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Just when you thought the Houston Texans ' Week 12 loss to the Tennessee Titans couldn't get worse, the NFL found a way. The league announced that they have fined multiple Texans players for acts committed in the team's devasting loss. Three fines for #Texans from #NFL : Azeez Al-Shaair $11,255 for unnecessary roughness for late hit out of bounds. Neville Hewitt $11,255 for unnecessary roughness for late hit M.J. Stewart $16,883 for unnecessary roughness for a blindside block @KPRC2 NFL fines three Texans players ahead of Week 13 The NFL handed out 16 fines in total from Week 12, three of which were Texans players. Nearly 20% of the fines from Week 12 are being assessed just to players on the Texans, which is pretty wild to think about. The league fined Azeez Al-Shaair and Neville Hewitt $11,255.00 and M.J. Stewart $16,883.00. Stewart's fine is tied for the second-highest given out for Week 12, and Al-Shaair and Hewitt's fines are tied for the fourth-highest. Self-inflicted errors plagued the Texans on the field and played a major factor in their Week 12 loss. So, these fines being announced truly feel like icing on the cake for what felt like a disaster week for the franchise. But now it's time to leave it in the past and focus on Week 13 and their matchup with another AFC South foe, the Jacksonville Jaguars . This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.CLASS ACTION NOTICE: Berger Montague Advises Evolv Technologies (NASDAQ: EVLV) Investors to ...
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The recent conditional approval granted by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) to Starlink for its direct-to-cell ( D2C ) services is a pivotal step in the evolution of global connectivity. The promise of D2C services is nothing short of transformative — a world where your smartphone can connect directly to satellites for emergency communication, no matter how remote or disaster-stricken the location. Recent developments globally and locally, including partnerships such as Starlink’s trials with Optus in Australia, showcase the potential of this emerging technology. However, while these advancements highlight immense possibilities, they also expose significant challenges, including delays in service readiness and scalability issues that could slow widespread adoption. NBN and telcos feeling pressure from new satellite operators The rapid expansion of satellite communications companies is disrupting and reshaping the telecommunications industry. Australia’s role in the D2C revolution For Australians, the collaboration between Starlink and Optus has become a focal point for exploring D2C’s potential. Australia’s vast, sparsely populated landscapes make it an ideal proving ground for technologies that extend connectivity beyond the reach of traditional mobile networks. The partnership aims to address the long-standing connectivity divide between urban and remote regions, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters like bushfires and floods. While the technology is promising, Optus and Starlink remain in the trial stage, focusing on delivering SMS and emergency alerts. These capabilities align with global applications, such as Starlink’s role during Hurricane Milton in the U.S. Yet, as demonstrated in the hurricane scenario, the service has limitations. In Florida , users relying solely on Starlink’s network faced wait times of up to 15 minutes for satellite visibility — a stark reminder of the gap between current capabilities and the goal of seamless, continuous coverage. The challenges of scale Globally, D2C services are hampered by one critical issue: scale. To deliver uninterrupted service, thousands of low-Earth orbit ( LEO ) or very low-Earth orbit ( VLEO ) satellites are needed. Currently, Starlink operates a network of 222 D2C satellites, far short of the thousands required for continuous connectivity. This limitation was evident during Hurricane Milton, where users experienced intermittent access, highlighting the need for a significantly larger constellation to ensure reliability. The challenges of deploying a vast satellite network are compounded in VLEO environments. Satellites at these altitudes face greater atmospheric drag and degradation from atomic oxygen, shortening their operational lifespans and increasing replacement costs. While Starlink asserts that these costs are manageable, the need for frequent satellite replacements could strain even well-funded operations, potentially delaying the rollout of full-scale D2C services. Low Earth Orbit satellites to shake up telecoms market The Government is taking steps towards investing in increased satellite connectivity to upgrade service to remote areas. Service delays and the road ahead Recent performance data underscores the developmental stage of D2C services. For Australians, this means the full benefits of the Optus-Starlink collaboration may not materialise for several years. Users should temper expectations, particularly for high-bandwidth applications like voice and video calls, which remain far from feasible under current satellite constellations. Despite these challenges, the early impact of D2C services is undeniable. During Hurricane Milton, Starlink enabled T-Mobile to carry over 120 emergency alerts and 120,000 text messages, providing critical lifelines in disaster-stricken areas. Similarly, Apple’s Emergency SOS service via the Globalstar satellite network has demonstrated the life-saving potential of D2C technology, particularly in off-grid scenarios. Australia’s opportunity and responsibility For Australia, D2C services represent a unique opportunity to address the longstanding challenges of remote and disaster-prone regions. However, the road ahead requires patience and realistic expectations. Policymakers, telecom providers and satellite operators must collaborate to ensure this technology evolves responsibly. Key focus areas include: Scalability: Accelerating satellite deployment to achieve continuous coverage. Affordability: Ensuring services remain cost-effective for consumers, especially in remote regions. Environmental impact: Addressing concerns around space debris and satellite lifespans in VLEO. In summary Direct-to-cell services are a game-changing technology, but they are not yet a fully realised solution. The Optus-Starlink trials and global applications like those seen during Hurricane Milton highlight the potential, but also the limitations, of these early-stage systems. For now, Australians should view D2C as an exciting yet evolving technology, with significant hurdles to overcome before it can deliver on its promise of ubiquitous, seamless connectivity. As the industry scales up and addresses its challenges, D2C may well redefine the way we think about mobile communication — offering a lifeline to those who need it most, when they need it most. Paul Budde is an Independent Australia columnist and managing director of Paul Budde Consulting , an independent telecommunications research and consultancy organisation. You can follow Paul on Twitter @PaulBudde . This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Australia License Support independent journalism Subscribe to IA. BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DIRECT-TO-CELL D2C telecommunications Starlink Optus FCC Hurricane Milton connectivity emergency services LEO Share Article
Trump names David Sacks as White House AI and crypto czar(BPT) - The holidays are almost here! It means parties and events, hustle and bustle ... and figuring out what to buy for everyone on your list. Sometimes it's hard to get inspired with great ideas that your nears and dears will love at a price you can afford, right? The good news? Inspiration + savings are covered this year. One of the top gifts of Holiday 2024 is technology, and there are a lot of deals out there right now. Done and done! Here are 5 ideas for hot tech gifts for everyone on your list. Smartphones for the family T-Mobile is running a hot deal right now. Get four new smartphones at T-Mobile — this includes Samsung Galaxy S24 and other eligible devices — and four lines for just $100/month . It doesn't get better than that! These new Galaxy phones are tech-tastic, too, with features like AI, Circle to Search with Google, which can be used to help solve math problems and translate entire pages of text in a different language, and Note Assist with Galaxy AI, which lets you focus on capturing your notes and then Note Assist will summarize, format and even translate them for you. High tech spiral notebook for students We've got to admit, this is pretty cool. The Rocketbook looks (a bit) like a regular spiral, paper notebook. Here's the high tech twist: You can take notes, capture ideas, brainstorm, draw — whatever you do on paper — on the pad, and the Rocketbook digitizes your doodles and saves to the cloud device of your choice. Then you simply wipe the pad clean and it's good to go. Look for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at your favorite online retailer. Wrist-worthy smartwatches for athletes (or those who want to be) Everyone loves smartwatches (if you're not already tracking your sleep and heart rate, where have you been?) and the Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm & 45mm) takes it to the next level with features for athletes or anyone who may be setting fitness goals for the coming year. The watch has workout prompts like Real Time Guidance — audio and haptic cues for when to sprint, cool down or maintain pace. It gives you the ability to program your workouts and even monitors your cadence and stride. It also has Offline Maps, with driving navigation, search and maps. Here's the deal of the century: Get it for free at T-Mobile when adding a qualifying watch line. Cute wireless keyboard for people who are all thumbs Who else is annoyed by typing email or texts or social posts on a smartphone? The Logitech Multi-Device Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard solves that problem with style! It comes in sweet colors like lavender, it's wireless, it's small and portable, and it works with just about any device. Pop it into your backpack or purse and you'll never have to thumb-out a message again. Speakers perfect for hosting and giving Have a music lover in your life or need the perfect hosting gift? T-Mobile has you covered. For a limited time, you can get the JBL Clip 5 for free when you pick up a Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 . The JBL Clip 5 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for those on the go and the Onyx Studio 9's sleek design and booming sound will take care of all your holiday hosting needs. For more tech-tastic holiday gift inspiration, check out T-Mobile's holiday gift guide at t-mobile.com/devices/tech-gifts .
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Stillwater’s starting center inherited more than just the name Enrique Sanchez from his father and grandfather. A family from Chihuahua, Mexico, planted roots in Stillwater, Oklahoma, 44 years ago and has watched them grow into a prosperous family based on hard work, love and football. Nearly 400 days ago, Sanchez had his season cut short after tearing his ACL in the district title game against Muskogee a week before the playoffs began. Sanchez still remembers every detail from that moment – especially how it made him feel. “I’ll never forget getting helped up and walking myself to the sideline,” Sanchez said. “I felt that something was wrong but I was confused because I was able to walk.” It was quickly diagnosed as the notorious ACL tear, and Sanchez had surgery a little over a month later. Now, things are coming full circle in his senior season. Sanchez played his first career playoff game last Friday in Stillwater’s 49-14 win over Putnam City North. Now, he’s getting another shot at Muskogee – this time with a spot in the state championship game on the line. Stillwater High center Enrique Sanchez (52) is playing in his first postseason after suffering a torn ACL just before the playoffs last year. Stillwater will look to advance to the state championship with a win over Muskogee on Friday. “I’m really excited,” Sanchez said. “More than scared or nervous or not really revenge. Just excited, to be honest. Missing out on the playoff experience last year makes me more motivated.” The excitement undoubtedly comes from the months and months of rehab that it took for Sanchez to be ready to play again. The typical recovery time from ACL surgery is six to nine months. During that time, Sanchez leaned on one of the many valuable lessons that he’s been taught from his dad, Enrique Sanchez Sr. “Just keep pushing forward, one play at a time,” Sanchez Sr said to his son. “That’s life.” So, Sanchez treated each day as its own play, not looking past it until each one was completed. “Focus on your workout right now, focus on what’s ahead of you, right ahead of you,” Sanchez said. “Then the next day, focus on your next workout, or focus on trying to do something better, trying to get stronger.” Sanchez Sr. has used that same philosophy for most of his life. As a young child, he came from Chihuahua (about 160 miles southwest from the Texas border) to Stillwater in 1980 when his dad, also Enrique Sanchez, attended Oklahoma State University for a Ph.D. in Animal Science. He remembers living in married student housing at just 6 years old before then going back to Mexico. Turns out the Sanchez family was destined to be in Stillwater again. Sanchez Sr. found his way back to Oklahoma State in 2006 after being presented with the opportunity to earn his own degree. A year later, he was offered an opportunity to get a masters’ degree in International Studies. At this same time, his wife, Belinda, was pregnant with Enrique. The Sanchez family has been in Stillwater ever since, and Sanchez Sr is now the assistant director of operations for OSU Housing and Residential Life and Belinda is the assignments coordinator there. The Sanchez family poses for a photo after Stillwater’s playoff win vs PC North. Sanchez (No. 52) is joined by his father, Enrique (right), his mother, Belinda (left) and his sisters Ana and Sabrina (far left). “It’s crazy how that all works out,” Sanchez Jr said. “It just makes you appreciate the small things.” The entire Sanchez family has looked on as Enrique Jr. goes through his senior year at Stillwater. His dad, mom and two sisters – Ana and Sabrina – were all there for his first game back against Union. “The adrenaline and everything that I experienced and that I loved from the game just came back in that moment,” Sanchez said. “I wanted to run out with the American flag. I ran super fast with that flag, and then I actually remember I ran up to the student section and I started waving the flag in front of them.” Sanchez left his mark on the thrilling overtime victory in that game. The Pioneers decided to go for the win on a two-point conversion, and it was a QB power up the middle – right behind the guidance of Sanchez. Sanchez gave the final push to get Mason Schubert across the goal line. The fans stormed the field, and Sanchez Sr. had a proud dad moment. Somebody next to him said, “Did you see that push from No. 52?” “That’s my son,” Sanchez Sr. replied. “This kid is someone special, not just to me, but the people around him,” Sanchez Sr. said. “He has a special angel behind him that influences people around him.” And Sanchez is proud of the influences of his family. Both his father and grandfather played football themselves in Mexico, and that was passed down to Sanchez when he was eight years old. “Football is so engraved on my heart,” Sanchez Sr said. “My son playing in football games will end, but we will share that love forever.” The mutual respect between father and son has created a truly special bond between Enrique Sr and Jr. “The most important thing in my life is having that relationship with someone that I love and someone that loves me, that’s something that you can’t buy or get anywhere else,” Sanchez said. Also passed down is the importance of their hispanic heritage. Sanchez wears that badge with honor, and hopes that he can inspire people like him. Enrique Sanchez (52) prepares to snap the ball against Putnam City North in Stillwater’s second-round playoff game. “I’m glad that I made it to this point so that I can hopefully show other people that are in my position – that are maybe not the not the biggest or not the fastest – that it is possible and that there’s times when you have to put your head down and work,” Sanchez said. “I just hope that I can inspire some people that share my heritage to step out and try really hard.” Sanchez and the Pioneers will put the season on the line on Friday against Muskogee in the state semifinal game. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. at Catoosa High School. The Sanchez family will be there to support their son in his final weeks of football before he goes on to attend Oklahoma State University just like his namesakes before him did. “There’s nothing he cannot do when he puts his mind to it,” Sanchez Sr said. “I’m really proud of this whole season,” Sanchez said. “I’m glad I’m here where I am, and that I have the name that I have.”Caitlin Clark Bends Knee to the Woke Mob, Says White People Have 'Privilege'Womad Aotearoa 2025: Award-winning chocolatier and scientists join line-up - Clone