9-13 Mar: Your guide to what’s happened this week in the media, entertainment and technology industry.

NAB cancels Las Vegas event due to coronavirus 

NAB Show announced this Wednesday that the show will no longer take place in April as anticipated.

The news comes after a number of exhibitor dropouts in the past week, most notably multimedia stalwart Avid, which dropped out on Monday. 

Airtel partners Cisco to launch India’s first automated ethernet over fibre network 

Airtel has announced its collaboration with Cisco to launch India’s largest 5G-ready, 100G IP and optical integrated network Advanced Television reported on Monday. 

Designed to enhance network availability, capacity and scale, the network deployment is part of Airtel’s initiative to build a 5G-ready network that continues to serve the growing demand for high speed data services in India.

Cisco’s recent Annual Internet Report forecasts there will be 67.2 million 5G connections in India by 2023 (4.9% of total mobile connections).

FuboTV to Stream NHL

FuboTV has added NHL Network, MLB Network and MLB Network Strike Zone to its channel lineup Broadcasting and Cable reported

Subscribers to Fubo’s Extra or Sports Plus Packages can receive NHL Network. MLB Network and MLB Network Strike Zone has also been added to the channel lineup. 

FuboTV head of content strategy and acquisition Ben Grad said, “With these networks, as well as NBA TV and NFL Network plus dozens of channels offering national, regional and local sports coverage, FuboTV leads other virtual MVPDs as the home of pro sports.

Vivo commences 6G research programme

According to Mobile World Live, Chinese phone manufacturer Vivo has launched its 6G research and development team in China. 

It is reported the team will start to prepare for the data explosion obstacles in the coming future. 

According to Vivo head of communications research institute Qin Fei, the company’s exploration of 6G is still at an early stage, and the institute has set up a specialised team to demonstrate the application scenarios of 6G technology and has participated in several industry-initiated thematic discussions.

PGA Tour announces rights deals with ViacomCBS and more

PGA Tour has reported this week its significantly expanded media rights portfolio. 

The Tour secured a new nine-year agreement with ViacomCBS, Comcast/NBC Sports Group, The Walt Disney Company’s ESPN+, which is set to begin in 2022.

The deal will include traditional linear broadcasts along with expanded OTT streaming.