Comcast announced on Tuesday that it will be launching its own mobile network using a portion of radio airwaves called Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS). The network will initially roll out in Philadelphia, providing expanded coverage and capacity to Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile customers.
Since its launch in 2017, Comcast has viewed the mobile business as an increasingly significant component of its bundle, offering competitive promotions on wireless services bundled with broadband and video packages. With nearly 6 million wireless subscribers as of the second quarter, Comcast aims to differentiate its offerings from traditional carriers and emphasize the advantage of having full control over expanded coverage.
By utilizing the CBRS spectrum, which differs from licensed airwaves used by carriers like Verizon and AT&T, Comcast is able to share the spectrum with multiple users including incumbents like the U.S. Navy. The spectrum operates in the 3.5 GHz band, known as “mid band” spectrum, offering a desirable combination of speed and range.
Comcast’s successful use of CBRS has led the company to reconsider its plans for another spectrum it owns, the 600 MHz band. Due to the promising performance of CBRS, Comcast has agreed to sell its 600 MHz spectrum holdings to T-Mobile, valued between $1.2 and $3.3 billion. This move will allow T-Mobile to make immediate use of the spectrum and enhance its low-band holdings.
Comcast’s entry into the 5G world is becoming more significant. The company has recently joined the 5G Open Innovation Lab, a group focused on investing in new businesses and applications that leverage 5G wireless technology. Joining other founding partners such as Dell, Intel, Microsoft, Deloitte, and Nokia, Comcast aims to explore further opportunities brought forth by the growing popularity and interest in 5G.
The decision by Comcast to launch its own 5G mobile network signals a shift in the perception of cable TV as the company embraces new technology and seeks to provide customers with the latest and most advanced services.
