Altice

Altice is a multinational telecommunications, media, and broadband company headquartered in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. Founded in 2001 by businessman Patrick Drahi, Altice has grown rapidly through an aggressive strategy of acquisitions, becoming a major player in the telecom and cable industry across Europe, the United States, the Caribbean, and other regions. Its portfolio spans mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband internet, pay television, and media content, making it a diversified communications and entertainment provider.

The company started as a small cable operator in Europe but quickly expanded by acquiring larger telecom and cable businesses. Some of its most significant acquisitions include Numericable and SFR in France, Portugal Telecom (now MEO), and Suddenlink and Cablevision in the United States, which became Altice USA. These deals transformed Altice into one of the largest telecom operators in Europe and the U.S., with tens of millions of customers.

Altice’s core operations revolve around telecommunications services. It provides high-speed broadband internet, mobile and fixed-line telephony, and television services to both residential and business customers. In France, Altice operates under the SFR brand, one of the country’s largest telecom operators. In Portugal, it runs services through MEO, a leading provider of broadband, mobile, and TV. In the U.S., Altice USA operates under the Optimum and Suddenlink brands, serving millions of households with cable TV, internet, and phone services.

In addition to telecom, Altice has a strong presence in media and content creation. The company owns and operates several television channels, radio stations, and news outlets, particularly in France. Its media assets include BFM TV, RMC radio, and other digital platforms. By combining media and telecom services, Altice seeks to integrate content delivery with connectivity, creating a more comprehensive ecosystem for customers.

A key element of Altice’s strategy is its focus on fiber-optic networks and 5G deployment. The company has invested heavily in upgrading infrastructure to deliver ultra-fast internet and next-generation mobile connectivity. In France and Portugal, Altice has been a leader in rolling out fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services, while in the U.S., Altice USA continues to expand its fiber footprint. These investments are central to the company’s vision of providing reliable, high-speed connectivity in increasingly digital societies.

Altice has also embraced digital transformation by improving customer service through apps, online platforms, and AI-driven tools. Its services allow customers to manage accounts, stream content, and access cloud-based solutions seamlessly. This approach reflects the company’s goal of offering integrated digital lifestyles, combining connectivity with entertainment and productivity.

Despite its growth, Altice has faced challenges. Its rapid expansion led to high debt levels, which have been a recurring concern for investors and analysts. To manage this, the company has taken steps to restructure, divest certain assets, and streamline operations. Altice USA, for instance, was spun off as a separate entity in 2018, allowing for more focused management of U.S. operations while giving Altice Europe flexibility to concentrate on its core European markets.

Altice is also committed to sustainability and corporate responsibility. It has introduced initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as improving energy efficiency in networks and data centers, deploying greener technologies, and supporting digital inclusion programs that expand internet access to underserved communities.

Today, Altice employs tens of thousands of people worldwide and continues to serve as a leading provider of broadband, mobile, and media services. Its global reach, combined with its focus on innovation and content, ensures that it remains a significant player in the fast-evolving telecommunications and media industries.

Looking forward, Altice aims to strengthen its positions in Europe and the United States, expand its fiber and 5G networks, and continue integrating content with connectivity. By doing so, it intends to remain competitive against rivals such as Orange, Vodafone, Comcast, and AT&T.