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Accelerating UK’s Fibre Expansion, HFCL Showcases High-density Advanced Fibre Solutions

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High-fibre density cables designed to accelerate gigabit-capable network builds and reduce costs by minimising the need for additional duct installations, ideal for ambitious projects like Building Digital UK (BDUK)Innovative cable design increases fibre count by 50% within the same 2.4mm diameter used for 24F cables, driving higher efficiencyNew aerial cable technology approved by Openreach’s Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA), enabling seamless connectivity even in extremely dense environmentsHFCL’s UK offices and warehousing facilities along with local expertise deliver industry-leading service, ensuring sustainable full-fibre deployment and unparalleled customer support

LONDON, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — HFCL, one of the leading technology enterprises and integrated next-gen communications product and solution providers, yesterday showcased its latest range of innovative high-density blown fibre solutions at the Connected Britain 2024 event.

The solutions include a comprehensive range of products including – a Compact Fibre Units (CFU) with capacities of up to 12 fibres, available in sizes between 1.1mm and 1.6mm diameter. A 36F Fibre Blown Nano family cable with a 2.4mm diameter. And a new Openreach’s PIA approved 1F Aerial Drop Cable, with 1mm diameter, has also been introduced. Together, these offerings will enable UK operators to connect customers more quickly, cost-effectively, and sustainably.

These new additions, further expand HFCL’s extensive optical fibre solution portfolio, paving the way for advanced fibre infrastructure and faster broadband rollouts in the UK, targeting Building Digital UK (BDUK) initiative.

To accelerate digital connectivity in the UK, HFCL has unveiled a tailored portfolio of 1F-12F compact fibre units (CFUs). These CFUs feature a low-friction HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) jacket, designed for efficient, long-distance installations in microducts. Capable of being jetted up to 1km at speeds exceeding 80 meters per minute, they deliver exceptional performance. The 12F and 6F units are ideal for low-fibre count distribution networks using small microducts, such as FTTA networks, while the 1F, 2F, and 4F units are perfect for final access even in the smallest microducts. Available in recyclable cardboard pans or reusable/ recyclable spools, with lengths up to 6km, these ultra-compact fibre units also lower transportation costs per fibre-kilometre, reducing environmental impact and the carbon footprint associated with network construction.

Another new component of HFCL’s end-to-end fibre solution is the addition of a 36F version to its already successful 2-24 Fibre Blown Nano family, with a diameter range of 2mm – 2.4mm. This new version maintains the same 2.4mm diameter as the 24F cable, incorporating customised low-friction jacketing and HFCL’s world-class 200-micron single-mode optical fibre. This cable is uniquely designed to minimise fibre count in the smallest microducts, increasing the maximum available fibre count in a 2.4mm unit by 50%.

The increased fibre density enables operators to maximise capacity within existing duct networks, avoiding the need for costly civil works to install new ducts. This higher packing density is also advantageous for operators leasing duct space, as it allows costs to be distributed across a larger number of fibres. HFCL has consciously implemented eco-friendly measures in the manufacturing of this cable, offering sustainable benefits by minimising the use of plastics and gel per fibre-kilometre and utilising recyclable reels.

The PIA approved 3.5mm 1F aerial drop cable brings a cost effective and high-quality solution to customers. With Openreach’s PIA approval, telecom providers can leverage existing infrastructure to install this 1F aerial drop cable. It is compatible with two leading clamps and works seamlessly with top Aerial Subscriber Nodes (ASN). An ASN is a crucial component in network infrastructure that enables last-mile connectivity, typically in rural or hard-to-reach areas. Mounted on aerial cable poles, it facilitates high-speed internet access by connecting subscribers to the main fibre optic network or wireless network.

Speaking on the launch of the fibre solutions, Mr. Harsh Pagay, Executive President, OF & OFC, HFCL, said, “With over 35 years of experience, HFCL has emerged as a market leader in providing telecom infrastructure, enabling leading telecom operators and ISPs in their digital transformation journeys. With our end-to-end optical solution offerings from fibre, fibre cables, and optical interconnect kits, we are a partner of choice by our customers world over for years. With the UK government investing in nationwide infrastructure upgrade, the UK market holds huge potential for HFCL in supporting the growing appetite of 5G networks and single-build FTTH deployments. Our unwavering commitment towards innovation, customer-centricity, and building future-ready infrastructure, positions us a trusted partner in reshaping the future and making significant contributions to the UK’s digital landscape.”

Rob Gilbert, VP- UK & Ireland, HFCL, said, “We are excited to launch our innovative, next-gen Compact Fibre Units and extended Nano cable range in the UK, one of the leading global economies and a priority market for HFCL. We aim to share our expertise, resources, and technology (directly or via our trusted partners) to help telecom operators in the UK extend the reach of their network infrastructure and digital services to remote and underserved areas. Our experienced UK-based team, along with local offices and warehousing facilities, is focused on developing eco-friendly solutions, underscoring our commitment to supporting full fibre, yet sustainable, deployment in the UK.”

For FY 2024-25, Building Digital UK (BDUK) is focused on expanding gigabit-capable connectivity to hard-to-reach areas across the UK. This initiative supports the government’s goal of achieving at least 85% gigabit coverage by 2025, through a mix of commercial builds and subsidised projects. BDUK also aims to extend gigabit-capable broadband nationwide by 2030.

This solution range launched by HFCL is designed to meet the network requirements of telcos and multiple system operators (MSOs) deploying FTTx services in microducts, targeting markets in the UK, Europe, and North America. HFCL’s innovative approach and focus on sustainability set these products apart from competitors, offering superior performance with unmatched customer service.

About HFCL

HFCL is a leading technology company specializing in creating digital networks for telcos, enterprises, and governments. Over the years, HFCL has emerged as a trusted partner offering sustainable high-tech solutions with a commitment to providing the latest technology products to its customers. HFCL’s strong R&D expertise coupled with its global system integration services and decades of experience in fibre optics enable it to deliver innovative digital network solutions required for the most advanced networks.

The Company’s in-house R&D Centres located in India at Gurgaon, Bengaluru and Hyderabad along with invested R&D houses and other R&D collaborators at different locations in India and abroad, innovate a futuristic range of technology products and solutions. HFCL has developed capabilities to provide premium quality Optical Fibre and Optical Fibre Cables, state- of-the-art telecom products including 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) products, 5G Transport Products, Wi-Fi Systems (Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7), Unlicensed Band Radios, Switches, Routers and Defence electronics products.

The Company has state-of-the-art Optical Fibre and Optical Fibre Cable manufacturing plants in Hyderabad, and Optical Fibre Cable manufacturing plants in Goa and at its subsidiary HTL Limited in Chennai.

HFCL is a partner of choice for its customers across India, UK, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and North America. HFCL’s commitment to quality and environmental sustainability inspires it to innovate solutions for the ever- evolving customer needs.

Visit www.hfcl.com and https://hfcl.com/ofc/en-gb/ for more information.

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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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Representatives from 57 countries, regions and 6 international organizations, are gathering in Suzhou.

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What important topics are they discussing about? Let’s find out!

BEIJING, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — I’m Xiao Lin from National Immigration Administration. On September 9th, the first Sub-Forum on Migration Management Cooperation was successfully held. Representatives from all parties expressed their insights and appeals around the development and innovation of migration governance.

It was truly a content-rich event!

Why does the international community focus on the topic of “Migration Governance” so much?

At present, changes unseen in a century is unfolding at a faster pace. The situation in the wider world remains complex and fluid. However, peace, development, cooperation and win-win results are still an unstoppable historical trend. Migration governance is critical to economic development of individual countries, global security governance and international cultural and people-to-people exchanges. It has increasingly become a key issue in global governance.

Here are the key points:
At the forum, NIA made three commitments: implementing more open policies for the cross-border flow of people, more effective actions in the governance of transnational crimes and more extensive global cooperation in migration governance, injecting new impetus to opening up and development; At the same time, three initiatives have been put forward, [Original scene of the initiative] contributing China’s wisdom and solutions to global migration governance and further showcasing its image as an open, confident, secure, and thriving major power.

Representatives also made keynote speeches, sharing their migration governance policies, measures and experience, and providing their perspectives on regional and international migration governance.

Pooling wisdom for win-win results.

In a changing era, National Immigration Administration of China stands ready to work with all parties to promote global migration governance to a higher level and contribute more wisdom to world peace, development, prosperity and stability!

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SOURCE National Immigration Administration

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