Charter Upgrade Plan Targets Premium Mobile Space: Analyst

Charter Communications' shift from a "bring your own device" mobile strategy to its Anytime Upgrade program and handset subsidization approach was inevitable, MoffettNathanson's Craig Moffett wrote in a note Wednesday. Charter's BYOD strategy, which Comcast shared, had the cable operators residing largely in the low end of the mobile marketplace, he said. Competing in the larger premium market means subsidizing handsets, Moffet added. Charter notably is also offering device insurance at a rate less than what's often available from the Big Three wireless carriers, he said. Charter announced its Anytime Upgrade plan -- allowing Unlimited Plus data subscribers unlimited handset upgrades -- this week.