Cox to leverage Android in wireless push

Cox Communications shed some light on its wireless handset plans, noting it will launch smartphones running on Google's Android platform as well as BREW-capable phones as part of its device lineup.

Cox plans to launch the Samsung Finesse, a touchscreen phone currently offered by flat-rate carrier MetroPCS.Dallas Clement, Cox's executive vice president and product officer, alluded to the MSO's handset plans during a panel at the Cable Show 2010 in Los Angeles. He said Android offers a "compelling alternative" to Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone. Clement said Cox will launch its wireless service with a total of seven handsets, including the Samsung Finesse, a touchscreen phone currently offered by flat-rate carrier MetroPCS (NASDAQ:PCS).

Clement didn't discuss pricing for either the company's handsets or wireless service, but said they will be "attractive." He also said that delivering mobile video right now is "not front-of-mind."

"Front-of-mind is, can I call my mom? If something goes wrong, can I support that?" he said. Some analysts had expected Cox to set itself apart from other wireless companies by offering its cable TV content via mobile.

Cox has been testing wireless with "friendly" customers in Hampton Roads, Va., Omaha, Neb., and soon in Orange County, Calif., since March. Friendly customers are either employees or friends and family of employees. Cox President Pat Esser told Bloomberg that those markets will be commercially ready in two to three months--a significant delay from the firm's original plans to launch in March.

For more:
- see this Multichannel News article

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