In For A Tune-Up

Cable World, June 30, 2003

Byline: IAN OLGEIRSON, KAGAN

With its team of regional executives in place, Charter is still faced with the task of tuning its system performance. The MSO has already cut capital spending to the bone, putting operational strategies at the top of the list. Charter's Q1 EBITDA margin bested the industry average at nearly 39%, but the struggle to further stem the loss of basic subs continues. Another straightforward way to provide a boost is an increased focus on high-speed data. While Charter's digital penetration surpasses the industry average at more than 40% of its basic subs, it lags well behind industry leaders with HSD penetrations below 20%.