Cox Communications Considers Selling 3G Network

Cox Communications, the third-largest US cable-TV operator, is considering selling its wireless network to a large telecommunications company, President Pat Esser said.

Cox will either sell the infrastructure or tear down the network, Esser said. Cox has no plans to upgrade the network, which uses so-called third-generation technology, to support the faster 4G standard, Esser said. Closely-held Cox, based in Atlanta, said last month it would stop building out its own network and would instead rely on a partnership with Sprint to deliver wireless service to customers. The decision is based on Sprint’s speedier 4G network, Esser said, which he said will become the industry standard. Cox is also in talks with Philip Falcone’s LightSquared to use that venture’s network to further boost its wireless coverage, Esser said.