Unfiltered

Netflix has updated its list of ISPs who have the best network support for streaming video, and much like the first time Netflix released the list, there are no real surprises. Nothing has changed with the fiber-rich cable TV companies leading the list (Comcast) or the part-DSL/part-fiber telcos (AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink) residing further down the list. Netflix said it will have its next update in August, with a few changes. (more…)

Time Warner Cable CEO Glenn Britt said at an investor conference this week that his company now sees a growing opportunity to sell broadband-only service plans to customers who do not want to buy traditional pay TV plans for economic reasons. He also noted that TWC’s broadband subscriber base has grown to the point where at 9.5 million customers, it is closing in on the company’s 12.3 million pay TV customer base. (more…)

The exuberantly named consulting firm Ideas & Solutions! has released a study showing that the majority of consumers ages 18 to 29—about 60 percent—might have potential to cut the pay TV cord in the future in favor of other options. The figure comes from the firm’s report, “Must Choose TV: What Gen Y Thinks About Pay TV and Cord Cutting,” which further suggests that cost is a key factor. (more…)

3DTV maker Samsung has announced that its Explore 3D video streaming application is now available in the U.S. Through Samsung’s SmartHub interface, the app offers free 3D HD content such as movie trailers, music videos, educational content and full-length TV shows from Wealth TV. (more…)

Verizon Communications last year extended its efforts in the multi-screen game by expanding FiOS TV On Demand content to mobile devices through its FlexView application. Now, NewTeeVee reports that Verizon may mold FlexView into an over-the-top offering that could be made available to non-Verizon FiOS customers. (more…)

Infonetics Research reported that global DSL equipment spending dropped sharply during the first quarter, providing the latest evidence that service providers throughout the world are perhaps ready to shed their copper in favor of fiber. (more…)

A highly controversial bill limiting the ability of municipalities to build broadband networks has become law in North Carolina, despite the opposition of N.C. Governor Bev Perdue. How could that happen if governors have veto power? Though Perdue said she opposed the bill, she chose not to veto it when she had the chance, and instead asked state legislators to reconsider their actions. By choosing not to veto, Perdue effectively allowed the anti-muni-broadband legislation to become law. (more…)

Fiber cable manufacturer Corning said this week that its fiber is in great demand, and that it has sold out of fiber cables largely because major customer Verizon Communications ended up needing about 20 percent more fiber for its FiOS broadband project than anyone thought. (more…)