A little more than a decade into the smartphone revolution, most device technology as we know it today has matured. Device makers appear to have agreed on a standard form factor, and consumers can find reliable hardware and stable operating systems on every platform.

As a result, people are hanging onto their devices longer. The lifespan of smart devices is steadily increasing in the U.S., evident in a drop in smartphone shipments. In the first quarter of 2019, device makers shipped 6.6 percent fewer phones year-over-year, on top of a 4.9 percent YOY decline in the fourth quarter of 2018.

The smart-phone thinkers and tinkerers in Silicon Valley keep coming up with cool camera gadgets and other mobile device features that make our lives easier in ways we never imagined. (DYK you can delete a texting typo by shaking an iPhone? True story.)

But the mobile device game isn’t just about camera pixels and design tweaks. Smart phones have a pre-determined shelf life that affects when new gizmos reach your fingertips. As that time of year rolls around again, we’re pulling back the shades on what goes into the process of dropping phone prices.

Record rainfall, extensive flooding and an alarming number of tornadoes have already guaranteed 2020 a place in the history books.

Tropical Storm Cristobal—which formed on June 1, the first day of hurricane season—has already brought heavy rain, storm surge and winds to Mississippi and the northern Gulf Coast. Now with hurricane season in full swing, it’s time to make sure you’re prepared to handle a potential disaster. We sure are.

The COVID-19 pandemic upended studies for millions of students in the U.S. this spring, sending them home to continue their education through distance learning.

But in Mississippi, which trails the nation in broadband internet access, 30 percent of households lack the broadband internet needed to download or stream educational videos, participate in video calls with teachers or upload assignments.

Staying safely connected is more important than ever during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19, and C Spire is taking extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of our customers and team members.

We know how critical it is for you to have a fast, reliable internet connection at home. That’s why we are implementing new customer contact guidelines to deliver our Gigabit fiber internet service while also following best practices for limiting exposure to germs.

More relief for small businesses from COVID-19 related economic disruption is on the way, and your business may qualify.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed Congress in March 2020, allocating billions in funds for business owners to help keep Americans employed during the pandemic and economic recovery. A second round of funding will make another $250 billion available for banks to lend.