There are some up and coming players offering mobile wireless service and they may not be who you would expect – cable internet service providers (ISPs) like Comcast, Charter, Cox, and Mediacom.
Why it matters: More than 10 million Americans have already signed up for mobile plans offered by their cable ISP – a trend that’s showing no signs of slowing down. And more competition in the mobile marketplace means more options for you to choose from when searching for a plan that fits your lifestyle and budget needs.
Here are three things you need to know about these offerings.
1. Ready-to-Go Mobile Networks
Cable ISPs offer wireless service by:
- Leasing excess capacity from some of the nation’s largest mobile network operators.
- Tapping into Wi-Fi hotspots – whether in a subscriber’s home or across the millions of public Wi-Fi hotspots available throughout the country.
This means that whenever a mobile customer is within a Wi-Fi hotspot, their phone will automatically switch from the mobile network to the cable provider’s Wi-Fi network.
Bonus: Using Wi-Fi instead of a mobile network not only results in a boost in speed most of the time, but also helps reduce your data charges if you aren’t on an unlimited data plan.
2. Bundling services = savings
Many cable ISPs now offer their internet customers the option to add a mobile plan. This service bundling means that companies can offer multiple services at a lower cost and results in a single, simplified monthly bill that is easier to manage.
Bonus: If you ever need to change your video, internet, or mobile service plan – whether you’re moving or adding someone new – there’s only one company to contact, saving you time and energy.
3. Plans Are Flexible
Everyone uses their devices differently. By offering internet, video, and mobile phone services under one plan, cable ISPs can provide a range of plans to meet your needs that allow you to pay only for the services you use.
Bonus: Love your current phone and your number? In most cases, when switching to a new mobile plan, you can keep them. Any setup and activation required can also be completed at home following instructions from your provider.
Subscribing to wireless service from your cable ISP can help you save money while delivering excellent connectivity. To learn more, check out our related story.
