Comcast To Launch Stream, Standalone Digital Service

by Wayne Friedman , July 13, 2015

Joining the new business of standalone digital TV services -- as an alternative to traditional cable TV packages, for example -- is a new service from the largest U.S. operator of TV cable systems, Comcast Corp.

Comcast will soon begin testing Stream -- a $15 a month service -- in Boston. It will then move on to Chicago and Seattle this year before going nationwide in 2016.

With Stream, Comcast's Xfinity broadband customers can watch live TV from about a dozen networks --- including all the major broadcast networks and HBO -- on laptops, tablets and phones in their home. Plus, they can also access TV Everywhere sites and a cloud DVR to record programming. Also consumers can get thousands of on demand movies and shows.

It is Comcast pitch to cord-cutters to retain service and will only available to Comcast broadband customers.

Traditional pay TV packages -- from cable, satellite or telco companies -- can cost anywhere from $80 to $120 offering anywhere from 150 to 200 channels.

Comcast has already started up “skinny” and inexpensive alternatives to traditional cable TV packages -- such as Internet Plus Xfinity on Campus for students.

Other pay TV providers have start up similar packages, including Dish Network’s Sling TV, which is price at $20 a month. Also there are a number of other TV network/media company services that launched including HBO Now, CBS All Access, Sony Playstation Vue and others.

cord-cutting, streaming, tv

3 comments about "Comcast To Launch Stream, Standalone Digital Service".

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Mike Machado from Demand Local, July 13, 2015 at 4:54 p.m.
Classic that Comcast would limit this streaming service to users that are in their homes. They just don't get it.
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J S from Ideal Living Media, July 13, 2015 at 11:15 p.m.

So this is why they shut down Aereo.

James Smith from J. R. Smith Group, July 14, 2015 at 10 a.m.

Comcast is not alone in terms of "just don't get it" Mike. Perhaps the short-term tactics to hold onto the cord cutters will have some saving ROI grace but we all know where this ship is headed and somebody will soon be bold enough to steer that course.