Cable could return to broadband subscriber growth in 2026

Cable execs have been adamant that their broadband businesses will return to subscriber growth eventually. But they haven't pinpointed exactly when they expect to turn that corner as they grapple with the demise of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and a one-two punch of fiber and fixed wireless access (FWA) competition. A new study from MoffettNathanson suggests that cable should see the tide start to turn in 2026 as the smoke from the ACP clears and losses in legacy markets are offset by subscriber gains coming way of network edge-outs alongside government-subsidized rural buildouts. Those gains are expected to be relatively small and flattish when compared to the days when US cable was solidly in the catbird seat during and prior to the pandemic. But they will represent a much-needed re-stabilization of the category.