AT&T introduces new Partner Exchange offerings; Nokia's Alcatel-Lucent acquisition gets French ministry approval

Wireline news from across the web:

> NTT SmartConnect, a division of NTT Group, has selected PLUMgrid Open Networking Suite (ONS) as the virtual networking platform for its OpenStack cloud providing innovative streaming media to users. Release

> AT&T has introduced five offerings to help members of its Partner Exchange reseller program increase their sales. Channel Partners article

> Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) has launched its 1 Gbps FTTH service. TeleGeography article

> The Hong Kong-based arm of a Belgium-based insurance group, Ageas chose Verizon's cloud as the foundation for its wealth management trading platform, i-Invest. Release

> The French ministry of economy has given its green light to Nokia's proposed acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent. Telecompaper article

> TELUS is previewing the capabilities of homes connected to FTTH in Calgary. Release

Cable News
> The Missouri Attorney General's office has filed a federal lawsuit against Charter Communications, alleging the MSO made "thousands" of illegal telemarketing calls to state residents. Article

> ESPN confirmed that it will lay off about 300 employees, or about 4 percent of its 8,000-member workforce. Article

Installer News
> Comcast has introduced a high-end, rack-mountable version of its X1 set-top box targeted to home theater installers. Article

Online Video News
> The debut of the final trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens during halftime of ESPN's live-stream of the New York Giants-Philadelphia Eagles matchup helped the sports network score its third-biggest online audience ever for Monday Night Football. Article

Wireless News
> Verizon Wireless recently launched a national promotion to give customers a $300 gift card when they switch and trade in their phone. Article

> Magic Leap, a startup focused on augmented reality technology, wants to create "an operating system for reality," according to CEO Rony Abovitz, who said the firm is developing an eyeglasses-like device, which will project virtual images over a real-life setting. Article

And finally … Bonded T1s and Ethernet over Copper vie for supremacy. Copper Ethernet article