Broadband

Johnson Controls merges with Tyco International; Verizon increases capacity for Super Bowl 50

By Sean Buckley Feb 1, 2016 8:50am

Installer news from across the Web:

> Baltimore, University System of Maryland enter dark fiber sharing plan. Technically Baltimore article

> Verizon is using under-seat antenna deployments in Levi's Stadium to increase capacity for Super Bowl 50, according to a Verizon executive. mobile sport report article

> Johnson Controls is now seeking to shed its U.S. corporate citizenship in a multibillion-dollar tie-up with Tyco International. Bloomberg article

> EXFO is introducing the MAX-720C-QUAD OTDR/iOLM, a tester that addresses network technicians' need for user-friendly and accurate fiber troubleshooting. Release

> Barry Electric Cooperative (goBEC) is building out a FTTH network that will serve areas of Barry County, Arkansas. Cabling Installation& Maintenance article

> Prysmian Group has been awarded a new contract worth around $272million for an HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) submarine interconnector that will link Denmark and the Netherlands, by TenneT TSO B.V. and Energinet.dk SOV, the operators of the Dutch and of the Danish power transmission grids, respectively. Release

Cable News
> A new coalition of pay-TV companies banded together to fight a new FCC set-top proposal says Google is showing off a new set-top based on the agency's new rules. Article

> According to Nielsen data compiled by Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Todd Juenger, C3 ratings across all linear channels for non-kids programming in primetime dropped 6 percent in the fourth quarter. Article

Telecom News
> CenturyLink and ILEC industry trade groups wasted no time in speaking out against the FCC's new 2016 broadband progress report, saying that it does not take into account the amount of money service providers are spending to extend broadband services to more communities. Article

> Verizon is giving FiOS customers the option to purchase a triple play bundle with 100 Mbps symmetrical speeds for $69 a month, reflecting its recognition that consumers want higher speeds as it winds down its FTTH roll out. Article

Wireless News
> JPMorgan Chase is planning to upgrade its entire fleet of ATMs to enable users to withdraw money via their smartphones, USA Today reported. Customers can use a one-time pin number that will be sent to their phones, then can tap to withdraw cash via an NFC connection. Article

> Google filed documents with the FCC this week claiming that its planned tests of a balloon-based wireless communications system pose no health or environmental risks and won't interfere with other users in the E-band. Article

And finally … Dark #fiber key to future of small cells, backhaul. RCR Wireless News article