| This week's sponsor is Cisco |
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This eBook from FierceCable will examine the competitive landscape for carrier WiFi, the costs of building WiFi access points, and how the technology may be used to deliver advanced services. Click here to Download now!
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Today's Top Stories
1. FCC: Comcast must pay $800K for failing to market affordable standalone broadband service
2. Major cable MSOs to deploy ThinkAnalytics recommendation engine
3. AT&T U-verse subscribers may lose AMC, WE tv and IFC
4. Aspire debuts in 7 million Comcast and Time Warner Cable homes
5. News Corp. board approves split of entertainment and publishing businesses
Also Noted: Motorola SecureMedia
Spotlight On... How GSA's Networx Universal contracts have impacted service providers
Buddy TV Guide integrates with Facebook; Shaw net income declines and much more...
On the Hot Seat: Cox COO Jill Campbell details strategy for 'right sizing' cable subscribers
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| Webinar: Unified Communications - Opportunities and Obstacles
Thursday, June 28, 2pm ET / 11am PT
Universally, Unified Communications increasingly is being looked at by businesses as a way to contain costs, expand reach and simplify communications-both internally and externally. Interoperability, proof of ROI and a lack of understanding all are contributing to what has been fitful progress for the technology. Join a panel of experts as they examine the trends and solutions of Unified Communications. Register Now! |
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> Mobile and Online Client Experience Designer - H&R Block in Kansas City, MO > Manager, Revenue Processing - Greater Los Angeles Area - Muve Music > Senior Project Manager - Atlanta, GA – Cox Communications > Sales Engineer - Cox Business - Irvine, CA – Cox Communications > Cox Media Local Sales Mgr III -San Diego, CA – Cox Communications > Database Administrator (DBA)- Wichita, KS - Cox Communications > Manager, Sales Strategy - Atlanta, GA – Cox Communications > Product Launch Manager - Atlanta, GA – Cox Communications > Executive Director, Financial Operations-Client Support - Atlanta, GA – Cox Communications > SVP & General Manager, New England - West Warwick, RI – Cox Communications > Supervisor, Sales Operations - Las Vegas, NV – Cox Communications > Central Systems Technician I - Springfield, VA – Cox Communications > LTE Project Manager II Job - Bellevue, WA, USA – Yoh > Telecom Project Administrator Job - Plano, TX, USA – Yoh > Telecom Site Acquisition Manager Job - Plano, TX, USA – Yoh > Project Coordinator Job - Overland Park, KS, USA – Yoh > Business Solution Representative - Chinle, Arizona - Navajo Tribal Utility Authority > Sales Engineer - Chinle, Arizona - Navajo Tribal Utility Authority > Telecom Supervisor - Ft. Defiance, Arizona - Navajo Tribal Utility Authority > Senior Wireless System Technician - Shiprock, New Mexico - Navajo Tribal Utility Authority > Wireless System Technician - Shiprock, New Mexico - Navajo Tribal Utility Authority > Need a job? Need to hire? Visit FierceWirelessJobs
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Today's Top News
Comcast ( Nasdaq: CMCSA) agreed Wednesday to pay the federal government $800,000 for failing to adhere to a condition of its merger with NBCUniversal that required it to offer subscribers a standalone high-speed Internet service for two years, the FCC said.
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| Comcast's Internet Essentials website. |
While Comcast was ordered to charge subscribers no more than $49.95 for a 6 Mbps broadband service for three years after the NBCU merger closed in January 2011, the MSO didn't make enough of an effort to tell customers about the standalone option, the FCC said. As part of the settlement, the FCC ordered a one-year extension on the merger condition, requiring Comcast to offer its $49.95 monthly "Performance Starter" tier through at least Feb. 21, 2015.
The FCC said the consent decree it reached with Comcast was significant, noting that it is the first time that it has extended conditions to a merger. "Consumers will directly benefit from the greater availability of this reasonably priced broadband option, potentially worth many millions of dollars in savings to consumers," the FCC said.
But Comcast downplayed the consent decree. "As is often the case with services associated with government orders, the FCC had questions on how the service might have been rolled out in a different or even better way," the company said in a statement.
Last summer, Comcast began offering low-income homes a $9.95 high-speed Internet service. But its "Internet Essentials" tier has download speeds of just 1.5 Mbps, and is only available to families with children who qualify for the federal school lunch program.
For more: - see the FCC release - The Washington Post has this story
Related articles: Regulators praise Comcast's $9.95 monthly high-speed offering Comcast forms new legal regulatory group headed by Lynn Charytan Comcast-NBCUniversal: 6 months later Low-cost broadband access: How do MSOs compare? FCC, Justice approve Comcast-NBC Universal merger, with conditions |
 | Changing the face of digital signage using wireless technology
July 10th, 2012 11 am ET / 8 am PT
Digital signage is one of the fastest growing areas of M2M and operators have signed deals with technology companies to embed their wireless technology into kiosks, billboards, and digital displays. This webinar will identify market opportunities, highlight technologies being used today and in the future and will also identify critical success factors when integrating wireless technology into these types of deployments. Register Now! |
Scotland-based ThinkAnalytics says it has struck deals that will see three major cable MSOs in North America add its recommendation engine to their interactive program guide, which will allow subscribers to receive suggestions for TV shows and movies based on their viewing habits.
ThinkAnalytics chairman Eddie Young told FierceCable that two MSOs will launch ThinkAnalytics recommendation engine in the next four to eight weeks, and that a third major MSO is expected to launch the product in October. "I can't say the names because of NDAs [non-disclosure agreements], but you will see them over the next couple of months," Young said.
Several international pay TV providers have already deployed recommendation engines from ThinkAnalytics and other vendors, but the technology is just beginning to gain traction in the United States. Comcast ( Nasdaq: CMCSA) has built its own recommendation engine for use with its new X1 digital video service, and DirecTV ( Nasdaq: DTV) has also deployed a program guide that suggests titles based on viewing habits.
ThinkAnalytics says its recommendation engine has been deployed by 20 service providers worldwide, including BSkyB, Virgin Media and ITV in the United Kingdom, German cable MSO Unity Media and Belgian broadband provider Telenet. More than 70 million subscribers have access to its search and recommendation technology that can be used to navigate live TV, video-on-demand and over-the-top video content.
Look for ThinkAnalytics to strike OEM (original equipment manufacturer) deals with other cable technology vendors. Young says the company is talking to set-top, middleware and interactive program guide vendors about integrating its recommendation engine technology with their products.
ThinkAnalytics faces competition from TiVo ( Nasdaq: TIVO), rival recommendation engine vendors such as Jinni and multichannel providers that could develop their own recommendation engines for program guides.
For more: - see the news release
Related articles: CableNet exhibit spotlights next-generation program guides, WiFi technology Jinni deploys mood-based program guide on Belgacom set-tops AT&T Labs tests personalized TV recommendations Recommendation engine drives 75% of Netflix traffic New DirecTV guide suggests content to subscribers based on viewing habits Comcast patents technology for recommending alternative TV programming to subscribers |
AT&T ( NYSE: T) said it hopes to strike a deal with AMC Networks by June 30 that would allow it to continue distributing AMC, WE tv and IFC to U-verse TV subscribers, but the telco is refusing demands that it nearly double the license fee it pays to carry the cable networks.
"AMC Networks is asking that AT&T pay nearly double what we believe other competitors pay—including a smaller-sized competitor. We believe the rates they are seeking are disproportionate compared to the viewership we see across their channels," AT&T said in a statement.
Formerly known as Rainbow Holdings, AMC was spun off by Cablevision ( NYSE: CVC) last year. The company is waging battle with Dish Network ( Nasdaq: DISH), whose contract is also set to expire on June 30. AMC has seen ratings increase from the popularity of original programs such as Mad Men and Breaking Bad. But the fact most U-verse TV viewers subscribe to bundles of high-speed Internet and telephone service from AT&T makes it doubtful that a significant number of subscribers would switch providers in order to watch AMC programming.
AMC's distribution disputes – and the impact that they could have had on ad revenue – has hurt its stock, which has dropped about $10 per share since March. AMC shares were trading at $35.35 at noon ET on Thursday, down about 3 percent for the day.
For more: - see AT&T's statement
Related articles: AT&T 'optimistic' that it can grow U-verse subscribers Dish threatens to drop AMC Networks Cablevision sets June 30 as the end of the Rainbow Netflix outbids AMC, HBO for original programming |
Comcast ( Nasdaq: CMCSA) and Time Warner Cable ( NYSE: TWC) flipped the switch Wednesday night on Aspire, a new cable network marketed toward African Americans.
Backed by NBA great Magic Johnson, Aspire is one of four minority-owned networks that Comcast said in February that it would launch. Aspire said it debuted in about 7 million cable homes. It still hasn't reached deals with DirecTV ( Nasdaq: DTV), Dish Network ( Nasdaq: DISH) and other cable rivals.
Comcast also agreed to launch BabyFirst Americas, which will focus on programing for infants, very young children and their parents. The MSO also plans to launch Revolt, a music network backed by Sean Combs, and El Ray, a general entertainment network that will target Latino audiences.
For more: - see the release
Related articles: Comcast to launch four minority-owned networks Concessions, demands bubble as latest Comcast hearing hits Chicago |
News Corp. ( Nasdaq: NWS) said its board of directors approved a plan to separate its entertainment and publishing businesses into two separate publicly traded companies, both of which will be chaired by Rupert Murdoch.
The move could reduce the impact that the hacking scandal at the company's News of The World tabloid in the United Kingdom has had on its entertainment business.
News Corp. said its global media and entertainment company will consist of Fox Broadcasting, Twentieth Century Fox Film, Twentieth Century Fox Television, Fox Sports, Fox International Channels, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, FX, Star, the National Geographic Channels, Shine Group, Fox Television Stations, BSkyB, Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland.
For more: - see the release
Related articles: News Corp. may split into two companies; U.S. Supreme Court to hear Comcast appeal News Corp. reports 100% increase in retransmission-consent fees |
Also Noted
| This week's sponsor is Motorola SecureMedia |
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Pirating video has become an art form, with hackers changing their approach as often as a baseball coach changes his steal sign. This FierceTelecom eBook will look at the content security landscape and how it's changing. To read more Download for free today!
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In today's spotlight, FierceTelecom takes a look at the impact that the General Service Administration's Networx Universal contract has had on AT&T ( NYSE: T), CenturyLink ( NYSE: CTL), Verizon ( NYSE: VZ) and other companies that got a piece of the $48 billion in contracts awarded in 2007. A recent report showed there's a difference in opinion between service providers and agencies on the revenue potential for Networx. Sprint ( NYSE: S) and Level 3 ( NYSE: LVLT), which both only hold the Enterprise contract, say they are continually being edged out of opportunities by the three Networx Universal prime holders AT&T, CenturyLink, and Verizon. Read more
More cable industry news from the web:
> Canadian MSO Shaw Communications reported $567 million in operating income for the quarter ending May 31, down 3 percent compared to the same period last year. News release
> BuddyTV Guide said it completed an integration with Facebook's Open Graph, which will allow users of the social TV network to share what their watching with friends on Facebook. News release
> QVC is selling $500 million in debt. News release
And finally … first-quarter global advertising spending increased 3.1 percent, to $128 billion, according to Nielsen. News release
Jill Campbell, Chief Operating Officer, Cox Communications
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| Campbell |
Cox Communications was one of the first cable MSOs to implement broadband meters that are designed in part to encourage subscribers that are heavy Internet tiers to upgrade to a premium tier.
The nation's third largest cable MSO is also the first operator to offer subscribers $35 monthly TV Economy programming packages on all of its cable systems.
Chief Operating Officer Jill Campbell detailed the company's packaging and customer service strategies in a recent interview with FierceCable. The 29-year Cox veteran, who was promoted to COO in March, says Cox would rather offer a subscriber a less expensive data or programming package than lose a customer. Campbell also weighs in on topics ranging from the future of the cable set-top to Cox's WiFi deployments and its partnership with Verizon Wireless ( NYSE: VZ) .
FierceCable: What's the strategy behind the broadband meter Cox has deployed?
Jill Campbell: When we thought about our usage meter, it was so we could start to educate consumers because they really don't know if they're having any kind of issue, if you think of a virus perhaps, and that could be driving [data usage] up. We launched that in our Florida market, customers really were appreciative. Some were confused--they didn't understand what that meant. So for us, it's first about awareness, and making sure that the customer knows what they have. We have no plans at this point to institute any kind of penalties. We want to try to get people in the right tiers. We're looking at lower end tiers so that the people that can't afford it, and they only use it once in a while, there's that. And then pushing people up into a premiere tier--a lot of the folks that we see that start to bump up against them, really are just at the threshold of another tier. We're training our reps to ask good questions.
FC: You won't force subscribers to upgrade to a higher tier?
JC: No, we are not. We're focused on education. It's really important to start with the reps and the phone and what we have online. Even being in cable, I have high-speed data--I have no idea how much I consume. I think if our reps are able to say, 'what do you use it for? Do you have a kid at home who is gaming a lot?' Then they'll be able to put them in the right package, and we're not going to end up in that situation. Continue reading the interview online.
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> Mobile Software Analytics: Understand consumers' true experience with their mobile devices - Tuesday, July 17, 11am ET / 8am PT
Join VisionMobile and Red Bend Software in a webinar about how Mobile Software Analytics will enable mobile operators, device manufacturers and enterprise administrators to uncover valuable trends and insight into application usage and software performance from the perspective of the mobile device itself. Register Today!
> Unified Communications -- Opportunities and Obstacles - Thursday, June 28, 2pm ET / 11am PT
Universally, Unified Communications increasingly is being looked at by businesses as a way to contain costs, expand reach and simplify communications-both internally and externally. Interoperability, proof of ROI and a lack of understanding all are contributing to what has been fitful progress for the technology. Join a panel of experts as they examine the trends and solutions of Unified Communications. Register Now!
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> Key Strategies for Deploying Enterprise Mobility Applications
This guide provides a framework for CIOs on how to create a mobile application strategy for their business... Request Now!
> Webinar: Changing the face of digital signage using wireless technology
M2M technology is rapidly improving the way businesses interact with consumers in real-time by delivering targeted messages and updating them immediately. This webinar will identify market opportunities, highlight technologies being used today and in the future and will also identify critical success factors when integrating wireless technology into these types of deployments. Register Now!
> Webinar: Changing the face of digital signage using wireless technology
Digital signage is one of the fastest growing areas of M2M and operators have signed deals with technology companies to embed their wireless technology into kiosks, billboards, and digital displays. This webinar will identify market opportunities, highlight technologies being used today and in the future and will also identify critical success factors when integrating wireless technology into these types of deployments. Register now!
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> Mobile and Online Client Experience Designer - H&R Block in Kansas City, MO
By utilizing an enterprise "client centric" approach you will be responsible for identifying high impact points of engagement where mobile and/or online solutions can increase client retention and acquisition. You will partner with several lines of business through multiple contact points to evaluate existing solutions, business strategies, processes, and procedures to identify, prioritize and determine critical areas of impact. Learn More!
> Manager, Revenue Processing - Greater Los Angeles Area - Muve Music
This role is responsible for Muve revenue assurance, royalty revenue reporting and subscriber billing data collection. The manager will define, document and manage the billing data acquisition process for Muve Music, supporting a subscriber base of millions. 5 years of proven business & data analysis experience and highly analytical with ability to create dashboards and reports (based on multiple data sources) that will generate insights in order to help run the business is required... Learn more.
> Senior Project Manager - Atlanta, GA – Cox Communications
This position manages the development and implementation of projects/programs to meet business process initiatives, process improvement, product launches, other strategies and objectives and analyzes existing project management methods to promote effective operations through standardization, improvement, simplification, discontinuance, or other methods. Requires BS/BA in related discipline (i.e., Business, IT, Engineering)... Learn more.
> Sales Engineer - Cox Business - Irvine, CA – Cox Communications
The Sales Engineer promotes, sells, and retains commercial business solutions for voice, data and video. Target customers include small, medium and large businesses, educational, government, carrier and national accounts, as well as other specific market verticals (such as hospitality). Typically requires BS/BA or Associates degree in related discipline... Learn more.
> Cox Media Local Sales Mgr III -San Diego, CA – Cox Communications
This position maximizes revenue from all revenue categories and provides leadership and vision to develop a strong sales culture. Also recruits, manages and develops a high performance sales team that provides marketing solutions. Requires BS/BA in related discipline; some disciplines may only require Associates degree. Generally 3 to 5 years experience in related field. Certification is required in some areas... Learn more.
> Database Administrator (DBA)- Wichita, KS - Cox Communications
This position is responsible for the complete process of database design and operations, including systems analysis and maintenance, security, backup and restoration, and system configuration. Also conducts end-to-end plan design, controls production, and implements and monitors systems. Typically requires BS/BA or Associates degree in related discipline or 2 years of relevant work experience... Learn more.
> Manager, Sales Strategy - Atlanta, GA – Cox Communications
The purpose of the Manger, Sales Strategy is to serve as the primary contact in Atlanta to develop and articulate sales strategy as it relates to the product lifecycle on existing and new products, with a focus on the Verizon Wireless partnership and Wi-Fi deployment. This role will also provide/educate sales strategy to all Atlanta boundary partners. Bachelor's degree and 7+ years business experience including project management and sales operations required... Learn more.
> Product Launch Manager - Atlanta, GA – Cox Communications
The Product Launch Manager is a critical position within Cox Operations which is ultimately accountable for successful delivery of end to end quality solutions. The product launch manager will be responsible for successfully deploying new products to the customer operations teams with a focus on wireless products under the Verizon Wireless Partnership and Wi-Fi products. Call Center experience managing call center projects or other customer facing experience is required... Learn more.
> Executive Director, Financial Operations-Client Support - Atlanta, GA – Cox Communications
This position will develop and lead a team of 15 Business Operations professionals including 3 Directors, managers and analysts supporting the Corporate Operations Teams and act as liaison to Field Business Operations Teams in an effort to meet OCF and OFCF goals. At least 10 years management experience leading a Finance or FP&A team required... Learn more.
> SVP & General Manager, New England - West Warwick, RI – Cox Communications
Key responsibilities include to support the strategic re-alignment of key business functions (i.e. Marketing, Sales, Cox Business, Cox Media) through the necessary co-dependencies, interactions, collaborations and partnerships with key stakeholders and to minimize organizational and business impact. Also, this role acts as the local auditor of the implementation, results and impact of changes in programs or offers to customers in to the market... Learn more.
> Supervisor, Sales Operations - Las Vegas, NV – Cox Communications
This position is responsible for providing support and leadership to Sales Support staff to ensure orders are scheduled appropriately, installed accurately and on time and ensures that the Sales Support staff provides support for the Cox Business Services customer base and Sales Team. In addition, will be responsible for the coordination of all sales reporting functions and works with direct reports to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction... Learn more.
> Central Systems Technician I - Springfield, VA – Cox Communications
This role installs, implements and maintains the Cox Communications Northern Virginia SONET, Data, and DWDM networks and works in concert with the Commercial Business Services (CBS) Unit and the Network Architecture team to assure timely and accurate deployment of customer circuits. Also ensures that the Cox Communications network is maintained and operated to perform in accordance with the service level expectations of all internal and external customers... Learn more.
> LTE Project Manager II Job - Bellevue, WA, USA – Yoh
Yoh has a contract opportunity for an LTE Project Manager II to join our client in Bellevue, WA. Responsibilities include executing the move within budget stated in TPR/BCR for site engineering of sites, writing of scripts needed to move eNBs to the new switch. Three to five years minimal of LTE experience required... Learn more.
> Telecom Project Administrator Job - Plano, TX, USA – Yoh
Yoh has a contract opportunity for a Telecom Project Administrator to join our client in Plano, TX. This position will provide general project support for one or more managers, to include assistance with project tracking, cost analysis, project reporting, contract deliverables, and other project related tasks. Must be organized, creative, independent and self-motivated, enthusiastic, dependable, detail oriented, as well as flexible in scheduling and prioritization... Learn more.
> Telecom Site Acquisition Manager Job - Plano, TX, USA – Yoh
Yoh has a contract opportunity for a Telecom Site Acquisition Manager to join our client in Plano, TX. Responsibilities include to assess and control charges to the agreed site design and ensure only customer's approved materials are installed on the project. Minimum seven years of practical field experience working with 700+ site builds and/or site acquisition, with demonstrated capabilities in both areas of civil work... Learn more.
> Project Coordinator Job - Overland Park, KS, USA – Yoh
Yoh has a contract opportunity for a Project Coordinator to join our client in Overland Park, KS. This position will be responsible for creating and maintaining program / project reports as well as supporting ad-hoc reporting requests of multiple organizations. Ability to analyze data trends Wireless network experience desired... Learn more.
> Business Solution Representative - Chinle, Arizona - Navajo Tribal Utility Authority
This position will report to the General Manager and will be responsible for selling advanced fiber optic, microwave, data center and other wireless network solutions. 1+ years of direct sales experience in telecommunications or other related industry... Learn more.
> Sales Engineer - Chinle, Arizona - Navajo Tribal Utility Authority
NTUA-Wireless is seeking talented, motivated & visionary individuals to fill the Sales Engineer position. This position Reports to Director of Network Operation and must possess strong presentation skills. Minimum 2 years of experience in Education/Health care IT, or Sales Engineering... Learn more.
> Telecom Supervisor - Ft. Defiance, Arizona - Navajo Tribal Utility Authority
This position works closely with division and customers to identify needs, align strategies, develop plans and execute to meet these needs and expectations. 4 - 6 years' experience in fiber telecommunications, construction and engineering required... Learn more.
> Senior Wireless System Technician - Shiprock, New Mexico - Navajo Tribal Utility Authority
This position works with field technicians in maintaining ZTE LTE, CDMA 1X, EvDO, GSM, UMTS sites and must have advanced knowledge of ZTE Core products, MME, P/S-GW, IMS, MSCe, MGW. 4 years' work experience in telecommunications or data networking required... Learn more.
> Wireless System Technician - Shiprock, New Mexico - Navajo Tribal Utility Authority
This position must have knowledge of ZTE Core products, MME, P/S-GW, IMS, MSCe, MGW and signaling interface knowledge of Diameter, SIP, RTP, S1-MME, Gx. Bachelors, Technical Degree or an acceptable combination of education, training and experience required... Learn more.
> Need a job? Need to hire? Visit FierceWirelessJobs
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