Chartered Communications Inc., more commonly known as Charter, is one of the largest and widely recognizable telecommunications and mass media companies in the United States. The Missouri-based company, which is recognized on the NASDAQ by the ticker symbol CHTR, provides services to over 30 million customers across 41 states under the well-known branding of Spectrum.
Charter Communications was originally founded in 1993 by Barry Babcock, Jerald Kent and Howard Wood, and over the years, has grown primarily through acquisitions of various cable companies. These include Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks in 2016, which helped in expanding its presence substantially across America by making it the second-largest cable operator by subscribers.
Engaged in the business of providing a range of residential and commercial services including video entertainment, internet access and voice communication (telephone), Charter Communications focuses heavily on innovation, customer service and growth. The company operates a network of hybrid fiber-coaxial cables that provides high-speed internet and television services to its consumers. It also branched out to mobile services with Spectrum Mobile in 2018.
Charter’s business operations are bifurcated into two segments: residential and commercial. The residential segment, which is the major revenue generator, involves providing video, internet, and voice services to residential customers, whereas the commercial segment delivers similar services to businesses of all sizes, from small establishments to large enterprises.
Charter Communications' prominent position within the US industry is due to its investment in infrastructure, customer service and product offerings. The company has continuously worked to increase internet speeds and to expand its Wi-Fi network. Charter also contributes to the communities it serves by offering low-cost broadband service to underserved households under the Spectrum Internet Assist program.
Despite facing competition from other major players such as Comcast and AT&T, Charter has successfully maintained a consistent presence. Continually adapting and innovating in line with technological advances and adjusting to satisfy the evolving needs of both its residential and business customers, Charter Communications demonstrates a dynamic approach towards the telecom and media industry.