That has allowed them to delay network upgrades which would otherwise have boosted Ericsson's and other telecoms-equipment firms' earnings.

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In a statement, cable network AMC said the delay was "due to ongoing, key non-cast negotiations" with creator and executive producer Matt Weiner.

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In a statement, Network Rail blamed the delay on "technical issues" that need resolving with Siemens, the company supplying the new signalling system.

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Incompatibilities between networks led to a long delay in enabling text messaging from one network to another.

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There is a level of palpable trust that permeates this network, with rewards for timely delivery instead of just penalties for delay (as at Boeing).

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"PLA analysts consistently identify logistics and C4ISR infrastructure as U.S. strategic centers of gravity suggesting that PLA commanders will almost certainly attempt to target these system with both electronic countermeasures weapons and network attack and exploitation tools, likely in advance of actual combat to delay U.S. entry or degrade capabilities in a conflict, " the report said.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy