Google Ruled Monopolist: The Week in Tech

In Mexico, fiber optic broadband adoption has surged by 258% over the past four years, surpassing OECD averages. Cisco has launched a digital skills program focused on nearshoring in partnership with key government ministries. Meanwhile, the Mexican hardware sector, which saw a boost in e-commerce during the pandemic, is now experiencing slower growth.

Internationally, a US judge ruled that Google holds a monopoly in the search market, while Meta reported a 22% revenue increase driven by its Family of Apps, despite ongoing struggles in its Metaverse division. The FAA has approved unobserved drone flights in Dallas airspace, marking a significant advancement in commercial drone operations. Additionally, Intel announced plans to lay off 15,000 workers and cut US$10 billion in costs by 2025.

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Mexico

Fiber Optic Broadband Adoption Soars 258% in Latin America

In Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica, fiber optic broadband adoption has grown by 258% over the past four years, reflecting a significant shift in telecommunications infrastructure in these countries and surpassing the average fiber optic penetration among member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). 

Cisco Mexico Launches Digital Skills Program for Nearshoring

Cisco Systems Mexico, in collaboration with the Ministries of Economy (SE), Education (SEP) and Labor and Social Welfare (STPS), has launched the program “Relocation in Mexico: Opportunities for Talent Development in Digital Skills”, focusing on developing digital skills to address the phenomenon of nearshoring. 

E-Commerce Growth Slows in Mexican Hardware Sector

The Mexican hardware sector is undergoing a technology-driven modernization, with e-commerce experiencing a 30% increase during the pandemic. However, recent growth has slowed to 8-10%. Javier Garcia, director, Expo Nacional Ferretera 2024, highlights that "from the smallest hardware stores to the largest, they are now managed by a new generation of leaders who are more open to digital platforms," Garcia said.

International

Google Monopoly Ruling: What It Means for the Company

The US Department of Justice has found Google guilty of monopolistic practices by imposing its search engine as default on devices through agreements with manufacturers like Apple, in violation of antitrust laws. This ruling, stemming from a lawsuit by the Department of Justice, could impact up to 15% of Alphabet's revenues. Additionally, the court criticized Google for failing to adequately preserve evidence, which may affect future litigation.

Meta's Revenue Climbs 22% but Metaverse Division Struggles

Meta's revenues grew by 22% in the second quarter to US$38.7 billion, driven primarily by its Family of Apps segment. However, the Reality Labs division, which focuses on the Metaverse, remains a financial burden with losses amounting to US$449 million.

FAA Approves Unobserved Drone Flights in Dallas Airspace

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized multiple operators to conduct commercial drone flights without visual observers in Dallas, Texas airpace. This decision allows Zipline International and Wing Aviation to perform deliveries while ensuring their drones are safely separated using advanced Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) technology.

Intel to Lay Off 15,000 Workers, Cut US$10 Billion in Costs

Intel will cut over 15,000 jobs and US$10 billion in costs by 2025, addressing recent financial losses and streamlining operations. The move includes slashing R&D and marketing budgets, reducing capital expenditures, and suspending its dividend. This major restructuring aims to stabilize the company and improve efficiency amid ongoing financial challenges, states the company press release.