(NewsUSA) - Rural Americans often enjoy unique lifestyle benefits, but many still face significant challenges in accessing reliable internet connectivity. With the conclusion of the Affordable Connectivity Program in June, which had offered government-subsidized discounts to eligible households, those in remote areas are now seeking alternative solutions to stay connected.

Despite federal initiatives like the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program of 2021, a substantial portion of Americans who lacked high-speed internet access in 2009 remain disconnected today, as revealed by a study from Arizona State University.

For those in rural communities, access to reliable, high-speed internet is not just a convenience but a critical resource that enhances opportunities for virtual learning, remote work, telehealth, and maintaining social connections with loved ones across distances. After all, the internet has become such an integral part of life that it’s hard to imagine completing daily tasks like paying bills, refilling prescriptions, or staying in touch with distant friends and family without it.

Better access to digital resources stands to enrich rural living in many ways:

1. Economic Impact: Internet access is the gateway to a host of job opportunities, including  remote work which requires high-speed internet. Job seekers need to be able to apply to opportunities online and interview virtually. Reliable connectivity also offers opportunities for online networking, professional development, and industry news.
    
2. Educational Opportunities: Many students today access information and coursework for their classes online. Those based in rural areas with unreliable internet at home often turn to public Wi-Fi in local libraries, stores, or coffee shops. Remote learning can become much more fulfilling for rural students with reliable access to digital resources.
    
3. Accessible Healthcare: Telehealth has become a modern-day practice for a range of healthcare appointments. The elderly, people living with disabilities, and people who face other challenges accessing healthcare in-person especially benefit from telehealth. Americans in rural areas can gain better access to all these resources with a reliable internet connection.
    
4. Social Connection: Connecting with friends and family is important to our well-being. Reliable internet connections can help rural Americans build connections outside their communities through social media, email, and other resources. Additionally, information on local events and news in the community can be more easily accessed with a reliable internet connection.

Many wireline internet service providers (ISPs) are investing in connectivity infrastructure in cities due to their high population density. Rural areas often don’t meet these density requirements – building out miles of cable and fiber and installing poles and other equipment to provide internet to only a handful of homes is a costly investment.

On the other hand, satellite internet companies have continued to invest in rural America. Bridging the digital divide, satellites eliminate the need for local infrastructure, unlike wireline internet providers, making satellite more affordable and accessible. Rural Americans are able to connect and be involved in our online world thanks to satellite internet’s ability to reach areas others won’t.

Hughes, the inventor of satellite internet, offers high-speed, reliable Hughesnet service plans that allow rural customers to connect wherever they live. Hughes newest satellite, JUPITER 3, is the world’s largest and most advanced commercial communications satellite that provides connectivity to rural areas.

In this digital age, the internet should be accessible for all Americans. Satellite connectivity makes the internet available to all Americans, providing basic needs such as connecting with a health provider, applying for a job, doing homework, or reading the news. Satellite internet offers reliable connectivity for rural America.

(NewsUSA) - Part of the mission of intelligence communities (ICs) is to alert leaders to the likelihood and implications of events such as imminent acts of military aggression by adversaries, sudden political transitions, or economic crises. Policy makers need as much warning as possible in order to prepare next moves in response to potential disruptions or threats on a global scale.

“As the world becomes more and more digitized, the volume of openly-available information is exploding, making it more difficult for analysts to quickly sort through mountains of classified and unclassified information to determine which indicators actually matter, which data to believe, and which to treat with skepticism,” according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.

However, artificial intelligence can help analysts improve their strategic warning systems. SCSP noted several ways in which the intelligence community could leverage the power of AI for early warnings:

- Open-source monitoring. The next generation of AI tools could monitor the open-source information space of countries where strategic events are currently not expected, which would allow the IC to deploy human analysts where they are most needed, and reallocate analysts as needed if AI warns of anomalous activity. 

- Scenario generation. All-source intelligence analysts are often assessing a range of possible events and outcomes. When analysts manually generate these scenarios, they are limited by time and to what they already believe to be likely outcomes. Instead, scenario generation by AI could help analysts quickly identify new scenarios they had not yet considered and weigh those scenarios against one another to determine the most likely outcomes. 

- Data fusion and synthesization. An AI system that could process various types of intelligence, such as integrating public commentary and speeches by political leaders to detect patterns would help U.S. policy makers get inside the heads of world leaders and inform decision-making.

- Improvements in human-machine teaming. Use of tools such as crowdsourced human forecasts and automatic human feedback would combine the breadth of expertise of human analysts and the speed of AI; humans would be in key positions in the process, including the development of assessments where human-based explainability is essential.

Even long-term, a human analyst will likely need to validate an AI’s system outputs before passing them to policymakers. However, there is no downside to that because it will allow for consistent fine-tuning, experimentation, and improvement with the goal of generating the quickest, most reliable warnings for decision makers, according to SCSP.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Scams targeting people age 60 and older resulted in over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, according to the FBI. Financial scams and fraud often increase during the holidays. There is more online shopping and more fundraising appeals, which means more opportunities for fraud. And older adults may feel lonely which scammers exploit.

The Eldercare Locator can help older adults protect themselves against financial scams. The Eldercare Locator is a national information and referral service that connects older adults with organizations in their communities that can provide support such as nutrition, transportation and in-home services.

Also, older adults and family members can contact the Eldercare Locator if they think they’ve been scammed. Trained staff will connect them with local or national organizations that can help. Call, text or videophone 1-800-677-1116. Chat online with a Referral Specialist at eldercare.acl.gov or send an email to [email protected].

Click here to read the Eldercare Locator’s new fact sheet, Protect Your Wallet: A Guide to Avoiding Financial Scams. It has information on common scams, tips to avoid scams and what to do if you suspect a scam.

The Eldercare Locator is administered by USAging, the national association representing the network of more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the country and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. AAAs and Title VI programs provide a range of critical services and supports to enable older adults to age with optimal health, independence and dignity at home and in the community.

(NewsUSA) - With cooler weather, the holidays approaching, and more time spent indoors, staying connected becomes essential. Whether it’s streaming your favorite movies, searching for new recipes, shopping online, or simply having virtual hangouts with family and friends far away, reliable internet is a lifeline for keeping us close to the people and activities we love. In remote areas, satellite internet can provide the connectivity families need this holiday season. To get the most out of your satellite internet over the holidays, there are a few things you can do to support your internet needs.

Understand Your Internet Needs

For many people, streaming classic holiday movies and TV shows is a cherished tradition, yet rural families often face challenges due to limited connectivity options. Satellite internet solves this by delivering high-speed connections wherever you are, allowing families to enjoy uninterrupted streaming for popular platforms.

To get the most out of your satellite internet solution:

• Select the Right Internet Plan: Streaming in 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) takes almost three times as much bandwidth as standard High Definition (HD).  Choose a satellite internet plan that aligns with these requirements to maintain a smooth streaming experience.
• Get Smart on Data Usage: Streaming consumes significant data. Some satellite internet providers impose data caps and charge you more if you exceed them. For the best internet experience, pick a satellite provider who offers unlimited data.

Satellite internet providers like Hughesnet are investing in rural high-speed connectivity so that families can connect, stream and play wherever they live – even in places that are beyond the reach of cable and fiber.

Optimize Your Connectivity Experience for Multiple Devices

The holiday season brings families together, which often means multiple devices streaming, gaming, or connecting at the same time. Satellite internet provides plenty of bandwidth to support multiple users at once. New satellite technologies can also provide a more responsive internet experience.

Improving your home network to keep everyone in the family happy is easier than you think:

• Upgrade Your Router and Modem: Older equipment may not be able to fully take advantage of the newest wireless standard, Wi-Fi 6, especially if you have multiple devices connected to your network. Replacing your modem or router may resolve dead spot issues if it is several years old.  Thankfully, internet providers like Hughesnet include a Wi-Fi modem featuring Wi-Fi 6 technology with every plan.
• Choose the Right Router Placement: Where you locate your router is important. Routers send wireless signals in all directions to a set distance; an incorrectly positioned router may only cover part of your house. The best location for a router is in a central location, ideally raised off the floor and away from as many walls as possible.

Explore Festive Apps and Websites for Holiday Fun

With time off from work and school, the holiday season is the perfect time to explore apps and websites that enhance family entertainment, creativity, and connection. Here are a couple of great ways to stay connected:

• Host a Virtual Movie Marathon: Teleparty lets you watch Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO shows in sync with friends and family anywhere. The chat feature adds an extra layer of fun, allowing everyone to comment on holiday movies together, even from a distance.
• Host a Holiday Recipe Cooking Challenge: Pinterest is a treasure trove of holiday inspiration, from recipes for festive treats to DIY decor projects. Families can browse ideas together online, then cook or create as a group, comparing results for added hands-on fun to holiday gatherings.

The holiday season is a time to connect and celebrate with family and friends. While the house is full of loved ones, ensuring everyone can stay connected with a dependable satellite internet connection is crucial. Cousins can play the latest video game, grandparents can upload their famous cookie recipe to the internet, and mom can watch her favorite Hallmark Christmas movie, all under one roof without experiencing interruptions to their internet service. With the help of satellite internet this holiday season, families can focus on what really matters – staying connected.

(NewsUSA) - Advances in technology, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the geopolitical landscape. At the Ash Carter Exchange in Cambridge, Massachusetts, nearly 30 distinguished speakers discussed how emerging technologies are pushing the scientific frontier, transforming national security, and necessitating new partnerships between academic institutions, government agencies, and the private sector.

The event was hosted by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.

The speakers stressed that achieving technological leadership requires not only investment in AI, biotechnology, and robotics, but also a unified effort across government, academia, and private industry to accelerate progress and transform traditional approaches.

Some key themes from the event included:

- Academic Evolution. Dr. Joseph E. Aoun, President of Northeastern University, emphasized the need to integrate AI as a fourth dimension of education alongside understanding the physical world, life, and social interactions. He also emphasized the need to shift from traditional education to lifetime learning, and the importance of producing more graduates in STEM fields that would support national security efforts.

- Emerging Technology Extension. Anne Neuberger, the Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies discussed the evolving role of cyber capabilities and emerging technologies in protecting national security. She emphasized the potential of AI to enhance both offensive operations and defensive capabilities, such as identifying vulnerabilities and detecting anomalies. However, she warned of the risks of AI models trained on non-assured code, and emphasized the challenge of deterrence in cyberspace, especially with regard to ransomware threats.

- Biotechnology and Robotics Revolution. Dr. Noubar Afeyan, founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering and co-Founder of Moderna, highlighted the transformative role of AI in biotechnology, notably in generating protein sequences and antibodies to treat disease. The use of molecular markers for early disease detection could reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes, he said. Although public-private partnerships have been essential to advancing technology, as in the case of the rapid development of a COVID-19 vaccine, Dr. Afeyan emphasized the need to guard against potential misuse of AI in biotechnology. Dr. Marc Raibert, Founder and Executive Director of the AI Institute, also discussed the evolution of robotics over the past 50 years, and reflected some of the issues raised at the SCSP’s recent AI+ Robotics Summit.

Overall, the message of the Ash Carter Exchange was clear: now is the time to align resources, reform outdated systems, and commit to collaborative progress if the United States is to uphold its strategic, technological, and ideological edge in the world.

Visit scsp.ai for more information, and the SCSP YouTube channel to watch sessions from the Ash Carter Exchange.

(NewsUSA) - The United States is poised for global leadership in the area of AI and robotics as discussed at the AI+ Robotics Summit hosted by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI. The sessions highlighted significant technological advancements and outlined ways to achieve and maintain global leadership, said SCSP in a recent newsletter.

Key takeaways regarding AI and robotics identified at the summit include:

1. Advances in AI have enabled robotics to move from physics-based problems to natural language solutions. The next generation of robots will be powered in part by LLMs, simulation computers, and on-device robotic foundation models.
2. Using AI in simulation environments to model robot interactions at machine scale. Gathering simulation and real-world data would allow robots to expand beyond factories and warehouses.
3. Future factories will be highly automated due to advanced manufacturing. Factories are the testing ground for innovation in AI-enabled robotics. These advances will also support a transformation across industries ranging from agriculture to medicine to construction.
4. Brainstorming “moonshot” ideas. Players from all parts of the U.S. robotics ecosystem could get behind big ideas that would fuel the U.S. robotics ecosystem to technological advantage, such as investing in robotics supply chains and leveraging AI-enabled robots to search for life in outer space.
5. Taking advantage of voluntary public-private partnerships. Today’s AI and robotics innovations are driven by the private sector, but partnerships can help bridge technology gaps, strengthen supply chains, and address workforce challenges.
6. Promoting private investment in hardware. The U.S. government can reduce the risk for private investment in robotics production at scale with incentives such as tax credits.
7. Embracing new jobs. Placing AI at the center of learning will educate the next generation workforce with new skills to adapt to an evolving technology landscape.
8. Accelerating learning, mapping, and cooperating on robotics with allies. The U.S. should work with partner nations to foster structural cooperation on shared programs.
9. Catching up to China’s industrial robotics. China has aggressively adopted new technologies for robotics in manufacturing. These investments and initiatives pose a competitive challenge to the U.S.
10. Bringing robotics to the forefront of U.S. technology strategies. China has outcompeted the U.S. in robotics and the lack of a national strategy illustrates how it is a secondary consideration.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more, and visit the SCSP YouTube channel to watch sessions from the AI+ Robotics Summit.

(NewsUSA) - Seattle, WA – iLocal, Inc., a leader in website development and search engine optimization (SEO), announces its latest suite of services designed to help businesses maximize online visibility, increase customer engagement, and drive measurable growth. Known for its innovative digital solutions, iLocal, Inc. combines a personalized approach with industry-leading technology to deliver high-quality, fully optimized websites that rank well in search results and convert visitors into loyal customers.

With the rapid rise of online competition, businesses in every sector need a digital presence that stands out. iLocal, Inc. provides comprehensive website development services that cover every aspect, from the initial design to the final launch. Each site is meticulously crafted to reflect a business's unique brand and is fully optimized for a seamless user experience. Beyond aesthetics, iLocal, Inc. focuses on functionality and speed, ensuring that websites not only attract visitors but also keep them engaged.

"Today, an effective website is a fundamental asset for any business," said Jason Morgan, owner of iLocal, Inc. "But it’s not just about having a good-looking website; it’s about being seen. That’s where SEO comes in. Our team has a deep understanding of search engine algorithms and uses data-driven strategies to enhance website rankings. We help clients dominate search results, so they don’t just compete—they lead."

As an SEO-first agency, iLocal, Inc. is also at the forefront of the latest search engine optimization techniques, including keyword research, content optimization, and link-building strategies. By creating high-quality, targeted content and implementing advanced SEO tactics, iLocal, Inc. enhances the visibility and ranking of its clients' websites on major search engines like Google and Bing. The result is increased organic traffic, greater brand recognition, and a higher return on investment.

For more information about iLocal, Inc. and its website development and SEO services, visit ilocal.net or contact their team at (206) 790-1999.

About iLocal, Inc.

iLocal, Inc. is a full-service digital agency specializing in website development, SEO, and online marketing solutions. With a team of skilled developers, designers, and SEO experts, iLocal, Inc. has helped businesses across various industries enhance their online presence and achieve sustainable growth.

(NewsUSA) - Three key areas of technology – internet platforms, advanced battery technologies, and next-gen networks – have shown shifts in positions of power between the United States and China in the last few years, according to a recent report from the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.

Internet Platforms: U.S. Leads. Overall, the United States is ahead of China in terms of market capitalization and use of internet platforms to connect, communicate, and find information. As of July 2024, U.S.-based social media companies had the top four spots in highest number of monthly active users worldwide.

However, the popularity of People’s Republic of China (PRC) platforms, notably TikTok, shows that China’s growing impact on social media is not a fluke. Chinese e-commerce apps Temu and Shein also have experienced a surge in popularity worldwide, and something to watch is China’s Huawei, who plans to launch an app system on par with Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store.

Advanced Batteries: China Leads. China currently retains its grip on the battery supply chain, mainly through refinement of critical minerals. In 2023, China refined a majority of three key minerals needed for batteries: graphite (91%), cobalt (77%), and lithium (65%).

The U.S. does not currently rank among the top 10 global EV battery makers, but efforts are underway to increase U.S. competitiveness in the global battery supply chain. Specifically, “the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), aims to reduce U.S. reliance on China for batteries by offering tax credits to companies that manufacture them domestically,” according to the SCSP experts. Looking ahead, AI innovations in battery-related R&D could transform the energy storage sector and will be the lynchpin for the United States to regain an upper hand in the sector. 

Next-Gen Networks: U.S. Leads. The key to next-generation connectivity is low-orbit non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), and the U.S. currently has a strong lead in this area. The success of companies such as Starlink, which has deployed more than 5,000 low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, is a prime example.

China is attempting to increase its stake in advanced networks through deployment of 6G networks, for which it has filed nearly double the number of patents as the U.S. On both the technological and standard-setting fronts, the U.S. needs to pay more attention to 6G, or risk losing out to China as it did with 5G.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more about the United States’ position in the global geopolitical technology competition.

(NewsUSA) - Artificial intelligence (AI) creates many things, including a staggering demand for energy, and the United States is exploring ways to meet the power requirements of the future, according to experts at the recent AI + Energy Summit in Washington, D.C.

 The Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI, hosted the Summit, which brought together top policymakers, technologists, and energy industry leaders.

SCSP identified 12 key takeaways that should be part of a strategy for how America can maintain its competitive edge at the intersection of AI and energy.

1. Acknowledge the surge in energy demand. AI applications could potentially drive a 160% increase in global energy demand from data centers by 2030.

2. Modernize electrical infrastructure. A smart and flexible grid is essential to handle the demands of AI and renewable energy.

3. Improve energy systems. Using AI to improve energy systems to power more AI could be a key accelerator of progress.

4. Rethink nuclear regulations. Thoughtful regulatory reform could open the door for small nuclear reactors that could power AI data centers.

5. Consider climate benefits. The energy demands of AI could accelerate the transition to clean energy by helping to reshape energy infrastructure.

6. Take risks on emerging technology. Fusion and advanced geothermal technology, which taps into the earth's heat, have great potential payoffs as energy sources.

7. Embrace the moonshot mentality. Create a regulatory system that allows public and private sectors to explore and push boundaries.

8. Support public-private partnerships. Empower the Department of Energy's national labs to act more like startups and partner with the private sector to expand promising energy technology and innovation.

9. Build a pipeline. Encourage the government to focus on early-stage, high-risk research to create a pipeline of technology for private companies to commercialize and scale.

10. Maintain global leadership. Only a handful of AI training clusters exist globally, and where they are located will shape the future of AI development and energy geopolitics, so the U.S. needs to pay attention to these locations and engage allies in order to maintain energy leadership.

11. Create a coherent strategy. Leverage the American innovation culture of risk-taking to promote fundamental research and entrepreneurship in order to continue to compete with China in areas such as fusion and advanced nuclear.

12. Invest in technical education. Developing talent and building a workforce to deploy and maintain next-generation energy systems is especially crucial for fusion and advanced geothermal systems.

By focusing on smart regulatory reform, workforce retraining, and global competitiveness, the United States can stay ahead in this evolving landscape, SCSP concluded at the Summit.

To read more about the key takeaways from the AI+ Energy Summit, read Memo to the President on AI & Energy - Key Takeaways from SCSP's AI+ Energy Summit and visit scsp.ai to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - As advances in artificial intelligence continue to transform the world, the integration of AI and robotics will have a significant impact on many areas, and will change both fields. The Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI, will address the topic of AI and robotics at its upcoming AI+ Robotics Summit, the second of its AI+ Summit Series. 

The AI+ Robotics Summit will take place on October 23, 2024, in Washington, D.C. 

The goal of the summit is to chart a national strategy for leadership in AI-enabled robotics. The event brings together innovation leaders not only to demonstrate the latest directions in robotics technology, but also to discuss policy implications and identify the essential variables for U.S. competitiveness in robotics and AI.

The program will consist of discussions between leading experts on the future of robotics, the shape of the robotics innovation ecosystem, the autonomy revolution, robotics in manufacturing, the impact of robots on the future of work, and more. 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience robotics innovation demos related to national competitiveness domains.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more.