Cable firm to join US telco wars

Cox will bundle wireless phone services with its cable TV, internet and land-line offerings

US Cable firm Cox Communications is set to throw its hat into the wireless service market.

The company revealed on Monday that it was planning to launch a new wireless network in 2009. The service will be included in its bundled packages, which already cover cable television, internet and land-line telephone services.

Initially, Cox will rely on Sprint's wireless network to provide the service. In the process, the company plans to build a 3G network of its own to eventually support the service. The company is also looking into developing a 4G Long Term Evolution system as well.

Cox has also purchased some $500m worth of wireless spectrum space from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auctions on which to run the new service.

The Cox service will be the first to offer cable television, internet, land-line and wireless phone services within a single bundle.

"As wireless communications enters the new generation, we are uniquely positioned to deliver the entertainment and communications services our customers want, whenever, however and wherever they want them," said Cox president Pat Esser.

"To deliver the best customer experience, we will manage every aspect of the service, from product development to marketing and sales to back-office operations and customer support and billing."