| This week's sponsor is Aricent. | 
| Webinar: Capitalizing SON – How to Implement SON for LTE to reduce OPEX and Increase Revenue
Tuesday, January 29th, 11am ET / 8am PT LTE is the fastest growing communication technology of all time. In this webinar our experts will discuss how Network Equipment Manufacturers can leverage the concept of Self Organizing Networks (SON) to not only manage highly complex LTE networks but also reduce operational expenditures and enhance customer satisfaction. Register Today! |
Today's Top Stories
1. Comcast, Cablevision, Charter expected to reduce Q4 subscriber losses
2. BCI Broadband buys Allegiance Communications
3. Comcast deploys 100G gear from Ciena
4. NCTA, NAB, MPAA support President Obama's proposals to reduce gun violence
5. Suddenlink promotes Kevin Stephens to president of commercial and advertising operations Also Noted: Globalstar
Spotlight On... Netflix pursues unconventional programming strategy with 'Arrested Development'
USA Network developing late-night talk show with Will Ferrell's company; Comcast named top employer for people with disabilities and much more...  Follow @FierceCable on Twitter!
News From the Fierce Network:
1. Time Warner Cable: Netflix closing off content access to some ISPs
2. Court says Postal Service provided special handling for Netflix DVDs
3. Sprint adds 28 cities to LTE rollout plans
| This week's sponsor is Bandwidth. | 
| Webinar: OTT Voice and Messaging: The future of Telecom
Thursday, February 21st, 2 pm ET/ 11 am PT
When there is an app for everything and a phone becomes less of a "thing" and more of a capability embedded in something else, what does the future hold for providers of traditional telecom services? Please join Sean Buckley, Senior Editor of FierceTelecom and a panel of VoIP experts, to learn about what you need to know to not get hamstrung in the regulatory morass. Register Today! |
| Sponsor: Akamai FierceLive! Webinars > Globalstar's New "Wi-Fi" Super Highway - Tuesday, January 22nd, 11:00am EST/8:00 am PST
> Capitalizing SON – How to Implement SON for LTE to reduce OPEX and Increase Revenue - Tuesday, January 29th, 11am ET / 8am PT
> Webinar: OTT Voice and Messaging: The future of Telecom - Thursday, February 21st, 2 pm ET/ 11 am PT
Events > Service Provider Conference at OFC/NFOEC - March 19-21 - Anaheim, CA
> Fierce Innovation Awards 2012 Live Announcement of this Year's Winners - Now Available On-Demand
Marketplace > Whitepaper: Who's Using My Directory - And For What?
> eBook: How Cloud Communications Reduce Costs and Increase Productivity
> eBook: Knowledge Management: 5 Steps to Getting it Right the First Time
Jobs > RF Engineer Job - Beaverton, OR, USA – Yoh
> Test Engineer Job - Overland Park, KS, USA – Yoh
> Implementation Manager II Job - Bellevue, WA, USA – Yoh
> Transport Engineer Job - Gardner, KS, USA – Yoh
> Manager Business Process II - Business Intake - Denver, CO - Cricket Communications
* Post a classified ad: Click here.
* General ad info: Click here | Today's Top News 1. Comcast, Cablevision, Charter expected to reduce Q4 subscriber losses
While Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC) is expected to post increased basic video subscriber losses from the fourth quarter, Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA), Charter Communications (Nasdaq: CHTR) and Cablevision (NYSE: CVC) will likely reduce video subscriber losses compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, Jefferies & Co. said Thursday. The investment bank said it expects Time Warner Cable will report that it lost 140,000 video subscribers in the fourth quarter, compared to 129,000 during the same period last year. Comcast is expected to report that it lost 12,000 video subscribers, compared to 17,000 last year. Charter is expected to reduce subscriber losses by 8,000 to 38,000 subscribers, and Cablevision will report video subscriber losses of 10,000, compared to 14,000 during the fourth quarter of 2011, Jefferies said. All of the major public cable MSOs are expected to report strong gains in high-speed Internet subscribers, according to the investment bank. It expects Comcast picked up a whopping 369,000 cable modem customers in the fourth quarter, while Time Warner Cable added 101,000. Charter is expected to report high-speed subscriber additions of 80,000, and Cablevision will report an increase of 5,000 broadband subscribers, Jefferies said. Comcast will lead the cable MSOs in increased voice subscribers, gaining 135,000 during the fourth quarter, the firm predicted. The nation's largest cable MSO will be followed by Charter (64,000 voice subscriber additions), Time Warner Cable (26,000) and Cablevision (17,000). DirecTV (Nasdaq: DTV) CEO Mike White disclosed earlier this month that the satellite TV provider added 100,000 net subscribers in the fourth quarter, down from 125,000 in the fourth quarter of 2011. Jefferies predicts Dish Network (Nasdaq: DISH) will report that it gained 110,000 net subscribers in the fourth quarter, a significant improvement compared to the 22,000 subscribers it added during the same period in 2011. Verizon (NYSE: VZ) CEO Lowell McAdam told attendees at the Consumer Electronics Show that the company picked up 130,000 FiOS TV subscribers during the fourth quarter, despite the impact that Hurricane Sandy had on its systems in the Northeast. Jefferies said the impact of the superstorm will see major MSOs report increased capital spending. It expects Cablevision to report $258 million in capital spending, compared to $193 million during the fourth quarter of 2011. Comcast will report $1.33 billion in capex, and Time Warner Cable will report $930 million in capex, Jefferies said. Special Coverage: Hurricane Sandy's aftermath
Special Report: Sizing up the cable industry in Q4 2011 Related articles:
DirecTV picks up 100,000 subscribers in Q4 2012
Cablevision may launch WiFi voice service; warns of 'significant' impact from Hurricane Sandy Read more about: fourth quarter earnings 2012, Cablevision, Verizon
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| This week's sponsor is Akamai. |  | "Innovating at the Pace of Mobile" Discover ways to successfully capitalize on the mobile opportunity and how a comprehensive mobile delivery platform can help maximize your organization's chances of success. Download Now.
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2. BCI Broadband buys Allegiance Communications
BCI Broadband, a new cable MSO formed by former top executives from Bresnan Communications, said it agreed to buy Allegiance Communications, which operates cable systems in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas. Former Bresnan CEO Jeffrey DeMond and CFO Andrew Kober are leading BCI, which billed itself in Wednesday's announcement as a "next-generation broadband MSO." BCI, which teamed up with a private equity fund backed by Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. on the Allegiance deal, suggested other cable system acquisitions may be in the works. "[T]he team is acquiring the Allegiance properties as the first transaction in an aggressive growth plan by the company," BCI said. DeMond and Kober hold the same titles at BCI as they did at Bresnan, which was acquired by Cablevision (NYSE: CVC) in 2010. The MSO said late last year that it is exploring the sale of the former Bresnan systems, which now make up its Optimum West division. Allegiance counts about 40,000 subscribers. BCI said it will pass about 150,000 homes in the Allegiance footprint. "The Bresnan management team remains largely intact within BCI, and that makes us extraordinarily well positioned to develop the Allegiance properties to their greatest potential," DeMond said in a prepared statement. For more:
- see the release Related articles:
Charter may bid on Cablevision's Optimum West systems
Cablevision reportedly mulling Bresnan sale
Cablevision's Bresnan takeover gets OK from feds Read more about: BCI Broadband, Brown Brothers Harriman
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3. Comcast deploys 100G gear from Ciena
Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA) said Thursday it is deploying 100G optical processors from Ciena (Nasdaq: CIEN), which the MSO said will help it meet increased demand for high-speed Internet services and high-capacity products such as high-definition video, cloud computing and mobile data transport. Ciena said Comcast is deploying its new WaveLogic 3 processors, which can scale up to 400G. The Hanover, Md.-based company unveiled the WaveLogic 3 gear last March. Comcast said it plans to expand the rollout of its cloud-based Xfinity X1 platform to systems nationwide this year. The 100G processors could help Comcast support applications delivered through X1 and help the MSO grow its mobile backhaul business. "Adding Ciena's WaveLogic 3 to our already installed 6500 Packet-Optical Platforms lets us leverage that investment to deliver more content, faster Internet speeds and enable new cloud-based applications for our customers, while also providing future core 400G scalability," Kevin McElearney, Comcast SVP of network engineering, said in a prepared statement. For more:
- see the release On the Hot Seat: Phil Meeks on Cox Business' $2 billion growth strategy Related articles:
FiberLight deploys Ciena's backhaul product; Entone unveils Kamai Hybrid Media Player
Verizon rolls 100G technology on backbone network
Tracking the path to 100G Read more about: Comcast
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4. NCTA, NAB, MPAA support President Obama's proposals to reduce gun violence
Lobbyists representing major cable operators and programmers, broadcasters and Hollywood studios said they support proposals President Obama released Wednesday aimed at reducing gun violence. "We support the President's goal of reducing gun violence in this country. It is a complex problem, and as we have said, we stand ready to be part of the conversation and welcome further academic examination and consideration on these issues as the President has proposed," the National Cable & Telecommunications Association said in a joint statement with the National Association of Broadcasters, the Motion Picture Association of America and the Independent Film & Television Alliance. Last Thursday, top executives from Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA), NCTA, NAB and MPAA met with Vice President Biden and the White House Task Force on Gun Violence. Following the mass shooting last month at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, there has been increased debate about the impact of violence portrayed in TV shows, movies and videogames. While Obama proposed on Wednesday a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, along with expanded background checks on gun owners, the president didn't address the impact of violence in TV, movies and videogames. That drew criticism from the Parents Television Council. "It looks like the entertainment industry, once again, is getting off light," Dan Isett, PTC director of public policy, told Fox News Channel. The joint statement from NCTA, NAB and MPAA suggests that the groups would support the idea of studying the impact of violence in TV, film and videogames. But the groups would likely oppose efforts to restrict content or place new content ratings on TV shows, movies and videogames. For more:
- see the joint statement
- The Los Angeles Times has this story
- Fox News Channel has this story Related articles:
Comcast, NCTA executives discuss gun violence with Biden
Networks to place content ratings on TV shows delivered online Read more about: Ncta
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5. Suddenlink promotes Kevin Stephens to president of commercial and advertising operations
Suddenlink Communications said Wednesday that it promoted former Cox Communications executive Kevin Stephens to president of commercial and advertising operations.  | | Stephens (Image source: Suddenlink) | Stephens, who joined 11th largest cable MSO in 2006, will oversee its business services, carrier and advertising groups. Suddenlink said Stephens has helped double its revenue from commercial services and advertising since he joined the company, and that its CAO division now generates $350 million annually. While Suddenlink is headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., the company's CAO division is based in Dallas. Stephens, who sits on the boards of directors for the Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau and the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), was VP of sales and marketing at Cox before joining Suddenlink. He also worked previously at startup telecom provider Choice One Communications and Xerox Corp. Suddenlink, which counts 1.23 million subscribers on cable systems in Texas, West Virginia, Louisiana, Arkansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Arizona, said it also promoted Brian May to VP of information technology and Bradley Cooke to VP of technical operations. For more:
- see the release Related articles:
Suddenlink gains 200 basic video subscribers during Q3 2012
SuddenLink rolls broadband usage caps in Texas
Suddenlink bought out by BC Partners, Canada Pension Plan, Jerry Kent Read more about: Braley Cooke, Suddenlink
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Also Noted | This week's sponsor is Globalstar. | 
| Webinar: Globalstar's New "Wi-Fi" Super Highway
Tuesday, January 22nd, 11:00 am EST/ 8:00 am PST
This webinar will discuss the innovative technology, public benefits, and regulatory outlook of providing a new 22 MHz channel under the existing 802.11 IEEE standard. Join to learn technical aspects of TLPS deployment and the outlook for near-term relief from the FCC. Register Now! |
SPOTLIGHT ON... Netflix pursues unconventional programming strategy with 'Arrested Development' In today's spotlight, FierceMobileContent takes a look at Netflix's (Nasdaq: NFLX) unconventional programming strategy with the premiere of the fourth season of Arrested Development this spring. The online video provider, which is reviving a series that was canceled by Fox in 2006, plans to release all 14 episodes from season four on a single day this May. And each episode will run in varying lengths, but will average a half-hour each. Many Netflix subscribers are expected to view the series on Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) iPad and other mobile devices. Read more Cable industry news from across the Web: > Comcast was named the ninth best employer for people with disabilities by Careers & the disABLED. Blog post > USA Network is working with Will Ferrell's production company to develop a late-night talk show, according to TV Guide. Article > CenturyLink said it is building a Technology Center of Excellence in Monroe, La., which will include technology research and development labs, a network operations center and office space. News release IPTV News > Comcast apparently likes the programming business, so it's not really surprising that word on the street is the nation's top multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) is in talks with General Electric to "speed up" a full ownership takeover of NBCUniversal. Article Online Video News > "Silicon Prairie": That's what they're calling Kansas City neighborhoods with access to Google Fiber because of the growth of entrepreneurial startups tapping into a 1 Gbps broadband pipe. Article Telecom News > AT&T is mulling purchases in Europe as a way to extend its wireless presence in a new market, but any deal could potentially also help the telco enhance its wireline business services unit. Article And finally… Canada's Bell said it launched an enhanced version of its Fibe TV On Demand store which includes detailed movie reviews from Rotten Tomatoes. News release > Globalstar's New "Wi-Fi" Super Highway - Tuesday, January 22nd, 11:00am EST/8:00 am PST This webinar will discuss the innovative technology, public benefits, and regulatory outlook of providing a new 22 MHz channel under the existing 802.11 IEEE standard. Join to learn technical aspects of TLPS deployment and the outlook for near-term relief from the FCC. Register Now! > Capitalizing SON – How to Implement SON for LTE to reduce OPEX and Increase Revenue - Tuesday, January 29th, 11am ET / 8am PT LTE is the fastest growing communication technology of all time. In this webinar our experts will discuss how Network Equipment Manufacturers can leverage the concept of Self Organizing Networks (SON) to not only manage highly complex LTE networks but also reduce operational expenditures and enhance customer satisfaction. Register Today! > Webinar: OTT Voice and Messaging: The future of Telecom - Thursday, February 21st, 2 pm ET/ 11 am PT When there is an app for everything and a phone becomes less of a "thing" and more of a capability embedded in something else, what does the future hold for providers of traditional telecom services? Please join a panel of VoIP experts, to learn about what you need to know to not get hamstrung in the regulatory morass. Register Today!
| > Service Provider Conference at OFC/NFOEC - March 19-21 - Anaheim, CA Hands-on workshops, discussion panels, the Ethernet Alliance program and many more programs to help telecoms evolve their Next Generation fiber networks. Free admission to expo with more than 550 exhibitors. Network with fellow entrepreneurs and experts. Learn More. > Fierce Innovation Awards 2012 Live Announcement of this Year's Winners - Now Available On-Demand Please join Jason Nelson, Publisher of FierceWireless, FierceTelecom, and FierceCable as we announce the winners of the Fierce Innovation Awards 2012. Click here to RSVP today.
| > Whitepaper: Who's Using My Directory - And For What? Active Directory (AD) is the heart and soul of your enterprise, so monitoring access - knowing who can get to the information and how they're using it - is critical. But tracking and examining access is difficult, if not downright impossible. Or is it? Read More. > eBook: How Cloud Communications Reduce Costs and Increase Productivity Download this new eBook to quickly learn how cloud communications deliver cost savings, Communication Features and more... Request Now! > eBook: Knowledge Management: 5 Steps to Getting it Right the First Time This eBook sets out 5 simple steps for optimizing customer service and support with an effective, best-practice-led knowledge management initiative. Download today!
| > RF Engineer Job - Beaverton, OR, USA – Yoh Yoh has a (12) months contract opportunity for a RF Engineer to join our client in Beaverton, OR. Job responsibilities include designing RF system block, creating specifications and characterizing subsystem from antenna through digital conversion. Minimum three (3) plus years RF engineer experience...Learn more. > Test Engineer Job - Overland Park, KS, USA – Yoh Yoh has an exciting contract opportunity for a Test Engineer II to join our client in Overland Park, KS. The Test Engineer II to provide technical support in the execution and maintenance of the production network. The Test Engineer II candidate should have a thorough understanding of IP routing, switching and the OSI model...Learn more. > Implementation Manager II Job - Bellevue, WA, USA – Yoh Yoh has a contract opportunity for an Implementation Manager II to join our client in Bellevue, WA. Responsibilties include to manage all aspects of telecom equipment deployment from: customer relationship, project plan of record, project schedule, cost, and inventory. Minimum of five (5) years of experience...Learn more. > Transport Engineer Job - Gardner, KS, USA – Yoh Yoh has an exciting contract opportunity for a Transport Operations NOC to join our client in Gardner, KS. This position understands in-depth equipment specific maintenance procedures and can assist field operations in card swaps and equipment restoration. Ability to manage multiple tasks on time, including ticket administration, communications, and follow up activities required...Learn more. > Manager Business Process II - Business Intake - Denver, CO - Cricket Communications Cricket Communications, a subsidiary of Leap Wireless, is the pioneer and leader in delivering innovative value-rich prepaid wireless services with no long-term contracts serving approximately 6 million customers. The Business Intake Manager will provide oversight and management of the Business Readiness Board and delivery of a consolidated calendar of system & commercial launch dates. Bachelor's Degree - business, marketing or related field; or equivalent experience required...Learn more. | |
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