Technology: What to watch — networks, space, Apple betas and Starlink

Tech news this week touches things you use every day: your phone service, home internet, phone software, and even astronauts. If a network notice or a new beta lands in your feed, here’s what matters and what you can do right now. No fluff—just clear, practical steps.

Safaricom announced system maintenance that could disrupt airtime top-ups, bundle purchases and other services. That can be annoying if you need airtime or data for work or payment. Tip: top up or buy bundles before the maintenance window, save confirmations or receipts, and use bank apps or alternative providers if a payment fails. Check Safaricom’s official channels for real-time updates and expected end times.

SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission went from a short trip to a rescue operation, bringing two NASA astronauts home after delays with Boeing’s Starliner. The mission highlights how commercial space services now share the load for crew transport. For space fans: watch official NASA and SpaceX feeds for live updates. For everyone else: these missions show how private companies and agencies adapt under pressure—more redundancy means fewer cancellations when things go wrong.

Starlink adjusted pricing for some U.S. customers as capacity moved from "excess" to "limited." That pushed certain subscriptions up from $90 to $120. If you use satellite internet, expect occasional changes where demand outpaces supply. Actionable step: check any emails from your provider, confirm whether the change affects your plan, and compare local alternatives like fixed wireless or mobile data plans if costs jump.

Apple said public betas for iOS 18, macOS Sequoia and other updates would arrive in July. If you like trying new features early, remember beta builds are not final—apps may crash, battery life can drop, and some features can be buggy. Don’t install a public beta on your main phone. Back up your device, or use a secondary device for testing. If you want stability, wait for the public release after the beta cycle.

What to do when networks or services go down

Start simple: top up ahead of scheduled maintenance, save receipts, and use multiple payment methods if possible. Follow the provider’s status page or social media for live updates. If a transaction fails, keep proof and contact support—successful refunds or reversals often need a reference number. For businesses that rely on mobile payments, have a backup channel ready: card readers, bank transfers, or alternative telco services.

Space, software, and pricing — quick reader checklist

Watch official channels for accurate updates. Back up devices before installing betas. Review provider emails when pricing or capacity changes are announced. If you’re curious about space missions, follow NASA and SpaceX for the full story and mission timelines. These small actions save time and stress when tech shifts suddenly.

Want quick alerts? Subscribe to a status page or follow the official accounts of your providers. That way you’ll know fast whether an outage is planned maintenance or a bigger problem.