Cable Giant Charter worries over 5G

Cable giant Charter tests fixed 5G in 6 cities, plans rural broadband push

Facing impending threats from 5G wireless carriers, cable operator Charter Communications has announced fixed 5G wireless tests in six cities, and plans to expand broadband service in rural communities. At the same time, the company hinted that it will seek "regulatory parity" to prevent wireless competitors from gaining advantages over the wired cable industry.

From article, (Facing impending threats from 5G wireless carriers, cable operator Charter Communications has announced fixed 5G wireless tests in six cities, and plans to expand broadband service in rural communities. At the same time, the company hinted that it will seek “regulatory parity” to prevent wireless competitors from gaining advantages over the wired cable industry.

 Charter is currently the second-largest cable operator in the U.S., servicing 25 million customers in 41 states under the Spectrum brand. Lacking a wireless division, Charter focuses on wired internet, phone, and TV services offered over “existing wireline infrastructure” and is testing 5G wireless specifically to provide “wireline-like broadband connectivity and speeds” to customers in rural communities. The company’s 5G tests are ongoing in:

• Orlando, Florida
• Reno, Nevada
• Clarksville, Tennessee
• Columbus, Ohio
• Bakersfield, California
• Grand Rapids, Michigan

Cellular carriers including Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T have expressed excitement over ultra-fast 5G’s potential to let them compete in the broadband market. For that reason, Charter’s decision to test 5G is at least as defensive as offensive, enabling the all-wired company to dip its toe in wireless waters while continuing to tout the advantages of its cable infrastructure.)

For More Info