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AST SpaceMobile Inc. has secured contracts with Blue Origin and SpaceX to launch up to 60 of its Block 2 satellites into low-Earth orbit over the next two years. The company, based in Midland, Texas, is aiming to provide space-based cellular service to mobile phones, competing with SpaceX's Starlink system. AST SpaceMobile has also partnered with Verizon and AT&T in its efforts to offer connectivity to consumer smartphones. [Extracted from the article]

AST SpaceMobile Inc. has secured contracts with Blue Origin and another provider to launch up to 60 satellites into low-Earth orbit over the next two years. The company, based in Midland, Texas, is aiming to provide space-based cellular service to mobile phones, competing with SpaceX in this emerging market. AST SpaceMobile has already launched five satellites with SpaceX and has partnerships with Verizon and AT&T as it enters the direct-to-cell market. [Extracted from the article]

Nvidia's Taiwan partners, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. and Quanta Computer Inc., are anticipating a continued surge in AI server demand through 2025. Both companies reported strong earnings due to the global expansion of AI-supporting data centers. Hon Hai expects AI server sales to account for 50% of its total server business in 2025, with cloud products becoming a significant growth driver. Despite the positive outlook, concerns about potential data center spending slowdowns persist. Additionally, the threat of US tariffs on Taiwanese manufacturers, as well as the ongoing trend of diversifying manufacturing bases, are impacting the sector. [Extracted from the article]

A partnership between Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian payment services companies is looking to expand by adding more firms to the group and extending its reach across Europe. The initiative, known as the European Payments Alliance (EuroPA), aims to offer simple instant payment services that can be used throughout the continent. The partners plan to leverage existing infrastructure in each country rather than building new systems, with future plans to expand into in-store and e-commerce payments. Additionally, the EuroPA initiative is open to collaborating with other European payment solutions, including the Wero project backed by major banks and payment processors. [Extracted from the article]

Corning Inc. is under investigation by the European Union for potentially abusing its market power with its break-resistant Gorilla Glass used in smartphone screens. The EU suspects that exclusive agreements with mobile phone manufacturers may have hindered competition in the glass industry. Corning's Alkali-aluminosilicate glass, marketed as Gorilla Glass, is also used in laptops, tablets, and smartwatches, with partnerships with companies like Samsung, Google, Sony, Lenovo, and Apple. The company could face penalties of up to 10% of its global annual revenue if found guilty, but it has the opportunity to address the EU's concerns. [Extracted from the article]

Corning Inc. is under investigation by the European Union for potentially abusing its market dominance in the production of break-resistant smartphone screens. The EU suspects that Corning may have engaged in anti-competitive practices by entering into exclusive agreements with mobile phone manufacturers, potentially blocking rival glass producers from making deals. The company, known for its Gorilla Glass brand, could face significant penalties if found guilty of these allegations. [Extracted from the article]

Indonesia has banned the sale of Google Pixel phones due to Alphabet Inc.'s failure to meet domestic content requirements. This decision follows a similar move to block the sale of iPhone 16 devices in the country after Apple Inc. did not meet investment commitments. The Indonesian government is enforcing strict policies to encourage greater investment from foreign companies in the country's growing smartphone market, where local content requirements are as high as 40%. Apple has fallen short of its investment pledge, while competitors like Samsung and Xiaomi have established local factories in Indonesia. [Extracted from the article]

Indonesia has banned the sale of Google Pixel phones due to Alphabet Inc.'s failure to meet domestic content requirements, with an estimated 22,000 units already in the country. This decision follows a similar ban on iPhone 16 devices after Apple Inc. did not meet investment commitments. The Indonesian government aims to encourage greater investment by enforcing strict policies on foreign smartphone and tablet makers, requiring up to 40% domestic content. Apple has invested in developer academies in Indonesia, but fell short of its pledged amount, while competitors like Samsung and Xiaomi have established local factories in the country. [Extracted from the article]

Charter Communications Inc. experienced a smaller loss of home broadband subscribers than anticipated in the third quarter, despite the conclusion of a federal internet subsidy program. The company's revenue increased by 1.6% to $13.8 billion, surpassing analysts' expectations. Charter faces competition from Verizon Communications Inc. and T-Mobile US Inc. as it navigates the changing landscape of the pay-TV and streaming industries. [Extracted from the article]

Comcast is considering spinning off its cable networks into a new company due to the ongoing decline in cable subscribers industry-wide. The company lost 365,000 cable-TV customers in the third quarter, with a focus on live events like sports to counteract the trend. Despite losing broadband subscribers, Comcast reported strong third-quarter sales and profit, driven by the success of the Summer Olympics and exclusive streaming content. The company is open to exploring streaming partnerships to navigate the changing media landscape. [Extracted from the article]

Comcast Corp. exceeded analysts' expectations in the third quarter, with sales rising to $32.1 billion and adjusted earnings reaching $1.12 per share, driven by the success of the Summer Olympics which generated $1.4 billion in advertising revenue. The company saw fewer losses in internet and cable-TV customers due to promotions related to the Olympics and the Peacock streaming service. While Comcast's media segment sales surged by 37%, its theme parks experienced a decline in sales and profit. Despite losing broadband subscribers, Comcast gained 9,000 customers excluding the impact of the Affordable Connectivity Program. [Extracted from the article]

Comcast Corp. exceeded analysts' expectations in the third quarter, with sales rising to $32.1 billion and adjusted earnings reaching $1.12 per share, thanks to a boost from the Summer Olympics generating $1.4 billion in advertising revenue. The NBC division saw increased viewership during the Paris Olympics, with the Peacock streaming service gaining 3 million new customers. Despite losing broadband subscribers, Comcast's overall media segment sales jumped 37% to $8.23 billion, driven by successful films and TV shows. Theme park sales declined, but wireless phone plans saw growth. [Extracted from the article]

A significant portion of Japan's population, around 12%, tuned in to watch Shohei Ohtani's first World Series game, but traders in Tokyo are unable to watch due to compliance rules preventing mobile phone use on the trading floor. This restriction is in place to prevent unauthorized deals or information leaks. Despite their interest in baseball, traders are focusing on their work, such as monitoring currency fluctuations after Japan's recent election. Some traders are resorting to checking news feeds for game updates or waiting until after work to watch the matches. [Extracted from the article]

Traders in Tokyo are unable to watch baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani's first World Series games due to compliance rules that prohibit them from accessing mobile phones or TVs on the trading floor. This restriction aims to prevent unauthorized deals or information leaks. Despite missing out on the live action, some traders are resorting to checking news feeds for updates, while others plan to catch up on the games after work. Ohtani's popularity has had a significant economic impact in both the US and Japan, with estimates suggesting a total impact of around ¥116.8 billion ($762 million). [Extracted from the article]

A significant portion of Japan's population, around 12%, tuned in to watch Shohei Ohtani's first World Series game, but traders in Tokyo are unable to watch due to compliance rules preventing mobile phone use on the trading floor. This restriction is in place to prevent unauthorized deals or information leaks. Despite missing out on the live games, some traders are resorting to checking financial data terminals for updates or watching sports news after work. Ohtani's popularity has had a substantial economic impact in both the US and Japan, estimated at around ¥116.8 billion ($762 million). [Extracted from the article]

Indonesia has blocked the sale of Apple's iPhone 16 in the country due to the company's failure to meet local investment requirements. Apple's older products can still be sold in Indonesia, but the iPhone 16 cannot be marketed domestically. The government has imposed a 40% domestic content requirement for smartphones and tablets, which Apple has not fulfilled. Other phone makers like Samsung and Xiaomi have set up factories in Indonesia to comply with these regulations. [Extracted from the article]

Indonesia has blocked Apple from selling the iPhone 16 in the country due to the company's failure to meet local investment requirements. The Ministry of Industry stated that Apple's local unit did not fulfill the 40% local content requirements for smartphones. This decision poses a challenge for Apple, as Indonesia is a significant market with a high number of active mobile phones. Apple has invested below its commitment in Indonesia, leading to restrictions on the sale of iPhone 16 units in the country. [Extracted from the article]

T-Mobile US Inc. exceeded analysts' expectations by adding 865,000 new monthly phone subscribers and raising revenue by 4.7% to $20.16 billion in the third quarter. The company's success was attributed to strong demand for the latest Apple Inc. iPhone and its focus on converged connectivity, offering high-speed internet and wireless phone packages. T-Mobile's positive performance led to an increase in its full-year forecasts for customer additions and earnings, with shares rising by 2.6% in extended trading. CEO Mike Sievert also raised long-term targets for Ebitda and service revenue growth, reflecting the company's optimistic outlook for future growth. [Extracted from the article]

T-Mobile US Inc. exceeded analyst expectations by adding 865,000 new monthly phone subscribers and 415,000 broadband subscribers in the third quarter. The company's revenue increased by 4.7% to $20.16 billion, slightly surpassing estimates. T-Mobile's focus on expanding its 5G network and offering fixed wireless access in rural areas has contributed to its growth, leading to a raise in guidance for customer additions and earnings for the full year. CEO Mike Sievert has set ambitious targets for future earnings and revenue growth, with the company's shares rising nearly 40% in the current year. [Extracted from the article]

South Korea's early trade data indicates a slowdown in export growth, with a 1% increase in adjusted shipments in the first 20 days of October compared to a 7.5% gain in September. While semiconductor exports remained strong, demand for oil products and mobile phones declined significantly. The country's economy heavily relies on exports of semiconductors, but concerns have been raised about the sustainability of this growth. South Korea's trade performance may be affected by potential trade barriers and changes in US policies following the presidential election. [Extracted from the article]

Elon Musk's Starlink Inc. has secured a victory in India's satellite broadband market as the government has decided to allocate spectrum rather than auction it, contrary to the wishes of local billionaires Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Mittal. The telecom minister stated that satellite broadband spectrum will not be given for free, and pricing will be overseen by the local regulator. This decision has sparked a battle between foreign firms like Starlink and local wireless operators, with concerns about potential subscriber losses for Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. The government's move seems to favor Starlink, prompting reactions from Ambani and Mittal advocating for auctions to ensure a level playing field. [Extracted from the article]

Cable companies like Comcast and Charter are facing a significant decline in broadband subscribers, with estimates suggesting a loss of up to 481,000 customers in the third quarter. This decline is attributed to the expiration of government subsidies and the rise of phone companies offering wireless home internet services. While cable providers are expected to see their broadband losses level off next year, wireless carriers are gaining ground by offering competitive pricing and expanding their fiber networks. Despite the challenges, cable companies remain confident in their ability to compete in the changing landscape of the industry. [Extracted from the article]

Elon Musk's Starlink Inc. has secured a victory in India's satellite broadband market as the government has decided to allocate spectrum rather than auction it, contrary to the wishes of local billionaires Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Mittal. This decision has sparked a battle between foreign firms like Starlink and local wireless operators, who argue that it creates an unfair playing field. The government's move seems to favor Starlink, prompting concerns from Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel about potential loss of subscribers. The situation highlights the challenge of balancing foreign investment with local demands in India's telecom sector. [Extracted from the article]

Elon Musk's Starlink Inc. has secured a victory in India's satellite broadband market as the government has decided to allocate spectrum rather than auction it, contrary to the wishes of local billionaires Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Mittal. The telecom minister stated that satellite broadband spectrum cannot be given for free, and pricing will be overseen by the local regulator. This decision has sparked a battle between foreign firms like Starlink and local wireless operators, with concerns about potential subscriber losses for Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. The government's move seems to favor Starlink, prompting reactions from Ambani and Mittal advocating for auctions to ensure a level playing field. [Extracted from the article]

Nigeria is taking steps to sanction Starlink Inc., Elon Musk's satellite-internet service, for raising its prices without approval from the regulator. Starlink recently increased its monthly subscription rate by nearly double and raised equipment charges by 34%. Nigerian law requires telecommunication license holders to obtain approval before raising tariffs or charges. The Nigerian Communications Commission stated that it has begun pre-enforcement action against Starlink since October 3rd. Starlink claims that its price changes are necessary to match the rate of inflation in Nigeria, which reached a three-decade high of 32.2% in August. The NCC has not allowed tariff increases by mobile phone operators for several years and has previously ordered other companies to reverse price increases. [Extracted from the article]

The owner of a quartz mine in North Carolina has stated that the mine only sustained minor damage from Hurricane Helene. Cleanup and repair efforts are currently underway, and restoring power is a priority. The mine, along with another nearby mine, supplies over 80% of the world's commercial high-purity quartz, which is used in semiconductor manufacturing. While the mines are working to resume operations, the industry does not anticipate immediate supply disruptions. [Extracted from the article]

The owner of a quartz mine in North Carolina has stated that the mine only sustained minor damage from Hurricane Helene. Cleanup and repair efforts are currently underway, and restoring power is a priority. The mine, along with another nearby mine, supplies over 80% of the world's commercial high-purity quartz, which is used in semiconductor manufacturing. While the mines are working to resume operations, the industry does not anticipate immediate supply disruptions. [Extracted from the article]

New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks has reversed his decision to ban cell phones in schools, citing concerns from parents who struggled to reach their children during a recent lockdown. While acknowledging the distractions that cell phones can cause in classrooms, Banks and Mayor Eric Adams recognize the importance of allowing students to stay connected in emergencies. Despite this reversal, polls show strong bipartisan support for banning cell phones in schools, and other states like California have already implemented similar policies. [Extracted from the article]

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed a law imposing a 12% value-added tax on non-resident digital service providers such as Netflix, HBO, and Disney. The law aims to generate revenue for infrastructure and other government projects by leveling the taxes paid by local businesses and international digital platforms. The tax on foreign digital services is expected to generate 79.5 billion pesos ($1.4 billion) in revenue over the next four years. [Extracted from the article]

Baxter International Inc., a medical manufacturing company, has closed its largest plant in North Carolina due to damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The plant, which produces intravenous and peritoneal dialysis solutions, suffered from power outages and flooding. This disruption is expected to have a negative impact on the company's financial results. While it is unclear if the shutdown will affect medical procedures in the US, other companies in the industry may be able to compensate for the lost supply. Baxter is working to bring the plant back online and ensure the wellbeing of its employees. [Extracted from the article]

Private equity firm Ridgeview Partners has acquired mobile-payment software company PayRange in its first deal since its establishment earlier this year. The San Francisco-based firm, in partnership with Baupost Group, will take a majority stake in PayRange. PayRange, led by CEO Paresh Patel, offers automated payment technology that connects hardware to cell phones. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. [Extracted from the article]

Verizon Communications Inc. is currently addressing a widespread outage that has affected mobile service for its customers. At its peak, over 100,000 people reported connection issues, with 50% experiencing problems with their mobile phones, 35% having no signal, and 15% facing a total blackout. The outage has been reported in various locations, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Verizon's engineering teams are actively working on resolving the issue, and the Federal Communications Commission is also investigating the cause and extent of the disruptions. [Extracted from the article]

Baxter International Inc., a medical manufacturing company, has closed its largest plant in North Carolina due to damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The plant, which produces intravenous and peritoneal dialysis solutions, was affected by power outages and flooding caused by the hurricane. The closure is expected to have a negative impact on the company's financial results. Other companies in the industry may be able to compensate for the lost supply. Baxter is working to bring the plant back online as soon as possible and ensure the wellbeing of its employees. [Extracted from the article]

Private equity firm Ridgeview Partners has acquired mobile-payment software company PayRange in its first deal since its establishment earlier this year. The San Francisco-based firm, in partnership with Baupost Group, will take a majority stake in PayRange. PayRange, led by CEO Paresh Patel, offers automated payment technology that connects hardware to cell phones. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. [Extracted from the article]

Verizon Communications, the largest wireless carrier in the US, is in advanced discussions to sell around 6,339 mobile phone towers to digital infrastructure company Vertical Bridge. The deal, which could be worth approximately $3.3 billion, is expected to be announced soon. As part of the agreement, Verizon would lease back capacity on the towers for a period of 10 years, with the option to extend the lease for up to 50 years. This move follows Verizon's recent acquisition of Frontier Communications Parent Inc. for $20 billion. Vertical Bridge, founded in 2014, owns and operates over 500,000 communications infrastructure sites in the US. [Extracted from the article]

T-Mobile US Inc. is selling $500 million in asset-backed securities supported by installment plans for cell phones. The deal, which was postponed in August, is set to be sold on October 2. The transaction was originally delayed due to a weaker-than-expected US jobs report and rate hikes from the Bank of Japan, among other factors. However, markets have since stabilized, and asset-backed bond sales are on the rise. [Extracted from the article]

T-Mobile US Inc. is selling $500 million in asset-backed securities supported by installment plans for cell phones. The deal, which was postponed in August, is set to be sold on October 2. The transaction was originally delayed due to a weaker-than-expected US jobs report and rate hikes from the Bank of Japan, among other factors. However, markets have since stabilized, and asset-backed bond sales are on the rise. [Extracted from the article]

Philippine Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has stated that he will support a 50-basis-point rate cut at the next meeting of the central bank rate-setting board in October. This comes after the Federal Reserve's half-point easing. The Philippines was one of the first countries in the region to begin easing, with a 25-basis-point reduction in August. Indonesia also surprised with a quarter-point cut shortly before the Fed's move. [Extracted from the article]

Taiwan's Gold Apollo Co. has stated that a Hungarian company, BAC Consulting, is responsible for manufacturing the pagers that exploded in Lebanon. Gold Apollo has an agreement with BAC Consulting to use its brand in designated regions. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that there is no problem with pagers exported from Taiwan exploding and that the case is currently under investigation. The explosions in Lebanon have raised tensions in the Middle East, with Hezbollah accusing the Israeli government of orchestrating the attack. The exact details of how the explosions were planned and triggered are still unknown. [Extracted from the article]

Gold Apollo Co., a Taiwanese company, has stated that a Hungarian company, BAC Consulting, is responsible for manufacturing the pagers that exploded in Lebanon. Gold Apollo has an agreement with BAC Consulting that allows the Hungarian company to use its brand in designated regions. The explosions, which killed nine people and injured almost 3,000, have raised tensions in the Middle East, with Hezbollah accusing the Israeli government of orchestrating the attack. The exact details of how the explosions were planned and triggered remain unknown, but small amounts of explosive were planted in the pagers, and a switch was embedded to trigger the detonation. [Extracted from the article]

Gold Apollo Co., a Taiwanese company, has denied manufacturing the pagers used in the recent attacks across Lebanon. The company clarified that the AR-924 pager, which was used in the attacks, is produced and sold by another company called BAC. The explosions caused by the pagers have raised questions about how they were planned and triggered with such coordination. The pagers were likely modified with small amounts of explosive material and a switch to trigger the detonation. The Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs stated that the pagers were manufactured in Taiwan but were likely modified. The wireless devices likely overheated before the blasts, indicating foul play. The exact method of how the explosives were added to the devices is still unclear. Some experts speculate that the explosives were inserted into the devices during the supply chain process. Pagers are still commonly used in medical facilities in Lebanon and by Hezbollah operatives to avoid interception of their communications. [Extracted from the article]

The recent explosions of pagers in Lebanon have sparked various theories about how these outdated devices were turned into deadly weapons. While Lebanon accused Israel of orchestrating the attack, one prevailing theory suggests that the supply chain for the pagers may have been compromised. Another theory proposes that the pagers were engineered to overheat and explode. However, cybersecurity expert Robert Graham dismisses this theory, suggesting that it is more plausible that someone bribed the factory to insert explosives. Other theories include the possibility of an electronic signal triggering the explosions. The manufacturer of the pagers, Gold Apollo Co., denies making the devices, and Motorola Solutions Inc. has not yet commented on the situation. Experts also speculate that the explosions may be a result of a "supply chain deployment" attack, where a critical component with an explosive charge is secretly manufactured in the pager's supply chain. Pagers are still commonly used in medical facilities in Lebanon and by Hezbollah operatives to avoid interception of their communications. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in the attacks, but experts suggest that it could be a significant intelligence coup for Israel if they were behind it. Israeli intelligence has a history of covert sabotage, such as the Stuxnet attack in 2010 and previous incidents involving explosive mobile phones and booby-trapped telephones. [Extracted from the article]

Gold Apollo Co., a Taiwanese company, has denied manufacturing the pagers used in the recent attacks in Lebanon. The company stated that the devices are not theirs and that they did not manufacture the pagers. Gold Apollo licenses its brand to at least one other company, but the names were not provided. The explosions, which killed nine people and injured almost 3,000, were triggered by small amounts of explosive planted in beepers that Hezbollah had ordered. The pagers likely overheated before the blasts, indicating possible foul play. The use of pagers by Hezbollah is a tactic to avoid interception of their communications by Israeli intelligence. [Extracted from the article]

The recent explosions of pagers in Lebanon have sparked various theories about how these outdated devices were turned into deadly weapons. While Lebanon accused Israel of orchestrating the attack, one prevailing idea is that the supply chain for the pagers was compromised, potentially allowing for the insertion of explosives. However, cybersecurity expert Robert Graham dismisses this theory, suggesting that it is more plausible that someone bribed the factory to include the explosives. Other theories include the possibility of an electronic signal triggering the explosions. Pagers are still commonly used in medical facilities in Lebanon and by Hezbollah operatives to avoid interception of their communications. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in the attacks, but their intelligence capabilities are known for covert sabotage. [Extracted from the article]

The recent explosions of pagers in Lebanon have sparked various theories about the methods of sabotage used. While Lebanon accused Israel of engineering the attack, one prevailing idea is that the pagers' batteries were engineered to overheat and explode. However, cybersecurity expert Robert Graham dismissed this theory, suggesting that it is more plausible that someone bribed the factory to insert explosives. Another theory suggests that an electronic signal triggered the explosions. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement, but experts believe that if Israel was behind the attacks, it would signify a significant intelligence coup. Israeli intelligence is known for its covert sabotage operations, such as the Stuxnet attack in 2010. [Extracted from the article]

Philippine regulators are investigating an alleged robbery and sexual assault of a Vietnamese woman who booked a car ride through Grab Holdings Ltd, the nation's top ride-hailing app. If found negligent, Grab may face a suspension of at least 30 days. The incident occurred when the driver allowed another passenger to board the vehicle, who then stole the woman's cash and phone before sexually assaulting her. Grab has stated that it will cooperate with the investigation and has banned the driver involved. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has advised the public to exercise caution when using ride-hailing apps and to verify the driver's identity for their safety. [Extracted from the article]

Verizon Communications Inc. has agreed to acquire Frontier Communications Parent Inc. for $20 billion. This deal will allow Verizon to expand its high-speed internet service and meet the growing demand for internet usage, particularly with the rise of video streaming and the adoption of artificial intelligence by businesses. Frontier, known as the largest pure-play fiber internet company in the US, reported sales of $5.8 billion in 2023. Verizon had previously sold parts of its landline phone business to Frontier in 2015. Frontier has faced pressure from activist investor Jana Partners to improve its returns. [Extracted from the article]

Swedish mobile operator Telia Co AB plans to cut 3,000 jobs, which represents about 15% of its workforce, as the company faces increased competition and loss-making units. The job cuts are part of a cost-cutting program aimed at saving at least 2.6 billion kronor ($253 million) annually. Telia's CEO, Patrik Hofbauer, stated that the decision was necessary for the long-term success of the company. Telia is also reducing its vendor financing program by 50% and restructuring its organization. Telia's former CEO, Allison Kirkby, left the company last fall amid cost-cutting efforts and speculation about selling parts of its loss-making TV and media unit. [Extracted from the article]