More cable news from across the Web:
How cable's consolidation could impact the industry's growing Wi-Fi stronghold @FierceCable http://t.co/ylGCDwfCaL
— FierceWirelessTech (@fiercewrlsstech) May 6, 2015
> Ahead of Shark Week, Discovery Channel said it scored double-digit year-over-year growth in several key viewership metrics. Deadline article
> According to one analyst, AT&T's promise to deploy more fiber could cut into the revenues from the likes of Comcast and Charter. Barron's article
> Germany's ProSiebenSat.1 plans to purchase a controlling interest in multichannel network Collective Digital Studio. Variety article
> LiveXLive said it will use technology from Verizon Digital Media Services to run its streaming music offering. Multichannel News article
> Comcast said it extended its employment contract with CEO Brian Roberts for another year. Multichannel News article
> The American Cable Association said the FCC should ensure "fee parity" between direct broadcast satellite providers (DBS) and cable and IPTV providers within three years. Release
> The Chernin Group hired a former Yahoo executive, Mike Kerns, to head up its digital unit. Re/code article
Telecom News
> Cisco is acquiring privately held MaintenanceNet for $139 million, enhancing its cloud portfolio with a set of software data analytics and automation to manage renewals of recurring customer contracts. Article
Online Video News
> The biggest acquisitions of multichannel networks (MCNs), such as Disney's $950 million buy-up of Maker Studios and Otter Media's $200-300 million purchase of Fullscreen, have most likely already taken place, according to one analyst firm. Article
> Looks like Netflix has got it right when it asks, "Are you still watching?" after two to three episodes of a single series have streamed. The majority of binge-watchers, 87 percent, can handle viewing just three or fewer shows in one sitting. Article
> The second half of 2015 is bringing a flurry of announcements as over-the-top video providers--both new to the segment and established alike--put into motion strategies to improve their competitive edge. That includes Showtime, which, like HBO before it, launched its new standalone OTT service, Showtime Anytime, on July 7--five days ahead of its original launch date. Article
Installer News
> Not only is broadband now available to virtually all Americans, most Americans are getting more options for broadband. The conversation is no longer about availability--it is only about affordability and choice. Editor's Corner
> The rise of the connected home and the demand for over-the-top video are driving the need for better in-home cabling solutions, including plastic optical fiber (POF). Article
European Wireless News
> The European Commission (EC) pumped $8.8 million into a new industry-led 5G research program that aims to produce a new air interface for sub-6 GHz networks. Article
Wireless News
> Microsoft said it will cut around 7,800 jobs, mostly from its phone business, and record an impairment charge of around $7.6 billion related to its purchase of Nokia's devices and services business. Article
> AT&T Mobility likely added around 500,000 postpaid customers in the second quarter thanks to tablet subscriber additions as Verizon Wireless racked up subscribers with promotional shared data plan pricing, according to analysts at Wells Fargo. Article
And finally… A U.S. judge ruled that Time Warner Cable must pay a Texas woman $229,500 for placing 153 automated calls to her in less than a year. Reuters article