Verizon exec hints that Comcast, others will execute on mobile virtual network operator deal

It sounds like Comcast and perhaps Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks and Cox Communications may be preparing to execute on their mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) deals with Verizon, and that offering, as rumored, will probably be a Wi-Fi-first mobile service. Fran Shammo, CFO of Verizon, said that Verizon has been notified that the cable companies will execute on the 2011 MVNO deal but said he would not discuss specifics of the agreements. "Obviously the industry is moving. Cable will do what they are going to do and we will do what we will do," Shammo said.

However, he then emphasized Verizon's views on Wi-Fi as a complementary service and not a replacement for LTE. "Wi-Fi will not replace LTE," he said. The Verizon MVNO agreement with the cable companies stems from Verizon's 2011 purchase of AWS-1 spectrum from Comcast, TWC, Bright House and Cox. The FCC approved the deal in the summer of 2012 and permitted the MVNO agreement, but the cable companies so far have not launched wireless offerings related to the deal. It's been widely rumored for the past few months that Comcast was planning to execute on its agreement with Verizon and would use that deal as an entry point to launch a Wi-Fi-first service.