More cable news from across the Web:
> In an attack eerily similar to the Lizard Squad hack a year ago, a group calling itself the Phantom Squad has claimed responsibility for a DDoS attack on Microsoft's Xbox Live service. Ars Technica story
> Scripps Networks International has launched TV Everywhere apps for Travel Channel, HGTV and Food Network for Apple TV. Press release
> Japanese conglomerate Toshiba expects to lose as much as $4.5 billion this year. Wall Street Journal story
> FairPoint's proposed agreement with the Vermont Department of Public Service has been approved by the state's Public Service Board (PSB), closing the service quality investigation that began last December in the midst of a strike by its union workers. Article
> Lightower Fiber Networks has acquired HarborLite Networks, enabling the provider to strengthen its fiber network density in the Baltimore area. Article
> In what is being viewed as a victory for wireless operators and tower companies, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled Dec. 18 that the FCC has the authority to make it easier for tower sites, distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cells to be deployed by preventing local authorities from hindering the permitting review process. Specifically, local municipalities cannot deny requests to modify wireless equipment if it doesn't substantially change the physical footprint of that equipment. Article
> A study by Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Sweden's Omnitor into real-time text (RTT) concludes that RTT together with audio and video in smartphones with additional alerting features is the way to go for accessible electronic communication. Article
> In yet another move in the race to offer the simplest, easiest on-ramp to the Internet of Things (IoT), the Weightless SIG last week announced the availability of Weightless-P technologies tailored to deliver on the promises of low power, wide area network (LPWAN) technology for IoT connectivity. Article
And finally… Amazon's The Man in the High Castle, an adaptation of a Phillip K. Dick novel, has drawn the most streams for a new original series for the SVOD service. Deadline Hollywood story