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Why cable companies like Comcast and Charter are leaning into mobile service
CNBCยท 2025-04-23 13:15
Core Insights - The cable industry is increasingly focusing on mobile services as a significant growth opportunity, transitioning from traditional broadband offerings to include wireless services [1][2][3] - Mobile services have become a financial driver for cable companies, with substantial growth in customer numbers, particularly for Charter and Comcast [4][11] - Despite the growth in mobile, stock prices for these companies have not reflected this success, as investors remain focused on broadband challenges [6][7] Industry Dynamics - Cable companies like Comcast and Charter have shifted their strategies to prioritize mobile offerings, responding to stagnation in broadband customer growth [5][13] - The mobile segment is seen as a complementary business to broadband, with higher margins in broadband helping to subsidize mobile services [18][21] - Competitive pricing has attracted customers to cable mobile services, often significantly lower than traditional wireless plans [6][20] Customer Trends - A significant portion of new mobile customers for cable companies comes from existing broadband subscribers, enhancing customer retention [15] - Bundling mobile with broadband services is appealing to consumers, with a survey indicating that 25% of Americans are likely to subscribe to such bundles [16] - Altice USA has adopted a unique approach by offering mobile plans to non-broadband customers, aiming for 1 million mobile customers by 2027 [17] Competitive Landscape - Cable companies are competing in a market dominated by major players like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, which have over 100 million wireless customers [12] - The mobile market is approximately double the size of the broadband market, presenting a significant opportunity for cable operators [8] - Telecommunications leaders acknowledge the encroachment of cable companies but express confidence in their ability to retain customers [23][24]