August might be a quiet month around your water cooler, but there is still plenty of telecoms to talk about.
This month, we're reading about the newest cable to connect the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. We're also taking in new developments to the story about the AT&T/Time Warner merger.
We've also got posts on Asia's fixed broadband sector and IoT in sports to round things out. Enjoy.
Hawaiki Submarine Cable Begins Commercial Operations
Why it’s worth your time: It's worth noting that a new submarine cable began commercial operations last month. We're talking, of course, about the Hawaiki cable, spanning from Pacific City, Oregon to Sydney, Australia and Mangawhai, New Zealand.
The New Zealand Herald has the full scoop about the new cable, which has enough fiber to circle the equator twice.
FCC Says Court Made Error in Approval of AT&T/Time Warner Merger
Why it’s worth your time: If you've been following the AT&T/Time Warner merger, you might remember that the deal was finalized earlier this year. A federal judge rejected the government’s argument that the merger would harm competitors and consumers.
The Department of Justice swiftly appealed the ruling.
This Ars Technica piece continues that story, with new information about "an error made by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia" related to the DOJ's failed attempt to block the merger. This explainer will take you through the new developments.
How IoT is Transforming the Business of Sports
Why it’s worth your time: This piece from the Pacific Telecommunications Council breaks down four ways that the internet of things is changing sports via smart venue technology.
From transportation to fan engagement to public safety, this post by Jeff Seal delivers several compelling examples of data and technology changing the sporting experience.
ISPs Say They Can’t Expand Broadband Unless Gov’t Gives Them More Money
Why it’s worth your time: Broadband lobbying groups are arguing that internet access is becoming more like a utility each day.
This post looks at where that argument works and where it might not hold water.
Is Recent Growth in Asia’s Fixed Broadband Sector Set to Slow?
Why it’s worth your time: The market for fixed broadband services in the Asia-Pacific region has expanded rapidly in recent years.
The region was home to more than 549 million fixed internet customers at the end of 2017, up 14 percent from 482 million 12 months earlier. And more than half of all households across Asia subscribed to some form of fixed or fixed-wireless broadband service as of December 2017. But how long can this growth last?
How Does TeleGeography Make Their Submarine Cable Map?
Why it’s worth your time: Thanks for the feature, Terrapin! If you've enjoyed perusing TeleGeography's maps over the years, get a behind-the-scenes look at how they come together in this special blog.
