Altice USA, Inc. - ATUS STOCK NEWS

Lightpath, an all-fiber connectivity provider, has announced the creation of two distinct performance units to address growing AI-related infrastructure demands. The first unit, Major Infrastructure Solutions, led by EVP Tim Haverkate, will focus on high-capacity infrastructure between Data Centers and Cable Landing Stations, serving hyperscalers and wholesale clients. The second unit, Core Infrastructure and Networking Solutions, headed by newly appointed President Joe Harding, will continue serving Enterprise, Government, Education, Carrier, and Wireless customers with enterprise-class connectivity solutions.

This strategic reorganization aims to better align with emerging market trends, particularly the surge in AI-related network infrastructure demands. The Major Infrastructure unit will provide high-count fiber and conduit solutions, while the Core Infrastructure unit will focus on connecting customers to their digital destinations, including cloud providers and AI workloads.

Nexstar Media Group (NASDAQ: NXST) and Altice USA (NYSE: ATUS) have announced a comprehensive partnership agreement, resulting in the immediate restoration of all Nexstar programming to Optimum TV customers. The service restoration affects approximately two million viewers, who will now have access to NFL playoff games and local news content. While the companies expressed gratitude to their customers for their patience during the negotiation process, the specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Optimum has demanded MSG Networks refund customers approximately $125 million amid ongoing carriage negotiations and programming blackout affecting Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, and Devils games. The dispute centers on MSG Networks' pricing model, with Optimum claiming that nearly 50% of customers didn't watch MSG channels in 2024 yet were forced to pay.

The company criticizes MSG Networks for charging $30 per month for their Gotham Sports app, triple the $10 monthly value MSG Networks claims their content is worth. Optimum argues that MSG Networks is prioritizing profits over accessibility, highlighting the programmer's refusal of multiple negotiation attempts and potential connection to increasing the Sphere's share price.

Optimum continues to offer alternative viewing solutions, including assistance with Gotham Sports subscriptions and new video offerings starting at $30 per month for non-sports fans.

Lightpath, an all-fiber connectivity provider, reported significant AI-driven growth with nearly $110 million in digital infrastructure sales to hyperscalers in 2024. The company's AI-related infrastructure opportunities pipeline reached almost $1 billion by year-end.

The demand stems from major hyperscalers seeking substantial bandwidth for AI initiatives across more than 10 markets. Lightpath's network, spanning over 10,800 unique route miles across New York Metro, Boston Metro, and Miami Metro areas, is positioned to support high-bandwidth, low-latency AI deployments.

The company views this surge in AI-related connectivity demands as a generational opportunity to reshape fiber infrastructure in the US, anticipating continued growth in this sector.

Optimum has issued a statement regarding its ongoing negotiations with Nexstar, criticizing the broadcaster's business practices and high rate demands. The company highlights that Nexstar was previously fined by the FCC for violating TV ownership rules regarding WPIX-TV in New York, yet continues to negotiate carriage rights for the station. Optimum argues against Nexstar's practice of bundling local channels with less popular ones like NewsNation, which reportedly 90% of customers don't watch.

The company emphasizes its commitment to providing customers with choice, flexibility, and value in TV content selection. While negotiations continue, Optimum is offering alternative solutions for customers to access Nexstar-owned content, including ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and CW stations, through various means including over-the-air antenna options.

Altice USA (NYSE: ATUS) has announced it will host a conference call on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss its Q4 and full year 2024 financial and operating results. The call will be led by Dennis Mathew, Chairman and CEO, and Marc Sirota, CFO.

Earnings release, results presentation, and trended schedule will be available at 7:00 a.m. ET before the call on the company's Investor Relations website. Participants can join via telephone at 877-404-9653 (US) or +1 201-689-8856 (International), or through a live webcast on the company's IR website.

Optimum announces the removal of Nexstar's content from its TV lineups effective 5:00PM ET due to failed carriage negotiations. The dispute centers on Nexstar's bundling strategy, requiring Optimum to carry less popular channels like NewsNation (which 90% of customers don't watch) alongside local broadcast stations. Nexstar rejected Optimum's extension offer and demands the highest broadcasting group rates.

The cable provider criticizes Nexstar's 'all or nothing' approach, which forces customers to pay for unwanted content and bundles stations across different states. Optimum argues this strategy is anti-consumer and detrimental to local programming. The company remains open to negotiations while providing alternative solutions for customers to access Nexstar-owned content, including over-the-air antenna options.

Optimum has issued a statement addressing the ongoing dispute with MSG Networks over programming costs and distribution. The company criticizes MSG's demand for high fees from all customers, including non-viewers, while highlighting alternative viewing options for sports fans.

Optimum emphasizes its commitment to providing affordable programming and reveals it offered to absorb MSG's price demands if allowed to package content more flexibly. However, MSG rejected multiple deal proposals. To address the situation, Optimum is offering solutions to help offset costs of the Gotham Sports app for fans wanting to watch Knicks, Islanders, Devils, and Rangers games, while also providing new affordable packages for non-sports viewers.

Optimum announces the removal of MSG Networks from its TV lineups following failed carriage agreement negotiations that expired on December 31, 2024. The dispute centers on MSG's demands for high programming fees and requirement to make their channels available to most subscribers regardless of viewing preferences. Optimum offered to absorb the price increases if MSG would allow more flexible packaging options, but MSG refused multiple offers.

The company emphasizes that Regional Sports Networks viewership is increasingly fragmented across streaming platforms, yet MSG maintains an outdated model demanding higher fees. Optimum is providing customers with alternative viewing options and assistance through their customer service channels and website.