Negotiations over ‘historic’ US-UK tech deal stall
When the partnership was unveiled in September the UK government said it would “shape the futures of millions of people”
Science/Tech
Senators Investigate Role of A.I. Data Centers in Rising Electricity Costs
Three Democrats are seeking information from tech firms about the growing energy use of data centers and the utility bills of individuals and other businesses.
Ford Will Take $19.5 Billion Hit as It Rolls Back E.V. Plans
Ford Motor said the costs come from its decision to make fewer electric vehicles than it had planned and more hybrids that use both gasoline engines and batteries.
Trump Administration Begins Program to Increase Government’s Tech Worker Ranks
The U.S. Tech Force is aiming to hire about 1,000 top-level technical employees and supervisors to join federal agencies and work on projects related to artificial intelligence and modernization.
How Tech’s Biggest Companies Are Offloading the Risks of the A.I. Boom
The data centers used for work on artificial intelligence can cost tens of billions to build. Tech giants are finding ways to avoid being on the hook for some of those costs.
In A.I. Boom, Venture Capital Firms Are Raising Loads More Money
Lightspeed Venture Partners, a Silicon Valley venture firm, has amassed more than $9 billion to invest in artificial intelligence. That is its biggest haul.
Amazon apologises after showing 15-rated film to child who rented PG movie
The child’s was trying to watch Diary of a Wimpy Kid – but a film with “strong sex and sex references” played instead.
Ramokgopa bullish on energy outlook as new projects get green light
Renewable capacity continues to expand as government advances transmission expansion and private sector participation initiatives nationwide.
Wiocc lands R1.1-billion in debt funding for data centre, fibre expansion
Wiocc Group has secured $65-million in debt financing to expand open-access digital infrastructure across Africa.
Rand hits its strongest level in three years
Shortly after 2pm, the currency was trading at R16.78/$, continuing a firming trend that started in April.
Ofcom investigates BT and Three for failing to connect 999 calls
The companies have been fined in the past over outages leaving customers unable to call emergency services.
Presidency backs Solly Malatsi in BEE reform fight
Presidency spokesman Vincent Magwenya has urged restraint on focusing on Starlink, saying multiple satellite providers are eyeing investment in South Africa.
Roomba Maker iRobot Files for Bankruptcy, With Chinese Supplier Taking Control
Founded in 1990 by three M.I.T. researchers, iRobot introduced its vacuum in 2002. Its restructuring will turn the company over to its largest creditor.
AI, cloud and the great IT rationalisation
As cloud and AI adoption accelerates, organisations face a coming reckoning to rationalise costly analytics estates.
New Vox partner programme helps ISPs expand without the heavy lifting
Small and mid-sized ISPs can now expand coverage without massive capital investment or complex network builds.
How alternative credit models can unlock South Africa’s hidden economy
M-KOPA data demonstrates digital access can kick-start equitable economic inclusion, with alternative credit models as the catalyst.
Roomba vacuum cleaner firm files for bankruptcy
Under the so-called pre-packaged Chapter 11 process, the main maker of its devices will take ownership of the firm.
ICT BEE fight deepens as MK, EFF target Malatsi
MK and the EFF claim communications minister Solly Malatsi’s policy directive undermines transformation and unlawfully clears the way for the launch of Elon Musk’s Starlink in South Africa.
ANC’s attack on Solly Malatsi shows how BEE dogma trumps economic reality
The ANC’s ideological rigidity over BEE risks deterring investment and undermining much-needed reform.
Political war erupts over BEE in the ICT sector
The ANC has taken aim at DA minister Solly Malatsi’s policy directive on BEE, leaving Icasa caught in the crossfire.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX Valued at $800 Billion, as It Prepares to Go Public
A sale of insider shares at $421 a share would make Mr. Musk’s rocket company the most valuable private company in the world, as it readies for a possible initial public offering next year.