More wireless news from across the Web:
> Verizon said it expanded its "XLTE" service -- which essentially combines transmissions across its 700 MHz and AWS spectrum holdings to produce faster speeds -- into more markets across the country. Release
> Apple added marketing chief Tor Myhren to its leadership webpage. Business Insider article
> Facebook continues to work to reduce the cost of telecom services and networks. NYT article
> A judge issued a warrant requiring a suspect to unlock their iPhone with their fingerprint. 9to5Mac article
> A new Wired report dives into the telecom industry's SS7 protocol and how it is being used by hackers. Wired article
> Qualcomm introduced a new software development kit for its "machine intelligence platform" Zerot, a move the company said would make it easier to run deep learning programs on devices like smartphones. Verge article
> The FCC is now seeking input for its 19th report on the state of competition in the wireless market. B&C article
Telecom News
> Verizon has made another move to keep its maintenance and installation schedules on time by deploying thousands of additional employees as wireline workers represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) continue their labor strike. Article
> BCE, the parent company of Bell Canada, is acquiring Manitoba Telecom Services (MTS) for approximately $2.5 billion. Article
Wireless Tech News
> While Verizon boasts how it has deployed LTE Broadcast (LTE-B) technology throughout its LTE footprint, its biggest rival, AT&T, isn't so gung-ho about it. Article
> In the 5G spat between T-Mobile and Verizon, everybody is saying things for their own benefit and disparaging competitors to make a buck. Editor's Corner
Cable News
> Hulu has programming agreements in place with Disney and Fox and is readying the launch a live-streamed skinny pay-TV bundle in early 2017, the Wall Street Journal reports. Article
> DirecTV has demurred on a request from California Congresswoman Janice Hahn (D-San Pedro) to return to the bargaining table with Time Warner Cable and discuss carriage of TWC SportsNet LA. Article
And finally… BWL, a Michigan municipal utility, had to shut down some of its IT systems after being hacked by a new variant of ransomware. Article