Jason's Industry Insights - Issue #35

Author

Jason Presement
September 06, 2024

Your Weekly Broadband, Space Communication and AI Market Insights

Issue #35 - September 6, 2024

Welcome to Issue #24!

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Some of the headlines in the week’s action-packed edition:

🛰️ Leveraging Low Earth Orbit Satellite Constellations To Bridge The Digital Divide

✅ New International Digital Connectivity Readiness Index reveals mixed performance across the G7 (Hint - Canada is #4)

💻 Lumen Orbit 🚀 Data Centers in Space (More space. Less power)

🚂 Lego City Modular Space Station review

🤖 World Robot Conference (very cool video)

🐜 Kamikaze termites blow themselves up with 'explosive' backpacks — and scientists just figured out how

💡 Learn About - Industry 4.0

In this Issue

..and more.. inside.

If you enjoy this newsletter, please share it with others! It’ll make me feel good; I know that’s what you want 😁

Enjoy Issue #35!

Canada Broadband and Some US Stuff

New International Digital Connectivity Readiness Index reveals mixed performance across the G7

The report, "International Digital Connectivity Readiness Index", measures performance across both digital infrastructure — such as broadband, Gigabit, 4G, and 5G connectivity — and digital adoption, which includes metrics like digital skills, online security, access to public services, affordability, and innovation.

According to FarrPoint’s digital economics team, the UK tops the new index, with the US and Germany in shared 2nd place on the overall readiness score. Canada, Japan and France share 4th place, with Italy coming last overall. The real differences can be seen by drilling down to compare individual metrics.

“Despite these strengths, Canada underperforms in key areas of digital adoption, particularly in business-related metrics. It ranks 6th in the G7 for both the Digital Economy and Innovation, suggesting that Canadian businesses are slower to adopt digital technologies and innovate than their G7 counterparts. This underperformance highlights the need for targeted strategies to boost digital transformation within the business sector, ensuring Canada remains competitive in the global digital economy. On household adoption, ensuring people have access to affordable digital options continues to be a challenge in Canada. “

Read the full article

My Take: There’s a lot of innovation taking place in Canada, except it walks out of the country in the pockets of international funding partners. Canadian companies have always been a little slower to adopt new and exciting things as opposed to our counterparts south of the border. Except for chip and tap payment technology. Way ahead there.

There are cellphone bans in schools around the world. Do any of them work?

From magnetic locking pouches and blocked Wi-Fi access to outright bans and legislation, schools around the world have been waging war on cellphone use for years.

Read the full article

My Take: So, is the issue that teachers can’t teach, students who want to learn, can’t, that teachers can’t/won’t fail students whose grades are a result of their lack of attention, the addictive and destructive nature of social media, or other issues? There’s a podcast recommendation below that addresses some of this as well. With the state of the school system these days, I wouldn’t want to be a teacher trying to remove a phone from a 17-year old student..

Backup telecom line would’ve prevented mass disruptions: Northwestel

“If the Dempster Fibre (Line) Project were already completed and the Canada North Fibre Loop was operational, yesterday’s (Aug. 25) disruption would not have affected northerners’ internet services,” Matthew Bossons, a Northwestel internal communications manager, told the News by phone

Read the full article

My Take: But it wasn’t, so that’s what you get. Perhaps some of these remote communities should be exploring non-terrestrial solutions as well.

Ottawa sitting on request for sanctions against China-based makers of surveillance gear

All four companies sell their products in Canada, which has become a key international market for Chinese-made surveillance hardware.

Read the full article

My Take: Read this one. Others have banned these manufacturers, yet Canada has these things everywhere.

“Chinese surveillance tech companies including Hikvision and Dahua are partially or fully banned in the U.S., Australia and the United Kingdom for security concerns. Earlier this year, the Quebec government issued an order prohibiting the use of Hikvision and Dahua products in its buildings and facilities for similar reasons. Hikvision maintains an R&D facility in Montreal, which opened in 2017. “

Leveraging Low Earth Orbit Satellite Constellations To Bridge The Digital Divide

A solution lies in the industry working with the government to leverage a blend of technologies that can best serve each area, with a technology-neutral approach that meets consumers’ performance, reliability and affordability requirements.

Read the full article

My Take: Smart move from the NITA to allow NTN solutions as part of BEAD (acronym soup, anyone?). Some would suggest they are temporary until terrestrial solutions are available, but I think in many cases NTN LEOs will be the only solutions.

How to cut broadband construction costs? Automate it

Digital construction management can, for instance, automate routine tasks like creating a bill of materials or dispatching a crew. On the network design front, broadband workers can focus on more complex tasks, such as "working on designs that might require bespoke solutions because of the unique nature of a construction site."

Read the full article

My Take: Maybe get robots to operate the drillers and plows, too. This is really about using automation and data synthesis tools, which makes sense, of course. Why do things like route planning manually when there are tools to do it for you?

NTT Data deploys citywide private 5G and IoT in Brownsville, Texas

The City of Brownsville was named the “worst connected city” by the US government’s National Telecoms and Information Administration (NTIA) in 2017, said NTT Data. “[It] is now becoming one of the best connected cities,” it said, also citing a forecast by Guidehouse Research that smart city technology “markets” will grow to $301.2 billion by 2032. It said that “scalable, secure private 5G networks” offer a foundation for all the new spending on smart-city IoT applications. It added: “The goal is to improve everyday life for their citizens and turn the city into the next tech hub.”

Read the full article

My Take: Why did I bother with this one? Because I think private 5G has a home in many places where other options may be challenging. This may be more of an extreme example., but again, it’s not one technology vs. another - the best results will ultimately come from using the right tool for the job.

Learn About - Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, represents a significant transformation in manufacturing and related industries. This concept refers to the ongoing trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies, marking the next phase in the digitization of the manufacturing sector. At its core, Industry 4.0 focuses on interconnectivity, automation, machine learning, and real-time data analysis.

To understand Industry 4.0, it's essential to consider its historical context. It builds upon and enhances previous industrial revolutions.

  • The First Industrial Revolution introduced mechanization through water and steam power.

  • The Second Industrial Revolution brought mass production and assembly lines using electricity.

  • The Third Industrial Revolution saw the adoption of computers and automation.

  • Now, Industry 4.0 will further these advancements by integrating smart, autonomous systems fuelled by data and machine learning.

The impact of Industry 4.0 extends beyond just manufacturing companies. It affects supply chain and logistics providers, technology providers and integrators, workers in these industries, and ultimately, consumers of manufactured goods. This wide-reaching influence underscores the transformative nature of this industrial shift.

Industry 4.0 aims to solve several critical problems in manufacturing and related sectors. It addresses inefficiencies in production processes, the lack of real-time data for decision-making, inflexibility in manufacturing systems, high maintenance and downtime costs, quality control issues, and limited customization capabilities. Industry 4.0 promises to revolutionize how goods are produced and delivered by tackling these challenges.

Implementing Industry 4.0 involves several key technologies and approaches. It relies heavily on the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which connect machines and systems to create a network of smart devices.

Cloud computing and big data analytics play crucial roles in processing and analyzing the vast amounts of data generated by these connected systems. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning are employed to make sense of this data and drive autonomous decision-making.

Advanced robotics and automation are central to Industry 4.0, enabling more efficient and precise manufacturing processes. Cyber-physical systems bridge the digital and physical worlds, allowing real-time monitoring and control of physical processes. Smart sensors provide continuous data streams, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. Additionally, 3D printing and additive manufacturing offer new possibilities for customization and rapid prototyping.

The need for Industry 4.0 arises from several factors. Increased global competition in manufacturing necessitates more efficient and flexible production methods. Rising consumer demands for customization and quality require manufacturers to be more adaptable. To remain competitive, there's a pressing need for improved efficiency and cost reduction. Industry 4.0 also addresses skills gaps in the workforce by automating routine tasks and creating new roles focused on managing and interpreting data. Furthermore, it enhances sustainability efforts by optimizing resource use and reducing waste. Lastly, it improves supply chain resilience and agility, a critical factor in today's volatile global markets.

The benefits of adopting Industry 4.0 are numerous. It promises increased productivity and efficiency through optimized processes and reduced downtime. Quality control is enhanced through real-time monitoring and data analysis, leading to fewer errors and defects.

The flexibility in production processes allows for greater customization and faster response to market changes. Real-time data analysis facilitates improved decision-making, enabling managers to make informed choices quickly. Predictive maintenance, enabled by constant monitoring and data analysis, reduces unexpected downtime and extends equipment life. Enhanced customer experiences are possible through greater customization and faster delivery times. Additionally, Industry 4.0 opens up possibilities for new business models and revenue streams, such as data-driven services.

However, the adoption of Industry 4.0 is not without challenges. The high initial investment costs can be a significant barrier, especially for smaller businesses. Cybersecurity concerns are paramount, as increased connectivity increases vulnerability to cyber attacks.

Integrating new technologies with existing systems can be complex and time-consuming. Workforce training and adaptation are crucial, as employees must develop new skills to work with advanced technologies. Data privacy and ownership issues must also be carefully addressed to ensure compliance with regulations and maintain customer trust,

Industry 4.0 promises increased efficiency, flexibility, and competitiveness by integrating advanced digital technologies. While it presents challenges, particularly for smaller businesses, it is increasingly seen as necessary for companies to remain competitive in the global marketplace.

Space

What’s in Space This Week?

Sorry. No data this week. My data provider “could not connect to database”.

I will work to update this issue with the date once it is available.

Lumen Orbit 🚀 Data Centers in Space

We take advantage of falling launch costs to make use of inexpensive solar energy in space and low-cost passive radiative cooling, rapidly scaling up orbital data centers almost indefinitely without the physical or permitting constraints faced on Earth. This will ensure we can continue training ever larger models without destroying the environment.

Read the full article

Check out our white paper for more information on why space data centers are the future and how we’re going about making this happen.

My Take: Others are building DCs in space as well. Never really thought about the power aspect before, but hey — if you’re in space, solar is your only option and until someone figures out how to harness it and charge for it, it’s free. Train AI models in space, they say.

Brazil’s telecommunications regulator threatened sanctions against Elon Musk’s satellite internet firm Starlink, as a public confrontation with the billionaire escalates over the country’s decision to block his social media company X.

Read the full story

My Take: When nations try to decide what can be said online, sometimes people push back…

DDoS Attacks Pose Increasing Threat to Satellite and Ground Operators

According to a study conducted by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), the number of cyberattacks against satellite infrastructure has increased by 300 percent over the last five years. One attack method that poses an increased threat to satellites and the networks they operate on is the Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack.

Read the full story

My Take: Perhaps some firewalls?

The US Navy Is Going All In on Starlink

The Navy is testing out the Elon Musk–owned satellite constellation to provide high-speed internet access to sailors at sea. It’s part of a bigger project that’s about more than just getting online.

Read the full article

My Take: I love military articles as there’s a cool acronym or name for every project. Anyway, persistent connectivity between ships. Seems necessary and reasonable, especially during some sort of warfare.

Lego City Modular Space Station review

Lego has gone all-in on space-themed sets in 2024. For the first time ever, it's created a universal "Space" branding that can be seen across its City, Creator, Classic, Friends, Technic and even Duplo ranges. Sure, we've had Lego City space sets for years, but this is the first time branding has been applied across multiple ranges. It goes to show how popular space is amongst Lego fans.

Read the full article

My Take: All I know is the pain from stepping on a piece of Lego can send you into orbit, or something like that.

AI

Generative AI Transformed English Homework. Math Is Next

Right now, high schoolers and college students around the country are experimenting with free smartphone apps that help complete their math homework using generative AI. One of the most popular options on campus right now is the Gauth app, with millions of downloads. It’s owned by ByteDance, which is also TikTok’s parent company.

Read the full article

My Take: If they don’t have their phones, they can’t use the apps. TikTok to the rescue again! Back to the notion that perhaps teachers should be able to fail students instead of pushing everyone through the system for the sake of class density and “metrics”.

Google Meet’s automatic AI note-taking is here

Google Meet’s newest AI-powered feature, “take notes for me,” has started rolling out today to Google Workspace customers with the Gemini Enterprise, Gemini Education Premium, or AI Meetings & Messaging add-ons. It’s similar to Meet’s transcription tool, only instead of automatically transcribing what everyone says, it summarizes what everyone talked about

Read the full article

My Take: Another of another. Haven’t used one in a while, but they never really capture the true essence and context of the overall conversaiton.

Meta Shuttering Augmented Reality Studio Amid Pivot to AI

Meta Platforms Inc. will close an augmented reality studio to prioritize investments in other areas, including a burgeoning artificial intelligence business.

Read the full article

My Take: What happened to the Metaverse? $40B investment on AI.. What are we going to do with all this data centre capacity that won’t be needed one day?

World Robot Conference

Apparently, there was a World Robot Conference in China in late August.

The People's Government of Beijing Municipality, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China (MIIT), and China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) jointly held the World Robot Conference (WRC) from 2015 to 2023 for eight consecutive years, with the permission of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.

It was a prestigious international conference in global robotic industry with the largest scale, the highest standards, and the most intensified resources. The conference pooled the wisdom of experts around the world, attracted to enterprises in the world and displayed the latest scientific and technological achievements, which had guiding significance for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The conference had received care and guidance from leaders of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council. President Xi Jinping sent a letter of greetings, Premier Li Keqiang made a written reply, and Vice Premier Liu Yandong and Liu He attended the opening ceremony and relevant activities.

Anyway..

Look at this.

My Take: Feed the cat, make me waffles, kill me in my sleep.. What else? I would name it HAL or Prometheus. Everything would be fine.

Tidbits

Singtel forges another GPUaaS partnership

In March, Singtel announced its plan to launch commercial GPUaaS in Singapore and South-east Asia during the third quarter of this year, and since then it has been investing in its own datacentre capabilities and forging strategic partnerships in order to offer an attractive and meaningful service to enterprise users from day one. 

Read the full article

My Take: I wonder if I could monetize JaaS (Jason as a service).

Sunspots surge to 23-year high as solar maximum continues to intensify far beyond initial expectations

The average number of visible dark patches on the sun's surface in August was higher than any other month since September 2001. The final count was more than twice as high as experts initially predicted it would be.

Read the full article

My Take: Read it. Some interesting information in there about how cyclical the universe is. No one talks about how this correlates to extreme weather events on earth, or the warming and cooling of oceans. I wonder why that is? Greta?

Kamikaze termites blow themselves up with 'explosive' backpacks — and scientists just figured out how

Kamikaze termites in French Guiana carry highly volatile toxic "rucksacks" that are ready to be deployed in an instant, when the termite needs to defend its colony.

Read the full article

My Take: Oh, great. Now TSA will be searching for BP76 😄

California Passes Law Requiring Consent for AI Digital Replicas of Dead Performers

The California state Senate has passed a law that requires consent for the use of dead performers’ likenesses for AI-created digital replicas.

Read the full article

My Take: They’re dead. How can they give consent?

World's biggest battery coming to Maine — and it could store 130 million times more energy than your laptop

The novel iron-air battery system will store 8,500 megawatt-hours of energy once it is completed.

Read the full article

My Take: Well, that’s interesting. It works by “using a process of "reversible rusting". In short, when the battery discharges, it takes in oxygen from the air and converts the iron inside the battery to rust. Then, when the battery is recharging the process is reversed — converting rust back into iron and releasing oxygen into the air.”

Does that mean there’s a solution to stop cards from rusting, and they could power themselves? LIke a perpetual motion machine?

Infographic Of The Week

I guess it makes sense as it’s total consumption based on population.

The note that beer consumption has increased is odd as all the advertisers would like you to think the opposite, with a trend towards pre-mixed drinks.

It would also be interesting to understand the trend away from the mainstream brands to the craft beer market.

Podcast Recommendation

The Push To Ban Phones In School

As students around the United States head back to school, many are encountering a new reality: bans on their use of cellphones.

Natasha Singer, a technology reporter for The New York Times, discusses the restrictions and the contentious debate they have prompted.

Listen Here

My Take: There are some interesting points, suggestions and considerations discussed as part of the ongoing discussion about how to deal with the issues of cell phones in the classroom both north and south of the border.

Movie/Streaming Recommendation

HIT MAN - NetFlix

IMDb: 6.9 / 10

JMDb: 7 / 10

Richard Linklater's "Hit Man" is a genre-bending tour de force that seamlessly blends elements of romantic comedy and noir thriller. Glen Powell delivers a captivating performance as Gary Johnson, a philosophy professor, moonlighting as a faux hitman for the New Orleans police. The narrative takes an intriguing turn when Gary encounters Madison (Adria Arjona), a femme fatale seeking his lethal services. Their chemistry ignites a complex dance of deception and desire, challenging Gary's moral compass and professional facade.

Linklater's deft direction navigates the tonal shifts with finesse, maintaining tension while infusing the film with his trademark wit and character depth. The script, co-written by Linklater and Powell, crackles with sharp dialogue and unexpected plot twists, keeping audiences engaged throughout.

While loosely based on true events, "Hit Man" transcends its factual origins to explore themes of identity, ethics, and the transformative power of assumed roles. It's a sophisticated, entertaining romp that showcases Linklater's versatility as a filmmaker and Powell's star power.

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.

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