FILE - This file photo made March 7, 2010, shows a Cablevision sign in New York. European telecommunications and cable company Altice has agreed to buy New York cable operator Cablevision for $17.7 billion, including debt, according to a person familiar with the matter. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been formally announced. The announcement is expected before European financial markets open Thursday, Sept. 17. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)