T-Mobile customers impacted by hurricanes in Florida can now send SMS texts via Starlink satellites. SpaceX confirmed that the service is available on a ‘best-effort basis’ and at no cost.
Users with T-Mobile phones can send texts, including messages to emergency services and 911, using Starlink satellites. Phones connected to the satellite service will display ‘T-Mobile SpaceX’ and may show 1 to 2 bars of service.
SpaceX advises that the service works best outdoors but can sometimes function near windows indoors. There may be occasional issues requiring users to retry sending texts.
The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) has outlined its strategic priorities for 2025, focusing on promoting full connectivity, Very High-Capacity Networks, and environmentally sustainable digital infrastructure. Specifically, these goals aim to close the digital divide, enhance network security, and advance green infrastructure to support Europe’s digital future.
BEREC has launched a public consultation to inform its planning, inviting stakeholders to provide feedback on its draft Work Programme 2025 by 4 November. Moreover, BEREC seeks input on its draft report on the evolution of private and public 5G networks by 29 November. It aims to establish common definitions and classifications for 5G private networks, thus facilitating a shared understanding across European regulatory bodies.
In addition to these initiatives, BEREC’s draft programme aligns with the European Commission’s vision, as outlined in the white paper ‘How to Master Europe’s Digital Infrastructure Needs?’, serving as a preparatory step for the upcoming Digital Networks Act. This alignment ensures that BEREC’s work supports broader EU digital policy objectives.
Furthermore, BEREC has announced new leadership, with Marko Mišmaš from Slovenia’s AKOS elected as Chair for 2026, supported by Vice-chairs Alejandra de Iturriaga Gandini from Spain and Daniela Brönstrup from Germany. Additionally, Liliia Malon from Ukraine’s NCEC will join the Mini-Board as a non-voting member, helping guide BEREC’s strategic planning. Through these coordinated efforts and leadership updates, BEREC remains committed to building a digitally inclusive, secure, and sustainable European digital ecosystem.
The European Commission has announced a significant investment in the continent’s digital infrastructure through its second work program under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital, allocating €865 million in funding from 2024 to 2027. That initiative will target large-scale projects promoting the rollout of 5G and gigabit networks in key sectors such as healthcare, transport, logistics, and manufacturing.
By focusing on these industries, the EU aims to drive the integration of advanced technologies to meet increasing digital demands. The program also seeks to expand Europe’s digital backbone by strengthening quantum communication networks and laying new submarine cables to enhance connectivity with third countries.
Additionally, it will develop digital platforms for transport and energy, optimising ICT energy use while minimising environmental impact and ensuring seamless integration with existing European data, cloud, and connectivity infrastructures.
That initiative supports the EU’s ambitious 2030 Digital Decade goals, which aim to provide all citizens and businesses access to 5G and gigabit-speed internet. Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for Europe Fit for the Digital Age, emphasised the importance of enhancing connectivity to foster innovation and connect more citizens and businesses.
With a total budget of €2 billion until 2027, the broader CEF Digital program has already funded 65 projects, including 5G Smart Communities and cross-border 5G corridors. It plans to launch a fourth call for project proposals to accelerate digital transformation further.
Zambia and Burundi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance regional digital infrastructure by improving fibre optic connectivity between the two nations. The landmark agreement, formalised during the 2024 Digital Government Africa Summit, marks a pivotal moment in pursuing technological advancement across the continent.
Central to the MoU is the ambitious plan to lay a fibre optic cable beneath Lake Tanganyika, which positions Zambia as a crucial hub for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the region, especially with 350 kilometres of cable already installed.
Consequently, this digital bridge is expected to strengthen ties between the two countries while significantly improving digital communication, facilitating better interactions, and enabling Burundi to connect with other Southern and Eastern African nations. Moreover, the societal impact of this MoU is expected to be significant, as it aims to enhance the quality of life for citizens in both countries through improved access to internet services and communication.
The initiative fosters economic growth and development and forms part of a broader regional effort to promote cooperation in ICT development across Africa. The insights shared at the summit highlighted the importance of meaningful dialogue among governments and industry leaders, signalling a promising future for digital advancement on the continent.
The White House has surprised many by using Reddit to communicate its response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with posts appearing in subreddits like r/NorthCarolina and r/Georgia. Although government updates are more commonly shared on platforms like Instagram and X, the Biden administration has taken a new approach with Reddit to reach a broader and more engaged audience.
The US White House’s Reddit account, ‘whitehouse,’ was confirmed to be legitimate by Reddit’s Gina Antonini, who also mentioned the account’s “Official” badge as part of Reddit’s Pro program. Interestingly, the account’s creation date was 7 January 2021, raising questions about whether it had been used before. While some posts initially faced moderation issues, they were later restored as the federal government continues to explore innovative ways to engage with the public.
Deputy Director of Platforms Megan Coyne shared on X that the Reddit account was launched for this purpose. This marks a shift in how the government communicates with citisens, using more unconventional platforms to provide real-time updates on emergencies.
Uber is set to launch an AI assistant for its drivers in the United States in early 2025, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4.0, aimed at supporting drivers with queries related to electric vehicles (EVs). The assistant will initially help answer questions on topics such as where to charge EVs and which models to buy. In time, the AI may expand its capabilities to include other uses.
The assistant will be accessible from the Uber driver app and will offer personalised responses based on a driver’s location, needs, and available government incentives. Future updates are expected to include voice interaction, allowing drivers to speak directly to the AI, with audio responses.
Uber also announced an ‘EV mentorship program’ to encourage experienced EV drivers to help guide others interested in making the switch to electric vehicles. Mentors will receive financial incentives for sharing their knowledge and insights about owning and driving EVs.
As part of its broader focus on climate action, Uber is enhancing its Uber Green service, with an EV-only option in 40 cities. Riders can now choose electric vehicles in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Paris.
Companies in Japan are increasingly turning to AI to manage customer service roles, addressing the country’s ongoing labour shortage. These AI systems are now being used for more complex tasks, assisting workers across various industries.
Ridgelinez Ltd, a Fujitsu subsidiary, and Autobacs Seven Co have launched trials for ‘Rachel,’ an AI assistant that recommends products based on customer needs, specific car models, and available stock. The system, developed by Tokyo-based Couger Inc, is designed to ease the burden on car sales staff, allowing them to focus on more specialised tasks while the AI handles routine queries.
In other sectors, Oki Electric Industry and Kyushu Railway have introduced a trilingual AI assistant capable of speaking Japanese, English, and Chinese. This system provides passengers with station maps and assists with transfer information. Meanwhile, Tokyo startup Sapeet Co has developed an AI system that simulates customer interactions for training staff at jewellery stores, helping to improve customer service skills.
These AI solutions are playing a key role in addressing the labour shortage, allowing human employees to focus on more advanced tasks while AI systems manage routine customer service functions.
Duos Technologies Group, through its subsidiary Duos Edge AI, has entered a strategic partnership with Accu-Tech to expand the deployment of edge data centres across the US. This collaboration aims to meet the rising demand for faster data processing and improved connectivity in underserved areas.
With Accu-Tech’s established distribution network, Duos Edge AI plans to accelerate the rollout of its advanced computing solutions. President Doug Recker sees this as a key moment in providing critical technology to local communities. The growing edge computing market, expected to reach $43.4 billion by 2027, highlights the importance of this venture.
CEO Chuck Ferry emphasises the alignment between Duos’ vision and the need for innovative infrastructure to support local businesses. By partnering with Accu-Tech, Duos ensures both reliable installation and efficient operation of its edge data centres.
The first edge data centres are expected to be operational by Q4 2024. The collaboration is set to improve connectivity and optimise performance, bringing advanced technology to underserved regions across the country.
Foxconn is constructing the world’s largest facility in Mexico for bundling Nvidia’s GB200 superchips, a crucial component of Nvidia’s upcoming Blackwell computing platform. The Taiwanese electronics giant, known for assembling Apple’s iPhones, has been capitalising on the surge in demand for AI technology by manufacturing servers designed for AI processing.
Nvidia has already started shipping samples of its Blackwell chips and expects substantial revenue from these in the coming months. Foxconn executives highlighted the enormous demand for Nvidia‘s Blackwell platform, with many industry players seeking to adopt this next-generation AI computing technology.
The manufacturing plant in Mexico will have substantial capacity, building on Foxconn’s existing investments in the country. The company’s production capabilities are equipped with advanced liquid cooling technologies necessary for supporting AI servers, ensuring they meet the growing needs of the AI sector.
In addition to its focus on AI, Foxconn is diversifying its operations by expanding into the electric vehicle market. The company plans to leverage its technological expertise to become a leading EV contract manufacturer, producing vehicles under its Foxtron brand while helping automakers with manufacturing.
Google is gradually rolling out new security features to protect user data, focusing on preventing unauthorised access in cases of theft. The latest tools, which include Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock, were announced in May and are becoming available on various Android devices.
Theft Detection Lock uses AI to lock the screen when it detects movement commonly associated with theft, such as someone snatching the phone. Offline Device Lock automatically secures the screen if a phone remains offline for a while, while Remote Lock allows users to lock their phone remotely using only their phone number, even if they can’t log into Find My Device.
Some users have reported seeing the features on devices like the Xiaomi 14T Pro, though others may need to wait as Google rolls out these updates over time. Users are encouraged to ensure their Google Play Services are updated to potentially access these features sooner.
The new security options are supported on Android 10 and up for Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock, while Remote Lock works on devices running Android 5 and higher.
