Spectrum, Xfinity boost connectivity with satellite text service

STAMFORD, Conn. & PHILADELPHIA - Charter Communications (NASDAQ: CHTR) and Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA), through their mobile branches Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile, have introduced a satellite-based messaging service for their customers. The service, enabled by Skylo, allows users of Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9 to send emergency SMS messages when out of cellular or WiFi range. The feature is expected to expand to regular SMS in the coming weeks. This initiative comes as Charter demonstrates strong financial health, with an EBITDA of $21.89 billion in the last twelve months.

Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile customers already benefit from satellite emergency messaging on select Apple and Google devices, a feature provided by the manufacturers. This addition enhances the connectivity options for consumers, especially in remote areas.

Danny Bowman, Charter Communications’ Executive Vice President, Product, emphasized the security and confidence this technology brings to customers, ensuring communication is possible anywhere. Comcast’s Senior Vice President, Consumer Products, Emily Waldorf, highlighted the company’s commitment to connectivity, adding that this service will aid customers in critical situations.

Skylo’s Vice President of Global Carrier Partnerships, Paul Hanton, expressed pride in the partnership, which aims to deliver consistent coverage and connectivity. The collaboration with Charter and Comcast is set to extend the reach of Skylo’s satellite network.

The satellite service will be available for additional devices in the future. Currently, it is offered on iPhone models 14 through 16 with iOS 18 software, with the level of service varying by device.

Spectrum Business and Comcast Business Mobile also benefit from Skylo’s satellite services, providing their users with access to the nation’s largest WiFi network and reliable 5G, with most mobile traffic carried over WiFi.

For more details or to purchase a device with satellite messaging capabilities, customers can visit Spectrum and Xfinity’s mobile websites or retail locations.

This move by Charter Communications and Comcast, leveraging Skylo’s satellite technology, marks a step towards ubiquitous connectivity for their mobile users. The information for this article is based on a press release statement.

In other recent news, Charter Communications reported impressive fourth-quarter results for 2024, surpassing earnings expectations with an earnings per share (EPS) of $10.1, compared to the forecasted $9.29. Revenue also saw a modest increase, reaching $13.93 billion, slightly above the anticipated $13.88 billion. Citi analysts have resumed coverage on Charter Communications, issuing a Buy rating with a price target of $425, citing potential growth in free cash flow starting in 2025. Additionally, Bernstein analysts maintained an Outperform rating with a $385 target, noting Charter’s better-than-expected broadband subscriber losses in the fourth quarter.

In other developments, Spectrum Reach, the advertising division of Charter Communications, introduced the Audience Reach Optimizer (ARO), a new tool designed to improve advertising campaign precision and effectiveness. This tool is now available across all markets, following a successful pilot phase. Meanwhile, Charter Communications’ wireless segment demonstrated robust growth, adding over 500,000 lines in the quarter, despite intense industry competition. The company’s management expressed confidence in maintaining strategic flexibility amid potential industry consolidation. Charter’s recent initiatives, including network expansion and AI-powered customer service tools, continue to support its growth strategy.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.