Comcast, as many may not know, actually owns a fair bit of wireless spectrum which they have leased out to Verizon Wireless. The deal in place between the two companies allows Comcast to operate an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) on Verizon’s network. However, Comcast has never really dug into that opportunity at all. But that may change. According to a report, it appears that Comcast is looking for some tech executives that have “wireless experience”. This would lead many to believe that they are looking to develop an MVNO offering. And with the cable and internet giant taking part in the incentive auction, it makes loads of sense. The job listing in question here mentions someone that would be “responsible for leading the technology trial activities in the lab related to the assessment of various mobile technologies.” The other listing is looking for someone to be the VP of business development strategy and having experience in MVNO’s and MVNO agreements. On top of that, they also need 15 years of relevant experience, and familiarity with mobile networks, VoLTE, Android as well as iOS.
To the trained eye – and even the untrained eye – that looks like some MVNO plans are on the way for Comcast. Last year, Comcast did activate their MVNO agreement with Verizon, but there’s still nothing official as far as Comcast becoming a MVNO. Analysts are expecting Comcast to work out some sort of MVNO deal this year, and start up a wireless offering. These same analysts believe it’ll be a “WiFi first service”. Makes sense seeing as every Comcast router in the US acts a free WiFi connection. So it would work similar to Google’s Project Fi or Republic Wireless.
With AT&T having just recently started offering a triple play that bundles wireless in with their other services like internet and cable TV, it’s not surprising to see Comcast want to do the same. It means that their customers can get more from them, while also getting more from their customers. Comcast also has a foot in the door, considering they have this contract with Verizon, and they are able to create a MVNO running on their network, which is in many areas, the best network in the US.
It’s important to remember here that nothing has been made official just yet. This is just job listings and speculation from those listings.