Pragash Pillai, a seasoned veteran in the cable industry, has been appointed as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Hotwire Communications, a prominent fiber network company based in Florida. Pillai, who recently held the position of EVP and Chief Technology and Information Officer at Altice USA, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
At Hotwire, Pillai will spearhead product development, technology strategy, and engineering initiatives. His appointment marks a strategic move for Hotwire as it continues to expand its symmetrical multi-gigabit broadband services (up to 10 Gbit/s) across several U.S. states, including Florida, Georgia, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, South Carolina, North Carolina, and California, under the “Fision Fiber” brand.
Hotwire, which was founded in 2020 and backed by Blackstone, focuses on providing high-speed internet to commercial customers and businesses. The company boasts over 1,180 properties and serves approximately 4,300 commercial customers nationwide.
Pillai expressed his confidence in Hotwire’s trajectory, stating, “I am incredibly proud of what they have achieved. My decision to join Hotwire is an endorsement of the company’s commitment to continue to invest in talent, growth, and innovation.”
Before his tenure at Altice USA, Pillai held senior engineering roles at Cablevision and Charter Communications, where he played pivotal roles in network upgrades and digital innovations. He was recognized for his contributions to the industry by receiving the SCTE’s “Young Engineer of the Year” award in 2002 and being inducted into the 2023 class of Cable TV Pioneers.
Hotwire’s recent executive additions from the cable industry, including Ross Lieberman as SVP of Government Affairs, underscore its strategic focus on expanding and enhancing its service offerings in the competitive broadband market.
Pillai’s moves on the boards to VCTI, and customer empowerment through cutting-edge technology solutions. that helps operators plan and analyze network builds, Astound Broadband and the Syndeo Institute at The Cable Center.