Infrastructure

January 2, 2026

1–2 minutes

Infrastructure

Cloud & Data Centers
Broadband & Fiber
Energy & Grid Tech
Smart Cities
Physical & Digital Backbone

AI’s Hidden Price Tag: How the Data Center Boom Is Making Everyday Tech More Expensive

The ongoing artificial intelligence boom is causing semiconductor shortages, leading to significant price increases for consumer electronics, projected between 5% and 20% in 2026. Chipmakers prioritize high-margin AI components over consumer products, resulting in rising costs for households. As a consequence, average Americans face higher prices and utility bills linked to AI expansion.

by Michael Phillips January 2, 2026

The Quiet Tech Shift of 2026: Why Infrastructure, Not Apps, Is the Real Battleground

The true technology narrative of 2026 revolves around infrastructure rather than flashy consumer apps. As AI becomes industrial, a few firms dominate essential resources, leading to power concentration. Energy scarcity and semiconductor control raise critical questions, while the app economy struggles, highlighting a shift towards infrastructure ownership and increasing accountability concerns.

by Michael Phillips January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

Author

Written by

Michael Phillips

Michael Phillips is a journalist, writer, creator, advocate, IT consultant, musician, and proud father. He is the founder of REBUILT, The Thunder Report, and Father & Co., platforms dedicated to rebuilding lives, empowering fathers, and advocating for real change. Michael serves as the Editor-in-Chief of MDBayNews, The Thunder Report, and Father & Co., where he leads coverage across news, satire, family advocacy, and cultural commentary. His reporting and commentary have been published in the Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, and Maryland Daily Record, and he contributes regularly to TheFamilyCourtCircus.com, writing on issues ranging from family-court reform to civil rights to political analysis. With a career that bridges technology, journalism, advocacy, and the arts, Michael’s work is driven by a passion for truth, resilience, and giving voice to those overlooked by traditional systems. Whether he’s investigating a story, creating new digital tools, consulting on IT solutions, or writing music, he believes in building—and rebuilding—with purpose. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from James Madison University, as well as a Master of Science and Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland. Member, National Writers Union (NWU), Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE)