Comcast Offers Web-Connected TV Service to Its Internet Customers
22 March 2019 - 7:14AM
Dow Jones News
By Benjamin Mullin
Comcast Corp. on Thursday unveiled a $5-a-month service for its
internet-only customers that will allow access to ad-supported
streaming video channels like YouTube and Cheddar, an initiative
that could bring in more revenue from people who aren't subscribing
to the cable giant's pay-TV service.
The new "Xfinity Flex" service, which will be available only to
broadband subscribers in Comcast's service area, will provide a
device to consumers that will be a gateway to third-party streaming
apps, similar to Roku or Apple TV.
The service, which is launching later this month, won't include
access to the cable TV lineup offered by the company's Xfinity TV
service.
Matt Strauss, Comcast's executive vice president of Xfinity
Services, said the new service contains a curated selection of
content designed to appeal to consumers who may not want
traditional TV services. Still, he said, customers can use the
service to sign up for a TV package.
Other apps Xfinity Flex customers will be able to access include
Pluto TV, Tubi TV and ESPN3. They will also be able to purchase
access to Amazon.com Inc.'s video service and Netflix.
"Our focus is not on tonnage," Mr. Strauss said. "We believe
that, in a sea of apps, there's actually app fatigue."
Comcast said the new service is also meant to help consumers
manage connected devices in their home. Like Comcast's other
Xfinity products, Flex is operated by a voice-controlled
remote.
Xfinity Flex will be another entrée for Comcast to the realm of
over-the-top streaming. Comcast holds a 30% stake in
streaming-video service Hulu, but rival Walt Disney Co. now owns a
controlling stake in the company.
The service is unrelated to a separate streaming-video service
being developed by Comcast's NBCUniversal unit. That service will
be supported by advertising and include content from NBCUniversal's
TV and film franchises.
The streaming service being developed by NBCUniversal, which is
slated to launch in 2020, will be free to cable subscribers. Users
who don't have cable TV will be allowed to purchase the service for
a fee.
Write to Benjamin Mullin at Benjamin.Mullin@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 21, 2019 15:59 ET (19:59 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2019 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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