Sunday, November 6, 2022

MIT and partners develop terahertz camera using quantum dots

Researchers at MIT, the University of Minnesota, and Samsung have developed a camera that uses quantum dots that emit visible light when stimulated by terahertz waves. The visible light can then be recorded by a device that is similar to a standard electronic camera’s detector.

The device, which functions at room temperature and pressure, can simultaneously capture information about the orientation, or “polarization,” of the waves in real-time. The data could be used to characterize materials that have asymmetrical molecules, or to determine the surface topography of materials.

The device is described in a paper published today in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, by MIT doctoral student Jiaojian Shi, professor of chemistry Keith Nelson, and 12 others.

https://news.mit.edu/2022/terahertz-camera-low-cost-1104

NTT achieves 1 Mbps with underwater acoustic transmission

Researchers from NTT DOCOMO and NTT Communications achieved 1 Mbps in a joint experiment of underwater acoustic data transmission over a distance of 300m in a shallow sea area (water depth of about 30m).

The experiment used spatio-temporal equalization technology for broadband transmission and improved resistance technology for environmental noise. In addition, the researchers developed a wireless remotely operated vehicle (ROV) using these technologies.

NTT and DOCOMO said that extending data coverage to underwater areas could prove useful for ROVs used for underwater construction and fisheries.

https://www.ntt.com/en/about-us/press-releases/news/article/2022/1101.html



Telefónica reports a solid Q3, revenue up 11% yoy

In a context of global macroeconomic uncertainty, Telefónica reported Q3 revenue of €10,343 million, up 11.2%  yoy.

The company said it is strengthening its position in its main markets and exploiting new opportunities. The strong growth in revenues in the third quarter was driven by double digit increases in Brazil (+29%) and Hispam (+18.2%), as well as in Spain (+0.2%) and Germany (+6%), a pattern that is also reflected in the first nine months.

Net income amounted to €1,486 million in the first nine months of 2022.

The results obtained and the proactive management of the businesses, despite the unstable global scenario, make it possible for 

Telefónica confirmed its financial targets for 2022, revised upwards in the previous quarter. Telefónica also confirmed the shareholder remuneration for the current year, consisting of a dividend of €0.30 per share entirely in cash, distributed in two tranches of €0.15 euros, to be paid in December 2022 and June 2023. 

https://www.telefonica.com/en/communication-room/telefonica-increases-revenues-by-11-2-in-the-third-quarter-and-reaches-a-net-income-of-e1486-millions-up-to-september/


Sungard sells network business and data centers to 11:11 and 365

Sungard Availability Services completed the previously announced sales of facilities to 11:11 Systems and 365 Data Centers.

11:11, a managed infrastructure solutions provider focused on cloud, security, and connectivity solutions, has acquired Sungard AS’ North American Recovery Services (RS) business, as well as its North American Cloud and Managed Services (CMS) business and Consulting business. 11:11 will operate essentially all of Sungard AS’ IT systems and provide services back to 365 and Sungard AS. Also, as part of the transactions, 11:11 will operate four data centers previously part of Sungard AS. 

365, a leading provider of network-centric colocation solutions, acquired a majority of Sungard AS’ U.S.-based Colocation and Network Services business. As part of the 365 transaction, eight data centers including network assets, will become part of the 365 portfolio of infrastructure assets.

Sungard AS will now pivot to the winddown of its remaining U.S.-based assets, which includes four North American data center facilities not included in any of the other transactions. Further, the Company continues to evaluate options for its remaining international subsidiaries in Europe.

“While restructuring and operating all or some of the business was one of the options we evaluated, we believe – as did our Board and investors – that the sale of the assets was the right decision for all stakeholders, including our customers that have continued to rely on us. For our employees, I’m pleased to say that almost the entire Sungard AS team in North America and India will transition to 11:11 and 365. Together, they will continue to build on the value that we’ve created and delivered for customers, while joining two innovative and growing companies,” said Michael K. Robinson, Chief Executive Officer and President, Sungard Availability Services. “Our customers can have confidence knowing they will work with many of the team members that support them today, and will do so with the same systems, tools and processes.”

https://www.sungardas.com/en-us/news/2022/november/sungard-as-successfully-completes-transactions-with-1111-systems-and-365-data-centers

  • In April, Sungard Availability Services (Sungard AS) today announced that, after evaluating several strategic alternatives, it has filed voluntary chapter 11 petitions in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Houston, Texas and commenced proceedings in respect of its Canadian subsidiary. 

EUTELSAT HOTBIRD 13G successfully launched

On November 3, SpaceX successfully launched the Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13G mission to a geosynchronous transfer orbit using a Falcon 9 rocket. This was the seventh launch and landing of this booster, which previously supported the launch of CRS-22, Crew-3, Turksat 5B, Crew-4, CRS-25, and one Starlink mission.

EUTELSAT HOTBIRD 13G is the second of two satellites built by manufacturer Airbus Defence and Space to be placed at Eutelsat’s flagship 13-degree East neighbourhood position, replacing three older satellites. It is also based on the Eurostar Neo telecommunications satellite platform, developed under an ESA Partnership Project with Airbus designed to foster innovation and competitiveness in the European space industry. 

Once into orbit and positioned, the satellite EUTELSAT HOTBIRD 13G will, with its twin EUTELSAT HOTBIRD 13F launched on October 15th, reinforce and enhance the broadcast of more than a thousand television channels into homes across Europe, Northern Africa and the Middle East. 

In February 2021, Eutelsat was entrusted once again by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) to host the EGNOS GEO-4 payload, which is on board EUTELSAT HOTBIRD 13G. Eutelsat already operates the EGNOS GEO-3 payload on its EUTELSAT 5 West B satellite.

EGNOS is the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service that acts as an augmentation service to global positioning systems, to improve the reliability of positioning information.

https://www.eutelsat.com/en/news/press.html#/pressreleases/successful-launch-of-eutelsat-hotbird-13g-satellite-3215272


FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel proposes Space Bureau

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced a plan to reorganize the FCC’s International Bureau into a new Space Bureau and a standalone Office of International Affairs. 

"The satellite industry is growing at a record pace, but here on the ground our regulatory frameworks for licensing them have not kept up. Over the past two years the agency has received applications for 64,000 new satellites. In addition, we are seeing new commercial models, new players, and new technologies coming together to pioneer a wide-range of new satellite services and space-based activities that need access to wireless airwaves,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “Today, I announced a plan to build on this success and prepare for what comes next. A new Space Bureau at the FCC will ensure that the agency's resources are appropriately aligned to fulfill its statutory obligations, improve its coordination across the federal government, and support the 21st century satellite industry."

The Commission licenses radio frequency uses by satellites and ensures that space systems reviewed by the agency have sufficient plans to mitigate orbital debris under the authority of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. By establishing a stand-alone Space Bureau the agency aims to better fulfill its statutory obligations and elevate the significance of satellite programs and policy within the agency to a level that reflects the importance of the emerging space economy. By separating satellite policy from the “International Bureau,” the agency acknowledges the role of satellite communications in advancing domestic communications policy and achieving U.S. broadband goals.

https://www.fcc.gov/document/chairwoman-rosenworcel-proposes-space-bureau