AT&T vs Vodafone

US Cable TV Shutdowns: 30+ Channels Closed Since 2020

Since 2020, the American cable TV industry has experienced a steady contraction as viewers migrate to streaming platforms. At least 30 distinct U.S. cable and regional sports channels have permanently shut down or ended regular programming between 2020 and late 2026. Notable closures include NBC Sports Network (NBCSN), ESPN Classic, G4, Universal Kids, HBO Family, Cinemax multiplex channels, Pac-12 Networks, Longhorn Network, and the FanDuel Sports Network portfolio. The closures accelerated after the pandemic and cord-cutting, with sports channels especially vulnerable. Operators cited falling subscriber numbers, rising content costs, and the preference for on-demand streaming as decisive factors. Regional sports networks accounted for a large share of losses, leading to greater fragmentation of local sports viewing. More shutdowns are expected as rumors suggest additional closures.

• More than 30 U.S. cable TV channels have shut down since 2020.
• NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) ceased operations on December 31, 2021.
• HBO Family and Cinemax multiplex channels (ThrillerMax, MovieMax, OuterMax) stopped on August 15, 2025.

AT&T Partners with OpenAI to Scale Legal Knowledge

AT&T's legal department is partnering with OpenAI to build a knowledge layer that makes legal expertise more accessible across the company. The collaboration builds on LegalEdge, AT&T's AI-focused legal team, and aims to improve intake processes by using natural language processing to classify and prioritize requests, connect them with relevant precedent, and provide lawyers with historical context. The initiative is led by David McAtee, AT&T's General Counsel, and Bill Ryan, Chief Compliance Officer. The goal is to enable lawyers to deliver legal judgment at greater scale, while ensuring that decision-making remains with the attorneys.

• AT&T is partnering with OpenAI to build a knowledge layer for its legal department.
• The collaboration builds on LegalEdge, AT&T's AI-focused legal team.
• An intake system with natural language processing will classify and prioritize requests.

AT&T adds record 769K internet customers in Q3 2026

AT&T reported a record quarter for internet subscriber growth, adding 769,000 total consumer and business Advanced Connectivity internet net customers in Q3 2026. The gains were driven by 442,000 fiber additions and 327,000 fixed wireless additions (5G Home Internet), marking the company's strongest internet net-add performance. As of September 30, 2026, AT&T's total internet connections reached 16.248 million, including 13.310 million fiber and 2.938 million fixed wireless. Fiber network reach exceeded 39 million locations, on track to surpass 40 million by end of 2026. Advanced Home Internet revenue rose 23.4% year-over-year to $2.975 billion. The company raised its full-year 2026 adjusted EPS outlook and continues to target mid-single-digit growth in Advanced Connectivity service revenue, supported by fiber expansion and fixed wireless adoption.

• AT&T added 769,000 net internet customers in Q3 2026, a record.
• Growth driven by 442,000 fiber additions and 327,000 fixed wireless additions.
• Total internet connections reached 16.248 million as of Sept 30, 2026.

Inside the network: How we’re creating the network of tomorrow

Vodafone published a new article on 03 Nov 2026 about creating the network of tomorrow, focusing on technology, networks, innovation, and 5G.

Sport1 Suddenly Unavailable on Vodafone

Sport1 has been removed from Vodafone's cable network as of October 30, 2026, prompting a message that the channel is unavailable. Vodafone confirmed the change in its forum and removed Sport1 content from its media libraries, affecting approximately 40% of Sport1's reach. The background remains unclear, with Vodafone declining to comment. According to Süddeutsche Zeitung, Sport1 allegedly failed to pay full distribution fees, with open invoices around €1 million. Sport1 says it is working with Vodafone to restore the channel. The removal exacerbates Sport1's financial strain: parent Highlight Communications faces a high double-digit million repayment to a bank consortium by end of November, and the broadcaster plans layoffs among its ~100 employees. Shareholders Acunmedya and Highlight are trying to sell digital division sport1.de.

• Sport1 removed from Vodafone on October 30, 2026, losing ~40% of its reach.
• Vodafone removed Sport1 content from media libraries; background undisclosed.
• Süddeutsche Zeitung reports alleged unpaid distribution fees of about €1 million.

6-K Financial Filing Analysis for Vodafone (2026-10-30)

Vodafone Group Plc announced that Societe Generale S.A. has completed the acquisition of a 50% shareholding in OXG Glasfaser Beteiligungs-GmbH (OXG), Vodafone's fibre joint venture in Germany, purchasing the stake from Geodesia Holding S.à r.l. Following the preliminary announcement on September 1, 2026, the transaction brings in a committed institutional financial and funding partner for OXG. This capital infusion supports the ongoing buildout and nationwide expansion of OXG's high-speed fibre infrastructure in Germany while allowing Vodafone to maintain capital expenditure efficiency and strategic flexibility.

• Societe Generale S.A. completed the acquisition of a 50% stake in German fibre joint venture OXG Glasfaser Beteiligungs-GmbH from Geodesia Holding S.à r.l.
• The completion follows Vodafone's previous transaction update announced on September 1, 2026.
• The transaction secures committed financing for OXG's German fibre network rollout while preserving Vodafone's strategic flexibility.