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Southern Co Boosts Spending on AI Demand

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Southern Co has increased its five-year investment plan as rising electricity demand from data centers and industrial users reshapes energy needs.

The utility now expects to spend about $81 billion between 2026 and 2030, marking a notable increase from its previous plan.

A significant portion of this investment will support expanded power generation to meet growing demand from technology-driven infrastructure.

Major technology firms are among the large customers seeking connections to Southern Co’s grid, reflecting the increasing energy requirements of data centers.

Executives noted that interest from potential high-capacity users continues to grow, highlighting the role of digital expansion in driving electricity consumption.

The updated spending outlook comes alongside rising operating costs and continued pressure on profit expectations.

Investors Shift to AI Infrastructure Stocks

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As enthusiasm for major artificial intelligence technology firms cools, some investors are turning their attention to infrastructure companies that support the AI ecosystem.

Shares of leading tech firms have faced pressure amid concerns that heavy spending on AI development may not deliver immediate returns. In response, investors are increasingly focusing on businesses that provide the physical backbone of AI expansion, including chipmakers, data center developers and energy suppliers.

Companies linked to infrastructure have delivered strong performance this year, with several posting double-digit gains even as broader technology benchmarks have lagged.

Asset managers are also adjusting their strategies, launching new investment products aimed at capturing growth across AI-related infrastructure segments.

Industry observers note that rising investment in data centers and energy systems is creating opportunities beyond traditional software-driven AI plays.

At the same time, some analysts caution that valuations across AI-linked sectors are becoming elevated, highlighting the need for balanced investment approaches.

Ericsson and Nokia secure $2.7B 5G deal with VodafoneThree in UK

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VodafoneThree, the newly merged entity of Vodafone and CK Hutchison, has awarded a £2 billion ($2.7 billion) contract to Ericsson and Nokia to supply 5G equipment into the next decade, the companies announced on Monday.

Key details of the deal:

  • Ericsson: Named the primary vendor, its contract is valued at 12.5 billion Swedish crowns ($1.3 billion). Ericsson will supply advanced 5G radio products, AI-powered and energy-optimized hardware, plus smart antennas to deliver faster speeds in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast.

  • Nokia: Returns as a UK supplier for Vodafone and Three, providing radio access network (RAN) and core network equipment to around 7,000 sites. The company did not disclose the financial details of its share.

  • VodafoneThree strategy: Following the merger in June, the company pledged a £11 billion ($14.8 billion) investment over 10 years to create one of Europe’s most advanced 5G networks.

Market significance:

  • The deal is a major win for Ericsson and Nokia, two Nordic rivals that have been under pressure from a global telecom slowdown and U.S. tariffs.

  • It underscores Europe’s push for 5G self-reliance, as Ericsson and Nokia step up against rivals like Huawei, which faces restrictions across several European markets.

  • VodafoneThree aims to strengthen its competitive edge in the UK by offering enhanced 5G speeds and coverage, improving customer experiences in major cities.

This long-term supply partnership reinforces Ericsson and Nokia’s positions as critical players in Europe’s 5G rollout, while also giving VodafoneThree the infrastructure to challenge rivals BT/EE and Virgin Media O2.