BT to spend $8.6B upgrading fiber, 4G networks; Frontier's McCarthy calls Florida, Texas and California entry a success

Wireline news from across the web:

> BT announced its Openreach division and EE wireless businesses will spend $8.6 billion (£6 billion) to upgrade its fiber broadband and 4G networks, increasing speeds up to 500 Mbps, over the next three years. Capacity Magazine article

> Frontier Communications CEO Dan McCarthy proclaimed that the telco's entry into Florida and two other states was "very successful." Tampa Bay Business Journal article

> Lumos Networks has joined the Equinix Cloud Exchange, an interconnection solution that provides direct, private access to multiple cloud service providers. Release

Cable News
> Arris reported a 33 percent uptick in first quarter revenue to $1.62 billion, a result that exceeded analyst forecasts and was driven by improvements in both network/cloud and CPE sales. Article

> Comcast-backed virtual-reality event producer NextVR has signed a deal with music promoter Live Nation to stream hundreds of concerts in VR, Variety reports. Article

Installer News
> Alpha, a provider of power supplies for the cable and telecom industries, is seeing interest in battery backup power for broadband particularly rise from its carrier customers. Article

Online Video News
> AT&T is shifting the web properties once hosted by Yahoo to a new provider, Synacor, including its att.net portal, search feature, and branded applications. Article

Wireless News
> Sigfox announced plans to expand its U.S. operations in a big way, vowing to deploy its IoT network in 100 cities across America this year. Article

> Dish Network is lobbying the FCC to deny Verizon's proposed $1.8 billion acquisition of XO Communications' spectrum assets and fiber business, claiming among other things that the deal would have an adverse impact on competition in multiple markets. Article

And finally … A number of the UK's red telephone booths soon serve will as temporary offices as New York City-based Bar Works plans to outfit these iconic sites with 25-inch screens, scanners, printers, a wireless mouse, and Wi-Fi connections. Digital Trends article