TCI may get investment by Microsoft

Article Abstract:

Microsoft is negotiating the possible investment of between $600 million and $1 billion in Tele-Communications (TCI), according to insiders. Neither Microsoft nor TCI would comment on the discussions, which insiders have characterized as sensitive. A cash infusion from Microsoft would finance TCI payment for a massive order of next generation of digital cable boxes that would offer high-speed Internet access. TCI, the largest US cable-TV operator, also would gain access to hundreds of digital cable channels. Microsoft, which invested $1 billion to purchase an 11.5% stake in Comcast in Jun 1997, also would increase its industry prestige. Wall Street speculates that Microsoft could purchase some shares formerly controlled by the late TCI founder Robert Magness' estate. Other reports portray deals that include TCI acquiring converting boxes using some Microsoft technology. No one knows whether Microsoft seeks to acquire an equity stake in TCI.

Cable Television Systems, Cable Networks, Microsoft Corp., Internet services, Company investment, Investments, Cable television broadcasting industry, Cable television, MSFT, Cable television/data services, AT&T Broadband and Internet Services Inc., TCOMA

---

News Corp., Telecom Italia terminate discussions to form digital-TV alliance

Article Abstract:

Talks between Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. and Telecom Italia SpA have broken down over the issue of rights to broadcast Italian soccer matches, and general political opposition to Mr. Murdoch's aggressive tactics. The deal, in which News Corp. would have gained an 80% stake in Telecom Italia's pay-television unit, Stream SpA, could have been beneficial to Stream, which has been losing money to its rival, Telepiu. The deal appeared to be scuttled after Italian politicians proposed legislation that would limit to 60% the amount of broadcast rights any pay-TV provider could buy. This limit effectively ruins the deal, as it basically deprives News Corp. of the programming that is most essential to challenging Telepiu's market dominance.

Italy, Australia, Alliances, partnerships, Cable and Other Program Distribution, Subscription Television ex CATV, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Mass media industry, Contracts, Abstract, Licensing agreements, Company licensing agreement, Telecom Italia S.p.A., The News Corporation Ltd., Subscription television

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: ABM and the procurement cost model. Telecommunications costs: how to identify, analyze, and control them. The cost allocation problem in a telecommunications company
• Abstracts: The most natural thing to do. The IBM Corporate Education Network, Part 1. The IBM Corporate Education Network, part II
• Abstracts: Complying with the inventory capitalization rules. Accounting for productivity: a practical approach
• Abstracts: Knowledge driven quality improvement. The assimilation of software process innovations: an organizational learning perspective
• Abstracts: The paradox of independent relations in the field of social issues in management. part 2 Knowledge, clusters, and competitive advantage

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.