Cable companies partner to enter wireless market
Comcast and Charter are partnering on the development of their wireless platforms, the companies announced. According to filings at the Securities and Exchange Commission, the partnership will consist of “material transactions,” defined as “investments, acquisitions, mergers, partnerships, joint ventures or similar transactions” valued at $200 million.
Comcast made news in April when it announced Xfinity Mobile, a new $45-$65 per month wireless service that will rely on Comcast’s wifi hot-spots and Verizon Wireless’s network. Charter also leases capacity from Verizon Wireless. The cable/Verizon lease agreement was signed five years ago when the cable companies sold spectrum to Verizon. Analysts predict that the new partnership may presage a Comcast-Charter merger with a wireless company waiting in the wings.
Links:
Comcast, Charter announce new partnership to enter mobile market (The Hill, May 8, 2017)
Comcast enters wireless market with Xfinity Mobile (Speed Matters, Apr. 7, 2017)
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