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Comcast loses more broadband customers as competition intensifies

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U.S. cable and media group Comcast reported a steeper-than-expected decline in broadband subscribers in the fourth quarter, highlighting mounting pressure on its core connectivity business. The company said it lost 181,000 broadband customers, exceeding market expectations, as rivals attracted users with aggressive pricing and alternative internet options.

Competition in the U.S. broadband market has intensified with the expansion of high-speed fiber networks and the growing availability of lower-cost fixed-wireless access services. These offerings have challenged long-established cable providers, forcing Comcast to adjust its strategy. The company said it will hold prices steady this year while revamping service bundles and offering free mobile lines to retain customers.

Despite these efforts, analysts do not expect meaningful broadband customer growth until 2027. Comcast said it aims to convert a significant portion of free mobile-line users into paying customers later this year.

Overall revenue for the quarter reached $32.31 billion, broadly in line with expectations. Results were supported by strong performance at the company’s theme parks division, which posted its best quarter on record, driven by Epic Universe in Orlando. The Peacock streaming service also added subscribers, though higher sports-related costs widened losses.

Taiwan Eyes More Chip Investment in Arizona to Deepen US Ties

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Taiwan is looking forward to further semiconductor investment in Arizona to strengthen economic and strategic ties with the United States, President Lai Ching-te said during a meeting with U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego. Lai highlighted the growing role of Taiwanese firms, led by TSMC, in boosting U.S. chip manufacturing capacity.

TSMC is investing $165 billion in the Phoenix area to build advanced fabrication plants producing chips used in artificial intelligence, marking one of the largest foreign investments in U.S. manufacturing. Lai said Taiwan hopes to see additional manufacturing, research and development facilities established in Arizona, further reinforcing bilateral cooperation.

The comments come shortly after Taiwan and the United States agreed to cut U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese exports to 15% from 20%. Under the deal, Taiwanese companies will invest $250 billion in U.S. semiconductors, energy and AI, alongside $250 billion in credit guarantees to support future projects.

Senator Gallego said Arizona had become a hub for Taiwanese investment and expressed optimism that the partnership would continue to expand.

US Lawmakers Seek Congressional Scrutiny of TikTok Joint Venture Deal

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U.S. lawmakers said a proposed joint venture by TikTok and its Chinese parent ByteDance to avoid a nationwide ban requires close congressional scrutiny, citing unresolved national security concerns. The deal would create a majority American-owned entity to operate TikTok in the United States, with U.S. and global investors holding 80.1% and ByteDance retaining 19.9%.

Republican Representative Jack Moolenaar, chair of the House select committee on China, said lawmakers must examine whether China could still influence TikTok’s algorithm or access U.S. user data. Democratic Senator Ed Markey also criticised the lack of transparency, saying Congress has a duty to investigate whether the arrangement truly protects national security while keeping the app online.

TikTok said the new entity would safeguard U.S. data, apps and algorithms through enhanced cybersecurity and privacy measures, but disclosed few details. The White House and TikTok declined immediate comment. The agreement marks a key moment after years of political and legal battles over TikTok’s operations in the United States.