Comcast shifts strategy to mobile as fourth-quarter broadband numbers disappoint

Key Points

  • Comcast is shifting its focus to its mobile business after losing 139,000 residential broadband customers in Q4.
  • The company aims to package mobile with broadband to attract more customers amidst a slowdown in broadband growth.
  • Competition from wireless providers like Verizon and T-Mobile, offering home broadband, has intensified.
  • Comcast sees mobile as a significant part of its strategy to grow and maintain its customer base.

Summary

Comcast, a major player in the cable industry, is experiencing a strategic shift towards its mobile business following a significant loss of 139,000 residential broadband customers in the fourth quarter. This move comes as the company faces a slowdown in broadband customer growth, a sector that has been the traditional growth engine for cable companies. The decline in broadband subscribers is attributed to various factors including increased competition from wireless providers like Verizon and T-Mobile, who are now offering home broadband services, and a general market saturation following the peak of the Covid-19 lockdown. Comcast's executives have acknowledged the competitive landscape, noting that conditions are intense and dynamic with no immediate signs of easing. In response, Comcast is leveraging its mobile offerings, which rely on Verizon's network and its own broadband infrastructure, to not only retain but also attract new customers. The company has already seen some success, with over 7.8 million mobile lines, representing 12% of its broadband customer base. This strategic pivot is part of a broader industry trend where cable companies are bundling mobile with broadband to reduce customer churn and drive revenue growth.

cnbc
January 31, 2025
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