Jason's Industry Insights - Issue #36

Your Weekly Source For Broadband, Space Communication and AI Market Insights

September 13, 2024

Your Weekly Broadband, Space Communication and AI Market Insights

Issue #36 - September 13, 2024

Welcome to Issue #36!

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Some headlines of the week:

🐌 Federal-provincial rural broadband expansion rolling out slowly in Alberta

🛜 Key tech for quantum fiber networks to get Tennessee test run

📡 Market study says Amazon is spending up to $20B on Project Kuiper satellite network

🇨🇳 Chinese challenger to Starlink reaches halfway point of first-phase LEO constellation

🚗 Tesla launches ‘actually smart summon’ or ‘ass’

🐞 New tick-borne virus discovered in China can affect the brain, scientists report

💻 Japan to start building 1st 'zeta-class' supercomputer in 2025, 1,000 times more powerful than today's fastest machines

In this Issue

..and more.. inside.

Remember to repost, share, like, and comment 

Enjoy Issue #36!

Canada Broadband and Some US Stuff

Federal-provincial rural broadband expansion rolling out slowly in Alberta

The expansion of rural broadband across Alberta, a joint federal and provincial initiative, is progressing more slowly than expected. Despite pledges to improve high-speed internet access in underserved areas, delays in funding and complex logistics have hindered progress, leaving many rural communities waiting for improved connectivity. The situation has drawn frustration from local leaders, who emphasize the importance of reliable internet for economic development and daily life.

Read the full story here.

My Take: Yea, well, at least it’s happening, but it's never fast enough. Is Alberta really that different than any other province?

Telecom sector poised to shed assets amid slower growth and more competition

As growth slows and competition intensifies, Canadian telecom giants like Bell, Rogers, and Telus are shedding assets to cut costs and refocus operations. Recent sales include Bell’s divestiture of Northwestel and Rogers’ $1 billion real estate sale. Analysts expect further asset sell-offs, including cell towers and possibly sports team stakes. The sector’s high debt from 5G investments and minimal growth from expected 5G applications are driving these decisions.

Read the full story here.

My Take: They’ll never sell the sports investments. It’s the only thing that’s driving subscription and revenue. Sell off the towers. Sell off the fibre networks. Sell services. That’s where the margin and LTV come from. (It’s already happening).

Rajant and Crossover Demonstrate One Network For Underground Mining Mobile High-Speed Data, Voice, and Video

Rajant Corporation, the pioneer of Kinetic Mesh® wireless networks, and Crossover Distribution, a leading wireless solutions provider skilled in design and engineering expertise to support North America, together bring high-speed data, voice, and video using one network to underground mining at the working face. The latest video case study  reflects the proof of concept at the NORCAT Underground Centre in Sudbury, Ontario (Canada).

Read the full article

My Take: This popped up, and I thought I would give some love to the mining sector - and because they have real problems to solve. It's not that other industries don’t have problems to solve, but they’re not dealing with harsh underground environments with the need for precise real-time data.

Key tech for quantum fibre networks to get Tennessee test run

Key technology developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, called Automatic Polarization Compensation (APC), will be tested in Tennessee on the EPB Quantum Network, the first commercial quantum network in the U.S. This system is designed to transmit quantum data reliably, overcoming environmental disruptions like wind and temperature. The trial will involve the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and aims to demonstrate the technology’s viability for future quantum communication applications, including grid management, medicine, and secure communications.

Read the full story here.

Fixed wireless CPE shipments zip past cable CPE in Q2 – Dell'Oro

According to a Dell’Oro Group report, fixed wireless customer premises equipment (CPE) shipments surged past cable CPE in Q2 2024, marking a shift in the broadband landscape. Approximately 4.3 million fixed wireless CPE units were shipped, compared to 4.1 million DOCSIS cable units. This growth reflects increasing demand for fixed wireless access (FWA) technology as consumers seek alternatives to traditional cable, driven by cost-efficiency and faster deployment capabilities of FWA over fiber in certain regions.

Read the full story here

My Take: Another reference point to BEAD saving the Access market..

Private 5G: a reliable foundation for enterprise innovation

Private 5G networks are gaining momentum as early adopters, particularly in industries like manufacturing and logistics, leverage the technology to enhance security, scalability, and network performance. Companies that delay the switch risk falling behind competitors who are already reaping the benefits of dedicated, high-performance connectivity. The current wave of private 5G adoption is being driven by its ability to support critical infrastructure and industrial operations with greater flexibility and control than traditional public networks.

Read the full story here.

My Take: Another Private 5G article from me.

“Many factors, such as spectrum availability, device ecosystems, and price, tip the scales toward maintaining legacy wireless networks. Even with use cases that 5G seems purpose-built to support, legacy technologies may still be the better fit. For many connected devices, they do not need the advanced capabilities of 5G, which comes at a premium price point.”

The LEO satellite folks think they have a play here as well - and they do - until things go below ground or into indoor areas. Satellites have a hard time communicating directly in those environments. Again, this is another example of technologies working together as opposed to a binary technology decision.

Learn About - Polaris Dawn

On September 10, 2024, SpaceX launched the Polaris Dawn mission, marking a significant milestone in commercial spaceflight. This mission, the first of the privately funded Polaris Program, aims to advance human spaceflight capabilities while supporting important causes on Earth.

Origina and Objectives:

The Polaris Program, announced in February 2022, is led by Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments. Polaris Dawn, its inaugural mission, set out to achieve several groundbreaking objectives:

  1. Reach the highest Earth orbit ever flown by a crewed spacecraft, surpassing 870 miles (1,400 km) above Earth.

  2. Conduct the first-ever commercial spacewalk (EVA) using very coolSpaceX-designed spacesuits.

  3. Test Starlink laser-based communications in space.

  4. Perform scientific research on human health in space and the effects of space radiation.

Crew and Technology:

The four-person crew consists of Jared Isaacman (Mission Commander), Scott "Kidd" Poteet (Mission Pilot), Sarah Gillis (Mission Specialist), and Anna Menon (Mission Specialist & Medical Officer). They're using SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket for this mission

A key technological advancement is the new SpaceX EVA suit. Evolved from the current intravehicular suit, it features greater mobility, a state-of-the-art helmet heads-up display (HUD) and camera, and new thermal management textiles. This suit development is crucial for future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.

Milestones and Achievements:

  1. On September 10, 2024, Polaris Dawn set a new altitude record for a crewed spacecraft in Earth orbit, reaching 870 miles above Earth.

  2. The crew successfully conducted the first-ever commercial spacewalk on September 12, 2024. (Watch the video replay)

  3. The crew will conduct approximately 40 scientific experiments throughout the five-day mission, including brain imaging and various health studies.

Importance for Broadband and AI:

One of the mission's key objectives is testing Starlink laser-based communications in space. This test provides valuable data for future space communications systems, which are essential for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The success of this test could have significant implications for global broadband coverage and space-based internet services.

The mission also incorporates AI in various aspects, from spacecraft operations to data analysis of the scientific experiments conducted on board. This integration of AI in space missions paves the way for more autonomous and efficient space exploration in the future.

Polaris Dawn represents a significant leap in commercial spaceflight, combining technological innovation, scientific research, and philanthropic efforts. Its success advances human spaceflight capabilities and contributes to the development of space-based communications and AI applications in space exploration. As we look to a future of lunar bases and Martian cities, missions like Polaris Dawn are crucial stepping stones in our journey to become a multi-planetary species.

Space

What’s in Space This Week?

Market study says Amazon is spending up to $20B on Project Kuiper satellite network

Project Kuiper aims to put 3,232 satellites into low Earth orbit to support a high-speed internet network that could serve tens of millions of users around the world — and, not incidentally, provide infrastructure for Amazon Web Services and for other current or future offerings from Amazon. Under the terms of Amazon’s license from the Federal Communications Commission, half of those satellites must be launched by mid-2026.

Read the full article

My Take: And they get free next-day delivery and no-hassle returns!

Geespace, a Chinese competitor to Starlink, has reached the halfway mark in deploying its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. With 30 satellites now in operation out of a planned 72 for its first phase, Geespace aims to provide mid-to-low-speed satellite services to over 200 million users globally. The company plans to complete the first phase by 2025 and expand with 264 satellites for direct-to-cellular communication in the next phase.

Read the full story here.

My Take: Ok, who’s getting on the waiting list? Anyone? Hello?

FCC chair wants more competition to SpaceX's Starlink unit

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel has called for increased competition to SpaceX’s Starlink, which currently controls nearly two-thirds of all active satellites. Speaking at a recent event, Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of introducing more players into the satellite internet market to foster innovation and drive down costs. With Starlink expected to handle over 90% of space-based internet traffic next year, the FCC is working on initiatives to support new entrants in navigating regulatory hurdles to challenge SpaceX’s dominance in the space economy.

Read the full story here

My Take: 90%. It seems a little monopolistic and anti-competitive?

SpaceX Increases Price for Starlink Roam Plan, But Adds Features

The regular Starlink Roam plan now costs $165 per month, up from $150. But on the plus side, it now supports in-motion use (up to 100Km/h) and can be used internationally for up to two months.

Read more here

My Take: Seems like a great deal if you’re unsatisfied with 5G+ data. The international piece is nice, if you’re so inclined to pack it up and take it with you.

T-Mobile Conducts the First Ever Wireless Emergency Alert Via Satellite

T-Mobile has made a breakthrough by successfully sending the first-ever wireless emergency alert (WEA) via satellite using Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites. This new capability will extend critical emergency alerts to over 500,000 square miles of remote areas in the U.S. where traditional cellular coverage is unavailable. The system aims to enhance public safety during disasters like wildfires and hurricanes, ensuring alerts reach even the most isolated locations. A full rollout is planned after additional testing.

Read more here.

My Take: A great test! So many people in areas where they can’t receive weather, emergency and other important and immediate notices are the ones who usually need to receive the notification most!

Polaris Dawn Mission to Test Starlink Laser Communications 

The Polaris Dawn mission, launched by SpaceX, is testing Starlink’s laser-based communications technology during its time in orbit. This is a key innovation, allowing satellites to communicate directly via laser links without relying on ground stations, which could enhance data transfer rates and efficiency for future missions. In addition to this test, the mission includes scientific research on human health in space and the first private spacewalk, further pushing the boundaries of commercial space exploration.

Learn more here

My Take: I guess it worked. I watched the space walk. Looked pretty close to real time to me (ie: voice/video). Lasers in space work well. Ground to space will be next!

AI

We're making Isaac

Isaac is the world’s first personal robot that's built for the home. It helps you get more out of every hour.

My Take: Can be yours for only US$60k.

Inside Google’s 7-Year Mission to Give AI a Robot Body

Google’s robotics division is pushing to merge AI with physical robots, aiming to give artificial intelligence a “body.” This effort focuses on teaching robots to perform real-world tasks using reinforcement learning and large language models. By integrating AI capabilities with mechanical systems, Google hopes to develop robots that can understand and execute complex commands in dynamic environments. The project represents a major leap toward creating autonomous machines capable of helping with tasks in homes, businesses, and beyond.

Read more here

My Take: Yeah, it’s all kinda scary, actually. There’s a fine line for being between “Hey, that’s really cool!” and “Hey, that’s going to all go terribly wrong..”.

Tesla launches ‘actually smart summon’ or ‘ass’

Tesla has introduced a new feature called “Actually Smart Summon” (ASS) that enhances its car summoning capabilities. This update improves the accuracy and reliability of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software, allowing vehicles to navigate more efficiently in parking lots and other complex environments to reach their owners. The feature is designed to make the summoning process smoother and more practical for everyday use.

Read more here. There’s a video in the article as well.

My Take: So, why did they name it “ASS?”. Seems the parking valet people will soon be looking for work. Are people getting so lazy that they can’t walk to their cars? More like Lazy ASS.

OpenAI plans to release 'Strawberry' for ChatGPT in two weeks, Information reports

OpenAI plans to release "Strawberry", its reasoning-focused artificial intelligence, as part of its ChatGPT service in the next two weeks, the Information reported on Tuesday, citing two people who have tested out the model.

Read the full article

My Take: Let the thinking begin. Interested to see what this does to outcomes. The robots will love this.

Google Gemini: Everything you need to know about the generative AI models

Google’s Gemini is its next-generation AI system designed to compete with models like OpenAI’s GPT-4. Gemini aims to integrate advanced conversational capabilities, image generation, and more contextual understanding into a single platform. Expected to be integrated into Google’s products, Gemini represents a step forward in Google’s AI ambitions, emphasizing more dynamic and interactive AI applications across various services.

Read more here

My Take: Some useful things - “Nest cameras will understand what’s happening in real-time video feeds (e.g., when a dog’s digging in the garden), while the companion Google Home app will surface videos and create device automations given a description (e.g., “Did the kids leave their bikes in the driveway?,” “Have my Nest thermostat turn on the heating when I get home from work every Tuesday”)".

Or, perhaps, when a dog is pooping on my lawn, and its owner refuses to poop and scoop. The automation there would be to deploy the robot to pick up the poop, chase down the offender and return the poop.

Storydoc. Present. Engage. Win.

Easily create stunning, interactive slide decks that increase engagement. Stand out, bring your story to life, and win more customers.

See the site

My Take: In the crowded AI-powered presentation space, this actually looks pretty cool. No free demo, though… So I moved on.

AI technology can detect early signs of over 1,000 diseases, say researchers 

The AI tool was able to detect subtle patterns in the data that would have been invisible to the human eye, and link them to diseases the patients were diagnosed with up to a decade or more later.

Its predictive performance was rated as "exceptional" for 121 diseases and "highly predictive" for another 1,091, according to the study published in the journal Nature Genetics.

Read the full article

My Take: See, this is a great use of machine-learned data models. I wonder if this type of data is treated like DNA testing outcomes and protected from insurance oversight?

Tidbits

New tick-borne virus discovered in China can affect the brain, scientists report

Scientists present evidence of a newly discovered tick-borne virus that can infect humans and potentially invade the brain, in some cases.

Read the full article

My Take: Thanks, China! I think you’ve done enough for us over the past few years. Ticks seem ripe for weaponization.

The Cost of Lightning

As climate change drives more extreme weather, lightning strikes may become more frequent and pose a greater threat to infrastructure. Organizations like Scottish Water, Network Rail, and the U.S. military are already preparing by installing advanced lightning protection systems. With global damage from lightning rising, the cost to businesses and governments is increasing. While scientists debate the precise impact of climate change on lightning, the trend points to higher risks, especially for critical infrastructure.

Read more here

My Take: “A single strike can carry 300 million volts of electricity—that’s massive,” How many Teslas would that charge?

Yet another person got bird flu. Now should I freak out?

Last Friday, the Missouri Health Department announced a recent human case of bird flu. What’s unsettling about the case is that the patient — hospitalized on August 22 and later released — is the first among 15 people infected in the US who didn’t report having contact with animals. That raises the possibility that the illness has already begun spreading among humans.

Read the full article

My Take: Maybe they had contact with the animals, and they don’t want to talk about it. “Prevent risky contact with farm animals”, it says. There’s also a comment about not drinking raw milk. Two things I don’t have to worry about. I am going to have chicken for dinner, though.

Japan to start building 1st 'zeta-class' supercomputer in 2025, 1,000 times more powerful than today's fastest machines

Japan's new state-of-the-art supercomputer, which is due to cost more than $750 million to build, is set to turn on by 2030.

Read the full article

My Take: I had two drives crash on me this week. One in my NAS and another in a Mac desktop. The NAS will repair its self when I put a new drive in. The MAC, not so much. I wonder what type of storage Fugaku Next will use?

Infographic Of The Week

Million Dollar Cities

Well, that’s kind of interesting. Vermont has none?

Podcast Recommendation

The Moth Podcast: Moon Landing Anniversary

In this special episode, we celebrate the 55th anniversary of the moon landing with some of our favourite stories all about space. Hosted by educator, storyteller, and astronaut Leland Melvin, we'll visit NASA training camp, the Hubble telescope, Pluto, and everywhere in between.

Host:  Leland Melvin

Storytellers:

Mike Massimino details his high-stakes mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.

Cathy Olkin must troubleshoot a problem more than 4 billion miles away.

Leland Melvin suffers a devastating injury that seemingly cuts short his dream of flying in space

My Take: I met Leland Melvin in 2019 at a corporate event. He signed his book for me. The Moth is always great when you’re looking to relax and listen to great stories. What makes this episode special is the theme!

Movie/Streaming Recommendation

Rebel Ridge - Netflix

IMDb: 7/10

JMDb: 8/10

"Rebel Ridge" is Netflix's latest action-thriller that packs a punch without relying on over-the-top explosions or car chases. Director Jeremy Saulnier delivers a taut, slow-burn narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Aaron Pierre stars as Terry Richmond, an ex-Marine who is up against a corrupt small-town police force. Pierre's intense performance is a standout, with his expressive eyes doing half the acting. The film cleverly subverts expectations, focusing more on Terry's attempts to de-escalate situations rather than dive headfirst into violence.

While the plot touches on weighty themes like civil asset forfeiture and systemic corruption, it never feels preachy. The supporting cast, including Don Johnson as the smarmy police chief, adds depth to this gritty tale.

"Rebel Ridge" isn't your typical action flick - it's smarter, more nuanced, and all the more satisfying for it.

A must-watch for fans of thoughtful thrillers, and Don Johnson.

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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