Davis Polk is advising Comcast Corporation on its announced agreement with Charter Communications, Inc. to explore potential opportunities for operational cooperation in their respective wireless businesses to accelerate and enhance each company’s ability to participate in the national wireless marketplace. The companies, which have each separately activated a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) reseller agreement with Verizon Wireless, have agreed to explore working together in a number of potential operational areas in the wireless space, including creating common operating platforms; technical standards development and harmonization; device forward and reverse logistics; and emerging wireless technology platforms. The efficiencies created are expected to provide more choice, innovative products and competitive prices for customers in each of their respective footprints. Additionally, the companies have agreed to work together only with respect to national mobile network operators, through potential commercial arrangements, including MVNOs and other material transactions in the wireless industry, for a period of one year.

Comcast is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Charter is a broadband communications company and the second-largest cable operator in the United States.

The Davis Polk corporate team includes Managing Partner Thomas J. Reid, partner Brian Wolfe and associate Arthi Sridharan. Partner Pritesh P. Shah is providing intellectual property and technology advice. Partner Arthur J. Burke is providing antitrust and competition advice. All members of the Davis Polk team are based in the New York office.

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