DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Maduro says he will block X in Venezuela for 10 days, after spat with Musk over contested election
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-09 | by ( Mauricio Torres | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has said he’s taking steps to ban the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, in the country for 10 days, after a public dispute with its owner Elon Musk over the contested election that Maduro claimed to have won. Maduro’s announcement comes after he and Musk publicly exchanged criticism over a Venezuelan election that Maduro claimed to win, but which the United States and other Western countries say he lost. Musk has said on X that “Maduro is not a good guy” and accused him of “major election fraud.” Maduro in return has accused Musk of conspiring against his country. The US said last week “it is clear” that Maduro lost the popular vote in Venezuela’s election, as a key opposition leader said she was in hiding in fear for her life. Protests broke out across Venezuela after the country’s electoral body, which is stacked with regime allies, announced Maduro as the winner with 51% of the votes.

Persons: Nicolas Maduro, Elon Musk, Maduro, he’d, Musk, ”, “, Edmundo González Urrutia, Antony Blinken, Yvan Gil, Edmundo Gonzalez — Organizations: CNN, National Telecommunications Commission, ” CNN, WhatsApp, US, ” Locations: Venezuelan, United States, Venezuela’s, Venezuela

That's because a subsidy that helps people with limited resources afford internet access is set to expire this spring. If the program expires, participating families, including nearly 900,000 in North Carolina, will either lose internet access or have to pay more to stay connected. Most of that money will be awarded to internet providers to build internet infrastructure in areas that need it most. Several states incorporated the ACP subsidies into those draft plans in ways that would lower the cost for internet access to zero for some customers. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Persons: Joe Biden, ” North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, “, Shirleen Alexander of Charlotte, ”, Alexander, Biden, Franklin Roosevelt, Brian Vo, ” Vo, Nate Denny, he's “, ” Denny, Denny, Gina Raimondo, ” Cooper, ___ Organizations: ANGELES, Program, ” North, ” North Carolina Governor, Democrat, Administration, New, ”, Connect, Biden, Federal Communications Commission, Sense Media, Boston Consulting, Broadband Equity, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Associated Press, America Statehouse News Initiative, America Locations: North Carolina, U.S, ”, ” North Carolina, America, Raleigh

☆ Vodafone signs $1.5 bln Microsoft deal for AI, cloud and IoT
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-16 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

(Photo Illustration by Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)Vodafone has agreed a 10-year partnership with Microsoft to bring generative AI, digital, enterprise and cloud services to more than 300 million businesses and consumers across its European and African markets. Microsoft's Chief Commercial Officer Judson Althoff said Vodafone's strength in IoT and financial services were strategically important. Microsoft deploys "digital twins" to model manufacturing environments so that process improvements can be tested in the cloud. "Vodafone's IoT stack allows us to go into those environments, model the environment, create large-scale data stores, and use AI to help customers meet their sustainability goals," he said. "We are excited to bring generative AI capabilities to help customers make more intelligent financial decisions," he said.

Persons: Budrul Chukrut, Vodafone's, Luka Mucic, Judson Althoff Organizations: Vodafone, LON, Getty Images, Microsoft Locations: CHINA, British, Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa

☆ US government aims to free up more wireless spectrum
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 13 (Reuters) - President Joe Biden's administration on Monday announced steps aimed at freeing up additional wireless spectrum for advanced technology needs and soaring U.S. wireless demand including by repurposing spectrum currently set aside for parts of the federal government. The White House said it was releasing a National Spectrum Strategy and a presidential memorandum to modernize U.S. spectrum policy that "includes new actions to improve spectrum management and spectrum access - including a study of more than 2,700 megahertz of spectrum for potential repurposing." The White House has said additional spectrum is key to next-generation wireless service and a variety of advanced technology, infrastructure and government needs. Key issues include working to free up government-owned spectrum that agencies no longer need to use, establishing processes for resolving spectrum-related conflicts and developing dynamic spectrum-sharing capability, the White House said. Biden's administration plans within 12 to 18 months to "advance research, create investment incentives and set forth measurable goals to advance spectrum access technology" including establishing spectrum test beds, the White House said.

Persons: Jonathan Ernst, Joe Biden's, David Shepardson, Will Dunham Organizations: United States Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Mobile U.S, White, Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Federal Communications Commission, U.S ., FCC, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, U.S

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Monday announced a strategy to potentially expand the availability of radio spectrum needed for cellphones, satellites, navigation, space travel and other emerging technologies. The increasingly digitized and mobile economy has put pressure on the available range of frequencies used for wireless communication. “We all understand the spectrum is crowded, demand is growing fast,” said Arati Prabhakar, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The National Telecommunications Information Administration will perform a two-year study on how to possibly repurpose 2,786 megahertz of spectrum, which could be used for wireless broadband, drones, and satellites. There will also be coordination among government agencies, encouragement of innovation in the sector and workforce development as part of the strategy.

Persons: ”, Arati Prabhakar Organizations: WASHINGTON, White, Office of Science, Technology, Federal Communications Commission, National Telecommunications Information Administration

☆ Google aims to avoid 'perverse' regulation in Brazil, says executive
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( Patricia Vilasboas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SAO PAULO, June 27 (Reuters) - The top executive of Google Brazil said on Tuesday the company encourages greater dialogue around regulating digital platforms in the country, in order to change a bill that might turn out to be "perverse" for everyone. Nearly two months ago, country's top court ordered an investigation into executives at social messaging service Telegram and Google who were in charge of a campaign criticizing a proposed internet regulation bill. Fabio Coelho, vice president of Google Inc and Google Brazil director, told reporters during an event that the company is in dialogue with Brazilian authorities and "is not against" the regulation of digital platforms. In April, Google launched a manifesto signed by the company's country director of government relations and public policy, Marcelo Lacerda, against the approval of "hasty" legislation. It redirected users to a blog post of text which was signed by Lacerda, which made numerous criticisms against the bill.

Persons: Bill, Fabio Coelho, Coelho, Orlando Silva, Marcelo Lacerda, Patricia Vilas Boas, Matthew Lewis Organizations: SAO PAULO, Google, Fake News, Google Inc, Alphabet Inc, National Telecommunications Agency, Lacerda, Sao Paulo, Carolina, Thomson Locations: Google Brazil, Sao

☆ Sen. Tommy Tuberville voted against a bill that just gave his state $1.4 billion for rural broadband. He's celebrating it anyway.
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The Biden administration announced Monday that Alabama will get $1.4 billion in broadband funding. Sen. Tommy Tuberville celebrated the news, calling the funding "crucial" for rural broadband. But he voted against the 2021 infrastructure bill that established the program he's now touting. "Coach voted against the infrastructure bill because it wasted Alabamians' tax dollars. He's advocated for including expanding rural broadband as part of an upcoming farm bill, and he introduced legislation earlier this year to shield broadband grants from being taxed as income.

Persons: Sen, Tommy Tuberville, —, Republican Sen, Tuberville, I've, Terri Sewell, Terri A, Sewell, Steven Stafford, Stafford, He's Organizations: Biden, Alabama, Service, Republican, Broadband Equity, Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Infrastructure Law, White House, Democratic, Agriculture, Rural Development, Energy Locations: Alabama

Google and OpenAI, two U.S. leaders in artificial intelligence, have opposing ideas about how the technology should be regulated by the government, a new filing reveals. Google is one of the leading developers of generative AI with its chatbot Bard, alongside Microsoft -backed OpenAI with its ChatGPT bot. While OpenAI CEO Sam Altman touted the idea of a new government agency focused on AI to deal with its complexities and license the technology, Google in its filing said it preferred a "multi-layered, multi-stakeholder approach to AI governance." "At the national level, we support a hub-and-spoke approach—with a central agency like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) informing sectoral regulators overseeing AI implementation—rather than a 'Department of AI,'" Google wrote in its filing. "There is this question of should there be a new agency specifically for AI or not?"

Persons: Bard, Sam Altman, Emily M, Bender, Brad Smith, Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever, execs, Global Affairs Kent Walker, he's, Helen Toner, OpenAI Organizations: Google, National Telecommunications, Washington Post, Microsoft, National Institute of Standards, Technology, NIST, AI, FDA, University of Washington's Computational, Laboratory, Twitter, International Atomic Energy Agency, Post, Global Affairs, Georgetown's Center for Security, Emerging Technology, CNBC

MEXICO CITY, May 31 (Reuters) - Better coordination between Mexico's government and telecoms companies is needed to ensure a faster roll-out of 5G services to meet the demand of major companies such as Tesla (TSLA.O), executives and officials said on Wednesday. But the federal government needs to help connect the manufacturing sector with telecoms providers to boost 5G services and attract more investment, said Gabriel Szekely, Chief Executive of Mexico's National Telecommunications Association (Anatel). "(The government) does not have a specific vision for the 5G world to be implemented in Mexico," Szekely said. About 15% of Mexico's population has access to 5G services, compared to 61% in the United States, Szekely said, citing a recent study. "In the case of the train... the government has not come out to say this is what is needed and this is the plan," Szekely said.

Persons: Tesla's, Gabriel Szekely, Szekely, Ivan Rivas, Rivas, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's, Lopez Obrador, Cassandra Garrison, Muralikumar Organizations: MEXICO CITY, Mexico's National Telecommunications Association, Nuevo, Nuevo Leon Economy, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's Inter, Oceanic, Thomson Locations: MEXICO, Nuevo Leon state, U.S, Mexico, Mexico City, United States, Nuevo Leon, Pacific, Gulf, Panama

☆ Biden nominates telecom attorney Anna Gomez to FCC after more than two years of deadlock
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Lauren Feiner | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

President Joe Biden nominated telecom attorney Anna Gomez to the Federal Communications Commission, his second attempt to fill an empty seat on the typically five-member panel that has left the agency in a 2-2 deadlock for his entire presidency thus far. Gomez has previously worked for the FCC in several positions over 12 years, the White House said. Jonathan Spalter, president and CEO of USTelecom, a trade group that represents broadband providers like AT&T and Verizon , congratulated Gomez in a statement. Free Press, a nonprofit advocacy group that supports net neutrality, said Gomez's nomination was long overdue. González called Gomez "eminently qualified" for the role and praised the nomination of a Latinx candidate to the position.

☆ Analysis: Australia prepares more assertive military stance to deter conflict
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Kirsty Needham | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The review examined how Australia could better integrate with its AUKUS partners the United States and Britain, as well as other allies, the government has said. Changing that equation is crucial to the future of Australia's military, they said. Campbell said Australia's defence forces would enhance how they could operate alongside partners, but has ruled out foreign bases on its soil and will always retain control of its forces. Even as it beefs up its military, Australia says China will remain an important trade partner. One of the world's top LNG exporters, Australia's top gas customers last year were Japan, China and South Korea.

WASHINGTON, April 11 (Reuters) - The Biden administration said Tuesday it is seeking public comments on potential accountability measures for artificial intelligence (AI) systems as questions loom about its impact on national security and education. The agency wants to know if there are measures that could be put in place to provide assurance "that AI systems are legal, effective, ethical, safe, and otherwise trustworthy." “Responsible AI systems could bring enormous benefits, but only if we address their potential consequences and harms. President Joe Biden last week said it remained to be seen whether AI is dangerous. "Tech companies have a responsibility, in my view, to make sure their products are safe before making them public," he said.

☆ Biden administration looks to free up wireless spectrum for advanced technology
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, March 15 (Reuters) - The Biden administration on Wednesday launched an effort to identify significant wireless spectrum that can be repurposed for advanced technology needs and soaring U.S. wireless demand. The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is developing a National Spectrum Strategy with a goal to identify at least 1,500 megahertz of spectrum to study for potential new uses. The strategy will address current and future spectrum needs, including fixed and mobile wireless broadband, next-generation satellite communications and other space-based systems; advanced transportation; and industrial and commercial applications. Congress last week let the FCC's authority to auction wireless spectrum lapse for the first time in three decades, prompting some lawmakers to quickly restore the authority that has raised more than $200 billion in proceeds for the U.S. government. "We've got 6G networks coming, new mega-constellations of satellites, connected automobiles, the internet of things - all of that demands new uses of spectrum," Davidson said.

☆ Biden administration looks to free up wireless spectrum for advance technology needs
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, March 15 (Reuters) - The Biden administration on Wednesday is launching an effort to identify significant wireless spectrum that can be repurposed for advanced technology needs and soaring U.S. wireless demand. The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is developing a National Spectrum Strategy with a goal to identify at least 1,500 megahertz of spectrum to study for potential new uses. The strategy will address current and future spectrum needs, including fixed and mobile wireless broadband, next-generation satellite communications and other space-based systems; advanced transportation; and industrial and commercial applications. Congress last week let the FCC's authority to auction wireless spectrum lapse for the first time in three decades, prompting some lawmakers to quickly restore the authority that has raised more than $200 billion in proceeds for the U.S. government. "We've got 6G networks coming, new mega-constellations of satellites, connected automobiles, the internet of things - all of that demands new uses of spectrum," Davidson said.

☆ Biden moves to slash U.S. credit card fees, app charges
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Douglas Gillison | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will propose on Wednesday a rule to ban "excessive" fees that credit card issuers charge for late payments, something the bureau estimated costs consumers $12 billion a year. However, regulations are frequently subject to challenge and litigation by industry groups that can block or delay them. The White House said the Transportation Department on Wednesday will propose regulations to bar airlines from charging family members to be seated next to children age 13 or younger. The department will disclose on a government dashboard which airlines do not charge such fees. Reporting by Douglas Gillison and David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie AdlerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Biden to take aim at junk fees in Competition Council meeting Wednesday
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Dj Judd | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —President Joe Biden is slated to announce new progress on his administration’s “competition agenda” during the fourth meeting of the Presidential Competition Council on Wednesday, taking steps to slash junk fees while calling on Congress to pass legislation targeting hidden and exorbitant fees across the travel, entertainment, utility and hospitality industries. Rohit Chopra, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, said Biden will announce that the CFPB will propose a rule slashing excessive credit card late fees in a move the White House says will reduce those fees from $30 to $8 on average, saving American consumers as much as $9 billion a year. “Over a decade ago, Congress banned excessive credit card late fees, but companies have exploited a regulatory loophole that has allowed them to escape scrutiny for charging an otherwise illegal junk fee,” Chopra said in a statement to CNN. “Today’s proposed rule seeks to save families billions of dollars and ensure the credit card market is fair and competitive.”On a call with reporters Tuesday, National Economic Council Director Brian Deese said Biden will also use the meeting to call on Congress to pass a “Junk Fee Prevention Act,” targeting four types of excessive fees — excessive online concert, sporting event, and entertainment ticket fees; airline fees for families sitting together on flights; exorbitant early termination fees for TV, phone and internet services; and surprise resort and destination fees. “But they also reduce competition and make it more difficult for innovators and new businesses to break into markets and offer better services at lower prices.”Earlier this year, lawmakers grilled Live Nation president and CFO Joe Berchtold following a ticket sales debacle over exorbitant ticketing fees.

☆ U.S. plans to announce broadband infrastructure funding plans by June 30
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON, Nov 10 (Reuters) - The Biden administration said Wednesday it plans to announce by June 30 how it intends to allocate more than $42 billion in broadband infrastructure grants to states and territories. The distribution formula from the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration agency is contingent on ensuring accurate maps of U.S. locations without access to high-speed broadband internet. The Federal Communications Commission separately said it will unveil a pre-production draft of new broadband maps on Thursday to improve provider data by incorporating challenges. Reporting by David ShepardsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ FAA, U.S. telecom agency hold 5G C-Band aviation talks -sources
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON, Nov 1 (Reuters) - The senior leaders at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Commerce Department's telecommunications unit met to discuss aviation safety concerns raised by new 5G C-Band deployments, two sources briefed on the meeting told Reuters on Tuesday. FAA acting Administrator Billy Nolen and Alan Davidson, who heads the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), met virtually for about 30 minutes on Monday, the sources said. Last month, Nolen wrote the NTIA seeking a delay in some 5G C-Band transmissions from smaller operators over aviation safety concerns. Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie AdlerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Exclusive: FAA warns of aviation safety risks without U.S. mandate on 5G limits
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Oct 25 (Reuters) - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wants the U.S. telecommunications regulatory agency to ensure a delay in some 5G C-Band transmissions from smaller operators. The letter was sent to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel was copied. The NTIA, FAA and FCC did not immediately comment. The FAA letter said the voluntarily mitigations by AT&T and Verizon "have resulted in the safe deployment of more than 50,000 wireless antennas across the nation." Nolen's letter seeks near-term conversations at senior levels between the NTIA, FAA and FCC.

Prosecutors charged Chinese nationals Guochun He and Zheng Wang with trying to interfere in prosecution of an international telecommunications company. While court documents did not name the company, a person familiar with the investigation said they were trying to interfere with the prosecution of Huawei (HWT.UL). Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterA spokesperson for Huawei could not be reached for comment on Monday. Prosecutors also unveiled charges against four Chinese nationals in what they called a long-running intelligence campaign. The complaint against He and Wang alleges they tried to obtain confidential information concerning witnesses, trial evidence and any potential new charges the company could face.

☆ South Korea's most popular social media app, used by about 90% of the country's population, is having a very bad week, and one of its CEOs just resigned
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Nidhi Pandurangi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The co-CEO of South Korea's most popular messaging and social-media app Kakao resigned on Wednesday. On Saturday, a fire at a data center that houses Kakao's servers locked millions of users out of the app. KakaoTalk has 47 million active accounts in South Korea, which means 90% of the population uses the app. On Saturday, a fire was discovered at a data center that houses Kakao's servers, the company disclosed in a regulatory filing. South Korea's population was around 51.8 million people in 2021, which means over 90% of its citizens have a Kakao account.

Kakao shares plunged as much as 9.5% on Monday to their lowest since May 2020, wiping out 2 trillion won ($1.39 billion) in market capitalisation at one point, while shares in affiliates KakaoPay (377300.KS) and KakaoBank (323410.KS) lost more than 8% before paring losses. South Korea's technology ministry is probing whether the outage violated any laws while the communications regulator is reviewing the matter, including questions of user compensation, officials said on Sunday. An initial probe on Sunday found electrical issues around battery racks in third basement floor of the data centre, which is operated by SK C&C (034730.KS), may have caused the fire. REPUTATIONAL HITThe Kakao messaging application and the Kakao T taxi booking application are seen on a mobile phone in this illustration photo March 13, 2018. It said on Monday it would discuss compensation with data centre operator SK C&C for losses it and its key units have sustained.

☆ Kakao shares slump as outage sparks calls for regulatory scrutiny
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-17 | by ( Joyce Lee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Kakao shares plunged more than 9% on Monday to their lowest since May 2020, while shares in Kakao affiliates KakaoPay (377300.KS) and KakaoBank (323410.KS) also plunged more than 8% in morning trade. Police and the National Forensic Service are conducting a second investigation on Monday at the data centre, which is operated by SK C&C (034730.KS). After an initial probe on Sunday, police said electrical issues around battery racks in third basement floor of the data centre may have caused the fire. It said in a regulatory filing on Monday that after it normalises services, it will discuss compensation with data centre operator SK C&C for losses sustained by Kakao and its key units. A Kakao spokesperson declined to provide the total number of servers it uses, citing security concerns.

☆ Kakao shares slump after widespread service outage
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-17 | by ( Joyce Lee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SEOUL, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Shares in South Korea's Kakao Corp (035720.KS) plunged more than 9% on Monday after a fire at a data centre south of Seoul damaged servers on the weekend, causing an extensive service outage in the country's main chat app. President Yoon Suk-yeol said on Monday that Kakao's services are "like a fundamental national telecommunications network as far as the public is concerned," and follow-up measures over the service outage will be pursued. Kakao shares fell to its lowest since May 2020, while shares in Kakao affiliates KakaoPay (377300.KS) and KakaoBank (323410.KS) also plunged more than 8% in morning trade. A Kakao spokesperson told Reuters on Monday services such as messaging have been restored, but miscellaneous services are still being restored. Kakao said on Monday the financial effects of a widespread service outage were expected to be limited on Kakao and its key units.

☆ Pelosi warns US allies: 'Don't go near Huawei'
▼ + stars: | 2020-02-14 | by ( Amanda Macias | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Her comments come after the Justice Department brought new charges against Huawei , accusing it of racketeering and plotting to steal trade secrets from U.S. companies. Pelosi's hard stance against Huawei represents one of her few areas of agreement with President Donald Trump. The Trump administration is working to isolate Huawei from developing a larger foothold in U.S. partner countries. Last month, the Trump administration expressed disappointment after the U.K. announced it would allow Huawei to have limited access to some British 5G mobile networks. "The United States is disappointed by the U.K.'s decision," a senior Trump administration official wrote in a Jan. 28 emailed statement to CNBC.

Search resuls for: "National Telecommunications"

25 mentions found