That 97% number is bogus. It is computed by assuming that all the costs of the network are borne by video service, and that the broadband service is essentially pure profit. Look at carriers' actual audited financial statements: https://www.verizon.com/about/sites/default/files/annual/ver.... Verizon's wireline division had an operating profit margin of 5.8% in 2015, 2.7% in 2014, and 0.9% in 2013 (see page 24).