Charter Reports Mixed Q1 2026: Mobile Growth Offset by Internet and Video Declines
Event summary
- Charter's Q1 2026 revenue declined 1.0% year-over-year to $13.6 billion, driven by lower residential video revenue.
- Spectrum Mobile lines increased by 368,000, totaling 12.1 million lines.
- Spectrum Internet customers decreased by 120,000, totaling 29.6 million customers.
- Adjusted EBITDA declined 2.2% year-over-year to $5.6 billion.
- Capital expenditures increased 19.0% year-over-year to $2.9 billion.
The big picture
Charter's Q1 2026 results highlight the ongoing challenges in the telecommunications sector, particularly the decline in traditional video services and the competitive pressures in the mobile market. The company's focus on mobile growth and network evolution initiatives reflects broader industry trends towards convergence and technological transformation. The strategic anomaly lies in the stark contrast between the growth in mobile lines and the decline in Internet and video customers, raising questions about Charter's ability to pivot effectively in a rapidly changing market.
What we're watching
- Mobile Growth Sustainability
- Whether Charter can sustain its mobile line growth amidst intense competition from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
- Internet Customer Retention
- How Charter will address the decline in Internet customers and improve its service offerings to stem further losses.
- Regulatory and Integration Challenges
- The pace at which Charter can navigate regulatory hurdles and integrate potential acquisitions like Cox Communications.
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