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TERAGO Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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Four straight quarters of improved financials

TERAGO Retains and renews mmWave Spectrum Licences, Removing Uncertainty

TORONTO, Aug. 7, 2024 /CNW/ – TERAGO Inc. (“TERAGO” or the “Company”) (TSX: TGO) (https://terago.ca/), today reported financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

“Revenue, ARPU and Gross Margin continue to increase combined with optimized operating expenses driving Adjusted EBITDA growth over my first four quarters as CEO. Our smart growth strategy includes a disciplined approach to capital expenditure, substantially improving profitability. The improvements during these four quarters compared to the prior four quarters have resulted in:

Increased cumulative Adjusted EBITDA1 by $706K;Cumulative positive cashflow generated from operations1 of $4.2M; andDecreased use of debt facility by $7.6M.

In addition to the strong financials reported, ISED’s announcement in May 2024 ensures TERAGO retains and renews its mmWave spectrum licences”, said Daniel Vucinic, CEO of TERAGO. “This Decision provides certainty and clarity on our licences allowing TERAGO to continue to drive competition, innovation and increased investments in its next generation wireless connectivity offerings for Canadian businesses.

Our comprehensive strategy is enhancing value for our clients, employees and shareholders, delivering exceptional results. As we move forward, our primary focus will be on accelerating revenue growth as Canadian businesses demand an alternative managed service provider who focuses on customer experience, carrier diversity and being agile and nimble.  TERAGO’s revived narrative is getting positive reception from the investor community as the business progresses.”

Financial Highlights and Key Developments

(in thousands of dollars, except with respect to gross profit margin1, loss per share, backlog MRR1, and ARPU1)

Total revenue increased by 0.9% to $6,577 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $6,516 in the same quarter in the prior year period. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, total revenue marginally increased by 0.2% to $13,049 compared to $13,025 in the same period in the prior year. The increase in revenue in both periods is the result of higher bookings1 and lower churn1 in the current year period.Adjusted EBITDA1 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 increased by 88.2% to $941 as compared to an Adjusted EBITDA1 of $500 for the comparative period in 2023. Adjusted EBITDA1 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 increased by 41% to $1,871 as compared to $1,327 for the comparative period in 2023. The increase is a result of higher revenues combined with overall lower operating expenses in the current period compared to same periods in the prior year.Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was $3,212 compared to a loss of $3,988 in the same period in 2023. The decreased net loss position is the result of lower salaries and other operating expenses, partially offset by higher long-term debt interest costs due to additional drawdowns in the prior and current year period. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, net loss was $6,759 compared to a loss of $6,537 in the same period in 2023 resulting from higher long-term debt interest costs.ARPU1 for the connectivity business for the three and six months increased by 8.7% to $1,200 and by 6.8% to $1,179, respectively, compared to $1,104 and $1,104, respectively, for the same periods in 2023. The improvement in ARPU1 is a result of changes in customer base and product mix and a new pricing strategy implemented in the last quarter of the prior year.

_____________________________

(1) See ” Non-IFRS Measures”

Churn1 for the connectivity business for the three ended June 30, 2024 decreased to 1.0% compared to 1.2% for the same period in 2023. Churn1 for the connectivity business for the six months ended June 30, 2024 decreased to 0.9% compared to 1.2% for the same period in 2023. The decrease in customer churn1 was due to the continued execution of the Company’s value creation strategy to focus on mid-market and large-scale customers, as well as implementing new strategies for customer renewals and retention.Backlog MRR1 in the connectivity business decreased year over year to $46,584 as of June 30, 2024, compared to $85,471 for the same period in 2023. The decrease in backlog MRR1 was due to a combination of onboarding of new customers with faster installations and the Company’s focus on profitable revenue generation.

Conference Call

Management will host a conference call on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM ET to discuss these results.

To access the conference call, please dial 877-545-0523 or 973-528-0016 and use conference ID 405002 if applicable. Please call the conference telephone number 15 minutes prior to the start time so that you are in the queue for an operator to assist in registering and patching you through. An archived recording of the conference call will be available through Thursday, August 22, 2024. To listen to the recording, call 877-481-4010 or 919-882-2331 and enter passcode 50983# if applicable.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Comparison of the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023

(in thousands of dollars, except with respect to gross profit margin1, loss per share1, backlog MRR1, churn1 and ARPU1) 

(unaudited)

 

Three months ended June 30 

 

Six months ended June 30 

 

2024

 
 

2023

 
 

2024

 
 

2023

 

 

Financial

 

Total Revenue

$

6,577

6,516

13,049

13,025

Cost of Services1

$

1,776

1,822

3,527

3,353

Gross Profit Margin1

73.0 %

72.0 %

73.0 %

74.3 %

Salaries and Related Costs1

$

2,574

2,761

5,243

5,620

Other Operating Expenses1

$

1,286

1,433

2,408

2,725

Adjusted EBITDA 1

$

941

500

1,871

1,327

Net Loss

$

(3,212)

(3,988)

(6,759)

(6,537)

Basic & diluted loss per share

$

(0.16)

(0.20)

(0.34)

(0.33)

 

Operating

 

Backlog MRR1

Connectivity

$

46,584

85,471

46,584

85,471

Churn Rate1

Connectivity

1.0 %

1.2 %

0.9 %

1.2 %

ARPU1

Connectivity

$

1,200

1,104

1,179

1,104

(1)Non-IFRS Measures

This press release contains references to “Cost of Services”, “Gross Profit Margin”, Salaries and Related Costs”, “Other Operating Expenses”, “Adjusted EBITDA”, “Backlog MRR”, “Churn” and “ARPU” which are not measures prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Cost of Services consists of expenses related to delivering service to customers and servicing the operations of our networks. These expenses include costs for the lease of intercity facilities to connect our cities, internet transit and peering costs paid to other carriers, network real estate lease expense, spectrum lease expenses and lease and utility expenses for the data centres and salaries and related costs of staff directly associated with the cost of services.

_____________________________

(1) See ” Non-IFRS Measures”

Gross Profit Margin % consists of gross profit margin divided by revenue where gross profit margin is revenue less cost of services.

Salaries and related costs includes regular payroll related expenses, commissions and consulting fees.  All share based compensation, restructuring, other related costs are excluded from Salaries and related costs.

Other operating expenses includes sales commission expense, advertising and marketing expenses, travel expenses, administrative expenses including insurance and professional fees, communication expenses, maintenance expenses and rent expenses for office facilities. All restructuring and other related costs are excluded from other operating expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA – The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful additional information to management, the Board and investors as it provides an indication of the operational results generated by its business activities prior to taking into consideration how those activities are financed and taxed and also prior to taking into consideration asset depreciation and amortization and it excludes items that could affect the comparability of our operational results and could potentially alter the trends analysis in business performance. Excluding these items does not necessarily imply they are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by some investors and analysts for the purpose of valuing a company. The Company calculates Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before deducting interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, foreign exchange gain or loss, finance costs, finance income, gain or loss on disposal of network assets, property and equipment, impairment of property, plant, & equipment and intangible assets, stock-based compensation and restructuring costs. Investors are cautioned that Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to operating earnings (losses), or net earnings (losses) determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of our financial performance or as a measure of our liquidity and cash flows. Adjusted EBITDA does not take into account the impact of working capital changes, capital expenditures, debt principal reductions and other sources and uses of cash, which are disclosed in the consolidated statements of cash flows. 

A reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA is found below and in the MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. Adjusted EBITDA does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS/GAAP. TERAGO’s method of calculating Adjusted EBITDA may differ from other issuers and, accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

The table below reconciles Adjusted EBITDA1 to net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.

(in thousands of dollars, unaudited)

 

Three months ended June 30 

 

Six months ended June 30 

2024

 

2023

 

2024

 

2023

  

Adjusted EBITDA1

 

$

941

500

$

1,871

1,327

Deduct:

Depreciation of network assets, property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets

2,337

2,470

4,694

4,949

Stock-based compensation expense

231

(32)

414

170

Restructuring and other costs

18

1,177

636

1,197

 

Loss from operations

 

(1,645)

(3,115)

(3,873)

(4,989)

Add/deduct:

Impairment of assets and related charges

83

99

145

167

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

(6)

(18)

4

12

Finance costs

1,518

834

2,821

1,478

Finance income

(28)

(42)

(84)

(109)

 

Net loss for the period

 

$

(3,212)

(3,988)

$

(6,759)

(6,537)

Backlog MRR – The term “Backlog MRR” is a measure of contracted monthly recurring revenue (MRR) from customers that have not yet been provisioned. The Company believes backlog MRR is useful additional information as it provides an indication of future revenue. Backlog MRR is not a recognized measure under IFRS and may not translate into future revenue, and accordingly, investors are cautioned in using it. The Company calculates backlog MRR by summing the MRR of new customer contracts and upgrades that are signed but not yet provisioned, as at the end of the period. TERAGO’s method of calculating backlog MRR may differ from other issuers and, accordingly, backlog MRR may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

ARPU – The term “ARPU” refers to the Company’s average revenue per customer per month in the period. The Company believes that ARPU is useful supplemental information as it provides an indication of our revenue from an individual customer on a per month basis. ARPU is not a recognized measure under IFRS and, accordingly, investors are cautioned that ARPU should not be construed as an alternative to revenue determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of our financial performance. The Company calculates ARPU by dividing our total revenue before revenue from early terminations by the number of customers in service during the period and we express ARPU as a rate per month. TERAGO’s method of calculating ARPU has changed from the Company’s past disclosures to exclude revenue from early termination fees, where ARPU was previously calculated as revenue divided by the number of customers in service during the period. TERAGO’s method may differ from other issuers, and accordingly, ARPU may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

Churn – The term “churn” or “churn rate” is a measure, expressed as a percentage, of customer cancellations in a particular month. The Company calculates churn by dividing the number of customer cancellations during a month by the total number of customers at the end of the month before cancellations. The information is presented as the average monthly churn rate during the period. The Company believes that the churn rate is useful supplemental information as it provides an indication of future revenue decline and is a measure of how well the business is able to renew and keep existing customers on their existing service offerings. Churn and churn rate are not recognized measures under IFRS and, accordingly, investors are cautioned in using it. TERAGO’s method of calculating churn and churn rate may differ from other issuers and, accordingly, churn may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

About TERAGO
TERAGO provides managed wireless and wireline connectivity and private 5G wireless networking services to businesses operating across Canada. As Canada’s biggest mmWave spectrum holders, the Company possesses exclusive spectrum licences in the 24 GHz and 38 GHz spectrum bands, which it utilizes to provide secure, dedicated SLA guaranteed enterprise grade performance that is technology diverse from buried cables ensuring high availability connectivity services. TERAGO serves over 1,900 Canadian and Global businesses operating in major markets across Canada, including Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Ottawa and Winnipeg, and has been providing wireless services since 1999. For more information about TERAGO, please visit www.terago.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond TERAGO’s control. Forward-looking statements may include but are not limited to statements regarding the further developing our 5G Fixed Wireless Access program, consistently executing across all fronts of the business, success in providing Canadian enterprises with managed services and the 5G fixed wireless trials being conducted by the Company. All such statements constitute “forward-looking information” as defined under, applicable Canadian securities laws. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts constitute forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those risks set forth in the “Risk Factors” sections in the annual MD&A of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2023 available on www.sedar.com under the Company’s corporate profile. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially include the inability to consistently achieve sales growth across all lines of TERAGO’s business including managed services, inability to complete successful 5G technical trials, the results of the 5G trials not being satisfactory to TERAGO or any of its technology partners, regulatory requirements may delay or inhibit the trial, the economic viability of any potential services that may result from the trial, the ability for TERAGO to further finance and support any new market opportunities that may present itself, and industry competitors who may have superior technology or are quicker to take advantage of 5G technology. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as several factors could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from the targets, expectations, estimates or intentions expressed with the forward-looking statements. Except as may be required by applicable Canadian securities laws, TERAGO does not intend, and disclaims any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether in words, oral or written as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE TeraGo Inc.

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Shijingshan: Committed to High-Level Openness

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BEIJING, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Following the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, China successfully hosted its first national-level international large-scale fair—the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) 2024, which concluded on September 16. The event featured exhibitors from 85 countries and international organizations, participating under their national governments or headquarters, with over 450 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders showcasing their offerings both online and offline.

Adhering to the open, cooperative and mutually beneficial principle, the CIFTIS injects new momentum into global economic development through concrete actions. As one of the “dual venues” for the fair, Shijingshan District hosted a variety of business activities, including exhibitions, negotiations, and conferences. While providing meeting organization services, it showcased the achievements of Shijingshan in fostering openness and development. By leveraging the Fair’s platform, Shijingshan seeks to promote its developmental advantages globally and aims to attract more partners to this welcoming district for mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation.

Presenting Achievements in Open Cooperation and Development in Multiple Dimensions

This CIFTIS’s Shougang Park venue is composed of nine thematic exhibitions, including telecommunications, computer and information services; financial services; culture & tourism services; education services; sports services; supply chain & business services; engineering consulting & construction services; health services; and environmental services. It circles around cultivating new quality productive forces while showcasing the latest achievements, technologies, and applications in the digitalization, intelligentization, and greening of services trade, creating a “debut stage” for global services trade.

Shijingshan leverages its strengths by organizing five thematic exhibitions and four promotional booths on-site. The culture & tourism services exhibition promoted Shijingshan’s rich culture and tourism resources, while also building a support area for paired assistance to highlight its revitalization efforts to a global audience. The financial services exhibition showcased its achievements in economic development across five sectors, that is, sci-tech finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance, and digital finance. The exhibition of telecommunications, computer and information services highlighted the growth of Shijingshan’s the artificial intelligence large model industry cluster and key humanoid robot enterprises. In addition, the primary and secondary school science education experimental zone invited participation from six national-level science education centers, including Shijingshan District, to display their accomplishments. Four schools, including the Beijing National Day School Shijingshan, showcased their scientific research and learning outcomes through visual presentations and videos, while also engaging visitors in interactive science experiments.

The AIES Beijing Open is made up of four competition areas, virtual cycling, virtual rowing, virtual dance, and virtual table tennis. The event welcomed international competitors, domestic professional athletes, high-level amateurs, and university students, while showing the achievements of the “digital + sports” industry. Besides, four promotional booths focused on taxation, justice, investment, and commerce showcases Shijingshan’s tax and judicial policies, offering one-stop policy guidance for participating businesses and visitors. These booths also clarified investment promotion policies, creating a unique event that integrates commerce, tourism, culture, and sports.

Working Together for Global Open Cooperation and Development

The Open Cooperation Forum 2024 was held on the afternoon of September 13. Experts, scholars, government representatives, and business leaders from both domestic and international backgrounds gathered at the Shougang Park to engage in in-depth discussions on promoting high-level open cooperation and supporting regional economic development. Shijingshan District is committed to taking industrial transformation as the strategic foundation for its initiatives, establishing several distinctive industrial parks, including the Intelligent Technology Park, Industrial Internet Park, Virtual Reality Park, Science Fiction Industry Cluster, and Artificial Intelligence Large Model Cluster. What’s more, the district is focusing on new opportunities in future information, future health, future manufacturing, and future space, continually enhancing its innovation capacity, development vitality, economic strength, and overall competitiveness.

It is dedicated to expanding openness as a key driver for integrating into the capital’s new development pattern. The district capitalizes on a range of policy opportunities, including the construction of Beijing’s two zones, effectively leveraging the role of expanding services and deepening economic reforms. It continues to optimize the business environment, actively participates in organizing the CIFTIS, and develops high-standard international cooperation zones to provide a broad platform and efficient services for enterprises to settle and cluster. Shijingshan aims to implement high-level openness to promote high-quality development, enhance mechanisms for foreign openness, innovate and elevate services trade, and align with international economic and trade standards, creating a premier business environment characterized by marketization, rule of law, and internationalization.

Three parallel forums took place during this CIFTIS. With the theme of “Leveraging Overseas Strength for Development • Pursuing Broad Horizons Through Innovation”, the Dream Incubator of Overseas Chinese Beijing Forum set up ten sub-venues abroad, aiming to enhance the involvement of overseas Chinese’s capital and expertise in Beijing’s high-quality development. The Artificial General Intelligence Computility Forum focused on “Releasing New Quality Productive Forces with Unbounded Intelligence and Computational Foundations”, where industry experts and scholars explored new possibilities in artificial general intelligence computility. The Digital Energy Development Forum 2024, themed as “Energizing the Future with Digital Innovation”, showcased a range of quality development achievements and finalized partnerships for several high-quality projects, uniting all parties to advance digital innovation and development.

The rich array of side events is one of the highlights of this CIFTIS. The International Open Cooperation Promotion Conference circled around developing the international open cooperation zone, drawing representatives from international organizations, leading global companies, and prospective businesses seeking to establish a presence in these areas. It centered on the advantages of Shijingshan’s key industries to attract target enterprises. Furthermore, the Roundtable Discussion of Foreign-Funded Enterprises engaged representatives from international organizations, business associations, and foreign-funded companies from countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and France to explore collaboration in aligning with high-standard international economic and trade rules, as well as market access in the service sector, sharing the successes of modernization with Chinese characteristics.

To enhance the consumer experience for attendees of the CIFTIS, Shijingshan has expanded its comprehensive service offerings in areas such as food, accommodation, transportation, tourism, entertainment and shopping. The Second “Here I Am for CIFTIS” Shijingshan Culture and Tourism Carnival has been significantly upgraded, evidenced by the “Divine Beasts Ascend to Immortal Mountain”: Enchanting Night Tour in Shijing Mountain. The “Surprises Await in Shijingshan. Hey There, CIFTIS!” promotional event was held during the 14th Shijingshan Consumption Festival. This included online surprise announcements and a consumption map showcasing quality shopping venues. Special surprise floats were on display, with oversized themed shopping bags distributed. Shopping centers like Joy City, Xirondo Plaza, Modern Plaza, and Chang’an Mills in Shijingshan also launched supporting promotional activities. Business tours in Shijingshan offered three dedicated routes, inviting exhibitors from digital technology, finance and insurance, culture and tourism, and sports related industries to explore relevant industrial parks and attractions for in-depth exchanges.

The China International Fair for Trade in Services 2024 has successfully concluded. Utilizing this platform, Shijingshan has once again showed its high-quality development achievements and favorable business environment to a global audience. We look forward to collaborating with more partners in an open and inclusive manner to create a win-win future.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shijingshan-committed-to-high-level-openness-302254872.html

SOURCE Open Cooperation Forum

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Most Users Are NOT Using AI Companion as Their AI Girlfriend – Insights from Muah AI User Survey

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LOS ANGELES, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Muah AI/

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly intertwined with daily life, the idea of having an AI companion or even an AI “girlfriend” has gained significant attention. While this concept has sparked curiosity, excitement, and even controversy, a recent survey by Muah AI has shed light on the reality of how users are actually engaging with these AI companions. According to the survey results, fewer than 2% of users consider themselves to be in a serious romantic relationship with their AI companion, with the overwhelming majority regarding it as a source of entertainment and roleplaying.

This revelation presents an interesting twist to the popular narrative surrounding AI and human relationships. Many assumed that, with the rise of sophisticated AI that can mimic human emotions and responses, people would begin forming deep emotional bonds with these digital entities. However, the survey data from Muah AI shows that, at least for now, the vast majority of users are not taking these AI relationships as seriously as some might have thought.

The Emergence of AI Companions

AI companions, or “AI girlfriends” as some platforms market them, have become a hot topic over the past few years. Platforms like Replika, Anima, and Muah AI offer users the chance to interact with a personalized AI, which can carry on conversations, offer emotional support, and even engage in roleplaying scenarios that resemble a relationship. The premise is simple: using advanced machine learning algorithms and natural language processing, these AI companions can learn from their users, creating the illusion of intimacy and personalization.

The potential appeal is obvious. For those who are lonely, socially anxious, or seeking comfort, the idea of having an AI that is always available, non-judgmental, and designed to cater to their emotional needs can be incredibly attractive. In fact, there are numerous reports and anecdotes from individuals who claim to have developed genuine emotional connections with their AI companions. But as the Muah AI survey shows, these instances may be far rarer than media headlines suggest.

Survey Results: Entertainment Over Emotional Investment

Muah AI‘s survey provides a comprehensive look at how its users interact with their AI companions, and the results challenge the notion that most users are looking for a serious relationship with AI. According to the data:

Less than 2% of users consider themselves to be “seriously dating” their AI companion.A significant majority view their interactions with the AI as a form of entertainment or roleplaying rather than a meaningful romantic or emotional connection.Many users engage with AI companions out of curiosity or as a way to pass the time, often treating the interactions as light-hearted and fun rather than a substitute for a real-life relationship.A notable portion of users also expressed that they enjoy using AI companions for creative roleplaying scenarios, where they can explore fictional or fantasy-based interactions without any real-world implications.

This data suggests that while the idea of an “AI girlfriend” may be intriguing, most users are not approaching it with the intention of forming a serious romantic bond. Instead, they are treating it more like a game or simulation, where they can experiment with different types of interactions and relationships in a low-stakes environment.

Why Are Users Hesitant to Commit to AI Companions?

There are several reasons why users may be hesitant to view their AI companion as a genuine romantic partner. First and foremost is the awareness of the artificial nature of the interaction. While AI can simulate human conversation and emotions, most users are well aware that these responses are pre-programmed and algorithmically generated. The knowledge that their “partner” is ultimately a machine can create a barrier to forming a deep emotional connection.

Moreover, many users view AI companions as a tool for escapism or fantasy rather than a replacement for real-life relationships. In the same way that people may enjoy playing video games or engaging in fictional roleplaying, interacting with an AI companion can offer a similar outlet for creativity and entertainment. These users are not seeking emotional fulfillment from the AI but rather a way to explore different scenarios and personalities without the complexities of real-world dynamics.

Additionally, there are ethical and philosophical concerns that may prevent users from seriously considering a relationship with AI. The idea of forming a romantic connection with a machine raises questions about authenticity, consent, and the nature of love. Many users may feel uncomfortable with the idea of developing feelings for an entity that lacks true emotions or consciousness, no matter how convincing the simulation may be.

The Future of AI Companions: Entertainment or Emotional Support?

While the Muah AI survey indicates that most users are not taking their AI companions seriously as romantic partners, that does not mean that AI companions are without value. For many, these AI entities serve as a valuable source of emotional support and companionship. Users who are isolated, dealing with mental health challenges, or simply looking for someone to talk to may find comfort in the consistent and non-judgmental nature of an AI companion.

Furthermore, the role of AI in human relationships may evolve as the technology continues to improve. As AI becomes more advanced, it is possible that future iterations of AI companions could offer even more realistic and emotionally engaging interactions. This could blur the line between entertainment and emotional connection even further, leading to more users considering AI as a legitimate relationship option.

However, the survey data suggests that for now, AI companions are primarily being used for fun and fantasy rather than serious emotional investment. Whether this changes in the future will depend not only on advancements in AI technology but also on shifting societal attitudes towards AI-human relationships.

Conclusion

The concept of an “AI girlfriend” may have captured the imagination of many, but Muah AI‘s survey reveals that most users are not taking their AI companions seriously as romantic partners. With fewer than 2% of users considering themselves to be in a serious relationship with their AI, it’s clear that the majority view these interactions as a form of entertainment or roleplaying rather than a meaningful emotional connection.

As AI technology continues to develop, it will be fascinating to see how users’ relationships with AI companions evolve. For now, however, it seems that the allure of AI companionship lies more in its ability to entertain and provide creative outlets than in offering a substitute for real-life romantic relationships.

Ultimately, the future of AI-human relationships is still in its early stages, and as AI becomes more capable, the way people engage with these digital companions may change. But as of now, it’s clear that most users are enjoying the novelty of AI companionship without taking it too seriously—at least not yet.

Media/Business Contact Information:
Muah AI 

PR Director:
Ashley

Contact Number:
+1 626-677-6013

Company Website:
https://muah.ai 

Company email:
love@muah.ai

Feel free to reach out if you are interested in writing a dedicated piece about Muah AI!

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SOURCE Muah AI

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Internet Society Report Highlights Challenges and Recommendations for Internet Connectivity in the Middle East

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Internet Society (ISOC), a global charitable organization advocating for an open, globally connected, and secure Internet, released a comprehensive report on the state of Internet connectivity across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The report underscores Internet connectivity as a catalyst for economic growth and social development and how an increase in fixed broadband access has a direct impact on growing gross domestic product (GDP).

Key Findings:

Growth in Mobile and Fixed Broadband: Both mobile and fixed broadband connections have grown substantially from 2015 to 2021, particularly in Gulf States with advanced fiber-optic and 5G networks. However, deployment has been slower in other parts of the region, primarily due to infrastructure challenges and affordability issues.

Mobile Internet users increased from 130M to over 180M between 2016 and 2021, with Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco showing the highest growth rates. Fixed broadband users rose from 17M to 29M in the same period, with Egypt leading the way. The Arab region lags behind other regions in fiber optic deployment, with stagnation in investment since 2018.

High-Income Countries: Significant progress in broadband infrastructure, especially in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries due to 5G rollout. High-income countries improved their Internet availability from 77.34 to 79.37, surpassing global averages.Low-Middle-Income Countries: Broadband has improved modestly, but challenges persist. Despite overall progress, a significant digital divide remains between high-income and low-middle-income countries, partly due to political and economic instability in some regions, such as Tunisia and Syria.

Infrastructure Challenges: There is a heavy reliance on European Internet Exchange Points for international Internet traffic, which results in slower speeds due to additional data hops.

Emerging Technologies: The report emphasizes the role of emerging technologies such as High-Throughput Satellites (HTS) and Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites in bridging the connectivity gap. These technologies are crucial for expanding access to underserved rural areas.

Impact of COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected network performance and digital transformation plans, causing delays and disruptions in connectivity improvements.

Recommendations:

Policy and Regulation: The Internet Society advocates revising regulatory frameworks to accelerate infrastructure deployment. Key recommendations include enhancing spectrum policies, removing regulatory barriers, and fostering public-private partnerships to drive investment, competition, and support for small and medium enterprises.

Spectrum Availability: North African countries have limited spectrum compared to global averages, impacting network capacity and costs.Regulatory Frameworks: Enhance regulatory frameworks to foster investment, encourage spectrum and infrastructure sharing, and support new technologies like HTS and LEO satellites.

Collaboration and Investment: Promote public-private partnerships and update national broadband plans to improve infrastructure and connectivity.

Digital Skills and Literacy: Addressing digital skills and literacy is crucial for maximizing the benefits of Internet connectivity. The report calls for more affordable, relevant, and inclusive education and training programs to build a digital workforce.

Local Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): The report stresses the importance of establishing and upgrading IXPs to enhance local Internet traffic, reduce costs, and improve service quality. Governments are encouraged to support IXPs by providing resources and facilitating network interconnections.

“The Internet has become indispensable for many people, and its role in connecting people, fostering economic opportunities, and driving innovation is undeniable. The Arab region has made big leaps in the availability and adoption of the Internet in recent years; however, adoption rates are still low. We hope that governments will use our report to learn about the improvements that can be made in infrastructure deployment, affordability of service, market structure, and regulatory frameworks,” explains Nermine El Saadany, Regional Vice President for the Middle East for the Internet Society.

About the Internet Society
Founded by Internet pioneers, the Internet Society (ISOC) is a global charitable organization dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet. Through a global community of chapters and members, the Internet Society collaborates with a wide range of groups to promote the technologies that keep the Internet safe and secure and advocates for policies that enable universal access. The Internet Society is also the organizational home of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).

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