Starlink Expands Global Reach into Vietnam While Tesla and Rivian Innovate

Starlink has received approval to operate in Vietnam with a cap of 600,000 subscribers until 2030, while discussions in Italy have stalled due to political reasons. Tesla is upgrading the Cybertruck’s steer-by-wire system, and Rivian has created a new spinoff startup focusing on micro EVs, raising $105 million. The Financial Times retracted a controversial article on Tesla, emphasizing audit trustworthiness.

Starlink has secured approval from the Vietnamese government to initiate internet services, including mobile and aviation plans, marking a significant expansion for SpaceX in Asia. This permission is granted on a trial basis, extending until the end of 2030, with a subscriber cap of 600,000 during this period. The services will encompass both fixed and mobile internet plans throughout Vietnam, potentially expanding into aviation services as well.

In contrast to the positive developments in Vietnam, Italy has paused discussions regarding a Starlink contract, citing political controversies about Elon Musk. The Italian Defense Minister, Guido Crosetto, attributed the halt to ongoing debates surrounding Musk, despite Italy considering a substantial contract worth $1.6 billion over five years with SpaceX for Starlink services.

Meanwhile, SpaceX is also pursuing opportunities in India, having forged agreements with two major telecom companies for planned Starlink services, though it is still awaiting governmental approval. Despite these challenges, SpaceX is actively enhancing its offerings, recently announcing plans for a new Starlink dish capable of delivering gigabit speeds.

Tesla is making advancements to the steer-by-wire system in its Cybertruck, enhancing this unique feature exclusive to the vehicle. Unlike traditional steering systems, steer-by-wire offers mechanical steering through advanced technology, contributing to navigational ease in tight spaces. Upcoming updates will provide more realistic steering feedback that adapts according to road conditions, further improving the driver experience.

Rivian has spun off a new startup, named Also, focused on micro electric vehicles. Recently securing $105 million in funding from Eclipse Ventures, the venture started as a project within Rivian to adapt its technology for smaller electric vehicles. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has highlighted that there will always be a connection between Rivian and Also, which is aiming to launch its first vehicles by 2026 and target markets in the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America.

The Financial Times has retracted a previous report accusing Tesla of dubious accounting practices, causing confusion in the financial community. After the retraction, a clearer picture emerged regarding Tesla’s financials, attributing discrepancies to misinterpretations of asset purchases and sales rather than misconduct. Elon Musk has quipped about the situation on social media, emphasizing the need to trust expert judgment in financial matters.

In conclusion, Starlink’s recent authorization in Vietnam represents a milestone in expanding internet services in Asia, contrasting with halted negotiations in Italy. Concurrently, Tesla’s Cybertruck enhancements aim to improve user experience, while Rivian’s spinoff focuses on compact electric vehicles, highlighting ongoing innovation in the EV sector. Additionally, the Financial Times’ retraction of its Tesla report underscores the importance of integrity in financial reporting.

Original Source: www.teslarati.com