Quick news from across the Web.
> Al Jazeera America's first-week ratings are reportedly low. Article
> Jupiter Telecommunications will acquire IP Power Systems, a firm that supplies electricity to condominium complexes, for an estimated $101.7 million. Article
> Carlyle Group, Cinven and Altice, the co-owners of cable company Numericable and fixed line operator Completel, are reportedly planning to merge the two companies ahead of a potential initial public offering. Article
Telecom News
> Windstream has officially created a new holding company called Windstream Holdings, Inc., which will become a new publicly-traded parent company of Windstream Corp. and its various operating subsidiaries. Article
> Hibernia Networks is beefing up its IP and Ethernet services portfolio by purchasing Atrato IP Networks, a provider of IP transit and carrier services. Article
> Software-defined networking could help mobile operators save more than $4 billion in wireless backhaul expenses by 2017, according to a Strategy Analytics study sponsored by Tellabs. Article
Wireless Industry News
> Vodafone confirmed it is in talks with Verizon Communications to sell its 45 percent stake in Verizon Wireless to Verizon, and reports pegged a potential deal at a value as high as $130 billion. Article
> Sprint executives think the company's nationwide deployment of Clearwire's 2.5 GHz spectrum will help it catch up to LTE market leaders Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility. Article
> Next week's IFA trade fair in Berlin kicks off Sept. 5 and lasts until Sept. 11, and the U.S. telecom industry will be paying attention to the announcements. Commentary
And finally… Kittens running on a NYC subway line force it to shut down. Article