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Altice’s Goei: ‘We are having discussions’ about wireless

By Daniel Frankel May 23, 2017 12:29pm

After hinting last week that Altice USA was having internal discussions regarding a possible MVNO agreement similar to what larger MSOs Comcast and Charter have established, company CEO Dexter Goei reportedly made more definitive comments regarding entry into the U.S. wireless business on Monday.

"We are having discussions on lots of different types of alternatives out there," said Goei at a press event covered by Reuters.

Both Comcast and Charter have activated mobile video network operator agreements with Verizon and are using those pacts as foundations to enter wireless. Comcast and Charter also just carved a deal to collaborate on wireless technology and business moves.

Goei reportedly called the deal “interesting and innovative,” adding, “We’re clearly not the types of people to sit back and watch.”

Asked whether Altice would consider joining the Comcast-Charter alliance, Goei said, “I don’t think there is a necessity for us to join anything today."

Altice USA, the U.S. arm of French telecom Altice NV, has become a major player in the American cable business quickly, after purchasing a controlling stake in Suddenlink Communications for $9.1 billion, as well as Cablevision for $17.7 billion.

Altice USA is now the fourth biggest cable operator behind Comcast, Charter and privately held Cox Communications, controlling 4.9 million customer relationships.

Altice USA has signaled plans to deploy FTTH wireline services to its entire Cablevision footprint (now branded as Optimum), as well as part of the Suddenlink footprint.

The discussions with Reuters and other reporters centered around a major rebranding push launched this week by Altice NV, which includes a new logo (pictured) that is intended to span the company’s telecom properties.

Under the rebranding, names of acquired holdings, such as Optimum, will disappear, Altice said.

“Altice is today entering a new era, following its transformation into a global leader in telecoms, content and advertising,” said Altice NV CEO Michael Combes, in a statement. “Operating as one unified organization, Altice will reinvent the future of the customer experience through an enduring commitment to deliver innovative, best-in-class products and services that unlock the limitless potential of our customers and our people. This is our path, this is the Altice path.”

licensing agreements service providers Altice USA Charter Communications Comcast MVNO