From CNBC: 2025-04-23 09:15:00

Cable companies like Comcast and Charter are focusing on growth in the mobile phone service sector as a significant financial driver. Despite losses in broadband customers, cable companies have seen consistent growth in mobile customers, with cheaper pricing attracting customers. However, this growth has not translated to an increase in stock prices.

Charter’s Spectrum Mobile and Comcast’s Xfinity Mobile have seen significant growth in mobile lines, but still fall short of major wireless carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Cable companies are also experiencing losses in internet and cable customers, prompting a shift towards aggressive pricing and packages that include mobile lines.

Comcast and Charter are leaning more towards wireless services to attract customers, with Comcast introducing a new high-end plan for Xfinity Mobile. The focus is on attracting existing customers to add on mobile services, with bundling options showing promise for customer retention. Altice USA has set a goal of reaching 1 million mobile customers by the end of 2027. Cable companies are finding success by offering bundled mobile and broadband services, but face challenges in brand awareness for their mobile offerings. Altice’s mobile lines grew 42.6% year over year, while Charter’s Spectrum Mobile business is gaining recognition. Affordable pricing is a key marketing strategy, enabled by agreements with wireless networks like Verizon and T-Mobile.

Cable operators benefit from offering cheaper mobile plans through network agreements, capturing much of the customer traffic over Wi-Fi. Despite competition with wireless companies, cable operators still pay a cut to network providers for using their infrastructure. Telecommunications leaders acknowledge cable’s encroachment but remain confident in their offerings.

AT&T CEO John Stankey believes cable operators are on the defensive against their broadband product, citing a better product, cost structure, and service ratings. While cable companies have had success, Stankey aims for AT&T to dominate the market in the coming decade. Comcast owns NBCUniversal, the parent company of CNBC.



Read more at CNBC:: Comcast, Charter lean into mobile service