TalkTalk, the UK’s fourth-largest broadband provider, is seeking £200 million in urgent funding to prevent collapse. Facing £1 billion in debt, the company aims to meet repayment deadlines by restructuring and attracting new investors. Despite serving 3.8 million customers, mounting debt pressures have amplified financial insecurities amidst fierce competition.
The US government has unveiled plans this week to establish a new institute dedicated to advancing digital twin technology for the semiconductor industry. Through the CHIPS Manufacturing USA initiative, companies are invited to submit proposals to operate this institute, with the selected applicant set to receive up to $285 million in funding.
In a letter addressed to Congress, Rosenworcel highlighted that the Reimbursement Program would require approximately $4.98 billion to cover all “reasonable and supported” cost estimates in approved applications. This starkly contrasts with the current appropriation of $1.9 billion, resulting in a notable deficit.
The clock is ticking for the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), offering qualified households valuable monthly internet discounts. However, with the fund balance dipping below $1.8 billion, the financial resources may only last until April. Several providers have presented strategies to maintain continuity, offering budget-friendly plans of as low as $10.
Injecting fresh vigor into the national establishment for data science and AI, UK’s Chancellor commits £100 million in funding to The Alan Turing Institute. This allocation, targeting environment, health, defence, and national security, underlines UK’s ambitious stride towards global AI leadership.
In a significant move to bolster innovation and development in mobile network technology, the US government, through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), has allocated $42.3 million to support research in Open RAN. This investment is part of a larger $1.5 billion Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund aimed at enhancing the Open RAN ecosystem. Leading the charge are telecom giants AT&T and Verizon, in collaboration with a consortium that includes notable academic institutions, industry manufacturers, and international telecom operators NTT DoCoMo from Japan and Reliance Jio from India.
In a significant move to bridge the digital divide, Colorado is investing $113 million from its Capital Projects Fund (CPF) in 27 broadband projects. These initiatives aim to connect nearly 19,000 homes and businesses, underscoring the state’s commitment to improving internet access.
The Idaho Broadband Advisory Board (IBAB) has approved the allocation of $120 million from the Idaho Capital Projects Fund to support 18 broadband initiatives, providing a significant boost to over 30,000 homes and businesses across the state. In collaboration with the state government, the advisory board strategically targeted projects to enhance crucial areas including distance learning, telehealth, telework, economic development, and public safety.
The UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology earmarked £36 million from its budget for 10 regions, highlighting a drive towards 5G innovation. Projects range from enhancing port operations to supporting advanced manufacturing and boosting tourism. However, an interesting aspect to note is the unique applications, including agricultural advancements in Sussex and the creation of 5G science parks in Oxfordshire.
$714 million allocated to small telecom companies in the ReConnect program’s fourth round aims to deliver high-speed internet to rural areas with full fiber infrastructure. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack highlights the importance of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and its contributions to bridging the digital divide in rural communities.
