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Panasonic Announces Return to the US with New Line-Up of OLED and Mini-LED TVs with Fire TV Built In

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Panasonic TVs are once again available in the United StatesComprehensive range includes OLED and Mini-LED TVs, with sizes from 55 to 85 inches.All models feature Panasonic’s renowned picture and audio quality and are designed and developed mainly in Japan.Aligned with Panasonic’s announced development deal with Amazon, all models will feature the Fire TV Built In. Available for purchase from retail partners including Amazon and Costco.com starting today.

NEWARK, N.J., Sept. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Panasonic announced its return to the US with its industry-leading TVs after a decade-long absence. The new line-up includes OLED (Z95A and Z85A) and Mini-LED (W95A) TVs ranging from 55 to 85 inches, all designed and developed in Japan, showcasing Panasonic’s outstanding picture quality.

Through a global collaboration with Amazon, these models come with Fire TV built in, offering a seamless, content-forward smart TV experience. Starting today, US consumers can pre-order these TVs from retailers such as Amazon and Costco.com.

Yasunari Anan, Executive Vice President of Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd., said: “The United States is crucially important to us, and ever since we left ten years ago, it has been my mission to find a way to return. Today is the end of that long journey and the beginning of a new one to bring new choice to US consumers. From this year, we have started a global collaboration with Amazon so that new Panasonic smart TVs will have Fire TV built in. These TVs have already been launched in Japan, Asia, Oceania, and Europe and the response from consumers has absolutely exceeded our expectations. We are confident US consumers are also going to be thrilled with them.”

“We’re excited to expand our collaboration with Panasonic—combining their outstanding picture quality together with Fire TV’s content-forward streaming experience—to U.S. customers,” said Daniel Rausch, VP of Alexa and Fire TV at Amazon. “This new lineup offers OLED and Mini LED displays—firsts for Fire TV built in—as well as the immersive Fire TV Ambient Experience. Customers in other countries have been loving the brilliant display, seamless Alexa integration, and impressive audio these smart TVs offer. We look forward to bringing this premium viewing experience to even more customers.”

Reasons for US Return

Panasonic, one of Japan’s most popular consumer electronics brands, was driven to re-enter the US by a strong belief in the unmet demand for their televisions, particularly among consumers seeking the highest possible picture quality. As consumers live through what many call the Golden Age of Television, the number of discerning viewers has increased, with more people wanting to experience their favorite content exactly as it was intended. Panasonic’s collaboration with Hollywood professionals has resulted in TVs that deliver an exceptional viewing experience right out of the box, reflecting their renowned Japanese precision and expertise.

In addition to the demand for high-quality picture performance, the rise of smart homes has transformed consumer expectations. Panasonic recognized that today’s viewers desire more than just great picture quality; they seek smart experiences that seamlessly integrate with their evolving smart home environments. By partnering with Amazon, Panasonic has ensured that their TVs provide outstanding smart capabilities, allowing users to connect effortlessly with other devices and platforms.

Panasonic’s flexible business structure and global manufacturing platform have enabled them to expand efficiently, making it possible to meet the diverse needs of the US consumers. With their unique combination of cutting-edge Japanese technology, accurate picture and sound quality, innovative design, advanced integration of Fire TV, and competitive pricing, Panasonic is confident in its ability to offer something truly valuable to US consumers.

Unique Panasonic Offering

Panasonic TVs have long been known for the accuracy of their picture quality out of the box. Panasonic achieved this through combining proprietary Japanese technology and knowhow with years of collaboration with Hollywood’s leading creators, who have helped Panasonic continuously fine-tune their hallmark picture accuracy. For professionals and enthusiasts, Panasonic offers a wide range of picture settings, enabling them to achieve the precise visual experience they desire.

However, Panasonic’s mission extends beyond catering solely to experts. The brand is driven by the belief that everyone should have access to the best possible picture quality. To this end, Panasonic employs optional Auto AI features that automatically adjust picture settings based on the type of content being viewed and the ambient light in a room. This ensures that casual viewers, who may prefer not to tweak settings manually, can still enjoy an optimal viewing experience. By catering to both kinds of users—those who appreciate detailed customization and those who prefer effortless adjustments—Panasonic delivers access to accurate picture quality for everyone. 

See It All. Feel It All.

With over 70 years of experience in television development, Panasonic remains at the forefront of delivering outstandingly accurate picture quality for its customers. This achievement is a result of a unique combination of cutting-edge Japanese engineering, advanced technology, and close collaboration with Hollywood’s leading experts, known for their “golden eyes.”

The central challenge in Panasonic’s TV development lies in ensuring that three critical components—the cell, the module, and the processor—work together in perfect harmony. This synergy is essential to unlocking the maximum performance potential of each panel. By meticulously tuning these elements with input from Hollywood’s finest visual experts, Panasonic strives to achieve uncompromised picture accuracy. Any misalignment among these components would undermine the precise picture quality that Panasonic aims to deliver.

At the heart of Panasonic’s picture quality is the HCX Pro AI Processor MK II processor, which serves as the brain of the operation. The processor is crucial in delivering accuracy in color, contrast, and clarity, ensuring that Panasonic TVs provide optimal picture quality right out of the box.

Color: Panasonic’s dynamic 3D LUTs (Look-Up Tables) enable precisely detailed color reproduction, with thousands of registry points ensuring true-to-life colors.

Contrast: Supporting major HDR formats, Panasonic’s unique tone-mapping technology optimizes for natural contrast reproduction, delivering stunning images regardless of brightness levels.

Clarity: The processor enhances gradation, motion images, and detail through advanced analysis functions, including 4K Fine Remaster and Smooth Motion Drive Pro, ensuring a sharp and clear viewing experience.

Panasonic’s dedication to integrating these elements into a cohesive whole underscores its commitment to providing the most accurate picture quality, bringing customers closer to the filmmaker’s original vision.

Line Up for the United States

Panasonic announced that it will initially sell three series of TVs in the United States. The flagship Z95A OLED TV, available in 65″; the Z85A OLED TV, available in 65″ and 55″ sizes. In addition, Panasonic will also sell the W95 mini-LED series, available in 55″, 65″, 75″, and a whopping 85″ sizes. All of these TVs are substantially the same as those sold by the brand in other regions, with some minor regional differences.

The new Z95A OLED TV represents the combination of a brand-new chipset and bright panel, the HCX Pro AI Processor MK II, with the Master OLED Ultimate panel, with Panasonic’s technical accuracy made possible by Japanese knowhow and engineering, merged with the color-tuning skills of Stefan Sonnenfeld. Sonnenfeld, Founder and CEO of Company 3 is a trusted collaborator of some of the world’s best filmmakers. He is among a handful of leading artists who have championed the power of color grading to tell stories and communicate emotion.

Described by NPR as the “da Vinci of the movies,” Sonnenfeld has applied his skills as a colorist to many of the most acclaimed and popular features of the past decade: Top Gun: Maverick, A Star is Born, Wonder Woman, HBO’s White Lotus, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Jurassic World, 300 and many more. Like many other leading colorists, studios, and postproduction houses, he uses Panasonic OLED screens as large-format client reference monitors in his daily workflow.

Panasonic’s Z95A utilizes a Master OLED Ultimate panel module which is equipped with state-of-the-art Micro Lens Array and a multi-layer heat management configuration developed by Panasonic engineers. The panel delivers unprecedented brightness thanks to improvements in the driving technology and this heat management.

The 2024 global brand new HCX Pro AI Processor MK II in all models powers the new 4K Remaster Engine which elevates streaming picture clarity, by combining AI and mathematical models for crisp, natural images, and superior streaming noise reduction. Gradation has also been improved to reduce banding.

Both sets also support Dolby Vision IQTM Precision detail, a picture enhancement system that aims to reveal extra details. It is an advancement on Dolby Vision IQTM and operates by adjusting the light levels in each area of the screen to draw out more detail, without boosting the brightness to a point where the image looks washed out.

This technology works in tandem with a TV’s embedded ambient light sensors to perceive how bright it is in the living room and then adjust the on-screen picture to ensure that every detail can be seen, even the darkest of scenes. The new HCX Pro AI Processor MK II also enables Dolby Vision® support up to 144Hz.

Technics engineers have also meticulously tuned the Z95A displays to ensure content is viewed and heard as intended by its creators. With 360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics, featuring multidirectional speakers and Dolby Atmos® support, delivering immersive 3D surround sound.

The latest Mini LED panel technology featured in the W95A brings enhanced backlight control with Local Dimming Ultra for the tightest reproduction of image brightness and darkness. This Panasonic engineering minimises the “halo effect” found on many LCD TVs, and a Quantum Dot Sheet brings further superior color reproduction and contrast enhancements.

Panasonic with Fire TV built in: Explore more. Feel more.

Thanks to a global collaboration with Amazon, Panasonic’s newly launched TVs seamlessly integrate your favorite streaming and live TV channels, apps, and tailored recommendations on one main home screen so you can quickly find what you love without the endless scrolling. Users can create up to six user profiles and have access to unique watchlists, personalized recommendations, and settings. They include the Voice Remote with Alexa to easily launch apps, play music, search for titles, and more, using your voice. The Z95A also has far-field voice control with Alexa, so you can easily control your entertainment experience with your voice from across the living room without reaching for the remote.

These TVs are also not just entertainment devices, but also hubs for smart home management. Fully compatible with Alexa-enabled devices such as Ring Doorbells, they feature a smart home dashboard, enabling users to monitor and control their connected home ecosystem seamlessly. They all also transform into dynamic displays when content is not streaming with the Fire TV Ambient Experience. The Ambient Experience turns the biggest screen in your home into a beautiful, always-on smart display rotating through beautiful art, personal photos, and glanceable information like calendars and reminders that keep you updated throughout the day through customizable Alexa widgets.

Finally, when not in use for viewing content, those TVs transform into dynamic displays. The Fire TV Ambient Experience turns the biggest screen in your home into a beautiful, always-smart display. This can turn the TV into an in-home gallery, display personal photos, and show glanceable information like calendars and reminders through customizable Alexa widgets.

In addition, Panasonic TV remotes have the unique “MyApp” button, which can be programmed to directly open a favorite app, channel, or even a favorite voice control command.

Level Up Your Game

In recent years, gaming has undergone a rapid transformation. Storylines are crafted with the depth and excitement of Hollywood blockbusters, 3D worlds have expanded in size and realism, and countless gaming universes await exploration. To fully immerse themselves in this evolving entertainment landscape, gamers have traditionally relied on monitors designed to maximize the performance of the latest consoles and PCs, which boast advanced rendering technologies and lightning-fast load times.

However, Panasonic TVs now offer a compelling alternative, providing the same high-quality experience that gamers have come to expect from specialized monitors. With Panasonic, gamers can enjoy all the benefits of advanced gaming technology on a larger screen, enhancing their immersion in the gaming worlds they love.

In a ground-breaking development for gaming enthusiasts, the Z95A are some of the world’s first OLED TVs to deliver a 144Hz refresh rate. This feature ensures unparalleled responsiveness, a boon for gamers seeking a competitive edge. The heart of this innovation is the New HCX Pro AI Processor MK II, acclaimed for rendering vivid, seamless, and crystal-clear imagery.

Thanks to this new processor, Panasonic is unveiling improved “Game Mode Extreme,” which equips the TVs with cutting-edge gaming functionalities, making them ready for the latest consoles and PCs. Notably, the inclusion of HDMI 2.1 High Frame Rate and VRR up to 144Hz means more frames per second, resulting in faster, smoother gameplay. Another significant enhancement is the improved Dolby Vision Gaming, now also compatible with frame rates up to 144Hz. This upgrade ensures the ultimate contrast and superior picture quality in High Dynamic Range, elevating the gaming experience. 1

Furthermore, these TVs boast an ultra-low input lag, a feature crucial for fast-paced games, as it ensures that every controller action is instantly reflected on the screen, giving players a competitive edge against their opponents.

Panasonic TVs also support True Game Mode, a picture pre-set specifically tailored to enhance color accuracy, including optimal white balance and grayscale settings. The result is a gaming experience that closely aligns with the vision of game developers, offering players a cinematic and authentic visual journey.

In addition to visual enhancements, these TVs also feature specialized Game Sound Modes for RPG (Role-Playing Games) and FPS (First-Person Shooter) genres. The RPG mode creates a 3D soundscape with clear dialogues, essential for immersive storytelling and strategic gameplay. Conversely, the FPS mode is finely tuned to accentuate crucial sound cues, like footsteps, providing a tactical advantage in shooter games.

Furthermore, HDR Picture Adjustment with Tone Mapping OFF is another notable feature. It allows for perfect adjustment of HDR games right at the source, rather than the TV. This ensures high brightness levels and detailed visibility, without overblowing the highlights.

All game settings are easily accessible from an updated ‘Game Control Board’ onscreen overlay, which provides a game settings dashboard allowing fast access to all settings. You can also place it on the customisable My App button on the remote control for quick access.

These TVs are also NVIDIA® G-SYNC® Compatible2 and AMD FreeSync™ Premium certified televisions. Owners of the latest consoles and AMD Radeon™ graphics cards can plug in and play without a care in the world thanks to AMD FreeSync™ technology, which puts an end to choppy gameplay and broken frames for a smooth gaming experience. G-SYNC also means that when a TV is connected to a PC using a NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card, it automatically optimizes input lag and VRR settings, ensuring fluid, tear-free gaming experience that is validated by NVIDIA.

1Z85A: Up to 120Hz

2Only OLED series.

Features and specifications may differ by region.

Dolby, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby Vision IQ is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

©2024 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, Radeon, FreeSync, and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Available to purchase starting today at www.panasonic.com and on Amazon.

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About Panasonic Corporation of North America    

Newark, NJ-based Panasonic Corporation of North America is a leading provider of Consumer Lifestyle technologies, as well as innovative Smart Mobility, Sustainable Energy, Immersive Experiences, and Integrated Supply Chain solutions. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Holdings Corporation. One of Interbrand’s Top 100 Best Global Brands of 2023, Panasonic is a leading technology partner and integrator to businesses, government agencies and consumers across the region. Learn more about Panasonic’s ideas and innovations at na.panasonic.com/us.

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DataOne Adds Massachusetts Registration and Sales Data to Cross-Sell Reports for Auto Dealers, Expanding State Coverage to 40 States

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October 19, 2026

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BEVERLY, Mass., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DataOne Software, a Dominion Enterprises company and a leading provider of automotive data and software solutions, today announced the availability of Massachusetts vehicle registration and sales data within its Cross-Sell Reports market intelligence solutions for dealers. Cross-Sell Reports, including the Cross-Sell Interactive web interface, provide auto dealers with unparalleled insight into local market trends, giving them a competitive edge in reaching new customers and expanding market share. The addition of Massachusetts data to Cross-Sell Reports expands coverage to 40 states.

“As of today, Massachusetts dealers can now access a current, accurate view of new and used vehicle transactions within their market area,” explains David Wall, DataOne head of Cross-Sell Reports. “Localized data, in easy-to-interpret views, are an incredible advantage to dealers who want to spot trends early and make decisions based on accurate market intelligence. We are thrilled to be bringing this capability not only to Massachusetts dealers but also to dealerships in other New England states whose target markets cross into Massachusetts.”

On average, over 3.8 million vehicle transactions are processed monthly for inclusion in Cross-Sell Reports, covering new and used dealer transactions across 40 states, all sourced from official state DMV records.  Each dealer subscription is configured to the dealer’s unique market area and provides:

Competitive market share analysis by dealership, make, and modelZIP code-level heat mapping to identify buyer activity and emerging marketsInventory trend analysis to inform stocking decisions by segment and seasonInteractive dashboards with drill-down reporting — no analytics infrastructure required

“We know dealers trust Cross-Sell Reports for critical market insight, and for those insights to be delivered with industry-leading speed and timeliness,” says Jake Maki, DataOne President. “With the addition of Massachusetts state coverage, we continue to expand our coverage providing more dealers with the most immediate, accurate market intelligence available.”

Since welcoming the Cross-Sell brand into DataOne earlier this year, DataOne has accelerated efforts to expand state coverage of vehicle registration and sales data. In addition to Massachusetts, Cross-Sell Reports recently added Mississippi, Kansas and Georgia to its coverage.

“Our goal is to make DataOne the most accurate and comprehensive source of vehicle registration and sales data, however customers choose to use it,” says Maki. “For a dealer, that might be a Cross-Sell Interactive dashboard tuned to their local market. For other customers looking to license the data, it might be multi-state data integrated directly into their own platforms. Every new state we add makes both more valuable.”

In addition to Cross-Sell Reports and Cross-Sell Interactive, DataOne offers Vehicle Registration and Sales Data for licensing via API or FTP data feed, with coverage configurable by state or region.

For general information about DataOne solutions, contact DataOne at 877.438.8467, e-mail sales@dataonesoftware.com or visit dataonesoftware.com.  For specific information about Cross-Sell Reports or Cross-Sell Interactive for dealers, visit Cross-Sell Reports.

About DataOne Software

DataOne Software (www.dataonesoftware.com) is a premier automotive data source providing the data and software solutions needed to power modern businesses across all segments of the automotive industry. DataOne’s comprehensive data solutions cover everything from VIN decoding and vehicle descriptions to specifications, optional equipment, and market pricing. With the acquisition of Cross-Sell in 2026, DataOne has expanded our product offering to include PII-free vehicle sales and registration data. Our high-quality solutions are delivered with industry-leading support, making them easy to integrate and scale.

Media Contact

Alice Fackre, Product and Brand Marketing Manager

Email: alice.fackre@dataonesoftware.com

Phone: (978) 473-9097

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DR. PHONE FIX ENTERS DEVICE LIFECYCLE AND FULFILLMENT MOU WITH GEO NOVA SCOTIA

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October 19, 2026

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Agreement expands Dr. Phone Fix’s institutional platform through device procurement, triage, repair, refurbishment, accessories and fulfillment services

EDMONTON, AB, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ — Dr. Phone Fix Canada Corporation (TSXV: DPF) (“Dr. Phone Fix” or the “Company”), one of Canada’s fastest-growing and award-winning national consumer electronics lifecycle platforms, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with GEO Nova Scotia (“GEO” or “Getting Everyone Online”), a nonprofit organization focused on advancing digital inclusion across Nova Scotia.

Under the MOU, Dr. Phone Fix will provide a broad range of device lifecycle services supporting GEO’s programs, including device procurement and inventory management, donated-device triage, repair and refurbishment, device preparation, accessories, packaging, fulfillment, shipping, tracking and environmentally responsible disposition, with GEO’s approval, of devices that are uneconomical or impractical to repair.

The relationship builds on GEO’s digital inclusion programs across Nova Scotia. Since 2022, GEO has distributed more than 8,500 devices, including almost 3,500 refurbished mobile phones and iPads, and has provided more than 4,500 home internet and mobile phone connections to individuals who otherwise may not be able to afford them. GEO delivers its programs through a network of more than 125 partner agencies across the province.

“This relationship is a strong example of how the infrastructure we have built at Dr. Phone Fix can support customers well beyond the traditional retail environment,” said Piyush Sawhney, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dr. Phone Fix. “We can manage a broad range of device lifecycle services – from procurement and inventory management to assessment, repair, preparation and ultimately fulfillment to the end user. We believe this type of institutional relationship represents an important growth opportunity for Dr. Phone Fix as we continue expanding our capabilities across Canada.”

Under the commercial structure contemplated by the MOU, Dr. Phone Fix will generate revenue through the sale of devices to GEO, per-device processing services, accessories and approved repair and refurbishment work, where applicable. DPF will also maintain GEO-owned inventory and manage fulfillment and distribution of devices to GEO program participants and partner organizations.

Each device processed for fulfillment may include services and accessories such as protective cases, screen protection, charging cables and charging equipment, with DPF managing the preparation, packaging, shipment and associated tracking requirements.

Management believes these relationships can leverage DPF’s existing national infrastructure, supplier network, repair capabilities and centralized operating systems while creating incremental revenue streams across device procurement, repair, refurbishment, accessories and fulfillment.

About GEO Nova Scotia

GEO Nova Scotia, or Getting Everyone Online, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing digital inclusion by helping ensure individuals have access to the devices, connectivity and basic skills required to participate in an increasingly digital economy. GEO works with public-sector, private-sector and community partners across Nova Scotia to support individuals facing barriers to digital access.

About Dr. Phone Fix

Dr. Phone Fix is an award-winning, eco-friendly, and customer-centric integrated device care platform providing repair, refurbishment, certified pre-owned devices, trade-in solutions, accessories and related services through its growing national retail network. Founded in 2019, the Company serves consumers and businesses across multiple Canadian markets, delivering convenient and reliable device care solutions through its corporately owned retail network. With a focus on operational execution, customer service and sustainability, Dr. Phone Fix continues to expand its national platform while supporting the repair, reuse and extension of the useful life of connected devices.

www.docphonefix.com

NEITHER THE TSXV NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSXV) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information can be identified by words such as “intend”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “plans”, “anticipates” and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the expected scope, scale and benefits of the Company’s relationship with GEO Nova Scotia; potential revenues from device sales, processing, repair, refurbishment, accessories and related services; the continued expansion of the Company’s institutional and enterprise business; and the Company’s ability to leverage its national operating platform to support additional device lifecycle programs. Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations, assumptions and estimates as of the date of this news release. The MOU does not guarantee any specific number of device purchases and does not specify a minimum processing volume, and actual volumes, revenues and profitability may differ materially from management’s expectations. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include, among others, changes in GEO’s program requirements or funding, actual device volumes, availability and condition of donated and purchased devices, supply chain and inventory availability, repair and fulfillment costs, operational execution, termination or modification of the MOU, competitive conditions and general economic and business conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Dr. Phone Fix

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A Speed Cap Nobody Will Own Just Shook Up the Satellite Trade

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October 19, 2026

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — USA News Group News Commentary – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday that tests showed Starlink-equipped drones lost their connection when flying faster than about 100 mph inside Ukraine, while Starlink terminals moving at more than 112 mph inside the European Union worked normally. “In other words, this is a planned operation,” he said. No one in Washington or at SpaceX has claimed the decision. Most U.S.-listed space stocks fell sharply last week, while Europe’s only low Earth orbit broadband rival to SpaceX had its best day in 16 months. Active Companies from around the markets with current developments this week include: Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: SPCX), AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS), Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM), Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ: RKLB), Eutelsat Communications SA (Euronext Paris: ETL).

The restrictions reportedly cover both Starlink and Starshield, SpaceX’s military-use service, which Ukraine relies on for communications, logistics, live drone video and targeting. The Telegraph reported on Oct. 16, citing four unnamed sources, that Elon Musk approached President Trump with the idea of slowing Starlink in Ukraine and that Trump “agreed.” Musk said on X that speed or usage limits on Starshield “are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS.” Trump told reporters, “it wasn’t me, and I don’t think it was Elon.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday, “We had nothing to do with it. Nobody ordered that Starlink speed to be slowed down. It sorta happened.” He also said Starshield was not available to Ukraine, which Yahoo Finance noted conflicts with a late 2024 Pentagon contract that expanded Ukraine’s Starshield access from about 500 to roughly 3,000 terminals. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, Zelenskyy said, “Just give us back Starlink.”

Europe is paying close attention. The European Union is working to develop its own alternative to Starlink, and on Sunday the U.S. ambassador to the EU threatened “devastating” retaliation if the bloc advanced a proposal favoring EU-made satellites over companies like SpaceX, Yahoo Finance reported.

CONTINUED… Read this and more news for the space sector at: usanewsgroup.com

In other industry developments and happenings in the market this week include:

Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: SPCX)

Shares of SpaceX fell 10.17% last week, from $162.57 at the Oct. 9 close to $146.03 on Oct. 16, according to Stock Analysis data, though they remain above the $135 price of the company’s June initial public offering. Starlink, a core part of SpaceX’s business, has more than 13 million subscribers worldwide, and Yahoo Finance noted this is the first throttling episode since the company went public.

SpaceX has limited service in Ukraine before. In 2023, President and COO Gwynne Shotwell acknowledged the company could restrict how Ukraine used Starlink, saying, “There are things that we can do, and have done.” Musk said on X last week that Starlink “is limited to civilian or defensive activities.”

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS)

AST SpaceMobile, which is building a space-based cellular broadband network that connects directly to standard smartphones, fell 20.23% last week, from $50.97 to $40.66. On Oct. 13, Piper Sandler downgraded the stock to Neutral from Overweight and cut its price target to $54 from $98, citing SpaceX’s direct-to-cell ambitions after its agreement to acquire Grain Management’s 800 MHz spectrum for about $8 billion, subject to regulatory approval.

Piper warned that SpaceX could, in theory, limit launch opportunities for competitors such as AST and pressure pricing by competing with telecom operators. Not every analyst agreed. Deutsche Bank upgraded the shares to Buy on Oct. 12 with a $93 target, and Clear Street reiterated a Buy rating with a $115 target, arguing AST is about six months ahead of SpaceX in direct-to-cell.

Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM)

Iridium announced on Oct. 14 that Altair Semiconductor is adding Iridium NTN Direct to its ALT1350 and ALT1550 cellular IoT chipsets, letting device makers, module makers and mobile network operators add satellite coverage without a separate satellite modem. “Iridium is offering device manufacturers a powerful new way to develop connected products,” said Tim Last, executive vice president at Iridium.

Iridium stockholders approved the company’s acquisition by Rocket Lab on Sept. 24, with about 99.6% of votes cast in favor. Each Iridium share is to be exchanged for $27.00 in cash plus Rocket Lab stock based on an exchange ratio subject to a collar, for a notional value of $54.00 per share, and the deal is expected to close by mid-2027, subject to remaining regulatory approvals. Iridium shares fell 7.82% last week, from $47.47 to $43.76.

Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ: RKLB)

Rocket Lab shares fell 25.47% last week, from $68.21 to $50.84, after founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said in a video posted to YouTube that the first launch of the company’s Neutron rocket would move from late 2026 into 2027. Inspectors found voids in the carbon-fiber layers of a recently made forward propellant dome after curing, according to Space.com.

Beck said the voids “don’t necessarily mean that the dome would fail in flight,” but added, “Possible success isn’t our standard.” Rocket Lab expects to finish a new forward dome by the end of the year and complete first-stage testing in the first quarter of 2027, after which Beck said the company expects to be “in good shape to share a new target launch date.”

Eutelsat Communications SA (Euronext Paris: ETL)

Eutelsat shares jumped 23% on Oct. 14, the stock’s biggest one-day gain in 16 months, Reuters reported, after Ukraine said Starlink had introduced restrictions on its military-grade service. Eutelsat’s OneWeb network has more than 600 satellites in low Earth orbit, compared with about 10,000 for Starlink, and it is the only company besides SpaceX providing space-based internet through a low Earth orbit network. Bernstein analyst Aleksander Peterc said the news put European providers “back in the spotlight as potential alternatives.”

Not everyone sees an easy swap. Existing Starlink users cannot simply switch to OneWeb, since a transition would require new terminals and supporting infrastructure, and independent consultant Christian Freiherr von der Ropp said “considering it as a straightforward substitute overlooks significant operational and infrastructure constraints.”

Space stocks swung hard on headlines last week. Learn to read the charts behind moves like these with the free Stock Preachers guide, plus The Roadmap market reports, at stockpreachers.com.

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This article is independent news commentary. USA News Group is wholly owned and operated by Market Equities Limited (“MEL”), a company incorporated under the laws of Ireland. MEL has not been paid by any company mentioned in this article. MEL and its owners, operators, directors, and affiliates do not currently own any shares of the companies mentioned in this article, but reserve the right to, and will, buy and sell shares of those companies at any time without further notice. Weekly price changes are from the October 9, 2026 close to the October 16, 2026 close based on Stock Analysis data. Information is drawn from company news releases, published reporting and third-party data believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. Investing in securities carries risk, including the loss of some or all of your investment. This document is governed by the laws of Ireland.

 

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