The latest telecom news includes announcements on TDS Telecom, Charter Communications, United Communications, and others.
TDS Telecom Adds 76,000 Fiber Broadband Addresses, Raises 2026 Capex Forecast to $750 Million
Telephone and Data Systems reported on November 6 that subsidiary TDS Telecom expanded its marketable fiber broadband footprint by approximately 76,000 addresses during the third quarter of 2026. The operator added approximately 17,000 residential fiber connections, supported by continued FTTH construction. Expansion-market fiber subscriptions reached 191,200, compared with 150,700 a year earlier. Incumbent-market fiber connections increased to 144,100, bringing combined residential fiber connections to 335,300. TDS Telecom raised its full-year capital expenditure forecast to approximately $750 million, from the previous range of $625 million–$675 million. Residential fiber revenue increased 14 percent, although overall service revenue declined 3 percent because of divestitures and legacy service reductions.
Charter Communications Invests $3.2 Billion in Network Infrastructure, Activates 116,000 Rural Broadband Passings
Charter Communications reported on November 6 that third-quarter 2026 pro forma capital expenditure reached $3.2 billion, compared with $3.6 billion a year earlier. The operator activated 116,000 subsidized rural broadband passings within its legacy Charter footprint during the quarter, generating 48,000 additional customer relationships in subsidized rural markets. Actual quarterly capital expenditure totaled $3.03 billion, including $741 million for network upgrades and rebuilding and $726 million for line extensions. Spending on subsidized rural construction reached $292 million. Charter expects approximately $13 billion in pro forma capital expenditure for 2026, excluding transition-related investment. The spending supports network evolution, broadband capacity upgrades and continued infrastructure expansion following its acquisition of Cox Communications.
United Communications Invests $1.8 Million in Tennessee Fiber Expansion Covering 1,800 Locations
United Communications announced on November 9 that construction had begun on a $1.8 million fiber broadband expansion in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee. The project will add 45 miles of fiber to its existing 170-mile network in southwestern Maury County, extending service to another 1,800 homes and businesses. United already provides fiber access to approximately 1,250 locations in Mount Pleasant. The new infrastructure will support residential internet speeds of up to 8 Gbps. The expansion also complements United’s acquisition of Loretto Telecom and related network construction in Summertown, helping connect infrastructure between Lawrenceburg, Summertown and Mount Pleasant. The company did not disclose the project’s expected completion date.
