Cable provider Cox to get out of wireless business

Cox Communications announced that it will stop selling its wireless phone service Nov. 16, and work toward ceasing service all together March 30, 2012.

Citing a "lack of wireless scale necessary to compete in the marketplace, the acceleration of competitive 4G networks [and] the inability to access iconic wireless devices" — aka, be able to sell the made-for-Sprint iPhone — Cox says it's getting out of the 3G business and scraping all plans for LTE. Cox says it has approximately 6 million customers, and will extend special offers to its wireless users, helping them in their transition to another wireless provider. Cox Wireless customers, who have multiple Cox services, will receive a $150 credit on their bill for every disconnected phone, the company said. It will also waive all early termination fees, and customers can keep their devices and will continue to receive Bundle Benefits — discounts offered for combined phone, television and Internet service — for two years.