Amazon CEO defends huge AI investments, confirms Leo launch in mid-2026
Amazon.com CEO Andy Jassy has defended the company's plans to invest USD 200 billion in capital expenditure this year. In a letter to shareholders ahead of the AGM, he compared AI to the start of its cloud computing business AWS, saying the company needed to invest heavily in the near term in order to realise the significant long-term potential income. He also confirmed that the Amazon Leo satellite internet service is "officially scheduled" to launch in mid-2026, based on contract commitments with governme
Amazon CEO defends huge AI investments, confirms Leo launch in mid-2026
Amazon.com CEO Andy Jassy has defended the company's plans to invest USD 200 billion in capital expenditure this year. In a letter to shareholders ahead of the AGM, he compared AI to the start of its cloud computing business AWS, saying the company needed to invest heavily in the near term in order to realise the significant long-term potential income. He also confirmed that the Amazon Leo satellite internet service is "officially scheduled" to launch in mid-2026, based on contract commitments with governme
SoftBank launches satellite-to-smartphone service and updates bundles
SoftBank has launched its satellite-to-smartphone connectivity service and announced new mobile tariff plans that integrate satellite, 5G and international data services. The operator confirmed that its "SoftBank Starlink Direct" service became available on 10 April across its SoftBank, Y!mobile and Linemo brands. The service enables compatible smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites in areas without terrestrial coverage, supporting text messaging, limited data services and emergency alerts.
SoftBank launches satellite-to-smartphone service and updates bundles
SoftBank has launched its satellite-to-smartphone connectivity service and announced new mobile tariff plans that integrate satellite, 5G and international data services. The operator confirmed that its "SoftBank Starlink Direct" service became available on 10 April across its SoftBank, Y!mobile and Linemo brands. The service enables compatible smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites in areas without terrestrial coverage, supporting text messaging, limited data services and emergency alerts.
Korea govt and operators agree measures on security, tariffs and AI investment
South Korea's ministry of science and ICT has held a meeting with the chief executives of SK Telecom (SKT), Korea Telecom (KT) and LG Uplus, agreeing on measures to strengthen security, expand basic telecommunications access and increase investment in next-generation networks. The meeting marked the first joint session between the deputy prime minister and the three operators following recent leadership changes at SKT and KT.
Korea govt and operators agree measures on security, tariffs and AI investment
Openreach awarded BDUK Project Gigabit contract for Peak District
Openreach has signed a contract change with BDUK to expand an existing Project Gigabit contract covering Staffordshire to include the Derbyshire Peak District area, after a contract with FullFibre was terminated. Openreach will now work to connect Peak District premises due to be covered by this contract.
Openreach awarded BDUK Project Gigabit contract for Peak District
Google Search offers agentic restaurant bookings in AI Mode in UK
Google has announced the launch of agentic restaurant bookings in AI Mode in Search in the UK. The new agentic capabilities in AI Mode allow users to describe what they are looking for with their preferences and needs (such as number of diners, dog-friendly, vegan etc), time and date. AI Mode will search across multiple booking platforms and websites to provide real-time availability matching these options.
Google Search offers agentic restaurant bookings in AI Mode in UK
UK govt amends Crime Policing Bill to tackle harmful pornography
The UK government has tabled new amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill to better protect the public from harmful pornography. This is part of the government's work to combat violence against women and girls (VAWG). The amendment will make it illegal to publish or possess pornography showing incest or adults pretending to be children. Each new offence will be punishable by up to five years in prison for publication.
UK govt amends Crime Policing Bill to tackle harmful pornography
KDDI and Okinawa Cellular's au Starlink Direct now supports iPhones in US
KDDI and Okinawa Cellular have announced that their au Starlink Direct service now supports certain iPhone models. The au Starlink Direct service provides direct satellite-to-smartphone communication for customers roaming internationally in the US. The service now supports 22 models of iPhone, including the iPhone 13 to iPhone 17 line-ups as well as iPhone Air.
KDDI and Okinawa Cellular's au Starlink Direct now supports iPhones in US
EU Commission publishes AI Continent Action Plan progress report
The European Commission has published information about the progress of the Continent Action Plan launched a year ago to foster Artificial Intelligence innovation and acceleration. It said visible advances have been made by each of the five pillars, namely infrastructure, data, talent, adoption, and trustworthy AI. It added that the European AI Innovation month from 14 October to 17 November 2026 will showcase Europe's progress.
EU Commission publishes AI Continent Action Plan progress report
SoFast launches 35 channels on Whale TV+ platform
SoFast, specialist in the creation, distribution and monetisation of FAST channels, has launched 35 FAST channels on the Whale TV+ platform, an ad-supported streaming service owned and operated by Whale TV. Whale TV+ is available on Whale TV-enabled TVs, on Fire TV, Google TV and Android TV devices, and on any web browser.
SoFast launches 35 channels on Whale TV+ platform
Mexico's CFE installs free internet access points in over 6,000 schools and health centres
Mexico's state-owned operator CFE Telecomunicaciones e Internet para Todos (CFE-TEIT) said it has teamed up with the country's Social Security Institute (IMSS) and Ministry of Public Education (SEP) to install free internet access points (PAIG) in over 6,500 establishments. Specifically, in 2025 alone, CFE-TEIT set up some 3,180 access points in health clinics and 3,483 in tele-schools nationwide, benefiting thousands of rural communities.
Mexico's CFE installs free internet access points in over 6,000 schools and health centres
Samsung starts selling Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G in Poland with launch promotion
Samsung has started selling its Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G smartphones in Poland. Customers buying one of the new phones from a Samsung physical shop, its online shop or its mobile application are eligible for a discount of up to PLN 250 on the phones, up to PLN 100 off selected models of earphone until 24 April. The vendor is offering handsets with larger capacities of memory at the price of lower tier devices.
