Verizon expansion? Cell service on the subway? Read all about it in today’s edition of Bwoglines!

Happening in the World: Michael Barnier has been named as the new French prime minister by French President Emmanuel Macron. The decision comes nearly two months after France’s National Assembly elections ended in deadlock. Barnier, succeeding Gabriel Attal in the role of prime minister, is known for having led Brexit negotiations with the UK government in 2016. (BBC)

Happening in the US: Verizon has made a $20 billion deal to acquire Frontier Communications. Frontier, based in Dallas, has invested $4.1 billion in upgrading its fiber capabilities over the past four years. With the acquisition, Verizon aims to strengthen its own fiber network and facilitate further work with artificial intelligence. (AP)

Happening in NYC: The MTA is rolling out cell service on the 42nd Street Shuttle as part of its plan to install 5G connectivity throughout the city’s underground subway tunnels. The entire rollout—made possible by a $600 million deal with Boldyn Networks—is estimated to be finished in 2032. According to MTA construction chief Jamie Torres-Springer, the next installation will be in the East River tunnel between Brooklyn and Manhattan. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: A virtual group advising session on study abroad language immersion opportunities will be held today from 12 to 1 pm. The session will cover language immersion programs provided by the Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement.

Cell tower via Flickr