10 SDN, data center companies to watch; Cisco eyes investment in Canada

Wireline news from across the web:

@FierceTelecom RT @TheCloudNetwork: 10 network virtualization, SDN and data center companies to watch. Article | Follow @FierceTelecom

> Rural communities like Carroll County, Md., continue to struggle to get a decent Internet connection. Article

> An NPD study revealed that illegal P2P music sharing declined 17 percent in 2012 as Internet users turn to free, legal streaming services. Article

Cable News

> Comcast's CFO bragged that NBC will collect over $200 million in retransmission-consent fees in 2013, a 400 percent increase from 2012. Article

> DirecTV filed trademark applications for the first 4K network. Article

IPTV News

> CAT Telecom, a Thailand-based service provider, is using Digital Rapid's equipment to deliver multiscreen video to its subscribers. Article

> Canada's Rogers admits that it is starting to feel the effects of IPTV competition on its traditional cable video business. Article

Online Video News

> Amazon advanced its standing in the online video race by getting the exclusive online subscription rights to Sony Pictures Television's popular FX series "Justified." Article

And finally … Cisco CEO John Chambers: Canada is 'The easiest place in the world to do business. Article