Comcast Makes Key Hire for Mobile Phone Service

Comcast has hired an executive from Sprint to help with a key part of its planned new mobile phone service, dealing with smartphone manufacturers.

Doug Kaufman, who joined Comcast in November, had been responsible for buying millions of devices each year that would then be sold to Sprint’s customers. He’s expected to help Comcast negotiate with phone makers like Apple and Samsung on price and make sure devices Comcast gets from them will be configured to its network.

Comcast is expected to launch a service using its own Wi-Fi network and Verizon’s cellular network. Industry executives think that, at first, the service will be part of a bundle that helps Comcast reduce customer churn. But if any cable company can challenge incumbent wireless carriers in the future, it’s Comcast. The company confirmed the hire but did not have further comment.