By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
World of SoftwareWorld of SoftwareWorld of Software
  • News
  • Software
  • Mobile
  • Computing
  • Gaming
  • Videos
  • More
    • Gadget
    • Web Stories
    • Trending
    • Press Release
Search
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Copyright © All Rights Reserved. World of Software.
Reading: More customers opting for the “fourth” carrier over AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
World of SoftwareWorld of Software
Font ResizerAa
  • Software
  • Mobile
  • Computing
  • Gadget
  • Gaming
  • Videos
Search
  • News
  • Software
  • Mobile
  • Computing
  • Gaming
  • Videos
  • More
    • Gadget
    • Web Stories
    • Trending
    • Press Release
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Copyright © All Rights Reserved. World of Software.
World of Software > News > More customers opting for the “fourth” carrier over AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon
News

More customers opting for the “fourth” carrier over AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon

News Room
Last updated: 2025/10/04 at 11:38 PM
News Room Published 4 October 2025
Share
SHARE
With EchoStar bowing out of the facilities-based carrier game, the US service provider landscape is once again down to three true network operators: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. That doesn’t necessarily mean the “Big 3” don’t have a challenger.

The CEO of Comcast’s Connectivity and Platforms unit, Dave Watson, has said out loud what has been implied many times: cable companies collectively make up the fourth carrier.

Comcast, Charter, and other cable operators have been branching out into wireless, bundling mobile plans with broadband to attract customers. As they battle declining demand for their core broadband offerings, they are leaning on mobile to fuel growth.

There have already been reports that new customers are increasingly opting for cable companies. It’s not just household customers that these companies are courting, with business subscribers touted as another area of growth.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr gave the trend a nod recently, stating that more new customers are choosing cable companies over wireless carriers. This statement helps justify the FCC’s decision to nudge EchoStar to sell its unused spectrum to other companies.

You’ve got cable companies that are taking a higher percentage share of new mobile wireless subscribers than mobile wireless companies. 

Brendan Carr, FCC Chairman, September 2025

While EchoStar’s Boost Mobile won’t cease to exist, it will now rely on a hybrid MNO deal to operate. With a degraded status, its chances of putting up a real fight against the Big 3 are even slimmer.

 

Cable companies, which lease network access from MNOs to provide mobile services as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), are primed to act as a disruptive force. With MNO customers growing disillusioned with their carriers, cable companies are proving to be a worthy alternative.

However, with EchoStar now out of the picture and the Big 3 owning most of the spectrum, the leverage is now in their hands. The FCC and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have long held the view that a four-carrier market is vital for robust competition, as Recon Analytics’ Roger Entner points out.

While cable companies may be a hot favorite among new customers, the Big 3 still account for more than 90 percent of subscriptions.

Most importantly, wireless service is a complementary offering for cable companies, according to Peter Adderton, Founder & CEO, MobileX. Their primary business is broadband, and a converged customer is what they are after. For them, mobile customers aren’t that profitable, as MNOs also get a cut. Their wins only strengthen MNOs.

Ultimately, while cable companies offer a compelling alternative for customers fed up with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, they don’t constitute a true fourth carrier. Because they depend on the Big 3’s infrastructure, their success only reinforces the very market structure a real fourth carrier would seek to change.

Buy 3 Months, Get 3 Free

Visible+ Pro – up to $135 savings on Verizon’s fastest 5G

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase


Check Out The Offer

Read the latest from Anam Hamid

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print
Share
What do you think?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Sleepy0
Angry0
Dead0
Wink0
Previous Article Best Echo Dot deal: Save $15 at Amazon before Prime Big Deal Days
Next Article Lenovo secures $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia’s Alat · TechNode
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

248.1k Like
69.1k Follow
134k Pin
54.3k Follow

Latest News

Alibaba signs David Beckham as AliExpress global ambassador · TechNode
Computing
The Best Air Purifiers We’ve Tested for 2025
News
Honor unveils Honor 200 Pro smartphone featuring Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 100W fast charging · TechNode
Computing
Best Apple Deals of the Week: Apple Watch SE 2 Hits Ultra Low $179 Price, Plus Early Prime Day Deals
News

You Might also Like

News

The Best Air Purifiers We’ve Tested for 2025

27 Min Read
News

Best Apple Deals of the Week: Apple Watch SE 2 Hits Ultra Low $179 Price, Plus Early Prime Day Deals

5 Min Read
News

Best gaming routers in 2025 (UK)

6 Min Read
News

Strava sues Garmin over key fitness features you probably rely on

5 Min Read
//

World of Software is your one-stop website for the latest tech news and updates, follow us now to get the news that matters to you.

Quick Link

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Advertise
  • Contact

Topics

  • Computing
  • Software
  • Press Release
  • Trending

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

World of SoftwareWorld of Software
Follow US
Copyright © All Rights Reserved. World of Software.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?