Verizon is acquiring Frontier for $20 billion, aiming to expand its fiber network and compete more effectively with AT&T. The deal will add 2.2 million fiber subscribers across 25 states, extending Verizon’s reach to 10 million customers. The acquisition is a strategic move to accelerate growth and enhance its offerings as Verizon faces slowing revenue. Frontier, which filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and settled with the FTC over misleading speeds, brings valuable assets despite recent challenges.

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In this episode of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochrane, the main focus is Verizon’s $20 billion acquisition of Frontier. Todd discusses the details and implications of the deal, expressing skepticism and describing the acquisition as potentially problematic, considering Frontier’s past issues, including bankruptcy and an FTC settlement related to service misrepresentations.

Todd begins the episode by discussing the technical details and strategic goals behind Verizon’s decision to purchase Frontier, such as expanding its fiber network and increasing its competitiveness against AT&T. Despite these points, Todd is critical of the move, sharing his view that Frontier may not be a beneficial acquisition and disparagingly referring to the company.

Throughout the episode, Todd also updates listeners on his personal life and adjustments after moving. He details his ongoing process of organizing his new home, which he refers to as “Phase Two,” and plans for “Phase Three,” which involves sorting items in his storage unit. He reflects on taking Labor Day off and balancing work and personal life adjustments.

Tech and cybersecurity news forms a substantial part of the episode. Todd discusses various topics, including the perpetration of a music streaming fraud involving AI, attacks on Planned Parenthood’s IT systems by ransomware groups, discussions on YouTube’s policies towards fitness videos for teenagers, and a cyber attack on Planned Parenthood. Additionally, Todd delves into Google’s exploration of AI in job interview processes, new AI detection tools by YouTube, a treaty regarding AI and human rights, and other cybersecurity incidents.

Todd highlights updates and insights regarding new products and updates like Samsung’s latest Galaxy Book, discussions on Bill Gates’s perspective on AI, and a call for more transparent consumer information on the lifespan of smart devices.

Additionally, Todd discusses broader technology dynamics, such as updates on Bluetooth technology, market dynamics involving PayPal and Amazon, and issues surrounding content moderation on platforms like META concerning political content.

The episode is interspersed with personal anecdotes, shoutouts to sponsors including a recurring sponsorship with GoDaddy, listener interactions through emails, and updates on personal projects and Todd’s engagement with his audience through various digital channels.

In summary, this episode of Geek News Central covers a wide range of topics, from high-profile corporate acquisitions and technology updates to personal anecdotes and listener interactions. It is anchored by Todd Cochrane’s detailed discussion of Verizon’s acquisition of Frontier.

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• 12:22–Cyberattack hits Planned Parenthood
  
• 39:23–Apple’s chatbot
  
• 13:25–Waymo
  
• 14:49–YouTube restricts teenagers’ access to fitness videos
  
• 17:50–YouTube developing AI tools
  
• 21:44–UK signs AI safety treaty
  
• 25:34–Internet Archive loses appeal
  
• 30:03–Samsung’s new Galaxy Book 5 Pro
  
• 31:25–Bill Gates has a good feeling about AI
  
• 34:43–FTC and smart devices
  
• 37:30–US and Russian election interference
  
• 41:05–Two Nigerians sentenced to prison
  
• 42:25–Bluetooth 6.0
  
• 43:32–iPhone 16 buyers
  
• 43:48–The FCC has finally banned Kaspersky
  
• 44:06–North Korean hackers target job seekers
  
• 44:51–Blue Origin drone ship arrives in Port Cavernal 
  
• 45:42–Predator spyware resurfaces
  
• 45:58–AT&T sues Broadcom
  
• 46:20–Meta’s Oversight Board
  
• 48:36–X faces a lawsuit
  
• 08:12–Verizon buys Frontier for billions
  
• 10:16–Musician charged with music streaming fraud
  
• 50:15–PayPal
  
• 51:25–Amazon congratulates itself
  

The post Verizon’s $20 Billion Gamble on Frontier #1764 appeared first on Geek News Central.