Some indie broadband operators still on the fence about mobile

Many small and midsized cable and broadband operators are exploring a potential launch into the mobile arena, but other priorities, including fiber network buildouts, are keeping some of them on the sidelines. But the option is there for many operators that want it thanks to the National Content & Technology Cooperative's (NCTC's) mobile partnerships with Reach and AT&T. NCTC is working on new operational and economic initiates designed to make it easier for the co-op's 700-plus members to enter the mobile arena. But some operators are still mulling their options. MCTV, an operator based in Massillon (OH), is "always thinking" about adding a mobile option, but it's not on the short-term roadmap, said CEO Katherine Gessner. Gessner is also wary that MCTV will need to get mobile right from the start, so she's willing to stay off to the side as other operators pursue their respective mobile initiatives.