this technology could provide faster and more flexible broadband solutions, especially in areas where deploying fiber is challenging or costly.
To learn more about this innovative approach, read the full article here.
My Take: Interesting technology and application with a specific time and place. Folks will need to look under the hood and run careful evaluations. It’s not without specific challenges, although these guys talk about both terrestrial and non-terrestrial applications.
Towers, data centres, Maple Leafs: What Canada's telecoms could sell to pare debt
Canadian telecom companies might sell various assets, including stakes in sports teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and cellular infrastructure, to raise capital. According to CIBC, these sales could help telecoms manage debt and fund network upgrades, especially as they face high costs from 5G expansion and regulatory pressures.
For more information, read the full article here.
My Take: So, what you’re suggesting is that if you sell all the infrastructure, the real business case is all about the ServCo… Funny how some Tier 1 told the same thing to the CRTC, sort of.
FCC signs information-sharing and enforcement agreement with Canada
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has entered into an agreement with Canada to enhance information sharing and enforcement cooperation. This partnership aims to improve regulatory oversight and address cross-border issues related to telecommunications, such as fraud prevention and network security, benefiting both countries.
For further details, read the full article here.
My Take: From what I can see, this is more of an MOU than a great and important step nonetheless. There are lots of questions around enforcement, etc., and whether it actually evolves into something substantial and integrates into pending legislative requirements.
TELUS Becomes First Canadian Operator to Join U.S. AI Safety Consortium
TELUS has made history by becoming the first Canadian telecom operator to join the U.S. AI Safety Consortium. This collaboration aims to promote safe and ethical AI development and deployment across the industry. By joining this consortium, TELUS aligns itself with major global tech firms in advocating for responsible AI use and contributing to the creation of standards that prioritize consumer safety and data protection.
Read more about this development here.
My Take: In these days of “AI” everyone, privacy concerns and data breaches, this is a great move on their part and a solid move to help promote and develop trust.
AT&T’s GenAI strategy? Plug it in everywhere
AT&T is heavily integrating generative AI into its operations, aiming to enhance customer service, optimize network performance, and streamline internal processes. The telecom giant plans to deploy AI tools across various departments, harnessing the technology's potential to drive efficiency and improve user experience, illustrating the growing role of AI in telecom.
For more on AT&T's AI initiatives, read the full article here.
My Take: “The ultimate goal is to achieve an autonomous network — one that can operate with minimal human intervention”. The holy grail of NetOps-based AI, I would suspect.
Learn About - Free Space Optics
Free Space Optics (FSO) is an advanced communication technology that leverages light to transmit data wirelessly through the atmosphere, offering a high-speed alternative to traditional fibre-optic communications. FSO systems utilize modulated laser beams or LEDs to convey data between two points without needing physical cables, making them ideal for environments where laying fibre is impractical due to cost, terrain, or logistical constraints.
Technical Overview
FSO systems comprise a transmitter, receiver, and optical path. The transmitter converts electrical signals into optical signals using a laser or LED, emitting a modulated light beam through free space. The receiver, equipped with photodetectors or photodiodes, captures these light signals and converts them back into electrical signals. The system requires a clear line of sight to maintain a reliable connection, as any obstruction can disrupt the optical path.
Comparison to Fibre-Optic Communications
While both FSO and fibre optics use light for data transmission, FSO transmits light through the air, whereas fibre optics guide it through cables. Fibre optics typically offer more stable and reliable connections unaffected by atmospheric conditions. However, FSO provides rapid deployment and flexibility, particularly in urban settings or remote areas where cable installation is challenging. FSO can achieve data rates comparable to fibre optics, making it suitable for high-bandwidth applications.
Environmental Considerations
FSO performance is susceptible to environmental factors such as fog, rain, snow, and dust, which can attenuate the optical signal and increase the bit error rate. Atmospheric absorption and beam dispersion also pose challenges, limiting FSO's effective range. To mitigate these issues, advanced FSO systems employ multi-beam architectures, adaptive optics, and automatic gain control to adjust transmission power based on weather conditions.
Security Considerations
FSO offers inherent security advantages due to its narrow beam and line-of-sight nature, making interception difficult. However, it is not immune to eavesdropping. Implementing robust encryption protocols, such as the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), ensures data confidentiality and integrity, preventing unauthorized access and tampering during transmission.
Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Applications
Terrestrial Applications: FSO is widely used for urban connectivity, providing high-speed links between buildings without requiring extensive cabling. Companies like X-LUMIN specialize in terrestrial FSO systems, offering solutions for ground-to-ground and ground-to-air communication. Their systems address challenges such as turbulence mitigation, ensuring reliable performance even in adverse conditions.
Non-Terrestrial Applications: In aerospace, FSO facilitates high-speed data transmission between satellites and ground stations, enhancing communication networks in space. Trancelestial, for instance, is developing FSO technology for satellite communication, aiming to create efficient mesh networks that offer high-capacity links between satellites and terrestrial stations.
FSO's ability to bridge the gap between fibre optics and wireless communication makes it a promising technology for expanding global connectivity. As advancements continue, FSO is poised to play a crucial role in terrestrial and non-terrestrial applications, offering high-speed, secure, and flexible communication solutions.
Space
What’s In Space This Week?
I thought the Orbital Graveyard was a forever resting place..
Is AMIP as Good as a Mile? Progress on Making ESAs Mainstream
The Digital IF Interoperability Consortium (DIFI) is focused on promoting interoperability and standardization for digital intermediate frequency (IF) technology in satellite and other communications. By establishing open standards, DIFI aims to enhance the integration and efficiency of various communication systems, ensuring seamless connectivity across different platforms and technologies.
For a deeper dive into DIFI's goals and activities, read the full article here.
My Take: I wrote about DIFI in an earlier issue. Interoperability and standardization will be key to accelerating deployment and innovation.
Astronaut Salary: How Much Do They Get Paid in 2024?
Astronaut salaries vary significantly based on their employing organization and their experience. NASA astronauts can earn between $84,000 to over $150,000 annually, depending on their rank and experience. In contrast, Russian cosmonauts earn from approximately $47,000 to $79,000 per year. European Space Agency astronauts have similar salary ranges, adjusted for tax exemptions. Private sector astronauts often pay for their own trips, but those employed by companies like Axiom may earn competitive salaries.
For a detailed breakdown, read the full article here.
My Take: It’s not out of this world.. I’d think someone flying to space would be paid at least what a Sr. Airline pilot flying big, wide-bodied jets would make, but then again, they’re not responsible for passengers.. I guess astronauts are like Olympians when it comes to compensation.
Telesat's Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation is targeting enhanced 5G capabilities for the Navy by providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity that is crucial for modern naval operations. These LEO satellites will offer robust and secure communication links, which are essential for both real-time data transmission and supporting advanced naval applications in remote and contested environments.
Learn more about the technology and its impact on naval communications here.
My Take: One day, when Telesat has a constellation in LEO orbit, this will make an excellent application… If Starlink doesn’t take everyone’s business first…
China could develop dual relay satellite system for Earth-moon communications to reduce geopolitical risks
China is leading a project known as the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) which aims to establish a base near the lunar south pole in the 2030s. The plan includes establishing a Queqiao (“Magpie Bridge”) relay system in lunar orbit to facilitate communications between the Earth and moon.
For more insights, read the full article here.
My Take: Space Relay. Another important part of the space-based communication ecosystem. It’s like a separate Internet in Space, without Netflix.
Dude, where's my cow? Skylo's 5G IoT satellite ambitions
Skylo is developing innovative 5G IoT satellite solutions to effectively track livestock and other remote assets. By leveraging 3GPP’S 5G Non-Terrestrial-Technology, Skylos aims to provide real-time monitoring and connectivity in rural and hard-to-reach areas, revolutionizing the agriculture industry and enhancing supply chain management efficiency.
For the full story, read more here.
My Take: Moooove over 5G, satellite-based tracking is coming to the farm. Direct-to-Device is just another one of those emerging market opportunities to follow. Maybe they can mesh it with the Earth Observation systems tracking Cow’s methane production as well.
AI
Three-quarters of founders in the latest Y Combinator cohort are working on AI startups
The latest Y Combinator cohort shows a strong focus on artificial intelligence, with about 75% of the founders developing projects centered around AI technologies. This trend underscores the growing importance of AI in startup innovation and highlights the tech industry's increasing investment in AI-driven solutions across various sectors.
For more details, check out the full article here.
My Take: “So, what are all these companies trying to build? Well, there’s an AI-powered interior designer (Rastro), a GenAI interviewer for business interviews (Mindely), a “Conversational AI Sidekick for Kids” (Genie), a tool for making hit songs with AI (Sonauto), and a startup that wants to automate “taking orders at drive-thrus with a voice AI” (Lilac Labs).”
More of the same.. This stuff used to be “Wow! That’s cool!” but now it seems to be another of another… Better mousetraps for mousetraps that we didn’t need to begin with.
Build your own AI-powered robot: Hugging Face’s LeRobot tutorial is a game-changer
Hugging Face has released a new tutorial for LeRobot, a platform that allows users to build and customize AI-powered robots using open-source tools and pre-trained models. This hands-on guide is designed to be accessible for developers of all skill levels, making it easier to create interactive robots for various applications, from research to entertainment.
To learn more about how you can start building your own AI-powered robot, read the full article here.
My Take: I need a robot to feed a dog, and a cat, clean the cat litter, walk the dog and pick up his poop.
OpenAI supports California AI bill requiring 'watermarking' of synthetic content
OpenAI has expressed support for a proposed California bill that would mandate using watermarks on AI-generated content. This measure aims to help users identify synthetic media, thereby increasing transparency and reducing the spread of misinformation. The legislation reflects growing concerns over the ethical use of AI and the need for responsible innovation.
For more details, read the full article here.
My Take: People only read headlines anyway, so.. (I have proof!)
Op-Ed: Data demand is slowing but AI will spike uplink data
We’ve just published a high-level analysis of how AI Assistants and other applications will drive a spike in mobile uplink traffic. The operators feel comfortable with their downlink capacity with their shiny 5G mid-band networks, but they could be blindsided by the spike in AI uplink traffic, driving demand well beyond capacity. Our modelling takes new frequency bands, FWA, small cells, and mm-wave into account, and we’ve validated our conclusions with several major operators.
For more insights, read the full article here.
My Take: The hypothesis is that all these AI assistants will drive the need for more uplink bandwidth and will drive new investments in infrastructure and new, premium pricing plans.
AI-Powered PR Publishing
Pressmaster.ai offers innovative AI-driven solutions for media relations, automating tasks such as press release distribution, media monitoring, and analytics. By leveraging AI, the platform aims to streamline communications, improve efficiency, and provide valuable insights for PR professionals, helping them engage effectively with their target audience.
For more information, visit Pressmaster.ai.
My Take: I guess the corporate PR people are next on the AI hit list.
Tidbits
New invention harvests ambient Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals to power small devices
Researchers have developed a method to harvest energy from ambient Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals to power small electronic devices. This innovative approach could pave the way for sustainable energy solutions, enabling low-power sensors and wearable technology to operate without traditional batteries by utilizing energy already present in the environment.
For more details on this breakthrough, read the full article here.
My Take: What? No more charging my FitBit? I’m in! I always thought that wireless power would be a reality one day.
Anger after strangers lock toddler in plane toilet
An incident which saw two women lock a crying toddler in an aeroplane toilet has sparked an online debate in China on how to manage children in public spaces.
Read the full article
My Take: I’m OK with this, I think 😉. The better solution is similar to how they deal with kids on trains - “Some public trains have started operating separate compartments for children.”
Maybe you will be able to live past 122
Scientific advances, public interest, and an unprecedented level of investment are pushing the longevity industry to help us live longer in better health.
Read the full article
My Take: ..but do you want to??
Fallout from NASA's asteroid-smashing DART mission could hit Earth — potentially triggering 1st human-caused meteor shower
Millions of tiny space rock fragments may be on a collision course with Earth and Mars after NASA deliberately crashed a probe into a far-away asteroid two years ago, a new study reveals. The celestial shrapnel, which could start hitting our planet within a decade, poses no risk to life on Earth — but it could trigger the first ever human-caused meteor showers.
Read the full article
My Take: And maybe take out some satellites along the way? “Celestial Shrapnel” has a nice ring to it. Did we learn nothing from the movie “Gravity”?
'Unbreakable' quantum communication closer to reality thanks to new, exceptionally bright photons
Scientists have created an "exceptionally bright" light source that can generate quantum-entangled photons (particles of light) which could be used to securely transmit data in a future high-speed quantum communications network.
Read the full article
My Take: When things exist in multiple states, funny things can happen. Read this article if you’re looking for a primer on Quantum technology!
Infographic Of The Week
Wow. I'm a little surprised.
Had to do a little research
“The Pacific island of Tonga is the most obese country in the world. Up to 40% of the population is thought to have type 2 diabetes and life expectancy is falling. One of the main causes is a cheap, fatty kind of meat - mutton flaps”
Mutton Flaps - The low-quality end of a sheep's rib - connected to the high-quality ribs and spare ribs - also known as breast. Mutton Flaps… Just call it what it is..
Maybe the Kiwi’s should send them Kiwis instead.
Podcast Recommendation
Constellations - Game Changers series
Click here or above to listen!
Movie/Streaming Recommendation
Alien: Romulus
IMDb: 7.4/10
JMDb: 9/10
"Alien: Romulus" bursts onto the scene like a chest-burster from the franchise's past, delivering a thrilling return to form that will have fans of the series grinning from ear to xenomorph-filled ear. Director Fede Álvarez has crafted a claustrophobic nightmare that pays homage to the original 1979 classic while injecting fresh blood into the veins of this decades-old franchise.
Set between the events of "Alien" and "Aliens," this latest instalment follows a group of young space scavengers who stumble upon a derelict station harbouring the universe's most terrifying life form. Cailee Spaeny shines as our new protagonist, channelling the spirit of Ripley without merely imitating Sigourney Weaver's iconic performance.
Álvarez's direction is taut and visceral, expertly building tension before unleashing the acid-blooded terror we've come to know and love. The practical effects are a sight to behold, reminding us why practical will always trump CGI when creating genuine scares.
While "Romulus" doesn't reinvent the wheel, it polishes it to a mirror sheen. It strikes a delicate balance between nostalgia and innovation, offering enough familiar elements to satisfy long-time fans while providing a fresh entry point for newcomers.
In the grand tapestry of the Alien franchise, "Romulus" positions itself as a worthy successor to the original films, easily outpacing the more recent entries. It's a return to the series' horror roots, eschewing the philosophical meanderings of "Prometheus" for good old-fashioned terror in space.
In short, "Alien: Romulus" proves there's still plenty of life in this franchise, even if no one can hear you scream.
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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