WASHINGTON�� Charter Communications has�announced�fixed 5G wireless tests in six cities, with plans to expand broadband service in rural communities. The company also suggested that it will seek �regulatory parity� to prevent wireless competitors from gaining advantages over the wired cable industry, according to venturebeat.com. The company�s 5G tests are ongoing in:
- Orlando, Fla.
- Reno, Nev.
- Clarksville, Tenn.
- Columbus, Ohio
- Bakersfield, Calif.�
- Grand Rapids, Mich.
Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T have expressed �excitement over ultra-fast 5G�s potential to let them compete in the broadband market,� according to the same article, and for that reason, Charter�s decision to test 5G is at least as defensive as offensive, enabling the all-wired company to �dip its toe in wireless waters while continuing to tout the advantages of its cable infrastructure.�
Charter is the second-largest cable operator in the U.S. with 25 million customers in 41 states. The company focuses on wired internet, phone, and TV services offered over �existing wireline infrastructure� and is testing 5G wireless specifically to provide �wireline-like broadband connectivity and speeds� to customers in rural communities.
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