Satellite start-ups receive $5bn investment in 2019
Venture capitalists invested $5 billion in space technologies in the first three quarters of 2019, according to early-stage investors Space Angels.
Chad Anderson CEO of Space Angels says that SpaceX is partly to thank for this surge in funds not just by creating competition for NASA but publishing its prices for a launch – therefore creating transparency in an otherwise opaque market. He adds that most of this investment is focused on putting satellites into orbit as well as the latest generation of small satellites such as those used by OneWeb and SpaceX’s StarLink, which will deliver broadband internet access.
CITC to award MVNO licences in 2020
The Communication and Information Technology Commission (CITC) recently released a Request for Application (RFA) in order to issue foreign mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) with licences.
In doing so foreign MVNOs will be able to invest in and expand its network to Saudi Arabia. Until now STC, Mobily and Zain were the only mobile telcos in Saudi Arabia, but it has since offered MVNO licences to Virgin, Etihad Jawraa and Lebara.
Virtual broadband to surpass 500 million customers by 2025
According to a report by Rethink TV, virtual broadband connection will exceed the 500 million mark by 2025.
The report entitled Broadband Virtualization Accelerates to 500 million connections by 2025, states that this figure amounts to only 40% of the entire global broadband subscriber base of 1.26 billion, however this is up from just 1.48% at the end of 2018 and 2.58% now at the start of 2020.
Content companies to fund Canadian content, says CRTC
Canada’s broadcast and telecoms operator Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) says that foreign media streaming companies will eventually have to make an “equitable” contribution to the production of Canadian content.
According to Ian Scott, chairman of CRTC it would be as simple as enforcing a type pf “Netflix Tax” as some are already paying more than their share, instead it’s the way in which they contribute that will be reviewed.
Vodafone delivers 5G roaming to more than 100 locations
Vodafone customers can now experience 5G service in more than 100 places across the UK and Europe.
The company recently announced the availability of 5G in Belfast, Edinburgh and Leeds, plus the towns of Cheadle, Rochdale and Stockport in and around Greater Manchester. This is addition to five locations in the Republic of Ireland. As its 5G roaming services already covers Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK as part of the company’s 5G roll-out.
