BCI Broadband, the mid-sized MSO founded by two former Bresnan Communications executives that is targeting non-urban U.S. markets, has rebranded as Vyve Broadband as the operator pushes ahead with upgrades that deliver faster broadband speeds, an expanded HDTV lineup, and souped-up HD-DVRs.
Vyve Broadband was not immediately available for comment about the precise timing of the brand change, but it appears that on or around January 9 was when the new name and marketing treatment started to take hold on several public-facing outlets, including the company's Facebook page and via Twitter handle (@VyveBroadband). To help fuel the change, Vyve Broadband has also launched a newly-branded Web site at http://vyvebroadband.com, has recently created its own LinkedIn profile, and evidently has begun to roll out a new fleet of service vehicles emblazoned with the company’s new colors and logo.
According to the MSO’s updated materials, the change is coming into view as it aims to ramp up cable modem speeds to 105 Mbps (downstream), exapnd its menu of HD programming, and offer “beefier HD DVRs” and unlimited digital voice calling “to many of our markets throughout 2014.”
The company’s Web site currently does not outline the MSO’s upgrade rollout plans, but recent Vyve Broadband tweets indicate that its broadband service is uncapped, and that markets such as McAlester, Okla., have already received upgrades that enable speeds of 105 Mbps (downstream) and 140 HD channels. Douglas, Ga., is among the markets scheduled for similar upgrades.
With the new name and upgrade plans, Vyve Broadband is looking to wipe the slate clean as it integrates sytems it has acquired through acquisition. Rye Brook, N.Y.-based VyveBroadband was founded in 2012 by former Bresnan execs Jeffrey DeMond and Andrew Kober along with private equity firm BBH Capital Partners. It closed its acquisition of James Cable (which had operated under the “Mediastream” brand) last July, and completed purchase of Allegiance Communications in April. Vyve Broadband now owns and operates systems in parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia and Wyoming that pass more than 300,000 homes.
“This is not ‘broadband as usual;’ this is Vyve—the broadband company you would build for yourself,” the MSO proclaims on its new Web site. “In the past, you may not have received the level of quality service you deserve. That changes today. At Vyve, we’re committed to your TOTAL SATISFACTION, delivering the best customer service with no excuses."
As Vyve completes its integration and rebranding process, the company continues to operate MSO web sites at www.mediastreamus.com and www.allegiance.tv.
Declaring that there's "a new sheriff in town," Vyve Broadband has also posted the video below to tout its new brand and updated service focus.
