Cox Communications Launches Wireless Network

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Cable company Cox Communications is adding a wireless cellular network to its existing video, Internet and landline telephone services in an effort to strengthen its position in the cable communications sector.

The private Atlanta-based company is the first U.S. cable operator to test a "quadruple play" package by offering consumers phone, television, Internet, and wireless service.

Cox is also looking to fend off phone carriers such as AT&T(T) and Verizon(VZ), which have been expanding their television services into the the cable company's major coverage areas.

Most of Cox's cable competitors already offer wireless services. Cablevision(CVC) has its own Wi-Fi network while Comcast(CMCSA) and Time Warner Cable(TWC) resell Clearwire's(CLWR) wireless broadband service.

Cox, which is the third-largest cable company in the U.S., will use Sprint Nextel's(S) network while it builds its own network.

Cox's wireless network will first be available in Orange County, Calif., Omaha, Neb., and Hampton Roads, Va., locations where the company is already the local cable provider. It says it plans to expand the network, but hasn't specified when or where.

Cox will offer discounts and special packages to its existing cable customers who add wireless to their service bundle. It will sell monthly cellular service contracts and will give its customers free calling between Cox mobile phones and landlines.

Cox is offering a lineup of phones including five devices the operate on Google's(GOOG) Android software. The phones can be purchased at its new stores, located in the three regions where its service is available.

-- Written by Theresa McCabe in Boston.

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