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Charter buys a cable company to make up for losing Time Warner
Charter lost out on its chance to snatch Time Warner Cable before Comcast made its move, so it's settling for the next best thing. The company just unveiled plans to acquire Bright House Networks, a cable provider that's mostly big in Florida, for about $10.4 billion. Reportedly, the move is about getting "strategic flexibility" and solidifying Charter's position as the second-largest cable company in the US. In other words, it wants to both improve its clout in relation to Comcast (even if the two don't have competing networks) and streamline its costs. That last part is important in an era where services like Netflix are diminishing the importance of conventional TV. If Charter can't have TWC, it can at least prepare for a future where it can't depend on expensive programming bundles to turn a profit. [Image credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke]
Jon Fingas03.31.2015
'Real Housewives' is going mobile for TWC customers, break out the pinot
When you stop to think about it, NBC's reach goes quite a bit beyond just broadcasting Parks and Rec on Thursday nights -- the Peacock Network owns a slew of cable channels too, including Bravo. Starting this week you can catch the latest exploits of whichever Real Housewives cast you favor, regardless of what city you're in, so long as you are (or know) a TWC subscriber and have a device with the respective network's apps near by. The new channel line-up includes USA Network, Syfy, Telemundo and the Golf Channel, with NBC Sports Extra and Golf Live Extra, with the rest of NBC's networks rolling out sometime in September. And don't worry Bright House customers, as follows tradition you won't miss out on Leslie Knope's farewell season either, regardless of if you catch it live or on demand. [Image credit: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images]
Timothy J. Seppala08.13.2014
Bright House set to match Google's Fiber speeds in Tampa community
Despite some recent PR setbacks, Google has become the people's champion in cities with its gigabit fiber network -- thanks in part to the low reputation (and speeds) of regular providers. However, one cable outfit, Bright House Networks, is at least seeing the commercial value in such installations. It's joining forces with a real estate company to build a gigabit fiber-to-the-home network for a 6,000-unit development in Tampa, Florida. The first houses will be occupied this summer, with completion slated for 2017. Bright House said the move is not a response to Google's recent announcement that it'll expand Fiber to 34 more cities, but meant rather as a "differentiator" for the community. With its average internet speed around a fortieth of that figure, we imagine the rest of the company's 2.4 million subscribers will keenly notice the difference.
Steve Dent03.13.2014
Pac-12 Conference streams come to iPad, fuel that Big Game rivalry on the road
Cal and Stanford fans away from home no longer have to huddle around their laptops if they want to learn who's one-upping who. The Pac-12 Conference has just launched an iPad app for its authenticated Pac-12 Now service: as long as you're with a TV provider that carries the college sports division's games (sorry for now, DirecTV customers), you can tune into 850 live matches spread across a myriad of sports. As you'd hope, going the digital route allows for some on-demand viewing, a dedicated program guide and the social sharing you'll want to rope friends into watching. Only Bright House, Cox and Time Warner Cable subscribers can use the iPad viewer at first, although support should come to BendBroadband, Comcast, Frontier and Suddenlink this fall, right alongside Android- and iPhone-sized apps. Hopefully, they arrive in time for a little ego padding around the Big Game in October.
Jon Fingas08.31.2012
FCC approves Verizon deal to buy cable company spectrum, asks for concessions
Verizon received the Department of Justice's blessing for its cable company spectrum purchase last week, and now it's the FCC's turn to rubber stamp the plan. The agency has followed Chairman Julius Genachowski's recommendation and voted that Verizon can snap up the relevant AWS airspace as part of its LTE network expansion. Some riders are attached to the deal, although they're not all weighty. Verizon has to make an "unprecedented divestiture" of spectrum to T-Mobile in addition to its swap with Leap, promise certain coverage levels in the newly acquired zones at 3- and 7-year milestones, guarantee some roaming deals and provide updates on how its DSL service adoption is impacted by all that 4G. That Verizon has 45 days to finalize the T-Mobile deal gives some idea of how quickly everything has to move, although it could be a long while before we see AWS-ready Verizon devices in the shops. To no one's surprise, advocacy groups are still upset: the Alliance for Broadband Competition believes the FCC decision "does not go far enough" to keep a level playing field, for example, and wants to voice its problems to the FCC. Anxiety still exists that just about any deal concentrates too much spectrum in the hands of Big Red. Still, there's a sense among groups like these that Verizon has had to at least partially address worries over unfair competition.
Jon Fingas08.23.2012DOJ, FCC clear Verizon buyout of cable companies' spectrum, require giving up some airwaves (update: not quite for the FCC)
Verizon has been fighting hard to get its acquisition of cable companies' wireless frequencies past legal hurdles, and it just surged over the most important of the bunch: both the Department of Justice and the FCC have signed off on the agreement. To get the $3.9 billion deal through the door, Big Red will have to offload some of its spectrum to other companies, the FCC argues. The DOJ, meanwhile, is more concerned that Verizon is getting a little too cozy with Bright House, Comcast, Cox and Time Warner Cable in terms of marketing and reselling bundles that include cellular and cable access. Closing the deal also requires setting up a new joint venture in technology research. We're still working to learn the full details of the deal, but the spectrum handover will likely give a swift kick to Verizon's 4G capacity -- and anger a few rivals who wouldn't have wanted any handover to go through. Update: Since we posted, it's become clearer that FCC chairman Julius Genachowski has only recommended a vote in favor of the deal; the agency hasn't formally greenlit the deal just yet.
Jon Fingas08.16.2012
CableWiFi ties up 50,000 WiFi hotspots for cable subscribers to share
When it comes to supergroups, The Traveling Wilbury's haven't got anything on these guys. Bright House, Cablevision, Comcast, Cox and Time Warner are teaming up to share around 50,000 metro WiFi hotspots for their customers, under the banner of "CableWiFi." New York City and the Tri-State area, Los Angeles, Tampa, Orlando and Philadelphia will be among the first to get the service, with growth to more cities pledged for the future. If nothing else, it should be a good way to stick it to the man when he snatches your unlimited data plan.
Daniel Cooper05.21.2012
Time Warner Cable confirms HBO Go streaming is now available on Xbox 360, Samsung and Roku
As we revealed yesterday, Time Warner Cable has finally activated HBO Go streaming to TV connected devices. As seen on the new activation pages for Samsung Smart TVs and Blu-ray players, Xbox 360s and Roku boxes, TWC and Bright House Networks are now among the available options (sorry, still no word on ESPN3 for the Xbox 360). The only bad news? DirecTV and Comcast have not (yet) followed suit, so for those customers HBO Go streaming on the TV is still a hit-or-miss affair. We're not sure what is behind the change of heart or policy, but while Comcast reportedly had authentication issues to resolve before switching on the Xbox 360's HBO access, it's worth noting that Time Warner Cable could have its app coming to some or all of these platforms very soon. An official blog post indicates it may take a few hours for things to switch on every where so if you don't see this in your neck of the woods just keep checking back. Update: Cablevision too, as noted by a post on the Roku blog. [Thanks, Ben]
Richard Lawler05.17.2012
T-Mobile CEO argues to FCC against Verizon's AWS license acquisition
Well, wouldn't you know it, but T-Mobile -- the only nationwide AWS service provider in the US -- objects to Verizon's purchase of additional AWS spectrum. The company's CEO, Philipp Humm, recently took his concerns to the chief of the FCC's wireless bureau, Rick Kaplan, where he argued that Verizon's proposal to shed Blocks A and B of the 700MHz spectrum simply wouldn't be fair shake. According to Humm, Verizon is merely looking to offload its less desirable assets (as Blocks A and B are more prone to interference). While T-Mobile's leader presents a valid point in that Verizon has merely squatted on its current AWS licenses, we can't help but think that Humm would relish in the opportunity for T-Mobile to bid on these licenses. Further, if Verizon were effectively prevented from establishing a nationwide AWS network, it'd certainly reduce competition in the auction house, and therefore bring cheaper licenses to T-Mobile's doorstep. Given that everything in question here is not corporate property, but rather a public resource, what do you think is the best way forward? [Tower photo via Shutterstock]
Zachary Lutz04.23.2012
FCC to Verizon Wireless: You need more spectrum? Prove it by March 22nd.
By now, we hope you're plenty familiar with the ongoing saga between Verizon Wireless and the FCC -- no, not that little kerfuffle about data roaming complaints, but the biggie -- the proposed transfer of 122 AWS spectrum licenses from three cable providers to Big Red. While the FCC's latest move is merely a sign of due diligence, it's now pressing Verizon to supply additional information regarding its business, spectrum holdings and the proposed transfer -- all with a deadline on or before March 22nd. While many of the information requests are boilerplate material, the regulator specifically presses Verizon to substantiate its claims that it'll require additional spectrum in some markets as early as 2013. Further, Verizon must also provide an analysis of the proposed spectrum transfer between itself and Leap Wireless and its impact upon the deal with the cable operators. Regardless of Big Red's response, it seems safe to assume that Sprint and T-Mobile will each have some additional thoughts on the matter.[Tower photo via Shutterstock]
Zachary Lutz03.10.2012T-Mobile, Sprint and DirecTV file with FCC to halt Verizon's AWS acquisition
Ready for round two of the great spectrum wars? In what is undeniably an uncanny bit of wireless industry déjà vu, T-Mobile, Sprint, DirecTV, in addition to the Rural Telecommunications Group and six others, have filed a request with the FCC to halt its 180-day review of Verizon's AWS acquisition. According to the consortium's claims, documents submitted by Big Red and its cabler partners (Cox, Time Warner, Bright House and Comcast) in favor of the transaction are heavily redacted and therefore not in the public interest. The group is petitioning the Commission to place an absolute freeze on all of the operator's pending license transfers until full legal disclosure has been achieved. This latest Capitol Hill impasse comes right on the heels of VZW's own filing, in which it outlines an allegedly impending spectrum drought that would see specific pockets of its network hitting capacity by 2015. Neither the FCC nor DOJ have yet to weigh in on either of these proceedings, but, rest assured, this certainly won't be the last we hear of this mobile saga.
Joseph Volpe03.06.2012
T-Mobile wants FCC to block Verizon's spectrum deals with cable industry
Call it sour grapes, posturing... whatever you want. The fact remains that T-Mobile has stuck its nose in the middle of Verizon's quest to bulk up its wireless portfolio. Big Magenta filed a request with the FCC on Tuesday, asking the regulatory agency to step in and block the transfer of AWS spectrum licenses from Cox, Time Warner, Comcast and Bright House to Verizon. The deals, which will cost the carrier roughly $3.9 billion, are already drawing interest from the Justice Department, which is concerned it'll place too much control in the company's hands. T-Mobile, the smallest of the nationwide carriers, is equally worried about the concentration of spectrum in Verizon's big red paws. Presumably, though, that has more to do with its inability to purchase it -- especially in the aftermath of the collapsed AT&T merger. Metro PCS and some public advocacy groups also voiced their opposition, while Sprint took a more measured approach, saying only that the FCC should look closely at the agreements. See, handset makers aren't the only mobile companies that can whip up a good legal drama.
Terrence O'Brien02.22.2012
Justice Department antitrust division probing Verizon cable spectrum deals
Looks like AT&T isn't the only major carrier having issues with the guv'ment lately. Remember that 20MHz AWS spectrum that Verizon got from Cox Communications for a cool $315 million this month? How's about that juicy spectrum Big Red scored from Comcast, Time Warner and Bright House for $3.6 billion? Well, it turns out those deals are raising an eyebrow or two over at the Justice Department, which just launched an investigation into the matter. A spokesperson for the department confirmed the probe with Bloomberg News but declined to provide further details. A source familiar with the investigation, however, says the antitrust division is involved. Apparently, there's concern that the deal puts too much control of the airwaves in the hands of Verizon. For its part, Verizon declined to comment, saying it has yet to receive information about the investigation.
Jason Hidalgo12.21.2011
Verizon scores new spectrum from Comcast, Time Warner and Bright House for $3.6 billion (update)
Verizon has a pretty serious head start in the LTE race. To make sure it stays at the front of the pack, Big Red has entered an agreement with SpectrumCo (a joint venture between Comcast, Time Warner and Bright House) that sees 122 AWS spectrum licenses transferred to the carrier for $3.6 billion and some commercial agreements. The deal will allow the companies to become authorized retailers for each others products, eventually giving the cable companies the ability to offer Verizon Wireless service as wholesalers. For its part, the House that Droid Built scores a boat load of new spectrum that may become crucial in expanding its network and ensuring that speeds don't drop off significantly as more customers transition to 4G. Check out the full PR after the break. Update: Wondering how this impending love affair affects Comcast and Time Warner's existing deals reselling Clear's mobile broadband? Per CNET, not great, as the duo will gradually shift those using the WiMax provider to alternatives in the next six months.
Terrence O'Brien12.02.2011
Bright House TV app brings rebranded Time Warner Cable TV to the iPad
Congratulations Bright House Networks customers, your off-brand Time Warner Cable experience now includes live TV streaming on your iPad. The Bright House TV tablet app has hit iTunes and is, unsurprisingly, a direct clone of the TWCable TV app, although it's not the latest version as it doesn't have parental controls yet. Otherwise it's basically the same experience, complete with the restriction to using it at home on your own WiFi network and its initial unfriendliness towards jailbroken iPads. There's no word on which channels are available, but we wouldn't be surprised if they also mirror the Time Warner list. If you're jailbroken, check the MacRumors link below for a workaround, otherwise you can just head to iTunes and download the app directly. Update: Bright House has added a list of all 97 channels currently included on its website here. [Thanks, EvilSpock]
Richard Lawler10.30.2011
ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN Buzzer Beater now available online for Time Warner & Brighthouse
Time Warner and Brighthouse customers have had access to the main ESPN channel on their PCs for a few months now and today it's been announced ESPN2, ESPNU and the new ESPN Buzzer Beater (think RedZone or GoalLine, but for college basketball) channel have been added to the mix. All are available on ESPNNetworks.com just like the main ESPN feed, with access from mobile devices still touted as "coming soon." Sure, most of us have ESPN3 access already (and, unlike Time Warner and Brighthouse subs can get it on our Xbox 360 already) but being able to pull in the linear channels from anywhere could have its advantages (as seen in the ad below,) is anyone calling up their provider and asking for ESPNNetworks yet?
Richard Lawler01.25.2011
ESPN3 on Xbox 360 coming to Time Warner, Brighthouse customers soon
Despite an agreement to bring ESPN3 and even internet streaming of ESPN's live cable channels on Time Warner Cable and Brighthouse, so far that courtesy has not extended to the Xbox 360's ESPN3 app. Our friends at Joystiq pointed out an ESPN page indicating it is "working to grant ESPN3.com on Xbox Live access" so it should hopefully be live sooner rather than later, however it appears subscribers will need TV and internet service to access the streams.
Richard Lawler12.22.2010
ESPN site suggests Xbox Live streaming coming soon to Time Warner, Brighthouse
If you're a Time Warner or Brighthouse network cable subscriber, the new ESPN streaming functionality that came with the November Dashboard update was kinda lost on you in that you couldn't find it ... ever. Hope is coming though -- Brighthouse (which is owned by Time Warner) says Xbox 360 functionality is coming to its customers next year while this page on ESPN's site assures those patiently waiting that they'll be able to stream ESPN through their Xbox 360 soon. The way it will work is when a Time Warner or Brighthouse user turns on their Xbox 360 and tries to access the ESPN app (right now, you should get this screen), it'll direct them to this ESPN activation page where they will have to authenticate their account with Brighthouse or Time Warner, then be given an access code. Previously, ESPN3.com content wasn't available to Time Warner and Brighthouse subscribers, though a new deal inked back in September changed that. So where does that leave us? Pretty much at the same spot, actually -- though at least now it seems there's a light at the end of the tunnel and it's illuminating sports stuff. [Thanks, Grady]
David Hinkle12.18.2010
Comcast, Time Warner, Bright House pick up Coke Zero 400 3D broadcast
Looks like Turner Sports has no problem sharing its first NASCAR 3D broadcast, and as a result Comcast, Bright House Networks and Time Warner are all on board for the July 3 Coke Zero 400 race. Already announced for DirecTV and internet streaming, the night race will have two feeds, one of trackside cameras and one on the pits and feature the network's "Wide Open" format, promising more unobstructed race action free of national commercial breaks. Of course, we'd like to know what the next big 3D event is more than just a couple of weeks ahead of time, but if you're one of the few with the necessary hardware, we're sure any content is welcome no matter how it arrives.
Richard Lawler06.24.2010
Cable companies miss tru2way deadline, insist it's no big deal
Remember that tru2way-related Memorandum of Understanding that was all the rage about this time last year? It appears the 6 cable companies haven't lived up to at least one part of their agreement, collectively missing the deadline of July 1 to have 100% of their digital cable headends compatible. No word on how close they got, but Comcast, Cox, Time Warner, Charter, Cablevision and Bright House still insist it's "not that far off" though we don't see how missing important milestones is helping move the technology forwards.
Richard Lawler07.02.2009