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Dec. 9, 2009

Cox Communications said early this morning that it has launched its new wireless network in the markets of Virginia, Nebraska and California.

Cox's new plans makes it the first U.S. cable company to operate its own 3G network.

"We've carefully considered the unmet needs of our wireless users and we'll be delivering a top-notch wireless service that is uniquely Cox to address those needs," said Pat Esser, Cox Communications president.

The cable company's new wireless service launched to a test group of Cox customers in the first three markets, and the company will expand its service across Hampton Roads, Omaha and Orange County early next year.

The service will initially only be available to some residential customers, but the company says it will "deliver business class services to Cox Business customers in the very near future."

Instead of signing resale agreements with some wireless carriers, Cox decided to build its own mobile service network.

Its resellers include Huawei, BCI, Bridgewater, Starent Networks, Qualcomm and Interop.

Cox isn't the only cable provider going after the wireless market. Competitors include Time Warner, Comcast and Bright House Networks.

Those three companies reselling Clearwire's mobile Wi-MAX service are hoping to get into a level playing field with Cox and other potential cable company candidates in 2010.

It will be interesting to see how this unfolds in the new year.

In Canada, more specifically in the province of Quebec, Videotron, the province's largest cable company and Internet service provider started offering wireless service to its users back in October 2008.

In the United States, other major cable companies are expected to join the crowd soon. For its part, Comcast has manifested its interest to join the wireless segment more than two years ago. Some wireless analysts think Comcast is very close to offer new wireless services to all its subscribers, and that an announcement is expected in the new year.

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Source: Cox Communications.