An American telecommunication firm, Charter Communications Inc. is a well-known mass media company. It has more than 26 million consumers in almost 41 states in the USA, making it the second-largest cable operator in America. As well as the firm has been recognized as the third-largest pay-TV operator in the country. Apart from that, Charter Communications ranks fifth as the largest telephone provider as per the residential subscriber line count. The journey to achieve this level in business has never been easy for the founders and the firm. Started in 1993, Charter Communications has experienced many hustles and went through lots of controversies. However, the firm proved that with excellent service and continuous efforts, any company can make a stand, despite all odds.
About Charter Communications Inc.
Charter Communications is well-known broadband connectivity and cable operator in the USA. With more than 30 million customers, it is also NASDAQ listed firm. Over the years, the firm has been providing communications and entertainment solutions to personal and commercial users. It also offers multiple services like cable video programming, premium channels, and online video services. Also, it is the ultimate stop for services like telephone services, sports content, internet services, and several others.
Through the spectrum band, Charter Communications has enabled broadband connectivity in 41 states in America. With this spectrum business of charter, communication fulfills the needs of small and medium-sized firms. As well, it provides broadband service and products to large businesses including some government entities also. Moreover, the firm has listed at number 70 in the Fortune 500 list, 2019.
The founders in the limelight
Jerald L. Kent
He is a well-established entrepreneur and businessman in the telecommunication industry. Apart from working at Charter Communications, Kent also served as TierPoint’s CEO. As well, he was the CEO of Cequell III.
Barry Babcock
He was born in Minneapolis and brought up in Oklahoma City. Belonging to a lower-middle-class family, he had to left highschool for some personal reasons. However, he continued education at the University of Oklahoma. When Barry entered the cable industry, he had nothing. In fact, he had to borrow money to invest in Charter Communications.
Howard L. Wood
He is one of the founding members of Charter Communications. As well, he helped in setting Cequel III in 2002. Before that, he served as CEO at Centcom Cable Associates.
The backstory of foundation
The firm has originally started as Charter Communications CATV systems in 1980. However, in 1993, Howard Wood, Barry Babcock, and Jerald Kent made it exceptional under the name Charter Communications Inc. Since then the firm has flourished dramatically which turned out pioneering in the field of the cable industry. Today, it is one of the inseparable parts of the high-tech cable industry.
Growing the business
It was started in the era, where the cable network was started from hilltops and ending at homes. Over the period, this cable business has morphed into a much advance and high-tech cable industry. While Charter Communications also evolved and is in the leading position today. Through several mergers and acquisitions, the firm has time to time to fulfill the requirements of consumers. In fact, to do so, it has done over 10 major acquisitions in the late 20 century. The firm has acquired subscribers from dozens of cable system providers in the USA. Includes, 4 lakh subscribers from InterMedia Partners, and 4 Lakh and 60K subscribers from Interlink communications. Additionally, it acquired leading firms like Renaissance Media Group, Helicon Cable Communications, Vista Broadband Communications, etc.
Charter Communications implemented one more new strategy i.e., swapping customers. To improve geographic clustering the firm has swapped its customers with many leading cable service providers. One such customer exchange was made with AT&T corporation in 1999.
Controversies
The firm received lots of criticism in its history. Even it was listed as worst among 14 major internet service providers by PC World. As per the consumer report 2008, it was marked as the worst of national carriers. As well, the US department of justice investigated the Charter in 2002 for a lawsuit filed against the firm. Several other financial lawsuits have also filed on Charter Communication.
Later Success
Currently, the firm has grown its cable network to more than 7.5 lakh miles, fulfilling the needs of more than 30 million consumers. The vast infrastructure of Charter Communications is now offering faster broadband, which once accused of providing the worst network. As well, it has enabled many other services like voice, telephone, and offers the best customer support. Being the leading broadband connectivity firm, the Charter is providing innovative services with the best customer satisfaction.
Jayshri is an Electronics Engineer, but her passion towards writing made her to be in this field. Apart from content writing, she loves reading, writing and surfing on various topics. In her free time, she likes to watch TV series and news. Sherlock Holmes is her all time favorite show. Jayshri loves cooking various Indian-western dishes.