Report: US Fixed Broadband Subscribers Decline in 2Q 2016

The number of US fixed broadband subscribers dropped by nearly 200,000 on a net basis in 2Q 2016, a decline of 0.2 percent, according to the latest market data from Point Topic. A 4 percent decline in the number of copper-based broadband connections was the main factor, the market research specialist says. AT&T, Century Link and Verizon’s DSL lines dropped 7.7%, 1.6% and 27.2%, respectively quarter over quarter.

That contributed to a drop in AT&T’s overall fixed broadband customer base, which fell 123,000 in 2Q. It appears AT&T has shifted its strategic focus to LTE wireless and satellite broadband service provision, Point Topic, as well as other industry observers point out. AT&T recently acquired DirecTV and called a halt to U-verse set-top box (STB) production earlier this year. Management in Sept announced it is phasing out the U-verse brand completely, with the intention of folding its assets and resources into initiatives that enhance its DirecTV-driven and future service offerings and market presence. Notable among these is an effort to build a home gateway that can connect to AT&T’s broadband satellite and wireless networks.