Cable Connects Texans

Economic Investment

Texas Cable Operator Profile 2007

The Texas Cable Association (TCA) was founded in 1960 and today represents Texas cable operators across the state that provide service to over 4 million Texas customers.  In addition, more than 50 companies that provide programming content and other goods and services to cable operators are associate members of TCA.

Since the enactment of the Federal Telecommunications Act in 1996, cable companies have invested over $100 billion nationally to upgrade their networks.  This massive upgrade program has transformed one-way analog video networks into two-way broadband platforms capable of offering digital, interactive and on-demand television services, as well as high-speed Internet, digital telephone, and other information services.  These upgrade investments of private risk capital have been made with no incentives, subsidies, or government guarantees.

Cable’s Commitment to Texas*

Cities & Communities Served: 1,117

Number of Customers: 3,632,101

Number of Employees: 9,249 Full-time; 700 Contractors

Capital Investments Reported,2003    $1,892,596,719
spent to upgrade systems since 1996

2003    $2,224,328,674 total investments since 1996

Franchise Fees Paid,2003    $77,084,937                Projected 2004:$92,501,924

Other State & Local Taxes,2003    $141,304,767              Projected 2004: $155,435,244

Advanced Services Offered 
TCA members are working to offer a full range of advanced services including digital cable, High-Definition Television, Video-On-Demand, telephone, and high-speed data (HSD) services.  Cable HSD services are available via cable modem in more than 530 Texas cities and communities; see attached list.  Roughly 65% of all Texans have access to cable’s high-speed data service.

Community Involvement
TCA system members provide free video services to nearly 4,000 schools. More than 300 community centers and libraries benefit from free high speed data services offered by member companies. In 2003 alone, our companies donated nearly $30 million to local charities through cash, in-kind, and PSA donations.