Another major player has the potential to launch a wireless network in metro Phoenix: Cox Communications.
The company announced the launch of cellphone service in three major U.S. markets for the holiday season.
Hampton Roads, Va.; Omaha, Neb.; and Orange County, Calif., will be the first markets to receive wireless service from the cable, Internet and phone-service provider. Cox employees, friends and family in those markets have had access to the company's wireless network since the end of 2009, but the general public has not.
That will change this holiday season, when the Atlanta-based company launches its first public 3G wireless initiative in collaboration with Sprint, said David Grabert, a spokesman for Cox. He did not disclose a specific launch date.
Over the past several months, Cox has opened new retail stores nationwide to personalize the customer's buying experience. Consumers can browse for merchandise such as landline phones, upgraded cables and modems; get demonstrations from salespeople about how to use new products; and watch Cox cable in a TV lounge area.
The retail stores also will be used as a platform to sell and service the company's cellphones, Grabert said.
There are two new Cox retail stores in the Valley - one in Phoenix, the other in Tempe. Within the next few years, all existing metro Phoenix Cox stores will be converted to the new retail-store layout, according to Andrea Katsenes, a Cox spokeswoman.
Although Grabert would not confirm whether Phoenix will be among the next major markets to receive Cox's wireless service, he did say it would happen eventually.
"Our intention is to provide our customers mobility nationwide as part of our bundle," Grabert said.
An agreement with Sprint to use its network has helped Cox enter the wireless market, but the privately held company eventually will develop its own network, Grabert said.
by Megan Neighbor The Arizona Republic Nov. 7, 2010 12:00 AM
Cox to launch wireless network in 3 markets during holidays
